Alton Towers remains a destination all year round and as we edge further into the winter season, the theme park is holding a massive fireworks display to celebrate Bonfire Night.
From November 3 -5, Alton Towers will run later than normal opening times to allow visitors to enjoy its famous rollercoasters, rides and attractions. Over the years, thousands of us across Merseyside and beyond have enjoyed a day out at the theme park and resort in Staffordshire.
Generations will have their favourite rides past and present, with many families heading to Alton Towers throughout the year for weekend treats or annual events. But since Alton Towers opening in the 1980s, we have also said farewell to a number of attractions, the ECHO previously reported.
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From Corkscrew to Thunder Looper, a number of rides now only live on in our memories and photos. To reminisce, we've taken another look back at Alton Towers' rides we've loved and lost through the decades.
This list isn't intended to be comprehensive, we've chosen a number of lost rides through the years. But if you have any suggestions, let us know in the comments section below.
Corkscrew
Opening to thrill-seekers back in 1980, Corkscrew quickly became one of the most iconic rollercoasters at the theme park. 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 your neck would never be the same again. Sadly, it came to the end of its life in 2008 and it was full 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 a 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 ands then replaced by the carnival game Forbidden Sweep.
What is your favourite Alton Towers ride? Let us know in the comments section below.
Nemesis Sub-Terra
An iconic roller coaster of the 1990s to now, Nemesis is now undergoing a revamp. But many still remember its companion ride, Nemesis Sub-Terra.
The drop tower ride saw passengers surrounded by a monster-filled nest of alien eggs, with live actors playing the part of security guards infected with an extra-terrestrial parasite. Opened in 2012, Nemesis Sub-Terra was closed three years later.
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.
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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.
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