2024 seems to be shaping up to be a big year for new rollercoasters in the United Kingdom. Perhaps the best year for rollercoasters in UK history could be considered to be 1994 when the tallest rollercoaster in the UK opened at Blackpool Pleasure Beach (The Big One), Nemesis was born at Alton towers and the UK’s only stand up roller coaster came at Drayton Manor. 1994 is often called the best year for new coasters in England, but could 2024 top it?
Let’s take a look at what is coming to England’s Theme Parks in 2024.
Nemesis Reborn
In what is likely the most obvious callback to the year of the UK rollercoaster, Nemesis will reopen after a nearly full retrack. After 30 years since opening what is often called one of the best rollercoasters anywhere in the world returns with a brand new look. The old rusted grey/white track is gone and a new black and vein covered shiny new B&M track takes its place. The Nemesis monster now is sporting one giant eye!
While Nemesis will be exactly the same in layout, much of the feel and theme has been updated and it will be reborn to bring that intense experience back to Alton Towers that was largely missed the previous season. Testing has began on the rebuilt ride and hopes are high for it to open with the park on March 16th 2024.
Drayton Manor Rollercoaster/Shockwave redo
Little is known about the family Intamin rollercoaster coming to Drayton Manor in 2024 except it is expected to be a family thrill coaster. It could be a sleeper hit and the changes Drayton Manor have added since the park was purchased is turning it into one of the best family parks in the country. Not only will they have a new rollercoaster but Shockwave (Another 1994 coaster) will be changed from Stand Up trains to Sit Down trains with a lower height restriction. I am happy the coaster will get to live on for many to enjoy, rather than be removed from the park and it will be interesting to see how this change effects how the ride feels. Check out my video on the history of the attraction before the change here – https://youtu.be/NxSeUmajLEg?si=_lUvsj8tYP8RhRKA
Hyperia
In 1994, Blackpool Pleasure Beach opened the tallest rollercoaster in the UK. The Pepsi Max Big One. Today it remains as the countries tallest rollercoaster but that is about to change. Mostly the most “hyped” coaster for the year will be coming to Thorpe Park. The first new coaster at the park in over a decade sees the title of the UK’s fastest and tallest coaster change hands as the new attraction reaches speeds over 80mph and heights of 236ft. The ride will be on the land formely used by Loggers Leap (RIP) and has some incredible looking elements that will make it different from anything else in the country. While there are some worries it will be too short, Hyperia looks to pack a punch. Most of the parks coasters run around 2500 feet in length, hopefully this will at least match them with it’s high speed.
Will Hyperia become the best coaster in the UK? Likely it could be.
As we look towards the opening, check out our newest Expedition on the early years of Thorpe Park and its creation. The new series will be coming in parts up until the attraction opens when we plan to take a ride and see if 2024 replaces 1994 as the year of the UK rollercoaster.
