Dark rides have taken the UK by storm this year. The Curse at Alton Manor, Ghost Train, Valhalla and Nemesis Sub Terra have all opened this year reigniting the countries love for the simple dark ride, but with so many dark rides in the Merlin parks alone, what ones are the best. Well below is our list of our top 5 Merlin dark rides in the UK
Starting in 5th place we have The Spirit of London at Madame Tussaud's. Opening in 1993, this omnimover style dark ride tells the story of London. The moment you step into the little black cabs you are whisked away on a journey deep into the history of London. From William Shakespeare to war torn London tonthe rocking 1960s, it's all celebrated in this dark ride using highly detailed sets and music to tell the stories. You can't help but immersive your senses in the experience and it's up there as one of the most detailed dark rides in the country.
In at 4 we have Haunted House Monster Party at Legoland. Windsor. This Vekoma madhouse opened in 2019 after the original plans for a drop tower were rejected by the local council. The ride is completely family friendly and whilst it's got a spooky facade and spooky themed characters, it's nothing but fun fun fun as you party yourself upside down. It's just a silly ride that's a lot of fun and just brings a smile to your face.
We have now entered the top three with 3rd place going to Flight of the Sky Lion at Legoland Windsor. The UKs first flying theatre opened in 2021 as part of the parks Mythica area. Riders are taken of a fantastical journey by Maximus to explore the world of Mythica. It's such a gorgeous ride experience and one that has to be ridden to be believed.
In second place of our top 5 we have Nemesis Sub Terra at Alton Towers. Originally opening in 2012 this indoor drop ride introduced fans to more about the Nemesis legend in a cleverly done story driven attraction which ended in a mini scare maze (which of course we love). Sadly the ride closed in 2015 and the building was used for the Project 42 scare maze. In 2023, after was was probably the worst kept secret in theme park history, the ride made a triumphant return to the parks line up giving it a second chance to show guests what lurks underground.
This brings us to our top spot. I'm at number 1 for us is The Curse at Alton Manor at Alton Towers. Originally opening in 1992 as The Haunted House, Gloomy Wood has been home to many incarnations of a dark ride set within the manor walls but it's latest creation The Curse at Alton Manor truly is a love story to both the history of the building and to fans of the park. Combining great sets with a fantastic story and some fabulously timed scares, the attraction really comes together to create something magical for all ages. It's just got old school meets new school vibes and we can't get enough of it.
So there you have it. Did we miss your favourite? Obviously honourable mentions go to the rest of dark rides at Merlin parks but these are our personal top 5. We'd love to hear your thoughts. Let us know but sharing your thoughts in our comments!