New UK roller coaster crowned best in the world, beating rides at bucket list theme parks in America
THE Great British public have named a rollercoaster at Alton Towers as their favourite in the world.
British roller coaster Nemesis Reborn, which reopened in March 2024, following a 16-month closure, beat Florida‘s Space Mountain and Universal’s Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey to the top spot in a new survey by Ocean Florida.
Ocean Florida, the UK’s leading Florida specialist, surveyed 2,000 theme park enthusiasts in the UK to find the country’s favourite theme park attraction.
And with a 12 per cent share of the votes, Nemesis Reborn at Alton Towers was crowned the winner.
While the survey results don’t explain why the Alton Towers ride was the best, it’s not hard to work out.
Nemesis Reborn, formerly Nemesis, closed to the public in November 2022, for retracking and other changes.
After undergoing the biggest overhaul in its 30-year history, the ride opened to the public last spring.
Travel writer Vaz Sayed was one of the first to try the revamped rollercoaster, writing: “We pull away, deceivingly slowly at first, and the anticipation builds as we make our way gradually upwards, not yet knowing what lies beyond the peak.
“Then, it’s a pure adrenaline rush as we plunge forwards at fierce speed, seemingly defying the laws of physics, hurtling upside down.
“The fact that legs are left dangling only adds to the thrill as we plunge at breakneck speeds into tight spaces, leaving us with no time to register where we are or whether our legs will make it safely through too.
“The rollercoaster throws me one way, then another, upside down, sideways and every other way possible in a chaotic yet exciting turbulence until we come to a final halt.”
Nemesis Reborn reaches speeds of up to 55mph and puts park-goers through death-defying G-forces too.
There are plenty of other rides at the Staffordshire-based theme park, including The Smiler and Oblivion.
For younger park-goers, there’s also CBeebies Land, which is set to get a new junior rollercoaster next year.
The theme park revealed the news via Instagram on December 20, 2024.
A spokesperson wrote: “Exciting news! We’ve submitted a planning application for a brand-new junior coaster in CBeebies Land, which we hope to open in 2026.
“If approved, this new attraction will be perfect for our youngest thrill-seekers and their families to enjoy together.
“Stay tuned for updates – we can’t wait to share more!”
Although the planning application is yet to be published by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, it’s possible Alton Towers is looking to add a permanent Bluey ride, although nothing has been confirmed.
CBeebies Land first opened in 2014 and is currently home to 13 family-friendly rides.
All the rides are inspired by children’s TV programmes, including Hey Duggee, Octonauts, Postman Pat and Peter Rabbit.
Alton Towers has now closed for the season.
The theme park will fully reopen in March 2025, although Alton Towers will also be open for themed events in the February half term.
Natalie Sexton at Ocean Florida said: “It’s great to see the UK topping the poll.
“National loyalty and local familiarity clearly play a role in shaping responses to favourite attractions.
“However, the overwhelming presence of US attractions – particularly in Florida – highlights its status as the global epicentre of theme park entertainment.
“With the opening of Universal’s Epic Universe in 2025, Florida’s position as the world leader in this industry looks set to remain unchallenged for the foreseeable future.”
The UK's top 20 favourite theme park attractions from around the globe
BELOW is the full list of the best theme park attractions from around the globe, according to UK theme park enthusiasts.
1 Nemesis – Alton Towers – Staffordshire, UK (12%)
2 Space Mountain – Magic Kingdom, Florida, USA (9%)
3 Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Florida (9%)
4 Jurassic World: The Ride – Universal Studios Hollywood, California, USA (8%)
5 Pirates of the Caribbean – Disneyland Park, California, USA (8%)
6 Jaws (no longer operational but remains iconic) – Universal Studios Florida, USA (8%)
7 Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Disneyland Park, California, & Disneyland Paris (8%)
8 Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Florida, USA (7%)
9 Splash Mountain (soon to be Tiana’s Bayou Adventure) – Magic Kingdom, Florida, USA (6%)
10 The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Florida, USA (6%)
11 The Swarm – Thorpe Park, Surrey, UK (5%)
12 Vampire – Chessington World of Adventures, Surrey, UK (5%)
13 It’s a Small World – Disneyland Park, California, USA (5%)
14 E.T. Adventure – Universal Studios Florida, USA (5%)
15 The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man – Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Florida (5%)
16 Avatar Flight of Passage – Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Florida, USA (4%)
17 Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure – Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Florida (4%)
18 Runaway Railway – Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Florida, USA (4%)
19 The Incredible Hulk Coaster – Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Florida (4%)
20 Expedition Everest – Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Florida, USA (4%)
At the end of last year, Alton Towers announced it would be closing its oldest ride permanently.
Meanwhile, here’s an exciting new look at the nearly-completed Epic Universe, which will open later this year.