Several visitors at Thorpe Park were reportedly left stranded for half an hour during the scorching heatwave on Bank Holiday Monday as two popular rides malfunctioned simultaneously.
Record-Breaking Heatwave Causes Chaos
While major theme parks like Thorpe Park opened for the summer season several months earlier, numerous people were spotted making the most of the Summer Bank Holiday on Monday, May 25, to enjoy various roller coasters and attractions. However, with the record-breaking heatwave occurring on the same day, it did not turn out as enjoyable for some as they might have anticipated.
In footage shared on Instagram, two rides were captured having malfunctioned at the same time on Bank Holiday Monday, leaving guests trapped on the rides for half an hour in scorching 33-degree heat. The footage was uploaded by account UB1UB2 and was filmed by someone standing on the ground in the centre of Thorpe Park, focusing on the guests who had become stuck on the ride before turning around to reveal another rollercoaster also stationary, with guests shifting around in their seats.
Hyperia and Second Ride Affected
One of the rides that reportedly malfunctioned was the brand new Hyperia, where passengers remained stranded 200 feet up at the peak of the ride. Hyperia became the UK's tallest and fastest ride when it launched in 2024, overtaking Stealth, which is also located at Thorpe Park. A second attraction at the park also appeared to halt simultaneously, leaving visitors stuck mid-ride during the heatwave.
Thorpe Park has yet to publicly reveal what triggered the simultaneous shutdown. The incident occurred after the theme park had released a statement ahead of the heatwave warning that certain rides might temporarily close on safety grounds. On their website, they state: 'We want everyone to experience our awesome rides as safely as possible, sometimes we may have to temporarily close a ride during adverse weather conditions.'
Hottest Spring Bank Holiday on Record
On the day, the Met Office confirmed that the UK had recorded its highest ever spring temperatures after the temperature soared across the country, with Surrey being struck by a yellow weather warning as temperatures climbed to a scorching 33°C. The highest temperature recorded across the UK was taken at Kew Gardens, where it reached a remarkable 34.8°C, making it the hottest Summer Bank Holiday ever recorded.
Compensation and Response
Following the ride breakdowns, Thorpe Park has also published a notice on their website confirming that anyone who visited the park on May 25, 2026, is entitled to a free return visit under their Return Guarantee. Further details regarding this can be found on their website. Thorpe Park has been approached for comment.
