I visited the Spanish theme park that rivals ones in the US

SPEEDING through a jungle of steel, I’m flipped 180 degrees to face the ground as crowds gawp up from below.

I’m suspended midair for what feels like minutes as I travel upside down through a zero-G stall.

Held in only by a lap bar, I’m suddenly snapped upright and fired into another series of twists at breakneck speed.

As I hurtle out of Wayne Manor in a Batmobile, I know this isn’t your average rollercoaster.

It’s Batman Gotham City Escape at Parque Warner Madrid — Spain’s answer to the big US theme parks.

And at just half an hour from the Spanish capital, it’s way easier to get to than its American counterparts.

The Madrid park impresses from the off. You enter through Hollywood Boulevard — a glitzy strip modelled on the LA Walk of Fame.

Palm trees, golden stars and vintage studio lights line the streets.

But all eyes are on the towering “top hat” drop of Batman Gotham City Escape in the distance, which everyone races to ride first.

There’s no clanking of lift hill chains as you’re raised up to the heavens.

You’re launched out of the station at nearly 65mph and right into the action. It’s gut churning, but in the best possible way.

Themed on The Dark Knight Trilogy, the ride features Batmobile-themed trains that take you on a high-speed chase through Gotham as you escape the Joker.

This rollercoaster is the only multi-launch one of its kind in Spain, boasting four inversions, a 147ft beyond-vertical drop and, honestly, it’s the best I’ve done in Europe.

But that’s just the start.

From Gotham, it’s straight into the action-packed Movie World Studios zone.

Here you’ll find Stunt Fall — a terrifying giant inverted boomerang coaster that you won’t find anywhere else in Europe.

It yanks you backwards vertically up an almost 200ft tower before dropping you through a loop and cobra roll — only to do it all again, but in reverse.

There’s also a live stunt show packed with explosions and car chases straight out of a Fast & Furious film.

From here, you can head over to the Old West Territory, where things get pretty wild.

The theming is top-notch — it’s all wooden saloons, sheriffs and live shootouts.

Plus, there’s Coaster Express — a massive wooden coaster that looks as old as a western and rattles so hard it feels like it’s going to fall apart.

You’ll also find a Wild West-style flume ride, perfect for baking summer visits — just don’t sit at the front unless you want a good soaking.

The biggest rides of the park are in DC Super Heroes World.

Aside from Gotham City Escape, you’ve got Superman: Atracción de Acero — a floorless coaster that throws you around seven inversions and over a 180ft drop with your feet dangling.

There’s also Shadows Of Arkham, a disorientating inverted coaster that whips you through Gotham’s darkest corners.

While La Venganza Del Enigma — a giant drop tower themed on Batman villain The Riddler — sends you plummeting more than 300 feet.

For younger ones — or anyone needing a break from G-force — there’s Cartoon Village.

This Looney Tunes-themed land has gentler rides, costumed characters and everything from Correcaminos Bip Bip, a Road Runner coaster, to a mild Tom & Jerry’s kids’ chase ride.

Going into Parque Warner Madrid park is like stepping onto a movie set, where every ride’s an action scene.

And this is what makes it a great alternative to those big US theme parks such as Universal or Disney.

It has all the theming with less of the faff. Instead of princess castles, you’ve got Bugs Bunny, Batman and Superman.

It’s also packed with Warner Bros characters including those from DC, Looney Tunes and Hanna-Barbera, with plenty of meet-and-greet opportunities and shows to be seen.

So there’s plenty to keep younger generations entertained.

Visit out of season and skip the queues too. I went on a Friday outside of peak summer holidays and didn’t wait more than 20 minutes for a ride.

And the price? It’s miles better than Disney.

Tickets start at just €32.90 (£28.50) for both adults and juniors, cheaper than some UK parks too.

While eating options are limited — think classic, fast-food diner menus — it’s great value.

For just over a tenner, I bought an enormous sandwich, fries and a drink that could have easily fed two people.

When it comes to overnight stays, there’s no Disney-style resort hotel attached to the park, but most people pick accommodation in central Madrid, or base themselves in Pinto, the closest train stop.

If you want US-style experience without the hefty price tag and gruelling ten-hour flight — this is the place to go.