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Vampire (roller coaster)
Vampire (roller coaster)
Vampire (roller coaster)
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Vampire
Previously known as The Vampire (1991 - 2001)
Vampire's second lift hill and drop
Chessington World of Adventures
LocationChessington World of Adventures
Park sectionWild Woods
Coordinates51°20′50″N 0°18′56″W / 51.347279°N 0.315607°W / 51.347279; -0.315607
StatusOperating
Opening date11 April 1990
General statistics
TypeSteel – Suspended
ManufacturerArrow Dynamics
ModelSuspended Coaster
Lift/launch systemChain lift (x2)
Height70 ft (21 m)
Length2,200 ft (670 m)
Speed45 mph (72 km/h)
Inversions0
Duration2:30
Capacity720 riders per hour
Height restriction43.3 in (110 cm)
Trains2 trains with 12 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in a single row for a total of 24 riders per train.
ThemeGothic
Slogan"Sit back, hold on tight, the Vampire is taking flight!"
Fastrack available
Disabled access Wheelchair accessible
Must transfer from wheelchair
Vampire at RCDB

Vampire (originally named The Vampire) is a suspended roller coaster at Chessington World of Adventures theme park in London, England. It opened in 1990 in the new Transylvania area (now renamed "Wild Woods")[1] and is the only Arrow Dynamics suspended roller coaster still operating outside of North America.

The roller coaster features trains that hang beneath the track, swinging freely as they navigate the course. The roller coaster includes two lift hills and is characterised by numerous dives and turns. The majority of the ride occurs through a densely wooded forest environment. The ride layout was drafted by John Wardley and the theme designed by British firm Sparks Creative Services.[2]

In 2001, The Vampire underwent modifications to accommodate new trains manufactured by Vekoma. The updated coaster reopened to the public in 2002.

History

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Theme

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The ride has a Gothic theme and was originally very detailed, with a queue-line through castle gates, a fog-filled underpass beneath the coaster track, a graveyard canopy with tombs and themed passageway into the station. The station was dressed as a castle ballroom with flaming chandeliers, Gothic murals and an animatronic organist playing a large pipe organ.[3]

The original theme music in the station was composed and produced by Graham Smart in the style of an organ overture with a Gothic rock sound, alluding to Phantom of the Opera.[4]

Much of the theming in the queue line and ride station has gradually been reduced over time. For the ride's 30th anniversary, some of the queue line and station theming was altered and the music replaced with a new track.[5]

The original Arrow Dynamics trains were themed as bats.

Towards the end of the ride, the coaster takes a sudden drop into a tunnel, which was originally longer, darker and the entrance partially themed as a cave, however it was altered to accommodate the larger, floorless trains from 2002.[6]

Floorless refurbishment

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As Vampire started to show its age, it suffered from a number of breakdowns and maintenance problems.[citation needed] The manufacturer, Arrow Dynamics, had gone bankrupt since the ride had been built, meaning little could be done to rectify these issues. The Vampire was closed for the 2001 season, and at the time this was thought to be permanent.

However, instead of removal, the decision was taken to modify the ride so that it could use a new type of suspended coaster train.[3] The track was to remain unchanged because modifying this would require planning permission, which was unlikely to be granted. Since the ride consisted of the suspended swinging model, with tight corners, any new trains would also have to be able to swing (reducing lateral Gs). This led to the development of swinging suspended floorless coaster trains, manufactured by Vekoma, which are still in use today. The modified ride opened in 2002.

Ride experience

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Guests begin by entering the queue, which is adorned with numerous gothic-themed elements. The ride's station is designed to resemble a gothic ballroom, where riders board the vehicles.

Upon dispatch, the train begins its ascent up the first of two chain lift hills. Once reaching the peak, the train disengages from the chain, and gravity takes over as it navigates a series of helixes and turns through a dense forest.

After losing momentum, the train ascends a second lift hill. It then continues through more banked turns and twists, soaring through the forest canopy. The coaster reaches its most intense moment as the train dives toward the ground, passes through a tunnel, and executes a sharp right turn to exit the tunnel.

The train then makes its way back to the station, featuring low-to-the-ground twists, before finally entering the brake run and returning to the station.

[edit]
  • Former ride entrance, now used as the accessible and Fast Track entrance.
    Former ride entrance, now used as the accessible and Fast Track entrance.
  • Ride station, themed as an abbey, with an organ in the far back
    Ride station, themed as an abbey, with an organ in the far back
  • Animatronic organ player
  • Riders in sitting position
    Riders in sitting position
  • Helix after lift two
    Helix after lift two
  • Vekoma Train
    Vekoma Train
  • Marcel animatronic at the organ
    Marcel animatronic at the organ
  • Vampire rear wheel assembly - every year passholders are given the chance to name a train. In 2025, the winner chose "Yeah Boii"
    Vampire rear wheel assembly - every year passholders are given the chance to name a train. In 2025, the winner chose "Yeah Boii"
  • Final stretch of track leading into the brake run, taken from inside the ride building
    Final stretch of track leading into the brake run, taken from inside the ride building

See also

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Vampire (roller coaster).

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Vampire (roller coaster)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Vampire is a suspended located at theme park in , , , where riders' legs dangle freely below the track as the train swings through the treetops. Opened on April 11, 1990, it was Europe's first suspended , designed by renowned engineer —who also created the coaster at —and has since thrilled millions of visitors with its family-friendly thrills. The ride reaches a maximum height of 70 feet (21 meters) and top speeds of 45 mph (72 km/h), navigating an immersive vampire-themed course in the park's Wild Woods area, complete with gothic elements like a haunting figure modeled after a wax statue. It has a minimum rider height of 1.1 meters (3 feet 7 inches), with those between 1.1 and 1.3 meters requiring adult supervision, and is not recommended for individuals with certain health conditions such as heart problems or fear of heights. In April 2025, Vampire marked its 35th anniversary with a gothic garden party event, including character meet-and-greets and fast-track access giveaways, underscoring its enduring popularity as a park icon.

Overview

Location and operation

Vampire is located at in , , , , at coordinates 51.347279°N 0.315607°W. The roller coaster is situated in the park's Wild Woods area, formerly known as , and is integrated into a surrounding forested environment that contributes to its immersive setting. The ride has been operational since its debut in 1990 and remains active as of 2025, marking its 35th anniversary during the year. It follows the seasonal operating schedule typical of theme parks, generally open from March through November. The attraction features three trains, each with 12 cars seating two riders per row for a total of 24 riders per train, enabling efficient throughput during peak periods. Riders must meet a minimum height requirement of 1.1 m (3 ft 7 in) to experience Vampire; those between 1.1 m and 1.3 m must be accompanied by a supervising companion aged 16 or older, while no upper height limit applies. The ride is operated by , the parent company of .

Technical specifications

Vampire is a suspended roller coaster originally manufactured by and opened in 1990 as their Suspended Coaster model. The ride features a track measuring 2,200 feet (670 meters) in length, with a maximum height of 70 feet (21 meters) and a top speed of 45 miles per hour (72 kilometers per hour). It includes no inversions and operates without specified peak G-forces beyond the inherent swings and drops typical of suspended designs. The utilizes three trains, each accommodating 24 riders across 12 cars with two seats per car in a single row configuration. Originally equipped with trains, the ride received floorless trains in during refurbishment, enabling free leg swing for enhanced thrill while retaining over-the-shoulder harness restraints and no floor beneath riders. This upgrade also incorporated a ride control system to improve operational reliability. Vampire holds the distinction of being the only surviving suspended roller coaster operating outside .

History

Development and opening

The Vampire roller coaster was conceived in the late as part of an expansion effort at , then owned by , which sought to evolve the site from a traditional into a comprehensive theme park featuring innovative amusement rides. The ride's layout was designed by , a leading British roller coaster engineer renowned for his work on groundbreaking attractions like at . Wardley drew inspiration from the suspended coaster at , selecting the format to deliver a thrilling, bat-like swinging motion that was unprecedented in the UK at the time; as he later reflected, "It was exactly what we needed for . The swinging coaster offered something thrilling, unique, and completely different to anything else in the UK." The theming was developed to integrate with the newly created Transylvania land, emphasizing gothic horror elements such as eerie organ music, a creepy doll facade, and a sense of nocturnal flight to enhance the immersive experience. Construction was handled by Arrow Dynamics, the American manufacturer specializing in suspended coasters, with the ride completed in 1989 ahead of its debut. It opened to the public on April 11, 1990, as the park's flagship thrill attraction and the first suspended swinging coaster in Europe. Marketed as a family-friendly yet intensely exhilarating ride, Vampire utilized standard Arrow Dynamics trains during its initial operations, contributing to the broader investment in Chessington's transformation without publicly disclosed specific costs or timelines.

Refurbishment

In late 2000, the Vampire roller coaster was closed due to persistent breakdowns and escalating maintenance challenges, compounded by the bankruptcy of its original manufacturer, Arrow Dynamics, which restricted access to replacement parts. The ride remained standing but non-operational throughout the entire 2001 season as Chessington World of Adventures announced plans for a comprehensive refurbishment aimed at extending its operational life and updating its technology. The overhaul, conducted during the 2001-2002 closed season, focused on modernizing key components to improve safety, reliability, and rider experience in line with advancing roller coaster standards. Primary changes included replacing the aging Arrow Dynamics trains with new floorless models manufactured by Vekoma, which offered greater thrill through enhanced freedom of movement and potentially higher throughput via streamlined loading. Vekoma also installed a new ride control system to optimize operations and reduce downtime. Minor track adjustments were made, such as removing certain supports to provide additional clearance for the wider Vekoma trains, ensuring compatibility without a full redesign. This international effort, involving the Dutch firm Vekoma Rides, addressed the limitations of the original setup while preserving the core suspended layout. The refurbished Vampire reopened in 2002, delivering a revitalized suspended coaster experience with floorless trains that heightened sensations of speed and swings. While much of the original Gothic theming was retained, select elements were simplified to integrate the mechanical updates seamlessly. The project, though its exact cost was not publicly disclosed, successfully mitigated prior reliability issues, resulting in sustained operation with minimal major interruptions beyond standard upkeep.

Later developments

In April 2025, Vampire celebrated its 35th anniversary with special events including a gothic garden party, character meet-and-greets, and fast-track access giveaways. As of November 2025, the ride is temporarily closed for essential maintenance.

Design and experience

Ride layout

The ride commences in the station, where riders secure into the floorless before dispatch. The then ascend the first chain to a height of 70 feet (21 m), with the cars hanging below the track and capable of swinging freely throughout the circuit due to the suspended . Cresting the initial lift, the train descends the first drop, followed by a sharp right turn that brings it close to the ground in a terrain-hugging maneuver. The path continues with additional curving drops and turns leading to the second chain . After ascending the second lift, riders experience a sequence of banked turns and airtime hills, culminating in a helix before a final drop into an underground tunnel. Within the tunnel, the train navigates a curving , generating significant lateral forces from the swinging motion. The layout concludes with a deceleration and a 180-degree turn on the brake run, returning the to the station. Overall, the 2,200-foot (670 m) track features two lift hills, four curving drops, multiple swings, and no inversions, emphasizing the physics of the suspended system where independent car movement creates unpredictable lateral and pendular forces for enhanced dynamism. The floorless configuration exposes riders' legs during drops, amplifying the sensation of exposure and speed.

Theming

The Vampire roller coaster is themed around classic vampire lore, evoking a sense of gothic horror set within a haunted castle in . The narrative draws guests into a shadowy world of creatures and eternal night, blending elements reminiscent of timeless tales like those in Bram Stoker's Dracula, with atmospheric motifs of graveyards, crypts, and opulent yet decaying interiors. This immersive storytelling transforms the ride into more than a mere thrill; it builds anticipation through a carefully crafted environment that heightens the sense of impending danger. Key thematic elements include an animatronic organist positioned at the entrance, whose face was modeled after a wax figure of musician , playing haunting melodies on a to set an eerie tone. The custom score, composed by Graham Smart, features dramatic, organ-driven music that underscores the gothic atmosphere throughout the queue and station, evoking suspenseful undertones similar to those in The Phantom of the Opera. Additional effects such as castle gates, swirling fog machines, and projected shadowy figures along the pathways further immerse riders in the vampire's lair, creating illusions of lurking presences before the coaster dispatches. These sensory details integrate seamlessly with the ride's motion, amplifying the dread leading into the drops and swings. The station itself is designed as an ornate Victorian-style ballroom within the faux stone walls of the castle, complete with grand chandeliers casting flickering light and velvet drapes adding to the decadent decay. The queue line winds through darkened paths simulating a haunted forest and graveyard, passing tombstones and crypt entrances that lead into narrow corridors toward the loading platform, prolonging the buildup of tension. Originally crafted in 1990 by Sparks Creative Services under lead designer , the theming was partially scaled back during a 2002 refurbishment to accommodate new trains, removing some structural supports for clearance, yet preserving the core gothic ambiance. In April 2025, for the ride's 35th anniversary, enhancements including new queue theming and the reinstatement of the original sign were added, along with the introduction of the complementary "Stone Watchers: The Vampire's Lair" scare zone in the Wild Woods area. These updates, as of November 2025, maintain the nostalgic vampire motif as a hallmark of the ride's charm.

References

  1. https://www.chessington.com/explore/theme-park-zoo/rides-attractions/vampire/
  2. https://backstage.merlinentertainments.biz/2025/un-bite-lievable-vampire-roller-coaster-at-chessington-world-of-adventures-celebrates-35-years/
  3. https://latitude.to/articles-by-country/gb/united-kingdom/58530/vampire-roller-coaster
  4. https://coasterpedia.net/wiki/Vampire_%28Chessington_World_of_Adventures%29
  5. https://coasterdreamersinfo.data.blog/2021/10/25/a-spooky-flight-through-the-trees-the-swooping-history-of-chessingtons-vampire/
  6. https://www.chessington.com/plan-your-visit/before-you-visit/opening-hours/
  7. https://rcdb.com/784.htm
  8. https://www.attractionsource.com/history/from-the-archives/new-vampire/
  9. https://themeparkinsanity.co.uk/the-vampire-chessington-worlds-of-adventure
  10. https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/ive-been-uks-best-rollercoaster-35036659
  11. https://www.chessington.com/our-company/history/
  12. https://www.chessington.com/media/m1cpwts1/vampire-35th-birthday-infographic.pdf
  13. https://www.attractionsource.com/2025/04/14/celebrating-35-years-of-vampire-with-john-wardley-at-chessington/
  14. https://coasterpedia.net/wiki/Vampire_(Chessington_World_of_Adventures)
  15. https://www.chessington.com/plan-your-visit/resort-information/ride-availability/
  16. https://www.attractionsource.com/history/behind-the-scenes/behind-the-scenes-vampire/
  17. https://graham-smart.bandcamp.com/album/doom-and-gloom
  18. https://www.planitpark.com/park/chessington-world-of-adventures/ride/vampire
  19. https://www.facebook.com/themeparkworldwide/posts/celebrating-35-years-of-vampire-at-chessington-theres-even-some-new-theming-in-t/1221042472714147/
  20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZ2JHW1S9K8
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