Alton Towers Resort

The basics

Alton Towers resort is split into nine themed zones and has more than 40 rides and attractions. You’ll find Hex - The Legend of the Towers inside the abandoned Towers manor house, and Thirteen, known as the world’s first vertical freefall roller coaster, in the Dark Forest section. The Galactica flying roller coaster offers a VR option that makes you feel as though you’re gliding through the stratosphere, while Spinball Whizzer is a rollercoaster inspired by a giant pinball machine.

Things to know before you go

• Height restrictions apply to some of the more intense rides and attractions; you can check them on the Alton Towers website before you visit.

• You can stay overnight at the theme park; there are four different hotels to choose from, including a CBeebies Land Hotel and Splash Landing Hotel, right next to the waterpark.

• The park offers a choice of ticket options, and often has 2-for-1 deals on tickets, so search online before you visit. Fast passes are available to reduce your wait times on busy days.

• Alton Towers Resort is fully accessible; visitors with limited mobility get priority access to rides. You need to complete an All Ride Access Pass form at least 7 days before your visit.

• Food options in the park range from fast food to the Rollercoaster Restaurant, where you can watch your meal travel to your table via twists and turns.

How to get there

Alton Towers Resort is near the town of Alton in the county of Staffordshire. The closest major train station is Uttoxeter, which can be reached on trains heading to and from Nottingham and Crewe. From the entrance of the station, regular Alton Towers shuttle buses take you to the park for a small charge. If you’re driving to the park, paid parking is available for guests; it’s a 15-minute walk to the entrance.

When to get there

Alton Towers Resort is open from mid-March until mid-November, typically from early morning to late afternoon or early evening depending on the season, with later hours in the summer. There are special events leading up to Halloween (October 31) and Bonfire Night (November 5), with live-action horror mazes and incredible firework displays. The park itself is closed over the winter, but the hotels and Splash Landings stay open.

The best rides for thrillseekers at Alton Towers

While the park caters to all ages, its specialty is thrill rides. The most intense is undoubtedly The Smiler, the world’s first 14-loop rollercoaster; the thrills begin even before you board, with a themed section of the line based on psychological experiments. With its sheer vertical drop, Oblivion never loses its appeal, while Rita hurtles to 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) in just 2.5 seconds.