With the summer holidays in full swing, Merlin Entertainments is celebrating National Rollercoaster Day on Sunday 16th August across its UK theme parks – including Thorpe Park, Alton Towers Resort, Chessington World of Adventures Resort and LEGOLAND Windsor Resort – inviting families, friends and thrill-seekers to mark the occasion with a day of twists, turns and hands-in-the-air moments.
As the home of some of the UK’s most iconic rollercoasters and world-leading theme parks, Merlin Entertainments specializes in delivering thrills for millions of visitors. Whether it’s conquering a first-ever coaster, ticking off a bucket-list ride or spending the holidays making unforgettable memories together, Merlin Entertainments’ nationwide attractions are packed with experiences designed to leave visitors smiling long after the ride ends.
Where to ride this National Rollercoaster Day
Thorpe Park: Just one hour from London Waterloo by train, Thorpe Park is a go-to destination for big thrills. Home to Hyperia, the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster, visitors can also launch from 0-80mph in 1.8 seconds on Stealth, before taking on iconic coasters including THE SWARM, SAW – The Ride, Nemesis Inferno and more.
With National Rollercoaster Day falling just days after A Level results day, the park’s Student Day Passes from £22.75 offer a great excuse for teens, school leavers and university students to celebrate finishing exams and make the most of the long summer break together.
Alton Towers Resort: Home to some of the UK’s most iconic rollercoasters, Alton Towers Resort is a bucket-list destination for coaster fans. Thrillseekers can take on legendary rides including Nemesis Reborn, Oblivion and The Smiler – the world’s first 14-loop rollercoaster. For those seeking pure speed, Rita launches riders from 0-100 km/ph in just 2.5 seconds.
New for 2026, families with younger riders can enjoy Bluey the Ride: Here Come the Grannies!, located in CBeebies Land.
Chessington World of Adventures Resort: Just 35 minutes by direct train from London Waterloo, Chessington World of Adventures Resort is ideal for families introducing little ones to rollercoasters.
Alongside the spooktacular Vampire ride and the world’s only Jumanji coaster, Mandrill Mayhem, families can experience the UK’s first World of PAW Patrol land – new for 2026. With four PAW-some themed rides, guests can enjoy a re-barkable day out, featuring entry-level coaster Chase’s Mountain Mission.
LEGOLAND Windsor Resort: Less than an hour from London Waterloo, LEGOLAND Windsor Resort is where future coaster fans earn their stripes.
Families can race forwards and backwards on Minifigure Speedway, journey through the treetops on The Dragon, master LEGO NINJAGO The Ride and take flight on the UK’s first flying theatre, Flight of the Sky Lion – a brick-tastic taste of theme park fun for younger adventurers.
New this summer, the Great British Summer Saving scheme offers guests reduced VAT rates on admission tickets to attractions nationwide until 1 September 2026. This initiative delivers even greater value for families enjoying days out and short breaks at Merlin Entertainments’ 20 UK attractions, helping to create a summer filled with fun, unforgettable moments and exciting new experiences.
For all four theme parks, day tickets start from £34.13 with Summer VAT savings applied. Children under 0.9 metres get free entry to Chessington World of Adventures Resort, LEGOLAND Windsor Resort and Alton Towers Resort, and children under 1.2 metres get free entry to Thorpe Park. You can keep your hands inside the carriage later – but for now, head to the relevant theme park websites to plan your visit and book early before dates are sold out:
https://www.thorpepark.com/tickets-passes/
https://www.altontowers.com/tickets-passes/
https://www.chessington.com/tickets-passes/
https://www.legoland.co.uk/tickets-passes/