Tuesday, 01 November 2022 12:30

Fans of Apocalypse bid farewell to the iconic Drayton Manor ride

After thrilling riders for 22 years, the drop tower ride Apocalypse at Drayton Manor has closed, with the fans of the attraction gathering on 30th October 2022 for a final farewell group photo.

Apocalypse opened in 2000 with four drop towers – two of which were stand up and two sit down – it was the first stand up drop tower ride in the world, designed by Space Leisure and manufactured by Intamin. In 2002, the world's first stand up floorless drop tower was added.

The iconic ride was 177 feet (54 metres) tall and riders experienced 4 seconds of free fall at 50 miles per hour.

It was voted the ‘Best Thrill Ride in Europe', ‘Britain’s Scariest Ride’ and won Gold in the 'Best Thrill Ride' category at the UK Theme Park Awards in 2020.


In a statement, Drayton Manor said:

While it's the end of an era for Apocalypse, this closure forms part of significant investment plans for the resort, which will see exciting new thrills coming soon.

We can't wait to reveal our new developments in due course.

Apocalypse facts:

  • Opened: 27th May 2000
  • Closed: 30th October 2022
  • Height: 177 feet (54 metres)
  • Speed: 50 miles per hour
  • Freefall: 4 seconds
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