Remembering Speed at Oakwood: The UK’s original beyond-vertical-drop rollercoaster

For thrill-seekers across the UK, Oakwood Theme Park in Pembrokeshire, Wales, has long been a hidden gem. Among its standout attractions, one ride stood above the rest—both literally and figuratively.

Speed was a legendary rollercoaster that made history as the UK’s first beyond-vertical-drop coaster. With its daring 97-degree drop, exhilarating inversions, and relentless pacing, Speed captured the hearts of coaster enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Opened in 2006, Speed was manufactured by Gerstlauer and became one of the park’s flagship attractions.

It was part of the company’s popular Euro-Fighter model, known for its compact layout and extreme drops. Speed’s 115-foot climb led directly into a beyond-vertical drop—meaning riders plunged past the 90-degree mark, intensifying the feeling of freefall.

This was a major milestone for the UK amusement park scene, setting new standards for intensity and engineering innovation.

The Ride Experience

From the moment riders were strapped into the cars, anticipation built as they ascended the near-vertical chain lift hill. Upon reaching the peak, the train hesitated briefly before plunging into the 97-degree drop—one of the steepest in the country at the time.

From there, riders were hurled into a wild series of elements, including an overbanked turn, a vertical loop, and a heart-pounding airtime hill. The ride’s tight turns and rapid transitions ensured an intense experience from start to finish.

Speed stood out not only for its impressive statistics but also for its raw, unrelenting thrills.

For those who had the chance to experience it, Speed will always hold a special place in their memories. Its sheer intensity, groundbreaking drop, and unmistakable presence at Oakwood made it a must-ride for adrenaline junkies.

Whether it remains operational or not, its impact on the UK theme park scene will never be forgotten.

Did you ever ride Speed at Oakwood? Share your memories and experiences in the comments below!