Alton Towers reopens Nemesis Sub-Terra: what is ride - date it opens, how to get tickets

Alton Towers has excited fans around the world by announcing the return of the iconic Nemesis Sub-Terra drop tower ride. The underground attraction - which is also known as the Phalanx Research Facility is known for taking thrill seekers on a heart-pounding journey and it was a firm fan favourite before its closure in 2015.

The news has attracted mass interest from fans on social media and many adrenaline junkies are eagerly anticipating the Nemesis Sub-Terra’s return which comes just over six months after the closure of the Nemesis roller coaster in November.

But when does the Nemesis Sub-Terra reopen and what has been said?

Here is everything you need to know.

What is the Nemesis Sub-Terra?

The Nemesis Sub-Terra is a drop tower dark ride located at Alton Towers. It first opened to the public in 2012 and its theme is focused on the discovery of a nest of eggs in a network of caves.

The ride is an extension on the theme and concept of the park’s famous Nemesis roller coaster and it was a firm fan favourite for three years before its closure in August 2015.

The ride has been closed for nearly seven years and it was removed from the attractions website in 2019, however it is now set to make a dramatic comeback this year after refurbishments.

When does the Nemesis Sub-Terra reopen?

The Nemesis-Sub-Terra is making its dramatic comeback just in time for the Easter holidays on Saturday 27 May.

Alton Towers resort tweeted: “Are you ready to take on your worst nightmare underground? Nemesis Sub-Terra is reopening on May 27th.”

Why did Alton Towers close Nemesis?

Alton Towers recently closed its popular Nemesis ride last year on Sunday 6 November 2022.

A planning application at the time requested permission to carry out maintenance work on Nemesis. The exact details of the transformation are currently being kept under wraps for now. But work on the revamp of the ride began in the winter months of 2022.

Nemesis cost £10 million to make and was unveiled as Europe’s first ever inverted roller coaster when it opened in 1994. Riders have been thrilled by the experience that the ride offers as they zoom past the rocks and rivers of the theme park’s Forbidden Valley at rapid speeds of around 50mph.

When will Nemesis return?

The legendary Nemesis rollercoaster has been popular with thrillseekers for decades and fans will be pleased to hear Nemesis is only closing on a temporary basis. 

The new look Nemesis will return to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2024 but the exact date has not yet been determined.

What is the Phalanx?

The story behind the ride is that Nemesis is a creature that comes from another dimension. The creature has been captured by the Phalanx which is an army of soldiers who have tamed the beast. The steel that imprisons the creature is tangled into a rollercoaster while the beast remains dormant. 

How to get tickets to Alton Towers

Many fans are expected to flock to Alton Towers in the coming weeks to experience the new look Nemesis-Sub Terra. If you are interested in purchasing tickets for Alton Towers you can do so via the Alton Towers website.

A one day pass allows access to over 40 rides and attractions and is available to adults for a price of £36 if you book in advance. You can also purchase an annual pass for £119 which allows you to visit Alton Towers as many times as you would like over the course of the year.