Thorpe Park has 'something for all' and is now open even later for extra thrills

Thorpe Park is back with a bang for 2026 - and is now open even later for those who fancy some extra thrills.

This summer the family playground for all has decided to keep the rides going for that extra bit longer - as they aim to take the sting out of hot days queuing.

The Daily Star went along for a visit and was pleasantly surprised that despite first thoughts - it really was not too hot for a day at a theme park.

The park reopened on March 27 and we went on one of the hottest days of the year, but there was plenty of shade, not much queuing and a whole host of ways to cool off - making it one of the best places to be in the summer holidays for a big day out.

First up was the new one - Hyperia - and the 15 minute queue gave me more than enough time to work up the courage to jump onboard.

Standing at an eye-watering 236ft and reaching speeds of 81mph, Hyperia delivers unforgettable airtime moments and has fast become a must-ride for adrenaline lovers.

Hyperia is terrifying to look at but an incredible rush (Image: Merlin)

Not only that, but you are only kept in via a lap belt, which made the nerves even worse.

I have been to a number of theme parks, in the UK and abroad, and have never ridden a ride quite like that. You felt weightless on the drops, but at the same time completely safe while suspended in air.

And once I stepped off, all the other rides felt completely do-able after conquering that one.

Hyperia has lap bars rather than over the shoulder holders

Families with teens and thrill-seeking kids can enjoy 24 epic rides and attractions with soaring heights and stomach-flipping drops.

The park has a host of legendary coasters on offer - including the Big 6.

Led by Hyperia, there is also Stealth, which rockets riders from 0-80mph in under two seconds, as well as The Swarm, which soars inches above the ground, plus the beyond-vertical drop of SAW The Ride.

Riders can also spin through volcanic forces on Nemesis Inferno, before taking on the ten iconic loops of Colossus.

My favourite of the day was Nemesis, purely for the themed areas and the nostalgia. Nemesis has been there years but has never felt boring, thanks to the spinny tracks and loop the loops.

Thorpe Park is packed full of thrills for non stop fun

But it isn't just adrenaline rides. There is plenty to do for younger thrill-seekers including the family-friendly coaster Flying Fish, Zodiac, or enjoying classic theme park fun on the likes of Quantum, Rush and Samurai.

And in the heat the best water ride in the whole country was a very welcome addition.

We boarded the mighty Tidal Wave, which stands at 85 feet tall, hits a top speed of 45.6 mph and dumps the equivalent of 2.7 bathtubs of water on every rider - just what you need in the blazing sunshine.

The day was literally perfect from start to finish. Those wanting to add Thorpe Park to their bucket list this summer can join in their new offer - Summer Sounds.

The park stays open late until 9pm so you can ride Hyperia as the sun sets, while enjoying live DJ sets which bring the park to life throughout the evening.

The Summer Sounds events are taking place on August 14, 15, 21 and 22 and the late opening is included with a standard park entry ticket so it doesn't even cost anymore.

To grab your tickets, visit the site here.