Alton Towers is one of the most popular theme parks in the UK, attracting millions of visitors every year. With over 40 rides and attractions, there’s something for everyone, from thrill-seekers to families with young children.
However, planning a trip to Alton Towers can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. That’s where the Alton Towers Travelers Guide comes in, offering insider tips and advice to help visitors make the most of their trip.
The guide covers everything from ride height restrictions to the best time to visit the park. It also provides information on where to stay, what to eat, and how to navigate the park.
Whether you’re looking for a thrilling rollercoaster or a gentle ride for the whole family, the Alton Towers Travelers Guide has got you covered. With its comprehensive information and expert advice, the guide is an essential resource for anyone planning a trip to Alton Towers.
Essential Information
When planning a trip to Alton Towers, it’s important to have all the essential information. This section covers everything visitors need to know about the park’s opening hours, ticket prices, and location.
Opening Hours
Alton Towers is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on most days, although opening and closing times may vary depending on the season and day of the week. Visitors are advised to check the official website for the most up-to-date information on opening hours. During peak season, the park may stay open until 9:00 pm.
Ticket Prices
Ticket prices for Alton Towers vary depending on the time of year and whether visitors purchase tickets in advance or on the day. Prices start from £34 for a day pass, with discounts available for children and seniors. Visitors can save money by purchasing tickets in advance online. Alton Towers also offers a range of annual passes, which provide unlimited access to the park for a year.
Location
Alton Towers is located in Staffordshire, England, and is easily accessible by car, train, and bus. The park is situated approximately 30 minutes from Stoke-on-Trent and 45 minutes from Manchester. Visitors driving to the park can use the postcode ST10 4DB for sat-nav directions. Alton Towers also offers a shuttle bus service from Stoke-on-Trent railway station, which runs throughout the day.
Travel Arrangements
When planning a trip to Alton Towers, it is important to consider your travel arrangements. Whether you prefer to use public transport or drive, there are various options available to suit your needs.
Public Transport
Alton Towers is conveniently located near several major train stations, including Stoke-on-Trent and Derby. From there, visitors can take a bus or taxi to the resort. Alternatively, there is a shuttle bus service available from Uttoxeter train station, which runs directly to Alton Towers.
For those travelling from further afield, there are also coach services available. National Express operates services to Alton Towers from various locations across the UK.
Driving Directions
If you prefer to drive, Alton Towers is easily accessible via the M1, M6 and M42 motorways. Simply follow the brown tourist signs to the resort. Visitors using satellite navigation systems should use the postcode ST10 4DB.
It is worth noting that during peak periods, such as school holidays and weekends, the roads leading to Alton Towers can become congested. Visitors are advised to plan their journey accordingly and allow extra time for travel.
Parking Facilities
Alton Towers offers a range of parking options to suit different needs. Standard parking is available on-site, with spaces for over 7,000 cars. There is also a priority parking option, which offers closer proximity to the entrance for an additional fee.
Disabled parking is available for visitors with a valid Blue Badge. These spaces are located close to the entrance and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
It is important to note that parking charges apply and are payable on the day of your visit. Visitors are advised to check the Alton Towers website for the latest parking prices and information.
Overall, there are several travel options available when visiting Alton Towers, including public transport, driving and parking facilities. Visitors are advised to plan their journey in advance and consider the various options available to ensure a smooth and stress-free trip.
Accommodation Options
When planning a trip to Alton Towers, choosing the right accommodation is essential. There are several options available, ranging from on-site hotels to nearby accommodations.
On-Site Hotels
Alton Towers Resort offers a range of on-site hotels, each with its own unique theme and style. These hotels are perfect for those who want to stay close to the action and enjoy all the amenities that the resort has to offer.
The following table provides a quick overview of the on-site hotels:
| Hotel Name | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Alton Towers Hotel | A themed hotel with a variety of rooms and suites, including themed rooms for children. | £150-£300 per night |
| Splash Landings Hotel | A vibrant, Caribbean-themed hotel with a variety of rooms and suites, including family suites. | £100-£250 per night |
| CBeebies Land Hotel | A fun and colourful hotel designed for families with young children, featuring themed rooms and entertainment. | £150-£300 per night |
| Enchanted Village Lodges | Quirky lodges nestled in the woodland, perfect for those who want a unique and magical experience. | £100-£200 per night |
All of the on-site hotels offer a range of amenities, including restaurants, bars, and leisure facilities. Guests can also take advantage of early access to the theme park and other exclusive benefits.
Nearby Accommodations
For those who prefer to stay off-site, there are several nearby accommodations available. These include hotels, bed and breakfasts, and self-catering options. The following are some of the most popular options:
- The Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa: A charming inn located in the nearby village of Blackshaw Moor, offering comfortable rooms and a spa.
- The Laurels B&B: A cosy bed and breakfast located in the nearby town of Oakamoor, offering comfortable rooms and a hearty breakfast.
- The Peakstones Inn: A traditional inn located in the nearby village of Alton, offering comfortable rooms and a pub serving traditional British food.
All of these accommodations are within a short drive of Alton Towers and offer a range of amenities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.
In conclusion, whether you choose to stay on-site or nearby, there are plenty of accommodation options available to suit all budgets and preferences.
Attractions Overview
Alton Towers is a popular theme park located in Staffordshire, England. It is known for its wide variety of rides and attractions suitable for all ages. Here is an overview of the different types of attractions available at Alton Towers.
Thrill Rides
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Alton Towers offers a range of thrilling rides. The park is home to some of the UK’s most famous roller coasters, including Nemesis, Oblivion, and The Smiler. Nemesis is an inverted coaster that takes riders through a series of twists and turns at high speeds.
Oblivion is a vertical drop coaster that plunges riders into a dark hole. The Smiler is a record-breaking coaster with 14 inversions.
Other notable thrill rides at Alton Towers include Rita, a launched coaster that reaches speeds of up to 62 mph, and TH13TEEN, a coaster that combines a vertical drop with a backwards freefall drop.
Family Rides
Alton Towers also offers a variety of family-friendly rides. One of the most popular areas for families is Cbeebies Land, which features rides and attractions based on popular children’s TV shows. Some of the rides in Cbeebies Land include the In The Night Garden Magical Boat Ride and the Go Jetters Vroomster Zoom Ride.
Other family rides at Alton Towers include the Congo River Rapids, a water ride that takes riders through a jungle-themed course, and the Runaway Mine Train, a coaster that takes riders on a journey through an abandoned mine.
Shows and Events
In addition to rides, Alton Towers also offers a range of shows and events throughout the year. One of the most popular events is Scarefest, which takes place during the Halloween season. During Scarefest, the park is transformed into a spooky wonderland with haunted mazes and scare zones.
Other events at Alton Towers include the Summer of Fun, which features live entertainment and special events throughout the summer months, and the Fireworks Spectacular, a fireworks display that takes place in November.
Overall, Alton Towers offers a wide range of attractions for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re seeking a thrilling roller coaster or a family-friendly ride, there is something for everyone at this popular theme park.
Dining and Shopping
When visiting Alton Towers, there are plenty of dining and shopping options available for travelers. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a full meal, or whether you want to browse through some shops or buy souvenirs, Alton Towers has got you covered.
Restaurants
Alton Towers has a wide range of restaurants available to suit all tastes and budgets. Some of the popular restaurants include:
- Rollercoaster Restaurant: This is the UK’s first rollercoaster restaurant where your meal twists, turns, and loops-the-loop to your table. Booking in advance is recommended.
- Explorers Pizza Pasta Buffet: This buffet-style restaurant offers a wide selection of pizzas, pastas, and salads. It’s a great option for families and those looking for a budget-friendly meal.
- Secret Garden Restaurant: Located on the ground floor of Alton Towers Hotel, this restaurant provides an eclectic mix of British and international dishes served in the beautiful surroundings of the brasserie-style restaurant.
- The Windmill Restaurant: This family-friendly restaurant offers a range of dishes, including burgers, pizzas, and salads. It’s located in the heart of the theme park and is a great option for a quick bite.
Shops
Alton Towers has a variety of shops available where travelers can purchase souvenirs, gifts, and other items. Some of the popular shops include:
- Towers Trading Co.: This is the main gift shop located at the entrance of the theme park. It offers a wide range of souvenirs, including Alton Towers-branded merchandise, toys, and clothing.
- The Alton Towers Dungeon Shop: Located at the exit of The Alton Towers Dungeon attraction, this shop offers a range of dungeon-themed souvenirs, including t-shirts, mugs, and keychains.
- The Towers Street Market: This is a seasonal market located on Towers Street, where travelers can purchase a range of gifts and souvenirs, including handmade crafts, jewelry, and clothing.
In addition to these shops, there are also several other shops located throughout the theme park and resort. Travelers are advised to check the Alton Towers website for a full list of shops and their locations.
Special Tips and Tricks
Alton Towers is a popular theme park in the UK, attracting millions of visitors every year. To make the most of your visit, here are some special tips and tricks that can help you save time, money, and avoid common mistakes.
Beat the Queues
One of the biggest challenges of visiting a theme park is dealing with long queues. To minimize your waiting time, it is recommended to do the biggest rides in the first hour that the park is open, at lunchtime, or in the last hour that the park is open, as the queues tend to be the shortest at these times. You can also beat the crowds by starting at the back of the park and working your way towards the front.
Plan Your Route
Alton Towers is a large park with many attractions, so planning your route in advance can help you save time and avoid backtracking. You can use the park map to identify the rides and attractions that you want to visit and plan your route accordingly. It is also recommended to check the ride queue times and show schedules throughout the day to optimize your time.
Food and Drink
Eating and drinking at theme parks can be expensive, so it is recommended to bring your own food and drinks if possible. Alton Towers allows visitors to bring their own food and drinks, as long as they are not in glass containers or alcohol. You can also save money by eating early or late, as the queues for food tend to be shorter during these times.
FastTrack Passes
If you want to skip the queues and enjoy priority access to some of the most popular rides, you can purchase FastTrack passes. These passes allow you to bypass the regular queues and enjoy shorter waiting times. However, FastTrack passes can be expensive, so it is recommended to use them selectively and only for the rides that have the longest queues.
Accommodation
If you are planning to stay overnight, it is recommended to book your accommodation in advance to avoid disappointment. Alton Towers has several on-site accommodation options, including hotels, lodges, and camping sites. You can also find many affordable accommodation options in the nearby towns and villages.
By following these special tips and tricks, you can make your visit to Alton Towers more enjoyable and memorable.
Safety Measures
Alton Towers Resort takes the safety and well-being of its guests and staff very seriously. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the resort has implemented several additional safety measures to ensure a fun and safe experience for everyone.
Hygiene and Cleaning
The resort has increased its cleaning and hygiene measures, with enhanced cleaning of high touch areas and hand sanitiser stations throughout the resort. Guests are encouraged to use these stations frequently and to practice good hygiene by washing their hands regularly.
Social Distancing
To ensure proper social distancing, the resort has reduced capacity and implemented social distancing markers in queues and other areas where guests may gather. Guests are encouraged to maintain a safe distance from others and to follow the guidance of staff members.
Ride Safety
Alton Towers Resort is committed to providing safe and enjoyable rides for all guests. All rides undergo thorough inspections by an independently certified ride inspection body under the Amusement Device Inspection Procedures Scheme (ADIPS). Guests are encouraged to follow all ride safety guidelines and to report any concerns to staff members.
Security Measures
The resort has implemented several security measures to ensure the safety of guests and staff members. These measures include walkthrough metal detectors, security arches, or wand metal detectors. Prohibited items include weapons, fireworks, and smoke bombs. Guests are encouraged to review the full list of prohibited items before arriving at the resort.
Face Coverings
Face coverings are required on selected rides, indoor attractions, queue lines, and when queuing in line for food and drink. Guests are encouraged to bring their own face coverings, but disposable face coverings are available for purchase at the resort.
Overall, Alton Towers Resort is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests. By following these safety measures and guidelines, guests can enjoy all that the resort has to offer while staying safe and healthy.
Conclusion
Visiting Alton Towers can be an exciting and memorable experience for travellers of all ages. With its thrilling rides, stunning gardens and numerous attractions, it is no surprise that Alton Towers is one of the UK’s most popular theme parks.
Travellers who are planning a visit to Alton Towers should keep in mind that the park can get very busy, especially during peak season. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance and arrive early to avoid long queues and crowds.
Additionally, travellers should consider purchasing fast-track passes to bypass queues for popular rides. These passes can be expensive, but they are a great way to make the most of your time at the park.
Finally, travellers should be aware of the various social distancing measures that have been put in place since the COVID-19 pandemic. Alton Towers requires guests to wear masks on all rides and has implemented other safety measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Overall, Alton Towers is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a fun and exciting day out. By following the tips and recommendations outlined in this guide, travellers can make the most of their visit and create lasting memories.