Alton Towers
A legendary theme park set in stunning grounds, offering world-class roller coasters and family fun, especially during its spooky Scarefest event.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter queues
Alton Towers
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter queues
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary theme park set in stunning grounds, offering world-class roller coasters and family fun, especially during its spooky Scarefest event.
"Alton Towers not only has lots of awesome rides but also stunning landscapes and beautiful parks that make you want to explore."
🎯 Download the App
Essential for live wait times & park navigation. Saves precious time! :iphone:
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a LOT of walking across the vast park. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Nemesis Reborn
Forbidden Valley
Experience the legendary reborn Nemesis coaster, a thrilling ride with intense inversions and a unique sensory experience.
The Smiler
X-Sector
Dare to ride The Smiler, known for its mind-bending twists, turns, and a record-breaking number of inversions.
Oblivion
Dark Forest
Plunge into the abyss on Oblivion, the world's first vertical drop roller coaster, offering a heart-stopping freefall.
Galactica
Festival Park
Soar through the cosmos on Galactica, a unique flying coaster that simulates a space flight experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Queues with Smart Planning
Budgeting for Your Day
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Download the App
Essential for live wait times & park navigation. Saves precious time! :iphone:
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a LOT of walking across the vast park. :athletic_shoe:
🍎 Pack Your Own Food
A budget-friendly hack! Save money by bringing your own snacks & meals. :moneybag:
🚗 Strategic Exit
Use the exit near Galactica to bypass car park queues. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Download the App
Essential for live wait times & park navigation. Saves precious time! :iphone:
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a LOT of walking across the vast park. :athletic_shoe:
🍎 Pack Your Own Food
A budget-friendly hack! Save money by bringing your own snacks & meals. :moneybag:
🚗 Strategic Exit
Use the exit near Galactica to bypass car park queues. :car:
🎟️ Book Mazes in Advance
For Scarefest, pre-booking mazes is recommended to guarantee entry. :ticket: [^Review]
🐱 Spot the Park Cats
Keep an eye out for the resident Alton Towers cats roaming the park! :cat:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise Alton Towers for its thrilling rides and beautiful grounds, with Scarefest being a particular highlight for its immersive atmosphere and mazes. While the park offers a great experience, some find the parking fees steep and the extensive walking challenging. Occasional ride technical issues are noted, but staff are consistently commended for their friendliness and professionalism.
"I'll start with the car park. It's decent size and well maintained. I completely do not agree with flat rate you have to pay on top of the entry tickets. Regardless if you are there for just couple of hours, half a day or full day, still have to fork out another £12.
Park itself is spread out across vast space. There's lots and lots of walking. Rides are decent. Other attractions are good as well. For us it worked out quite expensive as we've come with a child under 2 years old mainly to visit CeBeebies Land. I've managed to pop on some rides when he had a power nap.
Overall we've enjoyed our time in there and definitely rate it higher than any other UK theme park. Problem is, once you've been to Universal Orlando and other Florida parks you gonna find all rides in any UK park not as thrilling and stunning as what they have in there.
We've found all staff to be friendly, helpful and polite. Cleanliness throughout the park was decent including rest rooms. We've even found a nice kebab takeaway on site which was a plus."
Grzegorz Bajorski
"We took the children yesterday for the first day of scarefest and it was brilliant! The decorations are just wonderful. They had professional dancers dressed in costume and they were amazing and they have a few performances in different parts of the park throughout the day so you’re sure to catch one. We did the Haribo trick or treat town which was brilliant for the kids and the adults too! You have to pay extra but it wasn’t overly expensive and the kids got loads of sweeties. We also did the amigos in the afterlife which was very creative and colourful and very engaging for the children. We had dinner at the rollercoaster restaurant which I highly recommend. You may have to wait a few minutes in the queue to be seated but it’s worth it and the food is very delicious and good size portions too we actually couldn’t finish it all. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. We didn’t experience the older mazes as our children were too young to attend but walking past them they looked really fun. If you’re wondering whether to go this Halloween I would definitely recommend it as a good day out and well worth the money! Just to add I would recommend buying tickets in advance for the mazes just incase you can’t get any in the day although some mazes still had spaces left it’s not a guarantee."
Jemima duck duck
"We spent three days at Alton Towers for my partners 40th birthday and of course for Scarefest and it was absolutely amazing. While a few rides had technical hiccups across the weekend, it didn’t take away from the magic of the experience. The atmosphere was electric—spooky, fun, and full of energy.
The Scarefest mazes were the absolute highlight. I would definitely definitely recommend them—they were incredible! So immersive, so well done, and genuinely thrilling. Each maze felt like stepping into a whole new world, and the attention to detail was unreal.
Despite the occasional ride issues, we had the most amazing time. Scarefest is a must-do if you love Halloween vibes, adrenaline, and unforgettable memories."
Shannon Doherty
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Alton Towers is accessible by car via the M1 and M6 motorways, with ample parking available (for a fee). Public transport options include train to Stoke-on-Trent or Derby, followed by a bus service. Some visitors find the journey involves significant walking from the car park.
Yes, Alton Towers has a large car park. However, there is a flat fee of £12 for parking, regardless of how long you stay. [^Review]
You can reach Alton Towers via train to Stoke-on-Trent or Derby, followed by a bus. Check local bus timetables for the most up-to-date information.
Alton Towers is approximately an hour and a half drive from Manchester, making it a feasible day trip destination.
The Alton Towers app is highly recommended for its live wait times and park map, helping you navigate the extensive grounds efficiently.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, and it's generally cheaper to book online in advance. Look out for special offers and consider a Merlin Annual Pass if you plan to visit multiple Merlin attractions.
Keep an eye on the official Alton Towers website and social media for potential discounts, promotions, and package deals.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the gate, but booking online in advance is usually more cost-effective and guarantees entry.
Opening hours vary seasonally and by day. Always check the official Alton Towers website for the most current operating times before your visit.
Generally, you don't need to book time slots for individual rides, but during peak times, queues can be long. Fastrack options are available for purchase to skip queues.
🎫 🎢 Onsite Experience
Top-rated rides include Nemesis Reborn, The Smiler, Oblivion, and Galactica. Many visitors also enjoy Thirteen and Spinball Whizzer. +1
Yes, CBeebies Land offers a dedicated area with rides and attractions specifically designed for younger children. The Bluey Room hotel is also a hit with families. [^Review]
Toxicator is a newer ride that has been described as a 'water ride' where guests can get wet. It experienced a brief closure on its opening day due to a burst pipe. 
Scarefest is Alton Towers' annual Halloween event featuring themed mazes, spooky decorations, and live entertainment. It's highly recommended for thrill-seekers. [^Review]
Some visitors suggest avoiding certain rides if you're short on time, prioritizing the most popular attractions. The app can help you decide.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Alton Towers offers various dining options, from quick bites to sit-down restaurants. The Rollercoaster Restaurant is a unique experience where food is delivered via a miniature rollercoaster track. [^Review]
Food prices can be high, similar to other theme parks. Bringing your own food is a common strategy to save money.
Yes, visitors are generally allowed to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks into the park.
The Rollercoaster Restaurant offers a unique dining experience where your food travels to your table on a miniature rollercoaster track. It's highly recommended by visitors. [^Review]
Most food outlets offer a range of options, including vegetarian and vegan choices. It's advisable to check menus on the day or inquire with staff. [^Review]
📸 📸 Photography
Capture iconic shots of the rollercoasters like Oblivion and Nemesis Reborn, the park's stunning landscapes, and themed areas like CBeebies Land.
Generally, photography and videography are not permitted on rides for safety reasons. However, many areas around the park offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Yes, Alton Towers often has photo booths at the exit of major rides where you can purchase professional photos of your experience.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer lighting and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing memorable photos. Golden hour can be particularly beautiful.
Drone usage is typically prohibited within theme parks like Alton Towers for safety and privacy reasons. Always check park regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
[^Review]Beyond CBeebies Land, look for rides with lower height restrictions and consider attractions like Spinball Whizzer or Hex. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, and utilize the park app to identify family-friendly attractions and facilities.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting on a weekday to potentially experience lower crowd levels and shorter queues, maximizing your ride count without needing expensive Fastrack passes. If you plan multiple visits, a Merlin Annual Pass might offer better value.
👻 Thrill Seekers & Scarefest Fans
+1 These rides offer intense drops, inversions, and high speeds. If you visit during Scarefest, prepare for a truly immersive Halloween experience. The park transforms with spooky decorations, themed entertainment, and terrifying mazes. Booking maze tickets in advance is highly recommended, as they are a major highlight and can sell out. [^Review]
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill Rides of Alton Towers
+2Other notable thrill rides include Thirteen, known for its surprise element and dark theming, and Spinball Whizzer, a spinning coaster that adds an unpredictable element to the ride. Visitors often debate which coaster reigns supreme, with many citing Nemesis and The Smiler as top contenders for sheer thrill.
It's worth noting that ride closures due to technical issues can occur, as mentioned by some visitors. Checking the park app for real-time ride status is crucial for planning your day around these iconic machines.
Planning for Families and Younger Children
[^Review]Beyond CBeebies Land, several other attractions are suitable for younger visitors, such as the Hex - The Legend of the Towers (though some parts may be intense) and Spinball Whizzer. The park's overall layout, with its beautiful gardens and open spaces, also provides room for children to explore and enjoy.
When visiting with young children, remember that many rides have height restrictions. The park app can help you identify suitable rides for your little ones. Bringing snacks and drinks, or utilizing the family-friendly dining options, can also make the day more comfortable.
The Unique Landscape and Planning Considerations
The park's location and the surrounding natural beauty are often highlighted as a positive aspect, offering a different experience compared to more urban theme parks. However, this also means that some rides might be integrated into the landscape in ways that require careful planning, such as being built underground or having specific track color requirements due to local planning laws.
When planning your visit, consider the weather as it can impact your experience, especially with outdoor rides and extensive walking. The park's vastness also means that strategically planning your route using the app is key to maximizing your time and minimizing unnecessary backtracking.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit