Oblivion

The first time you see Oblivion, you understand instantly why it's called that - a massive black track plunges vertically into the ground at an angle that makes your stomach flip just looking at it. This is Alton Towers' signature roller coaster, and it's been turning riders upside down since 1998, making it one of Britain's most intense theme park experiences.

What happens is straightforward enough: you're hauled up, suspended over that impossible drop, then released into a barrel roll before plummeting underground through a series of inversions. The whole thing lasts about 90 seconds, but it feels considerably longer when you're upside down in the dark. It's relentless, genuinely thrilling, and absolutely not for the faint-hearted.

Families with older kids and serious thrill-seekers will get the most from this - younger children won't meet the height requirements, and anyone who prefers gentler attractions should give it a wide berth. You're looking at needing a park ticket to Alton Towers itself, and queues can stretch an hour or more during busy periods, so arrive early or book a fast-track pass if you can.

If you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Lower Micklin or Quarry Walk are closest at under three miles - you're well positioned for a day at the theme park. Oblivion won't be everyone's cup of tea, but for coaster enthusiasts, it remains absolutely worth the trip to Staffordshire.