The Best Themed Roller Coaster Rides To Try This Half Term

It will soon be half term, and some of the UK’s biggest and best theme parks will be reopening after the winter break. It’s a great opportunity to treat the family or a local group, such as a youth club or sports team, to a fun day out and welcome the start of spring. 

To save the stress and hassle of driving or using public transport, why not consider a coach hire? This can be a cost-effective option, saving on fuel and parking fees, and avoiding the inevitable delays and tight timelines involved in using public transport. You and your group will be able to travel in safety and comfort, allowing you to look forward to a fun day out.

Here in the UK, we have some of the world’s biggest and best themed roller coaster parks, including Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, and Blackpool Pleasure Beach. But how did it all begin? Here’s a look at the history of themed roller coasters, and some of the best rides in the country today.

The earliest roller coasters

The concept of using tracked cars for amusement rides probably originated in the US in the mid-19th century, when railroad companies began to open downhill tracks to the public during quiet seasons. These tracks were used to deliver mined coal from mountainsides to the lowlands, and the idea was imitated by the first pleasure park designers.

They constructed purpose-built towers that could be accessed by a platform, and the idea soon evolved to include a complete circuit, with the addition of dark tunnels and painted scenery. The prototype looped rides were somewhat precarious, with passengers often suffering from whiplash injuries. 

The rise of the Big Dipper and other developments

By the early 20th century, the rides improved in design and safety, and they became increasingly popular. The Big Dipper in Blackpool Pleasure Beach is one of the earliest examples, constructed with a wooden frame in 1923 and still operational today. It’s also a Grade II listed structure, and was extensively refurbished in 2009.

By the mid-20th century, the majority of roller coasters were constructed from steel, and the rides became faster and more thrilling.  The drops became steeper, the angles more frequent, and rides competed to have the most loops and the highest gravity-defying plunges. 

Dozens of theme parks had sprung up across the UK by the late 20th century, and the rides were more heavily themed to drum up excitement and entice visitors, who by now had an excellent range of choice. Here are just a few examples of the biggest and most popular themed rides in the UK today. 

The Nemesis Reborn, Alton Towers

The original Nemesis opened in 1994, boasting multiple loops and inversions, coupled with an imaginative backstory featuring a terrifying subterranean alien. The ride has been extensively upgraded and was relaunched in March 2024. Daring riders will experience a white-knuckle ride into the Forbidden Valley, with more intense drops and inversions. 

The Colossus, Thorpe Park

The Colossus at Thorpe Park was the world’s first ten-loop roller coaster, and includes a double vertical loop, a cobra roll, and the UK’s only double barrel roll. The tallest point is 98ft, and riders are even taken underground on this head spinning journey through Thorpe Park’s Lost City. 

Flight of the Sky Lion, Legoland Windsor

If you are looking for a slightly less white-knuckle experience that is suitable for younger children, then the Flight of the Sky Lion at Legoland Windsor fits the bill perfectly. It’s described as the UK’s first ever flying theatre, and it takes riders on a fantastical journey featuring rare and mysterious beasts, including the terrifying Chimera.