Considered by many to be the leaders in the dark ride game, Universal and Disney spend billions continuing to push the envelope on what is possible.
Examples include various iterations of Pirates of the Caribbean at the Disney parks, the highly acclaimed Jurassic World Adventure at Universal Studios Beijing, and the new Harry Potter Ministry of Magic and Monsters Unchained attractions at Epic Universe in Orlando.
These latest offerings from Universal have been blowing minds with their scale, story and technology, genuinely taking riders to new worlds in ways never seen before.
Danse Macabre, Efteling
It's not all Universal and Disney, though.
Across the globe, there are great examples of dark rides that are often standout attractions in their respective parks. Efteling in the Netherlands excels with an impressive roster including Symbolica, Droomvlucht, Fata Morgana and the 2024 Danse Macabre.
Other notable examples include Scooby-Doo – The Museum of Mysteries at Warner Bros World, Abu Dhabi, and nostalgic classics like Calico Mine Ride at Knotts Berry Farm in the US.
What makes a great dark ride?
So, what makes a great dark ride? Impressive, immersive sets, great storytelling, expert use of character and IP, wild ride technology, wacky storylines (we're looking at you, Madame Freudenreich Curiosités at Europa-Park), or just some good old-fashioned nostalgia?
While we may not have the biggest or most expensive dark rides on our little island, we have some impressive, unique and well-loved classics.
Before Mark Lofthouse (attractions creative expert and Theme Park Academy podcast host) and I get into our favourites, a big disclaimer: This may be a subjective topic, and part of the fun can be debating your favourite attractions.
We’ll share some of the ones we consider the best, and why, but your experiences, memories and preferences may be different.
So, without further ado, here are our picks for ten standout dark rides in the UK, updated for 2026.
Top dark rides in the UK
1.Hex – The Legend of the Towers, Alton Towers Resort: unique location and local legend
At the heart of Alton Towers Resort in the Staffordshire countryside are the iconic Towers ruins, setting the backdrop for arguably one of the most beautiful theme parks in the world.
Hex – The Legend of the Towers begins as a walk-through attraction within the ruins themselves, immersing guests in the local legend of the 15th Earl of Shrewsbury and the curse of a chained oak tree.
An expertly crafted storyline takes guests on a journey through the Towers and finally leads them into a secret vault to witness experiments on a fallen branch aimed at breaking the curse.
Since opening in 2000, this attraction has built a fan following amongst guests. No cardboard cutouts are required here - with its unparalleled setting and embracing of local legend, this is one attraction that could only be brought to life at Alton Towers.
2.Ghostly Manor, Paulton’s Park: interactive gameplay for the whole family
Paulton’s Park has been on a phenomenal growth journey since the opening of Peppa Pig World back in 2011.
New rides have been strategically added, including the Lost Kingdom land with two new Vekoma roller coasters, and the 2020 Tornado Springs area, featuring eight new rides, one of which is a Mack Rides spinning coaster.
Additions have been curated and carefully integrated to protect the guest experience, which Paulton’s have become known for.
But one genre had been notably missing from the offer: the dark ride.
In 2025, Paulton’s fixed this with the opening of Ghostly Manor. Leveraging the Mack Rides and Lagotronics Gameplay Theatre ride system, this attraction offers nearly 4 minutes of family fun in a relatively small footprint (by reusing an old 4D cinema building).
Meticulous attention has been given to landscaping and theming, from the moment families enter the Manor’s eerie gardens all the way through to boarding the 4-seater ride vehicles that take you on your tour.
The ride itself balances physical sets and impressive animatronics with screen-based ghost-blasting gameplay. Smells, sounds and movement all work together to cement this as a worthy addition to Paulton’s.
And if further confirmation is needed that this ride is worthy of inclusion in our top 10, the children pulling on parents’ arms and asking to go round again is surely a good sign!
If Ghostly Manor is anything to go by, we can’t wait to see what Paulton’s have in store with their new area opening later this year – Valgard: Realm of the Vikings. (Will their new roller coaster, Drakon, make our top coasters list?)
3.The Curse at Alton Manor, Alton Towers Resort: the classic haunted house, reimagined
Buried deep in the park’s woodland, The Haunted House at Alton Towers originally opened in 1992, fronted by an impressive façade hiding the large show building (and one of Europe’s largest haunted attractions at the time).
Immediately popular, the attraction ran until 2002, when it was refurbished and reopened as Duel – The Haunted House Strikes Back! to include a light-gun gaming element.
But in 2023, the dark ride was reinvented as The Curse at Alton Manor, adding a brand-new, darker storyline, centred around Emily Alton, her terrible past, and the evil now filling the house where she was kept silent by her parents for years.
The creative teams worked magic, adding new effects (including Pepper’s Ghost, lots of tech upgrades and new large-scale set pieces), truly reimagining the ride as the best haunted house in the UK.
Unfortunately, 2025 saw changes to entertainment at Alton Towers, including scaling back the presence of roaming actors in front of the attraction and the grave diggers in the smoke-filled woodland graveyard queue line. It's a shame, as these elements turned the whole ‘Gloomy Wood’ area into an attraction that could be enjoyed by riders and non-riders alike.
Bonus marks, however, for dressing up The Curse festively for inclusion in Alton Towers Resort’s Christmas event. A great example of tweaking the offer and making it relevant for different seasons.
4.Valhalla, Pleasure Beach Resort, Blackpool: impressive use of (excessive!) water
Another attraction that debuted in 2000 was Valhalla at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
Conceived as a replacement for the treasured former Fun House attraction, at a cost of £15 million, the aim was to create one of the world’s most impressive water dark ride attractions.
Leveraging a 3-drop ride system from Intamin, a huge, themed show building, and (at least originally) a multitude of snow, water, lightning, ice and fire effects – this attraction is a spectacle. Viking longships transport guests on their journey, with sound, lighting, and show scenes that bring the Valhalla story to life.
Arguably (and ironically for a water ride), the one big drawback of Valhalla is the amount of water involved.
Located in the northern seaside town of Blackpool, not known for its tropical climates, Valhalla is a ‘one-ride-at-the-end-of-the-day’ type situation for many. A shame that different water level modes were not built into the attraction’s design.
That said, this attraction is highly regarded as one of the best dark water rides in the world, and certainly the best in the UK. A celebrated, thrilling, immersive attraction, with the highlight for many being the spectacular ‘ring of fire’ finale.
Well worth the drenching.
5.The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure, Chessington World of Adventures: bringing to life a beloved IP franchise
This one is perhaps a controversial choice, given the love felt for the original Prof. Burp’s Bubble Works attraction at Chessington.
Based on Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler’s popular British children’s book, The Gruffalo River Ride takes guests on a journey into the dark, dark wood to meet familiar characters, see the humorous story come to life, and, of course, come face to face with the Gruffalo.
Blending true-to-story set pieces, screen-based animation, water and smoke effects, and the sounds and smells of the Gruffalo, this attraction engages all the senses to appeal to most Chessington audiences.
Gruffalo River Ride is a great example of effective IP use in an attraction setting, too. Not only is it a great fit between the IP and intended audience, but it is brought to life in a way that delights and meets guests’ expectations of an encounter with their favourite characters (it’s not just a brand slap).
Whilst on the topic of IP-based dark rides, another strong contender is Wallace & Gromit’s Thrill-O-Matic at Pleasure Beach, Blackpool.
With Wallace & Gromit being from Lancashire, Blackpool is perhaps the perfect holiday destination for the pair.
Similar to Gruffalo, this attraction brings new life to an older ride system (the Gold Mine). But, uniquely, guests now sit in one of Wallace’s slippers to witness some of the duo’s daring inventions and scenes from the much-loved animation series.
2025 saw the updating of Wallace & Gromit Thrill-O-Matic with additional scenes from the sixth instalment of the franchise, Vengeance Most Fowl, proving a really smart way to inject some newness into the 2013 attraction and giving the park something new to talk about and guests to enjoy.
Further bonus marks to Blackpool Pleasure Beach for some great retail products that guests can purchase to remember their adventure.
6.Flight of the Sky Lion, Legoland Windsor: a bespoke Lego story on an unprecedented scale
Nearly 700,000 Lego bricks make up the huge model of Maximus the Sky Lion, which proudly stands guard over the dark-ride show building.
Created by kids, for kids, the land of Mythica is a Lego theme led by the parks, and brings to life mythical creatures for adventures across multiple Legoland attractions globally.
Flight of the Sky Lion at Legoland Windsor is the UK’s first flying theatre attraction, featuring an impressive ride system by Brogent, an original soundtrack by IMAscore, and bespoke characters, story, and content designed specifically to bring this attraction to life.
Watching the reactions of families coming off this attraction, it’s an experience clearly deserving of its place in the top dark rides list (and we challenge anyone not to take a selfie with Maximus!).
7.The Ghost Train, Pleasure Beach, Blackpool: the ultimate spooky seaside nostalgia trip
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is renowned for its captivating blend of modern white-knuckle rides and beautifully preserved treasures from the golden age of amusement parks. Among these timeless examples, the open-stationed, skeleton-adorned, classic Ghost Train stands out.
Creepy 2-seater carriages take guests on a fright-filled journey, blending traditional scares and sounds with newer effects added during various refurbishments.
Partway through, riders pop out over the entrance area, navigating hairpin turns and a small drop. Each time guests appear, the banging of the Ghost House doors and the blaring of claxons draw the attention of giggling onlookers and add atmosphere to the surrounding area.
Originally opening in 1930, The Ghost Train remains a cherished attraction, providing spooky (not-so-serious) thrills to generations of visitors with its cartoon ghosts and exaggerated scares. Sometimes the classics are the best.
8.The Time Ride, Jorvik, York: transforming the museum experience
Image credit C Coates
No other attraction in the UK is as famously foul-smelling and beloved as Jorvik's The Time Ride. Visitors can’t get enough of its pungent authenticity! This immersive experience is a masterful blend of dark ride, sensory adventure, and historical education.
The Westlakes Engineering Time Ride takes guests on a captivating 15-minute journey through a meticulously recreated Viking village. Suspended time-travel vehicles transport riders while a compelling voiceover narrates the story of the Vikings’ profound influence on York’s history.
What sets this attraction apart is its ability to transform the traditional museum visit into something truly dynamic and unforgettable.
By engaging multiple senses, it ensures visitors not only enjoy the experience but also retain what they’ve learned. Most notably, its innovative use of scent elevates the storytelling to a whole new level - you can almost still smell the Viking village long after leaving.
It’s a ride that sticks with you in every way!
9.Shipyard Ride, Titanic Experience, Belfast: Titanic storytelling with spectacular scale set pieces
Situated on the very dock where the Titanic was designed, built, and launched, the Titanic Belfast Museum is an extraordinary and deeply humbling tribute to one of history's most iconic maritime tragedies.
For over 110 years, the story of the Titanic has captivated the world - and this world-class museum honours that legacy in unforgettable ways.
Among its many highlights is the incredible Shipyard Ride - a surprising gem that brings the scale and ambition of the Titanic to life through a unique dark ride experience.
The attraction immerses guests in the ship’s construction, simulating a flight through the Titanic’s vast hull as it was being built. Combining cutting-edge multimedia, atmospheric effects, and jaw-dropping sets, the ride offers an unparalleled perspective on the ship’s creation.
The vehicles, designed by WGH Transportation (later acquired by Stage One), a British engineering company known for projects like The Dragon at Legoland Windsor and Rhombus Rocket at Adventure Island, are technological marvels.
They travel along a suspended track, rotating, raising, and lowering with precision scissor-lift technology to give riders a true sense of the Titanic’s monumental scale. Standing at an impressive 4.5 meters tall, the ride’s sets are a breathtaking recreation of the shipyard experience.
No other attraction in the UK offers this level of immersive storytelling and spectacle. The Shipyard Ride is a must-see, guaranteed to leave visitors in awe of the Titanic's grandeur and the ambition it took to bring it to life.
10.The Spirit of London, Madame Tussauds, London: celebrating location - the ultimate cab ride
Tucked away within the world-famous Madame Tussauds London lies a hidden gem that has enchanted visitors since 1993: The Spirit of London.
More than just a dark ride, it’s an iconic attraction that takes guests on a captivating journey through the history of the UK’s capital, blending storytelling, nostalgia, and charm.
Board a classic black cab and set off on a time-travel adventure through London's rich past. From the grandeur of Elizabethan England to the devastation of the Great Fire, the ride showcases pivotal moments that shaped the city.
With a mix of animatronics, detailed sets, and atmospheric lighting, every scene feels like stepping into a living storybook.
What makes The Spirit of London truly iconic is its seamless ability to entertain and educate. The ride is a masterclass in immersive design, capturing the spirit of London through its most defining eras - whether it’s the Industrial Revolution, the swinging 60s, or the vibrant multicultural city it is today.
The attention to detail is extraordinary, with each scene brimming with historical touches, iconic figures, and even a touch of humour for good measure.
As your cab glides through cobblestone streets and past famous landmarks, you can’t help but feel transported by the ride’s atmosphere and charm.
In a city packed with attractions, The Spirit of London stands out as a timeless classic, a love letter to the vibrant and storied history of one of the greatest cities in the world.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a London local, this ride captures the magic of the capital in a way that’s simply unforgettable.
What will the future bring?
So, there we have it – ten of the UK’s best dark rides, showcasing some of the best sense-sational, storytelling, technologically impressive, nostalgia-fuelled and IP-led experiences on these shores.
But is the best still to come?
We’ve been teased by Chessington World of Adventures about a Minecraft area it is planning, which is expected in 2027; Blackpool has announced it is working on updates to the beloved River Caves attraction; and rumours continue to swirl around whether Drayton Manor will eventually surprise us with a reimagining of the Pirate Adventure ride.
Then, of course, it’s exciting to think what Universal may bring in terms of the ultimate dark ride experiences if the UK park continues to develop as planned.
It’s going to be an exciting time for dark ride fans here and across the globe.
Mark Lofthouse was a contributing author to this article.
With 17 years in diverse roles across the attractions industry and a lifetime as a theme park enthusiast, Lofthouse is senior manager of business development for RWS Global. Alongside this, he’s the co-host of the Theme Park Academy podcast and runs his own design and creative business, Neon Skull.
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