FactFile

  Opened - 1980
  Manufacturer - Vekoma
  Length - 750 Metres
  Weight - 350 Tonnes
  Height - 23 Metres
  Duration - 90 seconds
  Capacity per train - 24
  Capacity per hour - 12000
  Speed - 65kmph
  Height Restrictions - Click here!

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The Corkscrew was installed in 1980 by John Broome, at the time it was Alton Towers biggest ride and Europe’s first double 'corkscrew coaster'. For years it sat un-themed in Festival Park, until Ug Land opened in 1999. When it was re-themed, not much was done to the ride, the cars were painted, the queue was diverted and the surroundings were re-themed. In 2005 and because of Rita - Queen Of Speed opening right next to it, Corkscrew had a new paint job, still yellow! and the queue lines were yet again moved and now intertwine with Rita's. The new entrance to Corkscrew is now down the far end of Ug Land.

The ride starts with a slow climbing lift hill, this is painted green for camouflage issues. Once at the top the red carriages turn around 180 degrees in a small dip. After another drop and turn the carriages are put through 2 corkscrews in a row, turning riders upside down twice. A flash of photography and then several helixes and turns leads the ride into the brakes and back to the station.

The ride is quite rough and you may just regret going it, some say because of its age it should be removed, whilst others argue that it was the Corkscrew that started off Alton Towers so it should be kept. The ride now has on-ride photography which can be purchased on exit of the ride.