I’ve been coming to Thorpe Park for 20 years but The Swarm is a new high in theme park thrills

GROWING up just 30 minutes from Thorpe Park Resort, I would go at least once a year as a child. 

Now, as an adult, it is just as fun.

I remember the buzz and the excitement of the world’s first ten-loop rollercoaster, Colossus, opening at the Surrey theme park 20 years ago.

And no matter how many times I’ve been on Colossus since, it doesn’t get any less thrilling.

Since then Thorpe Park Resort has added to its coaster collection, opening Nemesis, Stealth, Saw: The Ride and The Swarm, its most recent addition in 2012.

While Colossus throws you around all over the place, The Swarm — the UK’s only winged rollercoaster — feels like you are gliding through the air. But don’t let that fool you.

On the ride, based on the end of the world, you feel dangerously close to the debris on either side. You may even get a bit wet sat in the end seats.

And, of course, Thorpe Park Resort has all the usual attractions for those who aren’t great with going upside-down, like the tea cups and Tidal Wave, a water ride designed to get you as wet as possible.

Despite all my earlier visits, I had never seen the park quite like I did this year, 127ft up at the top of The Swarm.

It was news to me but once the park closes and the rides come to a halt, you can do a VIP Coaster Climb and be guided up the rollercoaster’s 180 steps — strapped into a harness, of course — to the very top.

From here, not only do you get incredible panoramic views across Thorpe Park Resort, you can also see out across the surrounding Surrey country-side and even — on a good weather day, like I had — all the way over to Windsor Castle and London’s skyline, including the Shard.

I would definitely recommend going to Thorpe Park Resort. If you are anything like me, you will want to return every year.

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