When Alton Towers opened up in 1980 as a theme park, millions of us travelled far and wide to scratch our thrill-seeking itch on some of the country's best rides.
However, over the years, many of the most popular attractions have come and gone. For example, in early November, guests said one last goodbye to the heart-racing legendary Nemesis ride in its current form, which was Europe's first inverted roller coaster. Although it has now closed, fans of the Nemesis need not worry as it is set to return in 2024 after a revamp
But what about our old favourite rides that have given us a thrill over the countless school trips to Alton Towers? Attractions from the Corkscrew to the Thunderlooper, and so many more, will be regarded by many as some of the best rides ever to have graced the UK.
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For those thrill seekers, this list is obviously not comprehensive but features some of the theme park's most memorable and notable rides that we loved.
Corkscrew
Opening to thrill-seekers back in 1980, the Corkscrew quickly became one of the most iconic rollercoasters at the theme park and one of the go-to rides especially after spending all day getting there on a school trip. Arguably putting Alton Towers on the map, it attracted thousands in its 28 years.
The ride was an adrenaline rush and it wasn't unusual to leave feeling as though you've given yourself whiplash. Sadly, it came to the end of its life in 2008 and it was fully removed by 2010.
Around the World In 80 Days
To smaller visitors, Around The World In 80 Days was your first experience of a 'dark ride.' Open from 1981 to 1992, it took riders on an indoor globetrotting route.
Many will remember the animated Phileas in a hot air balloon and being taken on an excursion from London to Thailand, Egypt and more. The structure later formed part of a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-themed attraction until 2019, when it was restyled as part of the Alton Towers Dungeon.
Thunder Looper
During its six-year stint at Alton Towers, Thunder Looper attracted huge crowds all eager to have a turn on the 53mph thriller. However, the ride did come with its own controversy.
Its height is said to have prompted complaints from nearby residents, as well as the noise which affected local wildlife. The last known location of the Thunder Looper was in Brazil's Hopi Hari park.
Twirling Toadstool
The Twirling Toadstool saw kids and adults alike be suspended from an animatronic toadstool on a seat hanging on by chains. Riders would then rotate and seats would swing further outward, before returning back to ground level.
The attraction first closed in 2016. And after not reopening for the 2017 season, Alton Towers confirmed it wouldn't return in 2019.
The Beast
The Beast was once the largest rollercoaster in the UK when it first opened years ago. Boasting one of the steepest drops, it attracted a number of thrill-seekers - including Eddie the Eagle.
But by 1997, the ride was officially removed. In more recent years, post 2010, it operated at Tornado at Salitre Magico in Colombia.
The Beastie
If you remember The Beast - then you'll probably know The Beastie ride too. First arriving in the early 1980s, it was first known as the Mini Dragon Coaster.
The ride featured a tunnel and also performed two laps of the circuit each run. But now, Beastie is but a thing of the past.
Energizer/Boneshaker
A swinging sensation, Energizer moved from section to section over the years. Situated next to Corkscrew at one point, the ride first opening in 1995.
Moving to the more family friendly Ug Land saw a change for the ride and after under a decade at the theme park, the ride closed. By the early noughties, it was gone to make way for a new attraction.
Ripsaw
Advertised all over children’s television back when it premiered in 1997, Ripsaw was a top spin ride that attracted many in the decade. Located in the park’s Forbidden Valley, it was closed 18 years later and then replaced by the carnival game Forbidden Sweep.
Magic Carpet Ride
The Magic Carpet Ride was a more traditional ride that could be found everywhere back in the '80s.
The ride only lasted at Festival Park for two seasons, with it more than likely being sold after losing out to the 1001 Nights ride in its last season.
The Flume
Many Alton Tower lovers will have photos of friends and family on the log flume - a ride that was once the longest in the world. Opening in 1981, it took you on a winding trip around the park, before passengers experienced three drops.
It remained standing, but not operating in 2016, before being demolished. The site later made way for wooden rollercoaster, the Wickerman.
Black Hole
Black Hole first opened in 1983 and was very different to your standard rollercoaster ride. Taking place in total darkness, passengers were enclosed in a tent for the space-themed ride.
In 1988, the ride was dismantled and went on holiday to Europe, before reopening and changing its name to Black Hole II and the New Black Hole, before going back to its original name. The ride was closed in 2005 and the remaining tent was dismantled in 2012 to make way for the Smiler.
Submission
Submission was a two gondola ride which tilted and swung riders. Built in 2001, years later, only one of the arms were running.
But by the early 2010s, we said goodbye to the whole ride. Many will remember how Submission doubled the boat and turned riders a full 360 degrees.
What is your favourite Alton Towers ride? Let us know in the comments section below.
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