Rollercoaster fans are being invited to celebrate National Rollercoaster Day on Sunday 16 August 2026 with unforgettable rides, record-breaking attractions and summer savings across some of the UK’s biggest theme parks.
From adrenaline-fuelled coasters at Thorpe Park to family adventures at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, Alton Towers Resort and Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Merlin Entertainments is encouraging families, students and thrillseekers to make the most of the summer holidays.
Thanks to the Great British Summer Saving Scheme, visitors can also enjoy reduced admission prices at Merlin’s UK attractions until 1 September 2026, with day tickets starting from just £34.13.
Thorpe Park: Home of the UK’s Tallest and Fastest Rollercoaster
Located just an hour from London Waterloo by train, Thorpe Park remains one of the UK’s ultimate destinations for thrillseekers.
The park is home to Hyperia, the UK’s tallest, fastest and most weightless rollercoaster, alongside some of Britain’s most iconic rides including Stealth, which launches riders from 0-80mph in just 1.8 seconds, as well as THE SWARM, SAW – The Ride and Nemesis Inferno.
With National Rollercoaster Day taking place shortly after A-Level results day, students can also celebrate the end of exams with Thorpe Park Student Day Passes from £22.75, making it an ideal summer day out for school leavers and university students.
Visitors can plan their trip through Thorpe Park tickets and passes.
Alton Towers: Legendary Coasters and New 2026 Attractions
For coaster enthusiasts, Alton Towers Resort continues to be a must-visit destination.
The Staffordshire theme park is home to legendary rides including Nemesis Reborn, Oblivion and The Smiler, the world’s first 14-loop rollercoaster. Visitors looking for speed can also experience Rita, which launches riders from 0-100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds.
Families visiting in 2026 can also discover the brand-new Bluey the Ride: Here Come the Grannies! in CBeebies Land, bringing the popular children’s series to life with a fun-filled attraction for younger guests.
Tickets are available via Alton Towers tickets and passes.
Chessington World of Adventures: Family Thrills and PAW Patrol Fun
For families introducing younger visitors to the world of rollercoasters, Chessington World of Adventures Resort offers the perfect combination of rides, wildlife and entertainment.
Just 35 minutes from London Waterloo by direct train, Chessington features iconic attractions including the spooky Vampire rollercoaster and the world’s only Jumanji-themed coaster, Mandrill Mayhem.
New for 2026, guests can explore the UK’s first World of PAW Patrol land, featuring four themed rides including the beginner-friendly coaster Chase’s Mountain Mission.
Visitors can book their adventure through Chessington tickets and passes.
LEGOLAND Windsor: Perfect for Future Rollercoaster Fans
Younger thrillseekers can celebrate National Rollercoaster Day at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, where families can enjoy LEGO-themed rides, attractions and interactive experiences.
Guests can race forwards and backwards on Minifigure Speedway, journey through the treetops on The Dragon, experience LEGO NINJAGO The Ride, and take flight on the UK’s first flying theatre, Flight of the Sky Lion.
With more than 80 million LEGO bricks across 150 acres of parkland, LEGOLAND Windsor offers a family-friendly introduction to the world of theme parks.
Tickets can be purchased via LEGOLAND Windsor tickets and passes.
Save on Summer Days Out with Merlin Entertainments
The Great British Summer Saving Scheme is helping families enjoy more affordable days out this summer, with reduced VAT rates applied to eligible attraction admission tickets until 1 September 2026.
Across Merlin Entertainments’ UK attractions, guests can enjoy exciting rides, immersive experiences and unforgettable memories at reduced prices.
Day tickets for the four featured theme parks start from £34.13, with free entry available for younger children at selected parks:
- Children under 0.9 metres receive free entry at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, LEGOLAND Windsor Resort and Alton Towers Resort.
- Children under 1.2 metres receive free entry at Thorpe Park.
Whether you are chasing record-breaking drops, celebrating exam results or planning a family summer adventure, National Rollercoaster Day 2026 is the perfect excuse to experience the UK’s biggest theme park thrills.
For more information about Merlin Entertainments, visit Merlin Entertainments official website.
