If you’re a thrill-seeker based in or near London, you’re in luck. The South of England is home to some of the most intense roller coasters in the UK—each offering its own brand of heart-pounding excitement. From record-breaking heights to dizzying spins, here’s our definitive ranking of the top roller coasters near London, based on pure adrenaline factor.
Hyperia – Thorpe Park
Adrenaline Factor: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 (5/5)
Location: Thorpe Park, Surrey
Hyperia is the UK’s tallest and fastest roller coaster, and it absolutely lives up to the hype. Soaring to a height of 236 feet and hitting speeds of 81 mph, this Mack Rides Hypercoaster delivers sustained airtime, insane drops, and buttery-smooth inversions. The sense of weightlessness combined with sheer speed makes this a must-ride for hardcore coaster fans.
Why it ranks #1: It’s the newest and most extreme coaster in the UK—pure adrenaline from start to finish.
Stealth – Thorpe Park
Adrenaline Factor: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (4/5)
Location: Thorpe Park, Surrey
Previously the tallest coaster in the UK, Stealth still packs a serious punch. This Intamin launch coaster rockets you from 0 to 80 mph in under 2 seconds, launching vertically up a 205-foot tower before plummeting back down. It’s over in under 20 seconds, but the rush is unforgettable.
Why it ranks #2: One of the most powerful launches in Europe—and no time to catch your breath.
The Swarm – Thorpe Park
Adrenaline Factor: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (4/5)
Location: Thorpe Park, Surrey
The UK’s only wing coaster, The Swarm puts riders on the edge of their seats—literally. With no track above or below you, it creates a terrifying sensation of flying. Near-miss elements and smooth inversions make it a disorienting, high-adrenaline experience.
Why it ranks #3: The illusion of flying combined with the close-call theming delivers a thrill like no other.
SAW – The Ride – Thorpe Park
Adrenaline Factor: 🔥🔥🔥 (3/5)
Location: Thorpe Park, Surrey
Themed after the iconic horror franchise, SAW – The Ride is a twisted coaster filled with sharp drops, jarring turns, and sinister surprises. The world’s first horror movie-themed coaster, it starts with a terrifying indoor section before launching into a beyond-vertical 100-degree drop.
Why it ranks #4: The horror theming elevates the fear factor, though the ride is slightly rougher than others on this list.
Mandrill Mayhem – Chessington World of Adventures
Adrenaline Factor: 🔥🔥🔥 (3/5)
Location: Chessington World of Adventures, Surrey
Part of the World of Jumanji, this family thrill coaster is a clever mix of fun and fear. It’s a launched wing shuttle coaster—meaning it goes both forwards and backwards. While it’s not the tallest or fastest, the launch and unexpected reversal give it a surprising adrenaline boost for its target audience.
Why it ranks #5: Great for first-time thrill-seekers; the backward launch adds a unique twist.
Minifigure Speedway – LEGOLAND Windsor
Adrenaline Factor: 🔥🔥🔥 (3/5)
Location: LEGOLAND Windsor, Berkshire
The UK’s first LEGO duelling coaster! This family racing coaster delivers a surprising amount of speed and intensity, especially for younger thrill-seekers. With two tracks and a head-to-head racing format, it adds a competitive edge that amps up the excitement.
Why it ranks #6: High-speed family thrills with a fun duelling twist—perfect for adrenaline-hungry kids and LEGO fans alike.
Dragon’s Fury – Chessington World of Adventures
Adrenaline Factor: 🔥🔥 (2/5)
Location: Chessington World of Adventures, Surrey
A spinning coaster that’s perfect for families and teens, Dragon’s Fury features sharp turns and drops while the cars rotate freely, creating a slightly chaotic ride. It’s fun, quirky, and a little dizzying—but not terrifying.
Why it ranks #7: Less about fear, more about fun. Still provides an adrenaline jolt if you’re not a regular coaster rider.
Honourable Mentions
- Colossus (Thorpe Park): Known for its record-setting 10 inversions, though it’s showing its age in terms of smoothness.
I’ve been to Thorpe Park but haven’t tried Hyperia yet. Looks like I’m missing out!
Dragon’s Fury at Chessington sounds like my kind of ride, fun without being too intense.
The rankings make me want to visit these parks. Need to see if they’re as thrilling as mentioned.
Interesting read! The Swarm sounds scary with the whole flying effect.
I love the idea of a horror-themed coaster. SAW – The Ride must be quite an experience.