Thorpe Park Rides: The Full List for 2026 (With Height Restrictions)
Planning a trip to Thorpe Park in 2026? You’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re heading down with a gang of thrill-seekers or a mixed-age family wondering who can ride what, we’ve pulled together every ride at Thorpe Park this year, complete with height restrictions, so you can plan your day before you even set foot through the gates.
The short answer: Thorpe Park has 25 rides and attractions in 2026, ranging from the UK’s fastest and tallest rollercoaster to gentle family rides suitable from 90cm. There’s genuinely something for every age group, though the park leans heavily towards thrills.
Quick planning tip: Always measure your kids at home before you visit! Height restrictions are strictly enforced at every ride, and knowing in advance saves a lot of disappointment at the gate.
Here’s everything you need to know, broken down by category so you can start mapping out your perfect day.
The Big Thrill Rides (140cm+)
These are the headline acts. If you’ve got riders measuring 140cm or above, this is where Thorpe Park really earns its reputation as the UK’s number one thrill park. All eight of these rides require a minimum height of 1.4m to ride alone.
Hyperia (NEW for 2024, still the star of 2026!)
Minimum height: 130cm
Hyperia is the big one! Opened in May 2024, it’s now the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster, standing a jaw-dropping 236 feet high and hitting speeds of 81mph. Think you’re brave enough? The drop alone is enough to make your stomach disappear. It’s actually one of the more accessible big coasters too, with a slightly lower height requirement than some of its neighbours.
Stealth
Minimum height: 140cm | Maximum height: 196cm
Zero to 80mph in under two seconds. That’s Stealth in a nutshell. This hydraulic launch coaster fires riders straight up a 205-foot vertical tower before plummeting back down. It’s over in about 10 seconds, but those 10 seconds are absolutely unforgettable. One of Thorpe Park’s most iconic rides and a must-do for anyone tall enough.
The Swarm
Minimum height: 140cm | Maximum height: 195cm
Thorpe Park’s wing coaster puts you on the outside of the track, feet dangling, as you tear through near-misses with crashed helicopters, fire trucks, and control towers at almost 60mph. It’s genuinely one of the most immersive coasters in the UK.
Colossus
Minimum height: 140cm | Maximum height: 196cm
When it opened, Colossus was the world’s first rollercoaster with ten full inversions. It’s been thrilling riders since 2002 and still delivers. Expect 10 loops, corkscrews, and heartline rolls across 850 metres of twisted steel track.
SAW: The Ride
Minimum height: 140cm | Age: 13+
Themed on the horror film franchise, SAW: The Ride features a beyond-vertical drop (yes, past 90 degrees!) and a terrifying indoor section. Note the age restriction of 13+ on top of the height requirement.
Nemesis Inferno
Minimum height: 140cm
A suspended looping coaster where your legs hang free as you spin, dive, and swoop through 750 metres of track at up to 50mph. A brilliant introduction to big coasters for those just hitting the 140cm mark.
The Walking Dead: The Ride
Minimum height: 140cm | Age: 13+
An indoor rollercoaster packed with zombie-themed scares, special effects, and pitch-black sections. The 13+ age restriction is there for good reason; it’s genuinely frightening!
Samurai
Minimum height: 140cm
Not a coaster, but no less intense. Samurai lifts riders 60 feet into the air, spinning 360 degrees in every direction and pulling up to 5G forces. Your stomach will not thank you.
Vortex
Minimum height: 140cm
A giant spinning ride that rotates 15 times per minute, swinging riders through the air. Intense, fast, and great fun for those who love spinning thrills.
| Ride | Min Height | Type | Key Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyperia | 130cm | Rollercoaster | UK’s tallest (236ft) and fastest (81mph) |
| Stealth | 140cm | Launch coaster | 0-80mph in under 2 seconds |
| The Swarm | 140cm | Wing coaster | Near-miss elements at 60mph |
| Colossus | 140cm | Inverting coaster | 10 full inversions |
| SAW: The Ride | 140cm (13+) | Dark coaster | Beyond-vertical drop |
| Nemesis Inferno | 140cm | Suspended coaster | 750m of track at 50mph |
| The Walking Dead: The Ride | 140cm (13+) | Indoor dark ride | Zombie-themed scares |
| Samurai | 140cm | Flat ride | Up to 5G forces |
| Vortex | 140cm | Flat ride | 15 rotations per minute |
Mid-Level Thrills (120cm-130cm)
These rides sit in the sweet spot: genuinely exciting, but accessible to a wider range of riders. If you’ve got kids creeping up towards 130cm, these are the ones to aim for!
Detonator
Minimum height: 130cm
A 100-foot drop tower that gives you a bird’s-eye view of the entire resort before plunging you back towards the ground at 50mph. It sounds simple; it is absolutely terrifying. One of the best rides in the park for its price of admission.
Rush
Minimum height: 130cm
A giant pendulum swing ride that launches riders 75 feet into the air at 50mph, pulling up to 4G as it swoops back and forth. Short but intense, and always draws a crowd.
Ghost Train
Minimum height: 130cm | Age: 13+
Thorpe Park’s Ghost Train is not your average funfair ghost train. It’s a full horror experience combining special effects, live actors, and immersive storytelling. Be warned: the 13+ age restriction exists because it can be genuinely frightening for younger children, even those who meet the height requirement.
Tidal Wave
Minimum height: 120cm
One of Europe’s tallest water rides, Tidal Wave sends you 85 feet into the air before an enormous plunge into the water below. You will get absolutely soaked; there is no avoiding it! Pack a spare change of clothes or pick up a poncho at the park.
Quantum
Minimum height: 120cm
A classic magic carpet ride that swoops and soars in a smooth arc. It’s one of the calmer rides in this bracket, making it a brilliant stepping stone for younger riders building up their confidence.
- Detonator (130cm): 100ft drop tower, 50mph plunge
- Rush (130cm): 75ft pendulum swing, up to 4G
- Ghost Train (130cm, 13+): live actor horror experience
- Tidal Wave (120cm): 85ft water plunge, guaranteed soaking
- Quantum (120cm): smooth magic carpet swoop ride
The Best Thorpe Park Family Rides (90cm-110cm)
Good news for families with younger children: Thorpe Park has a solid selection of rides for little ones! These are the rides where the whole family can join in together, and they’re genuinely great fun rather than just afterthoughts.
Flying Fish
Minimum height: 90cm with adult | 110cm alone
Flying Fish is the perfect first rollercoaster experience. It’s a fun, fast, family-friendly coaster that gives younger thrill seekers their first taste of what a proper coaster feels like, without being overwhelming. Expect big smiles all round!
Storm Surge
Minimum height: 110cm with adult | 120cm alone
A 64-foot tall spinning raft ride with drops and splashes. Storm Surge is brilliant fun for families and, like Tidal Wave, you will get wet. It’s a great way to cool off on a warm day and accessible to a much younger audience than the bigger water rides.
Rumba Rapids
Minimum height: 110cm with adult | 130cm alone
Hop aboard a circular raft and enjoy a thrilling ride down the island’s rapids. It’s a classic theme park water ride and a firm family favourite. Again, expect to get splashed!
Zodiac
Minimum height: 110cm with adult | 140cm alone
A gravity-defying spinning ride that rotates in multiple directions. It looks more intense than it feels, making it a great ride for families to tackle together.
Dobble Tea Party
Minimum height: 110cm with adult | 130cm alone
Thorpe Park’s take on the classic spinning teacups, themed around the popular Dobble card game. Gentle, colourful, and great for younger visitors who want to feel part of the action.
Big Easy Bumpers
Minimum height: 110cm with adult | 130cm alone
Classic dodgems! Always a crowd-pleaser and a brilliant way to take a breather between the bigger rides.
Depth Charge
Minimum height: 90cm with adult | 120cm alone
Race down a four-lane water slide and compete against your family! It’s simple, fast, and absolutely brilliant. Young children love the racing element, and it’s one of the most re-rideable attractions in the park.
Mr Monkey’s Banana Ride
Minimum height: 90cm with adult | 120cm alone
A traditional swinging ship ride that takes riders through a 180-degree swing. All the family can enjoy this one together, and it’s a lovely gentle thrill for the youngest members of your group.
High Striker
Minimum height: 90cm with adult | 110cm alone | Maximum height: 130cm
A fun, bouncy boardwalk-style ride at Amity Cove, perfect for little ones earning their thrill-seeker stripes. Note the maximum height of 130cm; this one is specifically designed for younger visitors.
| Ride | Ride with Adult | Ride Alone | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Fish | 90cm | 110cm | Family coaster |
| Depth Charge | 90cm | 120cm | Water slide |
| Mr Monkey’s Banana Ride | 90cm | 120cm | Swinging ship |
| High Striker | 90cm | 110cm (max 130cm) | Bouncy ride |
| Storm Surge | 110cm | 120cm | Spinning water ride |
| Zodiac | 110cm | 140cm | Spinning flat ride |
| Dobble Tea Party | 110cm | 130cm | Spinning teacups |
| Big Easy Bumpers | 110cm | 130cm | Dodgems |
| Rumba Rapids | 110cm | 130cm | River rapids |
Thorpe Park Height Restrictions: Quick Reference Guide
Before you visit, it’s worth knowing exactly where your kids stand (quite literally!). Here’s a quick summary of the height thresholds and what they unlock:
90cm: Flying Fish (with adult), Depth Charge (with adult), Mr Monkey’s Banana Ride (with adult), High Striker (with adult)
110cm alone: Flying Fish, High Striker (max 130cm)
110cm with adult: Storm Surge, Zodiac, Dobble Tea Party, Big Easy Bumpers, Rumba Rapids
120cm alone: Storm Surge, Depth Charge, Mr Monkey’s Banana Ride, Tidal Wave, Quantum
130cm alone: Detonator, Rush, Ghost Train (13+), Hyperia
140cm alone: Stealth, The Swarm, Colossus, SAW: The Ride (13+), Nemesis Inferno, The Walking Dead: The Ride (13+), Samurai, Vortex, Zodiac
Important: Height restrictions are measured at the park, not at home. Shoes with thick soles can sometimes add a centimetre or two, but parks are wise to this! Always bring a measuring tape and check heights the morning of your visit.
A Note on Maximum Heights
A few rides also have maximum height restrictions to be aware of, particularly for taller adults:
- Colossus: maximum 196cm
- Stealth: maximum 196cm
- The Swarm: maximum 195cm
- High Striker: maximum 130cm (designed for younger riders)
- Storm Surge: maximum 120cm for the lower bracket
- Zodiac: maximum 140cm for the lower bracket
Height restriction data sourced from Thorpe Park’s official ride restrictions guide, updated March 2026.
Our Picks: The Best Thorpe Park Rides in 2026
With so many rides to choose from, it’s worth knowing which ones to prioritise, especially if you’ve got a full day but long queues to contend with. Here are our top picks across different categories:
Best for pure adrenaline: Hyperia
It’s the newest, the tallest, and the fastest. If you only ride one thing at Thorpe Park in 2026, make it Hyperia. The 236-foot drop at 81mph is unlike anything else in the UK.
Best classic coaster: Stealth
There’s a reason Stealth has been a fan favourite for years. The launch is absolutely electric and the whole experience is over before you’ve had time to process what just happened.
Best family ride: Flying Fish
For families with younger children, Flying Fish is the highlight. It’s the perfect gateway coaster and the smiles at the end say it all.
Best water ride: Tidal Wave
If you’re visiting on a warm day, Tidal Wave is unmissable. The 85-foot drop is spectacular and the soaking is genuinely impressive. Top tip: head to Tidal Wave early in the day before the queues build up.
Best hidden gem: Detonator
Lots of visitors overlook Detonator in favour of the big coasters, but this 100-foot drop tower is one of the most intense rides in the park. The slow ascent is almost as terrifying as the drop itself!
Best for nervous first-timers: Quantum
If someone in your group is a little nervous about thrill rides, Quantum is the perfect warm-up. It’s smooth, exciting, and builds confidence for the bigger stuff.
Ready to Book Your Thorpe Park Day Out?
Now you know exactly what’s waiting for you, it’s time to make it happen! With 25 rides and attractions across every thrill level, Thorpe Park is one of the best days out in the UK for families, teens, and thrill-seekers alike.
Book your Thorpe Park tickets through Day Out With The Kids for the best prices, instant e-tickets, and a hassle-free booking experience. Tickets start from £32, and booking in advance is always cheaper than paying on the gate.
You can also check out our full Thorpe Park attraction guide for everything you need to know about getting there, opening times, food options, and more. We’ve got you covered for the perfect day out!
One last tip: Thorpe Park is best enjoyed on a weekday if you can manage it. Queues are significantly shorter, and you’ll get so many more rides in. School holidays are the busiest times, so if you’re flexible, mid-week visits in term time are the sweet spot!