Alton Towers to close ‘fan favourite’ ride after 44 years

Fans are gutted

The theme park's The Blade first opened in 1980 as the Pirate Ship, however, the theme park has confirmed it has now closed for good and shall not return next year.

Instead, it will be replaced by a new ride called the Forbidden Valley, which will open next year.

An Alton Towers spokesperson told local media that they were 'making changes to its rides and attractions line up'.

They said: "Reaching the end of its technical life, the Resort will bid farewell to its current oldest ride, The Blade, with it being retired after 44 years of operation."

The Blade opened 44 years ago but was renamed in 1997 when it was relocated to the Forbidden Valley.

It is thought that as many as 500,000 people use the ride each year.

The website says: "As it swings through the air, back and forth, The Blade reaches a zero gravity moment.

"Float free from your seat and leave your stomach floating somewhere above you.

"As it flies back and forth, this pendulum swing reaches near-vertical angles."

Fans were gutted by the announcement as many claimed it was their favourite ride.

One fan said: "The blade will always be the legend pirate ship, this will be missed greatly."

Another said: "Blade is a family favourite of ours, its such a shame it will be going."

The Blade is not the only ride to have closed for good, earlier this year the Alton Towers Dungeon closed and announced it would not reopen in 2025.

The spokesperson continued: "Evaluating our line-up of attractions is an ongoing process that occurs at the end of each theme park season, with continued reinvestment in our world-class rides and attractions always front and centre as we look to deliver fantabulous memories to everyone that visits our Resort.

"With the Phalanx having maxed out the potential of its swinging blade, they are committed to bringing a new weapon to Forbidden Valley ready for 2025."

Flavio's Fabulous Fandango - an attraction in The World of David Walliams - is also closing.

A brand new 60ft ride is set to open at the theme park as part of Alton Towers' Project Ocean, in place of the existing Funk n Fly ride.

The park is now closed for the season and will reopen in March 2025 although it will open for some festive events including Magical Days Out and Santa Sleepovers.