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The SmilerThis is not your average rollercoaster. The Smiler is a 14-loop steel monster that’s as much psychological experiment as thrill ride. Forget the Instagram grins—this thing is notorious for its relentless inversions, disorienting optical illusions, and a soundtrack that feels like it’s rewiring your brain. The queue is long, the hype is real, and the ride is unapologetically intense. If you want a coaster that leaves you questioning your life choices (in a good way), this is the one.
Wicker ManAlton Towers’ first wooden coaster in decades, and it’s not just a nostalgia trip. Wicker Man is a masterclass in theme park storytelling: you’re launched through a burning effigy, surrounded by smoke and the scent of charred wood (yes, they pump in the smell). The ride isn’t the tallest or … read more 👉
Wicker ManAlton Towers’ first wooden coaster in decades, and it’s not just a nostalgia trip. Wicker Man is a masterclass in theme park storytelling: you’re launched through a burning effigy, surrounded by smoke and the scent of charred wood (yes, they pump in the smell). The ride isn’t the tallest or … read more 👉
The SmilerThis is not your average rollercoaster. The Smiler is a 14-loop steel monster that’s as much psychological experiment as thrill ride. Forget the Instagram grins—this thing is notorious for its relentless inversions, disorienting optical illusions, and a soundtrack that feels like it’s rewiring your brain. The queue is long, the hype is real, and the ride is unapologetically intense. If you want a coaster that leaves you questioning your life choices (in a good way), this is the one.
Wicker ManAlton Towers’ first wooden coaster in decades, and it’s not just a nostalgia trip. Wicker Man is a masterclass in theme park storytelling: you’re launched through a burning effigy, surrounded by smoke and the scent of charred wood (yes, they pump in the smell). The ride isn’t the tallest or fastest, but the atmosphere is pure pagan fever dream. It’s the rare coaster where the queue is almost as memorable as the ride itself.
NemesisThis is the UK’s answer to the world’s best inverted coasters. Nemesis is buried in a pit, twisting through rock and water, so you’re always just a few feet from the ground—or upside down. It’s been running since the 90s and still has a cult following for a reason: the G-forces are relentless, the theming is gritty, and the ride is short but absolutely ferocious. If you want a coaster with real character, not just stats, Nemesis delivers.
Hex - The Legend of the TowersForget rollercoasters for a second. Hex is Alton Towers’ best-kept secret: a dark ride built inside the actual ruins of the estate. It’s part haunted house, part local legend, and part Victorian fever dream. The story is genuinely weird (involving a cursed tree and a spinning room), and the atmosphere is thick with gothic weirdness. No crowds, no hype—just pure, immersive storytelling. This is my personal favorite, because it’s the only theme park attraction I’ve ever left feeling genuinely spooked.
OblivionThe world’s first vertical drop coaster. You dangle over a black hole, stare straight down, and then—no warning—you’re dropped into the abyss. The ride is over in seconds, but the anticipation is the real killer. It’s not the biggest drop in the world anymore, but the psychological build-up is unmatched. If you want to test your nerve, this is the ride.
Alton Towers GardensHere’s the plot twist: the original estate gardens are still there, and they’re spectacular. After the sensory overload of the rides, wandering these Victorian gardens is like stepping into another world. You’ll find hidden follies, winding paths, and actual peace. Most visitors skip them. Don’t. This is where you catch your breath and realize Alton Towers is more than just adrenaline.
Wicker ManAlton Towers’ first wooden coaster in decades, and it’s not just a nostalgia trip. Wicker Man is a masterclass in theme park storytelling: you’re launched through a burning effigy, surrounded by smoke and the scent of charred wood (yes, they pump in the smell). The ride isn’t the tallest or fastest, but the atmosphere is pure pagan fever dream. It’s the rare coaster where the queue is almost as memorable as the ride itself.
NemesisThis is the UK’s answer to the world’s best inverted coasters. Nemesis is buried in a pit, twisting through rock and water, so you’re always just a few feet from the ground—or upside down. It’s been running since the 90s and still has a cult following for a reason: the G-forces are relentless, the theming is gritty, and the ride is short but absolutely ferocious. If you want a coaster with real character, not just stats, Nemesis delivers.
Hex - The Legend of the TowersForget rollercoasters for a second. Hex is Alton Towers’ best-kept secret: a dark ride built inside the actual ruins of the estate. It’s part haunted house, part local legend, and part Victorian fever dream. The story is genuinely weird (involving a cursed tree and a spinning room), and the atmosphere is thick with gothic weirdness. No crowds, no hype—just pure, immersive storytelling. This is my personal favorite, because it’s the only theme park attraction I’ve ever left feeling genuinely spooked.
OblivionThe world’s first vertical drop coaster. You dangle over a black hole, stare straight down, and then—no warning—you’re dropped into the abyss. The ride is over in seconds, but the anticipation is the real killer. It’s not the biggest drop in the world anymore, but the psychological build-up is unmatched. If you want to test your nerve, this is the ride.
Alton Towers GardensHere’s the plot twist: the original estate gardens are still there, and they’re spectacular. After the sensory overload of the rides, wandering these Victorian gardens is like stepping into another world. You’ll find hidden follies, winding paths, and actual peace. Most visitors skip them. Don’t. This is where you catch your breath and realize Alton Towers is more than just adrenaline.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.