20 Greatest Roller Coasters In England
What are the finest thrill machines in the country?
Roller coasters are truly amazing. They're certainly not for everyone, but if you are into these thrill machines it's very hard to get enough of them.
In the UK, we're very lucky to have a terrific line-up of theme parks and coasters, including some very important and unique ones which many foreign coaster lovers will have on their coaster bucket lists. Come to think of it, the UK is one of the best countries for roller coasters in the world.
But which are the best of the best? Which currently operating roller coaster should all coaster fans, both UK-based and foreign, prioritise? It's time to find out...
Honourable Mentions: Rage (Adventure Island), Steeplechase (Blackpool Pleasure Beach), Millennium (Fantasy Island), Big Dipper, Nickelodeon Streak (both at Blackpool Pleasure Beach), Mumbo Jumbo (Flamingo Land), Avalanche (Blackpool Pleasure Beach), Thirteen (Alton Towers), The Walking Dead: The Ride (Thorpe Park) and Scenic Railway (Dreamland Margate).
20. Vampire - Chessington World of Adventures
Opened: 1990
Manufacturer: Arrow Dynamics
Type: Suspended Coaster
Chessington World of Adventures is one of the country's best theme parks. It's very much a family park, but its round-up of attractions still packs a fearsome punch and this Arrow suspended coaster is a major highlight.
You might think Vampire will just be a family coaster but do Not be fooled. This is a fierce and ferocious little beast that makes for a far more powerful ride experience than many would expect.
In particular, the section immediately after the second lift-hill - in which the ride flies over the themed area in which the ride is located and then swoops downwards into a tunnel - is bloody fantastic.
Although this is now thirty years old, it's not losing any of its considerable bite (sorry) with age and is still a wonderful ride for the family to go on together. It might be a bit too much for very young riders though; it really is that intense.