Adrenaline junkies, welcome to your ultimate 2026 hit list. This year, the UK’s coaster landscape reaches new heights with the continued dominance of Hyperia at Thorpe Park and the highly anticipated arrival of Aviktas at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which is now the tallest gyro swing in the country.
From the legendary vertical drops of Oblivion at Alton Towers to the intense beachfront thrills of The Odyssey at Fantasy Island, we have ranked the destinations that deliver the highest G-forces and most heart-pounding inversions. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast or looking to conquer your first big coaster, here are the top 10 UK theme parks for pure, unadulterated thrills.
1) THORPE PARK
The UK's most thrilling theme park includes the big six roller coasters Hyperia, Colossus, Nemesis Inferno, SAW - The Ride, Stealth and The Swarm as well as Ghost Train and The Walking Dead: The Ride.
2) ALTON TOWERS
The UK's biggest theme park with great rides including Nemesis, Oblivion, TH13TEEN, Rita, The Smiler, Galactica and Wicker Man. It is also home to the UK's only Cbeebies Land. New for 2026: Bluey The Ride.
3) BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH
The UK's most ride intensive amusement park includes The Big One, ICON, Valhalla, Infusion and Wallace & Gromit's Thrill-O-Matic, plus enjoy the hugely popular Nickelodeon Land. New for 2026: Aviktas.
4) FANTASY ISLAND
An indoor and outdoor amusement park, located on the Lincolnshire coast near Skegness. A world of fun and thrills including roller coasters The Millennium and The Odyssey.
5) FLAMINGO LAND
The UK’s only combined theme park, zoo and holiday resort in one, all set in over 375 acres of North Yorkshire parkland. The best rides include Kumali, Velocity and Mumbo Jumbo.
6) HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland takes place at London each year with an array of rides, attractions and shows. Over the years, the event has become a must-do attraction for Londoners, visitors and tourists alike. It runs for 6 weeks from November till January.
7) DRAYTON MANOR
This family theme park includes Stormforce 10, The Wave, Maelstrom, Gold Rush and Accelerator. It is also home to Europe's first Thomas Land with 20 wonderful rides and attractions.
8) ADVENTURE ISLAND
Southend-on-Sea's free admission park, where you just pay for the rides you go on. The park features roller coasters such as Rage and Green Scream plus other rides for the whole family.
9) PLEASUREWOOD HILLS
East Anglia's premier theme park, located just off the A47 between Great Yarmouth Norfolk and Lowestoft Suffolk. Home to rides and attractions such as Wipeout, the Egg-Spress and much more.
10) ADVENTURE COAST SOUTHPORT
With over 50 rides and attractions, including thrill rides such as Enigma and Ultra, this family friendly theme park is a great day out for everyone.
