A THEME park in the UK, home to the country’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster, has extended its opening hours for two special sunset events.
For the first time six years, Thorpe Park has changed its closing time, meaning guests will be able to enjoy the rides until 9pm this summer.
On Saturday, August 24 and Saturday, August 31, visitors will be able to stay late and enjoy the sunset from the top of their favourite rides.
The park has previously stated that there wasn’t enough demand for late openings, but now that appears to have changed.
That could be in part to its new attractions this year, with Hyperia opening at the beginning of the summer.
The UK’s tallest and fastest ride is up and running after closing again shortly after it was first launched.
The rollercoaster climbs to heights of 236ft and travels at speeds exceeding 80mph.
It has some of the highest inversions in Europe, as well as a splashdown as it bursts through a pool of water during its journey.
It also boasts three inversions, one of which is unique, and sends riders upside down as they come out of an outerbank turn.
It’s the park’s first major addition since The Swarm back in 2012.
However, it’s not the only new addition this year, with American-themed Big Easy Boulevard also appearing for this season.
The new area replaced the park’s Angry Birds land, which had been in place at the park for ten years.
The section of the park is based around New Orleans and has several rides, as well as a 4D cinema.
Detonator, a drop tower ride that sends people plummeting 100ft, remains in the area from the Angry Birds land and has been rebranded to fit in with its new surroundings.
Meanwhile, the Big Easy Bumpers offer old school dodgem car fun for visitors.
There’s also CandyPips SweetEasy confectioners, which is “stacked from floor to ceiling with all the sweet treats your heart desires” according to the Thorpe Park website.
The Sun’s Lee Bell visited Thorpe Park to try the new ride out.
“I was able to ride the steel monster three times, experiencing its exhilarating speeds in the middle of the train, at the front and then, for my last (and best) ride, right at the back.
“First impressions: it’s unlike any other rollercoaster in the UK right now.”Not only for the obvious reason that it’s over double the height, but its focus on flinging riders out of their seats and experiencing ‘weightlessness’.
“It’s no surprise that the first drop is what really steals the show on this rollercoaster.
“While it’s the tallest in the country, it’s unique in that it twists riders 180 degrees while they plummet down a huge vertical drop right before reaching the ground at top speeds of over 80mph.
“The back row is easily the best place to experience this, since you’re catapulted over the crest of the drop at speed, and right into the drop with a free-fall-like feeling.
“It’s an incredible ride that will make you want to ride it again and again.”It’s certainly a coaster that can compete with some of the best in Europe and is easily, in my experience, the best the UK has to offer.”
The late night openings come at no extra cost, with the same ticket prices applying to both days as with normal visits.
Pre-booked single day tickets are available on the Thorpe Park website from £29 per person.
Meanwhile, free tickets can be booked for anyone under 1.2m in height.
In a press release the theme park said: “From the heart-pounding rides to the enchanting sunset vistas, Thorpe Park’s sunset rides promise an unforgettable experience for the whole family to enjoy.
“Mark your calendars, pre-book your tickets, and prepare to make the most of these magical evenings at Thorpe Park, the UK’s most thrilling theme park, this summer.”
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Hotels from £50 per night
Travelodge from £39 per room
Airbnbs near Thorpe Park from £40 per night
Thorpe Park Tickets from £33 per person
Meanwhile, this new Aztec-themed waterpark is set to open in the UK this summer.
And Alton Towers was forced to close down one of its rollercoasters last week.
