According to behavioural specialists at Alton Towers Resort, the secret is not sitting at the front of the ride or keeping your eyes shut throughout the experience.

Instead, thrillseekers are being told to ride rollercoasters with friends and family to make the fear feel more intense.

The resort’s “Thrill Architects”, Claire Mavin and Miranda Stewart, say the effect is caused by what they describe as “shared thrill”.

The pair explained that hearing screams, gasps and reactions from people nearby can heighten feelings of fear and excitement.

Mavin said: "Building moments on rollercoasters for ‘emotional contagion’ - which is the psychological process of feeding off the reactions and emotions of others - is a considered creative choice to increase the fear and excitement on rides.

"Our creative team deliberately designs key moments to create a sense of ‘shared thrill’ - from near misses, like skimming past the rocks on Nemesis Reborn, to sudden drops on Wicker Man - all engineered to spark those instinctive hand-grabbing reactions."

She added: "When those moments are experienced together, they trigger a collective response that creates emotional reward - making the ride feel even more intense and exhilarating."

Mavin also explained that the effect becomes even stronger in darkness or low light conditions.

She said: "Our brains are wired to empathise. Mirror neurons fire when we see or hear others experiencing emotion, so when we’re on a ride with friends and family, when one person screams we literally ‘catch’ it.

"And as it gets darker and visibility fades, this effect and the sense of risk is even more powerful. Screaming together, especially in the dark, is a crucial part of how rides become psychologically more scary."

Stewart described rollercoasters as a form of “positive stress”.

She said: "The key to rollercoasters is that they deliver a form of eustress - which is like a positive stress.

"Riders surrender control, experiencing fear and excitement simultaneously - it’s the dopamine hit making the thrill compulsive and keeping riders coming back for more."

The insight comes as Alton Towers launches its first-ever Twilight at the Towers event, which will see the resort remain open until 8pm during May half-term between 22 and 31 May.

Visitors will be able to experience rides including Nemesis Reborn, The Smiler, Oblivion and Wicker Man as daylight fades into darkness.

To find out more and book your visit or short break, visit https://www.altontowers.com/