ALTON Towers is closing its oldest ride – with a new one to take its place.
The theme park’s The Blade first opened back in 1980, then called Pirate Ship.
However, it will has now closed and won’t be returning next year.
It will instead be replaced by a new ride in the Forbidden Valley, opening in 2025.
An Alton Towers spokesperson told local media that they were “making changes to its rides and attractions line up”.
They added: “Reaching the end of its technical life, the Resort will bid farewell to its current oldest ride, The Blade, with it being retired after 44 years of operation.”
The Blade opened at the park 44 years ago, although was only renamed in 1997 after moving to the Forbidden Valley.
As many as 500,000 people use the ride a year.
The website states: “As it swings through the air, back and forth, The Blade reaches a zero gravity moment.
“Float free from your seat and leave your stomach floating somewhere above you.
“As it flies back and forth, this pendulum swing reaches near-vertical angles.”
Fans of the ride were left gutted, with one person saying on social media: “Blade is a family favourite of ours, its such a shame it will be going.”
Another agreed: “The blade will always be the legend pirate ship, this will be missed greatly.”
It’s also not the only ride being closed for good, with Flavio’s Fabulous Fandango – an attraction in The World of David Walliams – also closing.
And the Alton Towers Dungeon closed earlier this year, and won’t be reopening in 2025.
The spokesperson continued: “Evaluating our line-up of attractions is an ongoing process that occurs at the end of each theme park season, with continued reinvestment in our world-class rides and attractions always front and centre as we look to deliver fantabulous memories to everyone that visits our Resort.
“With the Phalanx having maxed out the potential of its swinging blade, they are committed to bringing a new weapon to Forbidden Valley ready for 2025.”
The new opening next year is part of Alton Towers’ Project Ocean.
Replacing the existing Funk n Fly ride will be an 18m attraction on a concrete block, according to plans.
Little else is currently known about the new ride.
Next time you visit a theme park, you may want to use our top tips to make the most of your adrenaline-inducing day out.
And earlier this year the park opened the revamped Nemesis rollercoaster, now called Nemesis Reborn.
The park has now closed for the season and will reopen in March 2025 although has some Christmas events including Magical Days Out and Santa Sleepovers.
