Celebrate National Rollercoaster Day 2026 with Merlin Entertainments
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Merlin Entertainments is inviting thrill-seekers, families and friends to celebrate National Rollercoaster Day 2026 with unforgettable rides, new attractions and summer savings across its UK theme parks.
With the summer holidays in full swing, Merlin Entertainments is preparing for a nationwide celebration of National Rollercoaster Day on Sunday 16 August 2026, inviting visitors to enjoy a day packed with adrenaline, laughter and unforgettable memories.
Across Thorpe Park, Alton Towers Resort, Chessington World of Adventures Resort and LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, guests can experience some of the UK’s most exciting rollercoasters and family attractions – from record-breaking thrill rides to first coaster adventures for younger visitors.
As one of the world’s leading theme park operators, Merlin Entertainments creates experiences for millions of guests every year, offering everything from bucket-list rides for thrill-seekers to magical family days out designed to be remembered long after the final drop.
Where to celebrate National Rollercoaster Day
Thorpe Park: home of record-breaking thrills
Located around an hour from London Waterloo by train, Thorpe Park remains a must-visit destination for coaster fans looking for high-speed adventures.
Guests can take on Hyperia, the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster, or experience Stealth’s explosive launch from 0-80mph in just 1.8 seconds. The park is also home to iconic rides including THE SWARM, SAW – The Ride and Nemesis Inferno.
With National Rollercoaster Day taking place shortly after A Level results day, Thorpe Park’s Student Day Passes from £22.75 provide the perfect opportunity for students and school leavers to celebrate exam results and enjoy the final weeks of summer together.
Alton Towers Resort: legendary rides and new adventures
For coaster enthusiasts, Alton Towers Resort offers some of the UK’s most famous rides, including Nemesis Reborn, Oblivion and The Smiler – the world’s first 14-loop rollercoaster.
Speed lovers can take on Rita, which launches riders from 0-100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds, while families visiting in 2026 can discover the new Bluey the Ride: Here Come the Grannies! in CBeebies Land.
With a mix of world-class thrills and family-friendly attractions, Alton Towers Resort continues to be a favourite destination for rollercoaster fans of all ages.
Chessington World of Adventures Resort: family thrills for all ages
Just 35 minutes from London Waterloo by direct train, Chessington World of Adventures Resort is the ideal place for families looking to introduce younger visitors to the excitement of rollercoasters.
Alongside classic favourites such as Vampire and the world’s only Jumanji-themed coaster, Mandrill Mayhem, guests can explore the UK’s first World of PAW Patrol land, new for 2026.
Featuring four PAW Patrol-inspired rides, the new area gives younger adventurers the chance to enjoy their first coaster experience on Chase’s Mountain Mission.
LEGOLAND Windsor Resort: where future coaster fans begin
Less than an hour from London Waterloo, LEGOLAND Windsor Resort offers the perfect introduction to theme park thrills for younger riders.
Families can race forwards and backwards on Minifigure Speedway, soar through the treetops on The Dragon, take part in an interactive adventure on LEGO NINJAGO The Ride and experience Flight of the Sky Lion, the UK’s first flying theatre.
From gentle rides to immersive LEGO adventures, the resort gives budding thrill-seekers the chance to discover the excitement of theme parks.
Summer savings make family days out even better
Visitors planning a summer adventure can also take advantage of Merlin Entertainments’ Great British Summer Saving scheme, which offers reduced VAT rates on admission tickets at attractions nationwide until 1 September 2026.
The offer provides families with even more value when planning days out and short breaks at Merlin Entertainments’ 20 UK attractions, helping guests enjoy more fun, more experiences and more memorable moments this summer.
Day tickets for Thorpe Park, Alton Towers Resort, Chessington World of Adventures Resort and LEGOLAND Windsor Resort start from £34.13 with Summer VAT savings applied.
Children under 0.9 metres receive free entry at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, LEGOLAND Windsor Resort and Alton Towers Resort, while children under 1.2 metres go free at Thorpe Park.
Whether it is a first rollercoaster ride, a record-breaking challenge or a family adventure, National Rollercoaster Day 2026 is the perfect excuse to plan a visit and create unforgettable summer memories.
Visitors are encouraged to book early to secure their preferred dates:
- Thorpe Park tickets: https://www.thorpepark.com/tickets-passes/
- Alton Towers Resort tickets: https://www.altontowers.com/tickets-passes/
- Chessington World of Adventures Resort tickets: https://www.chessington.com/tickets-passes/
- LEGOLAND Windsor Resort tickets: https://www.legoland.co.uk/tickets-passes/
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