TH13TEEN at Alton Towers is a groundbreaking rollercoaster that redefines the thrill experience. Located in the eerie Dark Forest area, this Intamin creation was the world’s first rollercoaster to feature a vertical freefall drop section.
The ride takes you on a journey through the mysterious Dark Forest, where ancient trees and mystical forces surround you. As you climb the 25m lift hill, you’ll feel the anticipation building before plunging into the darkness below.
What makes TH13TEEN truly unique is its unexpected surprise element. Just when you think the ride is over, you’re suddenly dropped into a deep underground cavern in a heart-stopping freefall section that defies gravity and expectation.
The ride’s name, TH13TEEN, hints at its dark theme – the number 13 has long been associated with bad luck and witchcraft in Dark Forest folklore. The entire experience is designed to keep you guessing, with twists and turns that appear out of nowhere.
Since opening in 2010, TH13TEEN has become one of Alton Towers’ most popular attractions, offering a perfect blend of family-friendly thrills and genuine terror.

TH13TEEN
๐ข Ride Overview
TH13TEEN is a groundbreaking rollercoaster that redefines the thrill experience at Alton Towers. Located in the eerie Dark Forest area, this Intamin creation was the world's first rollercoaster to feature a vertical freefall drop section.
The ride takes you on a journey through the mysterious Dark Forest, where ancient trees and mystical forces surround you. As you climb the 25m lift hill, you'll feel the anticipation building before plunging into the darkness below.
What makes TH13TEEN truly unique is its unexpected surprise element. Just when you think the ride is over, you're suddenly dropped into a deep underground cavern in a heart-stopping freefall section that defies gravity and expectation. The 18m freefall is controlled by magnetic brakes, making it both thrilling and incredibly smooth.
The ride's name, TH13TEEN, hints at its dark theme โ the number 13 has long been associated with bad luck and witchcraft in Dark Forest folklore. The entire experience is designed to keep you guessing, with twists and turns that appear out of nowhere. The ride features a backwards section that adds to the element of surprise.
Since opening in 2010, TH13TEEN has become one of Alton Towers' most popular attractions, offering a perfect blend of family-friendly thrills and genuine terror. It's the perfect bridge between family rides and extreme coasters.
๐ก Did You Know?
๐ฌ Video Experience
Experience the thrill of TH13TEEN โ the world's first vertical freefall drop rollercoaster!
๐ฏ Key Highlights
- World's first vertical freefall drop section on a rollercoaster
- 18m freefall controlled by magnetic brakes
- Immersive Dark Forest theming
- Backwards section adds element of surprise
- Family-friendly thrills with 1.2m height restriction
- Award-winning design and theming
๐ Historical Queue Data
Typical Wait Times for TH13TEEN
Insufficient data for accurate analysis
๐ More data needed for historical insights.
๐ Our Verdict
TH13TEEN is a brilliantly executed rollercoaster that delivers exactly what it promises โ surprise, thrill, and genuine fun. The freefall drop section is genuinely unexpected and catches riders off guard every single time.
It's the perfect bridge between family rides and extreme coasters, offering enough excitement for thrill-seekers while remaining accessible to younger visitors. The theming is superb, with the Dark Forest creating an atmospheric setting that builds anticipation from the moment you enter the queue.
While it might not have the inversions of The Smiler or the speed of Rita, TH13TEEN offers a unique experience that you simply won't find anywhere else. The surprise element alone makes it worth the visit.
For first-time visitors to Alton Towers, TH13TEEN is an essential ride that showcases the park's commitment to innovation and immersive experiences. It's a must-ride for anyone visiting the park.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
๐ก Pro Tips
- โฐ Best time to ride: ๐ Late afternoon - shorter
- ๐ Ride in the back row for the most intense freefall experience
- ๐ Keep your eyes open to catch the surprise element
- ๐ฑ Download the Alton Towers app for real-time queue updates
- ๐ง๏ธ Ride in light rain for an even more intense experience
๐ Location
Area: Dark Forest
Nearby: Rita (Queen of Speed)
Explore More:
๐ Ride Statistics
- Duration: 1 min 30 sec
- Capacity: 950 riders/hour
- Height Restriction: 1.2m
- Type: Freefall Drop Coaster
- Manufacturer: Intamin
- Opened: 2010
- Drop Height: 18m
๐ Best Days to Visit
More data needed for accurate recommendations.
๐ซ Book Your Visit
Save time and money by booking your Alton Towers tickets in advance.
- โ Over 40 rides and attractions
- โ Children under 90cm go free
- โ Pre-book to guarantee entry
- โ Best price guaranteed when booked online
