ROCK OUT
The Welsh quarry with a one-of-a-kind rollercoaster that’s ‘perfect for adrenaline junkies’
Plus, the rides and attractions opening in the UK this year
QUARRIES aren't typically a place you would often consider to be a tourist destination
However, there's one in the UK that's home to a one-of-a-kind rollercoaster, as well as other popular attractions.
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Penrhyn Quarry in Wales is home to Zip World, where the UK's first zipline rollercoaster can be found.
The Aero Explorer ride opened last year and offers thrill-seekers a "high-speed journey across the quarry" like no other.
An overhead track is connected to a harness on the rider, which enables them to glide around as if they're on a rollercoaster.
The track is found high above the quarry, offering views of the landscape as people fly around connected to the circuit above.
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Riders move at speeds of up to 30mph while zipping through the 400m track, which has three loops as well as plenty of other twists and turns.
The website promises: "As you go, you'll soar above the rugged terrain, taking in breathtaking views of the quarry landscape.
"Whether you're an experienced thrill-seeker or a first-time adventurer, this new experience will surely leave you feeling exhilarated and energised.
"This exciting experience is perfect for adrenaline junkies who crave excitement."
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Since opening, the ride has become popular and has even won over people afraid of such experiences.
One wrote on TripAdvisor: "Fantastic experience on the aero explorer at zip world. I hate heights but thoroughly enjoyed this."
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Another said: "As a family we booked to go on the Aero Explorer. Our experience was amazing and I for one thoroughly enjoyed every second of it! Well worth it!"
A third added: "Loved it from start to finish and the staff were brilliant with us. We laughed and screamed on the AeroExplorer and all came off smiling."
Aero Explorer isn't the only attraction for guests to have a go on either, with Velocity zipping riders right over Penrhyn Quarry at speeds of up to and over 100mph in front of Snowdonia.
For those who aren't interested in travelling quite so quickly, the Quarry Flyer offers a less adrenaline-fuelled ride, while Quarry Karts provides the UK’s only mountain cart experience.
Five theme park tips to get the most out of your visit
- Go to the back of the theme park first. Rides at the front will have the longest queues as soon as it opens.
- Go on water rides in the middle of the day in the summer - this will cool you off when the sun is at its hottest.
- Download the park's app to track which rides have the shortest queues.
- Visit on your birthday, as some parks give out "birthday badges" that can get you freebies.
- If it rains, contact the park as you may get a free ticket to return depending on how much it rained.
Drivers travel on three-wheeled karts down an obstacle-filled 3 kilometre slate track.
Zip World also has locations throughout Wales and elsewhere in the UK, including in Manchester and Windermere.
A ride on the Aero Explorer is available from £27.
There are also several rides and attractions opening at the UK this year.
Hyperia
The fastest and tallest rollercoaster in the UK is set to launch at Thorpe Park later this year.
The final pieces of track have been fitted and work is now being done to get the ride into working order to thrill visitors to the theme park.
Once up and running, it will be a record breaking coaster for the theme park.
Minifigure Speedway
Legoland Windsor is set to launch its new duelling rollercoaster in which riders will join teams and race against one another.
Images of the ride's construction emerged at the end of last year, with the new attraction being built where the former Raft Racers ride was before it closed in 2022.
Nemesis Reborn
Alton Towers' iconic rollercoaster Nemesis is set to reopen after closing for refurbishment at the end of 2022.
It's been given a lick of paint and had its track and cars upgraded.
Earlier this year, it was announced that the ride would be reopening under the name Nemesis Reborn.
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Meanwhile, this new football attraction backed by Rio Ferdinand is set to open in the UK later this year.
And these new attractions and resorts are also set to be launched in 2024.
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