Alton Towers, the UK’s most famous and beloved theme park, is home to a plethora of thrilling rides and attractions that bring joy and excitement to visitors of all ages. Among them, Corkscrew, the iconic roller coaster, holds a special place in the hearts of many theme park enthusiasts. In this article, we will dive into the history, features, and unforgettable experiences offered by this legendary ride.
When Corkscrew opened at Alton Towers on April 4, 1980, it became the UK’s first double loop roller coaster, marking a milestone in the history of amusement parks. The ride quickly gained a reputation for its groundbreaking design, thrilling twists and turns, and unbeatable adrenaline rush.
Corkscrew’s unique design features two consecutive vertical loops, allowing riders to experience the sensation of leaving the ground and momentarily defying gravity. As the roller coaster climbs the impressive hill, anticipation builds, and the breathtaking drop creates a mix of excitement and exhilaration. The exhilarating speed and intense G-forces make Corkscrew a true adrenaline rush, providing an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers.
With a track length of approximately 820 meters, Corkscrew takes riders on a thrilling journey that lasts around two minutes. After the initial climb and exhilarating drop, the train zooms through the double loops, giving passengers a sensational feeling of being inverted. The loops, combined with twists and turns, provide a perfect blend of excitement and thrills. As the train maneuvers its way through the layout, riders are treated to an adrenaline-fueled experience that is hard to replicate elsewhere.
For many visitors to Alton Towers during the ’80s and ’90s, Corkscrew holds a special place in their hearts as the ride that introduced them to the world of roller coasters. It was a breakthrough attraction that pushed the boundaries of what was possible in a theme park ride. The sound of the clicking chains, the wind rushing through your hair, and the laughter and screams of fellow riders created memories that have stayed with visitors for a lifetime.
It’s worth mentioning that Corkscrew was designed and manufactured by Arrow Dynamics, a prominent roller coaster manufacturer known for revolutionizing the industry with their innovative rides. With Corkscrew as one of their masterpieces, Arrow Dynamics paved the way for future advancements in roller coaster design and engineering.
A Farewell to Corkscrew:
After providing thrills and cherished memories to millions of visitors over four decades, the final ride on Corkscrew took place on November 9, 2008. Alton Towers decided to retire the iconic coaster to make way for new attractions and experiences. Although Corkscrew is no longer in operation, its legacy lives on through the fond memories of those who had the chance to experience its thrilling twists and turns.
Corkscrew at Alton Towers was a trailblazing roller coaster that captivated the hearts of theme park enthusiasts for nearly three decades. The first of its kind in the UK, it introduced countless visitors to the exhilarating world of looping roller coasters. While its physical presence may no longer be at the park, the memories of Corkscrew remain as a testament to the joy and excitement it brought to all who experienced it. Alton Towers continues to evolve and offer new and thrilling attractions, but the spirit of Corkscrew will forever hold a special place in the history of the park and in the hearts of those who rode it.
Loved Corkscrew, rode it many times and loved everyone of them.
I remember newsround had a bit of it being built.
And replaced by 2 rollercoasters that break down every 4hrs