by Graham Speak, Speak Consulting, with Mark Lofthouse, RWS Global
Dark rides are a critical part of a theme park and attraction offering. Whilst they may not take you as high or fast as the roller coasters, smell as good as the freshly made doughnuts, or make for the same photo opportunities as character meets – they are a much-loved part of a memorable day out. Often appealing to a broad demographic of visitors, they also provide some cover from the cold and wet weather – perhaps essential for the UK market!
Often considered the leaders in the dark ride game, Universal and Disney spend billions continuing to push the envelope on what is possible – from the various iterations of Pirates of the Caribbean at the Disney parks to the highly acclaimed Jurassic World Adventure at Universal Studios Beijing, to the soon-to-open Harry Potter Ministry of Magic attraction at Epic Universe in Orlando – which promises to blow minds with its scale, story and technology, genuinely taking you to new worlds in ways never seen before.
It’s not all Universal and Disney, though – across the globe are great examples of dark rides that are often stand-out attractions in their respective parks: Symbolica, Droomvlucht and newly-opened Danse Macabre at Efteling in The Netherlands, 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, 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. Here is a big disclaimer before Mark Lofthouse and I get into our favourites. This may be a subjective topic; 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 differ!
So, without further ado, here are our picks for ten standout dark rides in the UK
Top dark rides in the UK
Hex – The Legend of the Towers at 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 to break 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.
Valhalla at 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 three-drop ride system from Intamin, a vast, 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, which is not known for its tropical climates, Valhalla is a ‘one-ride-at-the-end-of-the-day’ type of situation for many. A shame that different water level modes were not built into the attraction’s design.
That said, this attraction is regarded as one of the best dark water rides in the world and certainly the best in the UK. A celebrated, thrilling, immersive attraction – the highlight for many is the spectacular ‘ring of fire’ finale. It’s well worth the drenching.
The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure at Chessington World of Adventures: bringing a beloved IP franchise to life
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, along with the sounds and smells of the Gruffalo, this attraction works all the senses to appeal to most Chessington audiences.
Gruffalo River Ride is also an excellent example of effective IP use in an attraction setting. Not only is it a great fit between the IP and the intended audience, but it is also 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.
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.
Similarly 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. Bonus marks for great retail products guests can purchase to remember their adventure.
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. It was 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 re-opened as ‘Duel – The Haunted House Strikes Back!’ to include the 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.
Impressively, the story is brought outside the ride, with roaming actors in front of the attraction and a smoke-filled woodland graveyard queue line. Grave digger actors have regularly been seen in the queue digging out new graves and interacting with guests. Retail and F&B have been well-integrated, with bespoke products available and displayed as an extension of the attraction.
Flight of the Sky Lion at Legoland Windsor: a bespoke Lego story on an unprecedented scale
Nearly seven hundred thousand Lego bricks make up the massive model of Maximus the Sky Lion, which stands proud guarding the dark ride show building. Created by kids, for kids, the land of Mythica is a Lego theme led by the parks. It 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, with an impressive ride system by Brogent. It also has an original soundtrack by IMAscore and features bespoke characters, story and content designed to bring this attraction to life.
Watching the reactions of families coming off this attraction, we see that it’s an experience deserving of its place in the top dark rides list (and we challenge anyone not to take a selfie with Maximus).
River Caves at Pleasure Beach, Blackpool: the ultimate 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 classics, few evoke the same charming sense of nostalgia as the River Caves.
This enchanting boat ride carries guests on a serene journey through time and environments. Glide along a winding river to explore the prehistoric era, marvel at the grandeur of ancient Egypt, and soak in the vibrant charm of a jungle-inspired scene, all set within a beautifully atmospheric subterranean environment.
Initially constructed in 1904, the River Caves remains a cherished attraction, delighting generations of visitors with its sense of wonder and exploration. Just remember to keep your hands – and your curiosity – in the boat, as there are whispers of crocodiles lurking in the waters. If you know, you know!
Image credit BLJ90, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Time Ride at Jorvik, York: transforming the museum experience
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.
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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 new level – you can almost still smell the Viking village long after leaving. It’s a ride that sticks with you in every way.
Shipyard Ride at the 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 profoundly 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.
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Among its many highlights is the incredible Shipyard Ride. This is 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.
The Spirit of London at 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 some humour. 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 simply unforgettable way.
Nemesis Sub Terra at Alton Towers: story building with a treasured theme park IP
Hidden in plain sight within Alton Towers’ Forbidden Valley, Nemesis Sub Terra expands the dark mythology of the Nemesis creature, taking guests underground into the secretive world of the Phalanx. This covert organisation is tasked with containing an alien menace. However, as you descend into their high-security facility, it’s clear something has gone terribly wrong.
The experience blends dynamic drop tower technology, cinematic effects, and live elements to immerse you in the chaos of a top-secret operation gone awry. From eerie briefing rooms to ominous underground caverns, the attraction pulls you into a gripping narrative that complements the Nemesis coaster above.
Sub Terra transforms the Forbidden Valley into a fully realised world where thrilling rides and chilling storytelling intertwine. Dare to descend, uncover the truth, and escape – if you can.
Read more about storytelling at Alton Towers here.
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? This year will see the opening of Ghostly Manor at Paultons Park – its first foray into an original dark ride experience. Recently, we’ve been teased by Chessington World of Adventures about a Minecraft area it is planning, expected in 2027.
Of course, Universal will bring some tough competition for the ultimate dark ride experiences if their UK park is confirmed to go ahead over the coming months. It will 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 co-host of the Theme Park Academy podcast and runs his own design and creative business, Neon Skull.
