Wickerman: A Wooden Renaissance

For this article we are going to look into one of the strongest rollercoasters we have in the UK... WICKERMAN!

I want to talk about why I think it deserves the title of UK's number 1 coaster... Looking into the theming, story and ride experience itself.

Wickerman is a fantastic, world leading, Wooden Coaster, built by GCI, but please do read on to discover more about what makes it, just so good!!

Usual disclaimer, these are my opinions, everyone has different thoughts, which is great! I openly and actively encourage you to share yours either by commenting down below or get in touch on our insta.

Let's do this!...

Theming and Story: 

Wickerman is set within the world of a pagan tribe! The tribe may seem inviting, but they are luring guests in, who are visiting their statue, only to offer them up as sacrifices to their Icon! 

This story is really present throughout the attraction, right from the get go! The use of wooden structure and architecture throughout the experience is amazing! ( not to mention the coaster itself) From strange carvings in the line to further the narrative, to the interesting weaved items found throughout! The Alton Towers Design Team, really did think about everything! 

But its during the Pre-Show that we really see the extended effort and jump to try and match the same quality that you may find in some of the parks over in the USA... 

Pre-Show: 

** Spoilers Ahead**

For anyone that is yet to experience this, I really do suggest saving it as a surprise, as its certainly impressive! 

Entering a woodland style theatre, overgrown and smokey, you find yourself within some sort of presentation, explaining the narrative of the attraction. 

the show is presented in a shadow puppet style projection show. Its the extent that AT went to, which sets this ride apart! 

The theatre is big and impressive, with the theming wrapping around you, smelling the wood burning, which is of course thanks to some crafty scent sprayers!
The presentation and audio throughout is custom made for the ride, which is of a very high quality and of course the surprise at the end, revealing a classic Merlin trick used throughout many attractions world wide, a projection mapping extravaganza!! 

Its here that you really start to feel Merlin are stepping up their game, trying to be on the same level as some US parks and achieving it within their show quality and overall experience! 

Ride Experience: 

Sure you can have impressive effects, a great story, but if the coaster doesn't pack a punch then what's the point?...

Well in the case of Wickerman you will not be disappointed! 

As previously mentioned, the coaster itself is build by GCI (Great Coasters International) who have build some amazing wooden rollercoasters across the world! 

Wickerman is a speed demon! Using loads of interesting elements, from double downs, to get some intense speed, some heavy banking, and of course incredible interaction with the giant statue, which bursts into flames as riders pass through it on a couple of occasions.  

The ride only intensifies at night.
As we all know, coasters can take a little time to 'warm up. This can be the case with Wickerman, although in no way is this a bad thing. As a ride in the dark truly is superb!
With the addition of darkness, to create a somewhat blanket over the eyes, the trains fly through the track, adding even more suspense. 

The entire area of the attraction comes alive at night too, with an impressive lighting package all around the coaster, showing it in a new light, in all the glory it deserves.
Its here, that you can really appreciate the engineering and architectural masterpiece that the coaster really is! 

With the flames souring high in the sky, so should the chins of The Alton Towers Team! 

Wrap Up: 

With such an engaging storyline, impressive features and incredibly immersive theming this ride sits at my number one spot for the UK. 

Stat Review: 

Intensity: 8/10 

Ride Elements: 9/10 

Theming: 10/10 

I do hope you will make your way down to Alton Towers in the future and get on this coaster, you really won't regret it! 

Do you think it deserves the number 1 spot? Have you experienced the ride yourself? 

Get in touch, leave a comment, or find us on our insta @coastersamblog 

So until next time, have a good one! 

Sam x