What are the Top UK Roller Coasters?

While Orlando may be considered the theme park capital of the world, there are plenty of incredible roller coasters to ride right here in the UK. With a variety of amazing UK theme parks to visit up and down the country, there are plenty of adrenaline-fuelled attractions to exhilarate the thrill-seeker in you.

Whether you like heart-stopping vertical drops, thrilling high speeds, or dizzying loop-the-loops, we’ve put together our guide to the top roller coasters in the UK to tick off your theme park bucket list.

Roller Coaster Stats at a Glance

What is the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the UK? 

Since opening in May 2024, Hyperia at Thorpe Park Resort is currently the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the UK, reaching speeds of 81mph and a maximum height of 236ft. Before this, The Big One at Blackpool Pleasure Beach was the tallest roller coaster in the UK at 235ft and Stealth at Thorpe Park was the fastest roller coaster in the UK at 80mph. 

Top UK Roller Coasters in Detail

1. Hyperia at Thorpe Park 

• History & Stats: This is the UK’s newest roller coaster, opening to the public in 2024. Hyperia has record breaking height of 236 feet, a track length of 2,265 feet, and reaches speeds of over 80mph. 
• Unique Features: Hyperia has three inversions, including an Immelmann, a barrel roll downdrop, and a stalled dive loop. 
• Tips: Get in the queue for this one early in the day, as its still incredibly popular since its recent opening. 

2. Stealth at Thorpe Park

• History & Stats: Debuting in 2006, Stealth reaches a top speed of 80 mph in less than 2 seconds, has a length of 1,312 feet, and stands 205 feet tall.
• Unique Features: Its hydraulic launch system provides one of the most intense accelerations in the world, with same horsepower as two Formula 1 cars!
• Tips: Ride in the front row for the most exhilarating experience and visit during off-peak times for shorter wait times.

3. The Big One at Blackpool Pleasure Beach

• History & Stats: Once the world's tallest and steepest coaster, it opened in 1994, reaching a height of 235 feet and speeds up to 74 mph, with a track length of 5,497 feet.
• Unique Features: Offers stunning views of the Blackpool coast.
• Tips: Ride on a clear day for the best views, and brace yourself for the intense first drop.

4. Oblivion at Alton Towers 

• History & Stats: The world’s first vertical drop coaster, it opened in 1998, featuring a 180-foot drop, a track length of 1,222 feet, and speeds of 68 mph.
• Unique Features: The ride includes psychological elements like the “Don’t look down” message before the drop.
• Tips: Face your fears by keeping your eyes open during the drop, as this is an experience unlike anything else!

5. Swarm at Thorpe Park 

• History & Stats: The UK's first wing coaster, Swarm opened in 2012, reaching speeds of 59 mph, a length of 2,543 feet, and a height of 127 feet.
• Unique Features: The ride's winged seating offers a unique perspective with near-miss elements, designed to look like the leftovers of a post-apocalyptic world. Watch out for a destroyed church, upturned ambulance, and a half-submerged fire engine.
• Tips: Opt for the outer seats for the most thrilling experience.

6. SAW - The Ride at Thorpe Park

• History & Stats: Based on the Saw horror franchise, it launched in 2009 with a height of 100 feet, speeds up to 55 mph, and a track length of 2,362 feet.
• Unique Features: Features an indoor dark ride section with horror theming. It’s also the first roller coaster in the world to be inspired by a horror movie.
• Tips: Horror fans should pay attention to the detailed theming and special effects throughout the ride.

7. The Smiler at Alton Towers

• History & Stats: Opened in 2013, The Smiler reaches speeds of 52 mph, has a track length of 3,840 feet, and a height of 98 feet.
• Unique Features: The Smiler was the world’s first 14-loop coaster, and has a number of corkscrew twists too. It also includes mind-manipulating elements like optical illusions and flashing lights.
• Tips: Visit early in the day to avoid long queues, and be prepared for a head-spinning experience.

8. Icon at Blackpool Pleasure Beach

• History & Stats: Launched in 2018, Icon has a top speed of 53 mph, a track length of 3,750 feet, and a height of 88.5 feet.
• Unique Features: Icon was the UK’s first ever double-launch coaster
• Tips: Experience it at night for an added thrill with the park's lights.

9. Nemesis at Alton Towers 

• History & Stats: Opened in 1994, Nemesis has a top speed of 50 mph, a track length of 2,349 feet, and a height of 104 feet.
• Unique Features: Nemesis was the UK’s first inverted rollercoaster, leaving your feet dangling as you ride.
• Tips: For the best view, sit on the outer seats, and don't miss the nearby Nemesis Sub-Terra for a complete experience.

10. Colossus at Thorpe Park 

• History & Stats: Opened in 2002, Colossus is known for its inversions, reaching speeds of 45 mph, a track length of 2,789 feet, and a height of 98 feet.
• Unique Features: It was the first coaster in the world to feature 10 inversions, and is the only coaster in the UK to have a quadruple barrel roll.
• Tips: For a smoother ride, sit in the middle rows, and experience it during off-peak times to avoid long queues.

11. Vampire at Chessington World of Adventures 

• History & Stats: Vampire is the oldest roller coaster on this list, having opened back in 1990. It reaches speeds of 45mph, has a track length of 2,200 feet and a heigh of 70 feet. 
• Unique Features: This is the only Arrow-suspended roller coaster with free-hanging carriages outside of North America.
• Tips: Take a look at the Vampire organist’s face - it’s based on a waxwork of Phil Collins! 

12. Mandrill Mayhem at Chessington World of Adventures 

• History & Stats: Mandrill Mayhem opened in 2023, the first roller coaster built at Chessington in 20 years! It has a 1,247 foot track, a height of 66 feet and reaches speeds of 45mph. 
• Unique Features: This is the world’s first Jumanji-themed roller coaster, and features Chessington World of Adventure’s first inversion. 
• Tips: Ride Mandrill Mayhem at least twice and ask to sit in the back row for a different take on this attraction - these seats face the other way to all the rest! 

13. Wicker Man at Alton Towers 

• History & Stats: Opened in 2018, Wicker Man was the first wooden coaster built in the UK in over 20 years, reaching speeds of 44 mph, a track length of 2,608 feet, and a height of 72 feet.
• Unique Features: Combines wooden coaster thrills with fire effects and dramatic theming.
• Tips: Ride during dusk or nighttime for an enhanced experience with the fire effects.

14. Thirteen at Alton Towers 

• History & Stats: Introduced in 2010, Thirteen has a top speed of 42 mph, a track length of 2,480 feet, and a height of 60 feet.
• Unique Features: This was the world’s first vertical freefall drop roller coaster
• Tips: The best time to ride is during the evening when the forest setting becomes even spookier.

We hope this ultimate guide helps you experience the best thrills and excitement these parks have to offer. Whether you're seeking speed, height, or unique theming, these top UK roller coasters are sure to deliver unforgettable rides. Plan your visit, check the park's schedule, and prepare for an adrenaline-packed adventure!

Take a look at all of our UK attraction tickets to book your visit to all these attractions and more, and experience all the thrills right on your doorstep!