Shockwave at Drayton Manor opened in 1994, alongside two other ground-breaking roller coasters: Nemesis and The Big One, and put the relatively unknown park on the UK Theme Park map. The only stand-up coaster with a zero-G roll in the world and only one of two rides of its kind in Europe, Shockwave is the... Continue Reading →
Opened in 1992, the Haunted House at Alton Towers was a hugely popular ghost train style ride. An instant hit for the park, the ride was incredibly well-received and still to this day, is fondly remembered. It was growing a bit tired by the early 2000s and was in need of some repairs, so with... Continue Reading →
In 1994, Blackpool Pleasure Beach opened what was at the time the tallest and steepest roller coaster in the world and the fastest in Europe. The Big One, known as the Pepsi Max Big One until 2011, transformed the landscape of the beach front amusement park to create what is one of the most iconic... Continue Reading →
Theme parks are my favourite places in the world and always have been. I love the roller coasters and the rides. I love the scenery and the theming. I love the atmosphere and the pure buzz of it all. That being said, a day at the theme park can be stressful, expensive and tiring. From... Continue Reading →
Thirteen, stylised as Th13teen, opened in 2010 at Alton Towers Resort, replacing the much-loved classic that had put the park on the map – Corkscrew. With some huge boots to fill, the ride was hyped up to the max with PR stunts, marketing campaigns and a massive presence at the 2009 Scarefest, Alton Towers’ annual... Continue Reading →
Alton Towers is one of the UK's biggest theme parks, nestled in the heart of the Staffordshire countryside. Though the park is a lot of fun with great rides, world class thrill coasters and nicely themed areas for the little ones, the biggest problem with UK theme parks is that there is a lot of... Continue Reading →
Rita opened as Rita - Queen of Speed in 2005 as the first Hydraulic Launch roller coaster of its kind in Europe. The ride lost its royal title when Ug Land, its home since being built, was rethemed to match the much darker concept of Thirteen. Located in Dark Forest at Alton Towers, Rita launches... Continue Reading →
After the success of 1994’s Nemesis, the next Secret Weapon ride at Alton Towers Resort would have a tough act to follow. It was Oblivion, a B&M Dive Coaster, that would be their next offering, opening 4 years later in 1998. A particularly risky move for the park in true world's first fashion, Oblivion is... Continue Reading →
Spinball Whizzer has been at Alton Towers Resort since 2004, reaching its 15th birthday this season. An offering that has operated under two names, the ride is a nicely themed and fun coaster for the whole family. The ride is a classic Maurer Sohne Spinning Coaster and a great attraction for those who are not... Continue Reading →
Opening in May 2013, the highly anticipated Gerstlauer Infinity Coaster, The Smiler at Alton Towers Resort, gained the park another world’s first as the roller coaster with the highest number of inversions. Originally held by Colossus at Thorpe Park, The Smiler went above and beyond to get the world title with 14 inversions throughout the... Continue Reading →
Mission Theme Park 