1) WICKER MAN AT ALTON TOWERS
The UK’s first new wooden roller coaster in 21 years. Alton Towers had invested £16 million into the creation of Wicker Man, which had been in development for the last 4 years. The giant flaming Wicker Man stands 6-stories high, and uses a clever combination of video screens, lighting, smoke, mist and real fire to create a really spectacular centerpiece for the attraction.
2) NEMESIS AT ALTON TOWERS
One of the world's best inverted roller coasters, Nemesis pushes the senses to the limit. Riders can expect to experience awesome G-Forces as they plummet through the rocky craters surrounding a legendary monster. Nemesis has now passed its 21st birthday but is definitely not for the faint hearted as it still pulls an incredible punch!
3) ICON AT BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH
ICON is the first roller coaster in the UK to feature a double launch and is their largest ever single investment at a cost of £16.25 million. A whopping 1143 metres of track lay ahead for a ride that lasts 2 minutes and 41 seconds through a series of twists, turns and drops that subjects riders to g-forces of between 4 and -1.2 which is as much as experienced by a Formula 1 driver. The highest point in the ride is an 88.5ft immelmann which is the second of 2 inversions, the other being an in-line twist, and is one of most thrilling elements.
4) THE SWARM AT THORPE PARK
The UK's first winged roller coaster, The Swarm, takes you on a death defying flight through apocalyptic devastation. Prepare to be picked up and dragged on the wings of The Swarm as you’re left exposed and vulnerable to the extreme near misses and gut wrenching inversions as it rips through the sky on its mission of complete annihilation. Experience the unique head first, inverted drop from 127ft as you are flung into this merciless flight for your life, forwards or backwards!
5) THE SMILER AT ALTON TOWERS
Not only does The Smiler have a jaw dropping world's first 14 inversions and plunging 30 metre drops, the ride also features a vertical lift hill as well as the standard lift hill plus there are a series of manipulating effects that will mess with your body and mind! The Marmaliser's parts: The Inoculator, The Tickler, The Flasher, The Giggler, The Hypnotiser.
6) STEALTH AT THORPE PARK
This Intamin Rocket Coaster was once Europe's highest and fastest launched roller coaster. It launches riders from 0-80mph in less than 2 seconds and reaches 205ft in just 8 seconds. With over £12m invested in its development and more than 80,000 man hours put into its design and construction, Stealth is an iconic ride for Thorpe Park.
7) MEGAFOBIA AT OAKWOOD THEME PARK
For over 20 years, this has been thrilling coaster enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. Megafobia at Oakwood Theme Park in Wales has been voted one of the UK’s number-one wooden roller coasters many times, so it’s definitely one to add to your list.
8) THE BIG ONE AT BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH
The UK's original hypercoaster stands at an impressive 235ft high and reaches speeds of up to 87mph. The Big One is over a mile in length, rocketing up and down gigantic hills along the full length of Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
9) THE MILLENNIUM AT FANTASY ISLAND
The Millennium at Fantasy Island is a 150ft tall roller coaster with a 3 inversions (a 100ft loop, a sidewinder and another loop). It is 2736ft long and has a top speed of 55.9mph.
10) THE ULTIMATE AT LIGHTWATER VALLEY
The Ultimate is Lightwater Valley’s signature ride and provides a thrilling 1.5 mile cocktail of speed, cornering and airtime. Unique amongst modern day attractions, The Ultimate remains the longest roller coaster in Europe with a ride time approaching six minutes.
