One of the best ways to pass time is by visiting one of the UK’s many theme parks and attractions, and we’ve been discussing the best rides with the biggest drops here in the office.
Do you agree? Let us know in the comments…
The Ultimate at Lightwater Valley
Part white knuckle ride part pacey meander through the pretty North Yorkshire countryside (don’t bring binoculars), The Ultimate features two large drops and is unique for its flat sections and sharp twists along bridal paths and woodland. In terms of value for money you’ll be hard pressed to find better, each ride is over 7 minutes long earning it the title of longest roller coaster in Europe. Video here:
Ice Blast at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
All aboard this hydraulic powered “power them up and down repeatedly” ride which gives a stomach-churning sensation to thrill seekers, with your legs dangling over the side. As far as being thrust up and down in the air goes this is jolly good fun, but it’s probably best to avoid using directly after a hot dog at one of the nearby kiosks!
Stealth at Thorpe Park
A short burst of energy and adrenalin rush is what you’ll get from this little box of tricks in Surrey, no slow ascent here, just full throttle from the off, upwards and then down, down, down to Chinatown! Riders reach 80mph in 1.9 seconds and the drop is 62.5 metres. Intense! The ride is all about that initial energy rush, and then it just curls round and to a stop…short and sweet!
Oblivion at Alton Towers
Featuring a 90-degree vertical drop into a black hole, Oblivion dazzles with a short, adrenalin pumping thrill ride which is over in a matter of seconds but will stay in your memory for a lifetime! After a short ascent comes the drop… and as soon as the drop is complete you pretty much grind to a halt. In the words of Roy Walker from Catchphrase, that feels “good, but it’s not right”.
Big One at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
This iconic steel roller coaster opened in 1994 as the tallest roller coaster in the world at the time and it remains the UK’s tallest to date. The ascent to the summit seems to take an eternity, and the flashing lights that act as a warning to passing low flying aircraft only heighten that tension. The first big drop is around 62 metres but feels higher as you arc around at an angle. The journey is 3 minutes long and gives a positive G-force rating of 3.5g. Oh, and it’s a pretty rough ride!
Here at Sheridan Lifts, you’ve probably guessed that we prefer smooth, safe rides to gravity defying big drops!
With that thought firmly embedded in your mind, if you happen to have a building in need a reliable lift maintenance contractor or would like a quote for a new lift installation, drop us a line!
