Alton Towers’ Best Rides: Alton Towers Theme Park
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Discover Alton Towers' best rides. From thrilling roller coasters to family attractions, find out everything you need to know for a visit to Alton Towers.
Alton Towers Theme Park Guide: (Jump To)
Alton Towers Resort, a huge theme park in the heart of Staffordshire, England, is one of the UK's most beloved destinations, offering a mix of exhilarating rides, family-friendly attractions, and unique experiences. This guide will provide an in-depth look into everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.
Getting to Alton Towers
Getting to Alton Towers By Car
From the South: Use the M1 motorway, exit at Junction 23A, and follow signs for the A50. Continue to Alton Towers, using local signage for directions.
From the North: Take the M6 motorway, exit at Junction 15, and follow the A500, then A50 to Uttoxeter. Follow local signs to Alton Towers.
From the West: Take the M54, exit onto the A41, and follow signs for the A51 and A500 to Stoke-on-Trent, then follow local directions to Alton Towers.
The best way to navigate to the park by car is to use your favorite navigation app like Google Maps.
Alton Towers Car Parking
Standard parking costs around £6 per day, and is situated a short monorail ride from the entrance. You’ll also find express parking located closer to the entrance but it costs more (around £18).
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Getting to Alton Tower By Train
Visitors can choose to arrive at Stoke-on-Trent or Uttoxeter by train.
Stoke-on-Trent is approximately 15 miles away, with direct trains from major cities like London (2 hours), Manchester (45 minutes), and Birmingham (1 hour). Uttoxeter is around 10 miles from the park, with regular services from Derby and Crewe. Shuttle buses operate from Stoke-on-Trent and Uttoxeter stations during peak times. Check the Alton Towers website for current schedules.
We stayed in Uttoxeter at the wonderful White Hart Hotel. We planned to take the bus from the train station to the park in the morning but found it more flexible to hire an Uber. The ride from Uttoxeter took about 15 minutes and cost about £22.
Alton Towers Accommodation
Staying on-site at Alton Towers enhances the experience, providing easy access to the park and additional entertainment options.
Alton Towers Hotel
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Staying at the Alton Towers Hotel makes for an immersive Alton Towers short break. The quirky, fantasy-themed hotel has a whimsical decor. Family rooms feature themed suites (e.g., Arctic Explorer, Moon Voyage). Your stay includes evening entertainment, full English breakfast, parking, and 9 holes of miniature golf.
Splash Landings Hotel
Map: Google Maps
If you plan to visit the Alton Towers waterpark, Splash Landings it might make sense to book one of the family-friendly rooms at the Splash Landings Hotel equipped with bunk beds and colorful decor. Themed rooms include beach huts, ice caves, and Caribbean-inspired pirates. this vibrant and fun Alton Towers accommodation is directly connected to the water park. Parking, breakfast, and miniature golf is also included.
Alton Towers Enchanted Village
Map: Google Maps
Book a truly unique stay in a fairytale woodland with lodges and luxury treehouses at Alton Towers’ Enchanted Village. The cozy lodges with outdoor seating are ideal for families and groups. Amenities include outdoor play areas, evening storytelling sessions, and dining at the Crooked Spoon restaurant. Once again a full English breakfast, parking, and 9 holes of miniature golf are included.
CBeebies Hotel Alton Towers
Map: Google Maps
The CBeebies Hotel at Alton Towers is tailored for young children, with rooms themed around CBeebies shows. If you’re not familiar, CBeebies is children’s programming in the UK similar to PBS shows in the US. Themed rooms feature popular CBeebies characters like Postman Pat and the Octonauts.
Alton Towers Stargazing Pods
Map: Google Maps
These minimalist budget cabins are perfect for families of four or fewer looking for an affordable and convenient stay near the park. Shared bathrooms and shower facilities are close to the cabins. However the cabins aren’t too rustic, they have modern lighting and free Wi-Fi.
Visiting Alton Towers
Alton Towers Resort is divided into several themed areas, each offering a unique array of rides and attractions. Here’s an in-depth look at what you can expect during your visit.
Alton Towers Maps
The best place to view an interactive map of the park is to download the official Alton Towers Theme Park App. Using the app allows you to have everything you need to know about the park at your fingertips including ride wait times, show times, restaurant menus, and so much more.
If you prefer you can also use these maps:
Map: Google Maps (best for navigating your way to the park)
Map: Alton Towers Map PDF
Alton Towers Tickets
Alton Towers Theme Park offers a variety of ticket options to suit different needs and budgets. Here’s a breakdown:
Alton Towers Regular Tickets
These provide entry for a specific date. Prices vary based on the season and can often be cheaper when booked in advance online. One-day advance ticket prices vary depending on your date of visit but typically range between £30-45. Two-day tickets are also available.
Alton Towers Season Passes
Ideal for frequent visitors, season passes offer unlimited access to the park throughout the season, along with exclusive perks like discounts on food, merchandise, and special events. The Merlin Pass includes other area attractions like Thorpe Park, The London Eye, Madame Tussauds wax museums, and aquariums in the SeaLife chain. Our pass for the year cost us just £99. Before buying take note of blackout days—certain days when your pass will not allow entry to the park. A season pass will allow you to come back to experience Alton Towers’ best rides all season!
Read our full review of the Merlin Pass here.
Alton Towers Short Break Packages
These include park tickets combined with a stay at the Alton Towers Resort Hotels or nearby accommodations, often bundled with extra perks like breakfast and early ride time. Deals are often available during the slower season.
To make the most of your visit, it’s advisable to book tickets in advance through the official Alton Towers website. This will save you money and will ease your access to the park.
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Alton Towers Opening Times
Seasonally the park is open from May to November (with a few extra special Christmas days in December). Daily Alton Towers opening times vary depending on the date of your visit. Typical hours are from 10 am - 5 or 6 pm. Special event days like Octoberfest, Scarefest, and fireworks nights will allow you to enjoy Alton Towers’ best rides with the park staying open as late as 9 pm. Check the calendar on the park’s official website for the most up-to-date opening times.
Alton Towers’ Best Rides: Alton Towers’ Roller Coasters
Alton Towers is famous around the world for its unique collection of roller coasters. A unique local rule will not allow any ride to exceed the height of the forest treeline so that no rides spoil the view of local residents. This means that the park has to be innovative when constructing rides often going down instead of up, or making up for the lack of height with twists, turns, head choppers, and fast acceleration. Here are some of Alton Towers’ best rides.
The Smiler
The Smiler is one of Alton Towers’ best rides, holding the world record for the most inversions on a roller coaster (14). It features multiple loops, twists, and turns designed to disorient and thrill. Themed around a sinister psychological experiment, The Smiler’s unique track layout and immersive theming make it a must-ride for thrill-seekers.
Oblivion
Oblivion is the world’s first vertical drop roller coaster. The ride features a 180-foot drop into a mist-filled hole. The anticipation builds as you approach the drop, culminating in a heart-pounding descent that’s over in seconds but leaves a lasting impression. Brave the front row for the best experience. Note the height restrictions (1.4 meters) before queuing. This first-ever ride has been copied by parks around the world perfecting the experience by extending the ride after the initial drop. Oblivion lacks this additional element, but it’s really cool to experience the first-ever ride of its kind.
Nemesis: Reborn
Alton Towers’ newest coaster, Nemesis: Reborn, is an inverted roller coaster with intense G-forces and a storyline involving an alien creature. Known for its intense, close-to-the-ground inversions and high-speed twists, Nemesis: Reborn is a new park favorite and one of Alton Towers’ best rides.
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Wicker Man
The Wicker Man is a modern wooden coaster with special effects, including fire and smoke. The ride combines the classic thrills of a wooden coaster with immersive theming based on pagan rituals.
Rita
Rita is a launch coaster that accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. The ride’s rapid acceleration and high-speed twists provide an adrenaline rush from start to finish. Ride early or late in the day to avoid long lines. Be prepared for the intense launch – it’s a wild ride!
Galactica
Galactica has riders lying face down themed to simulate a space journey. The sensation of flying face-down through twists and turns so close to the ground and trees makes for unique thrills. You’ll be screaming with joy as you enjoy Galactica, one of Alton Towers’ best rides
Runaway Mine Train
Runaway Mine Train is a fun, family-friendly roller coaster with a mine train theme. The gentle curves and moderate speeds make it perfect for children and adults alike. This coaster is great for a break between more intense rides. Plus, the line moves quickly, making it one of Alton Towers’ best rides to enjoy on busy days.
Spinball Whizzer
Riding Spinball Whizzer at Alton Towers is a thrilling experience featuring a spinning roller coaster that combines sharp turns, drops, and spins, on a track similar to the popular wild mouse layout. Located in the park's Adventure Land, its moderate trills appeal to all ages.
TH13TEEN
TH13TEEN is a unique experience that combines traditional coaster elements with unexpected surprises that we won’t be spoiling here. Known for its spooky theme and forest setting, the ride offers a mix of fast-paced turns and psychological thrills, making it a standout attraction as one of Alton Towers’ best rides.
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Other Alton Towers’ Rides and Attractions
Alton Towers CBeebies Land
CBeebies Land is a dedicated area for young children with rides, live shows, and interactive experiences featuring beloved CBeebies characters. Kids will love the In the Night Garden Magical Boat Ride, Postman Pat Parcel Post, and Octonauts Rollercoaster Adventure. Here you will find Alton Towers’ best rides for kids.
Hex – The Legend of the Towers
The only attraction located within the stunning estate castle tower ruins at the center of the park Hex is a walkthrough attraction and ride based on the legend of the Chained Oak It combines storytelling, special effects, and a unique ride system to create a spooky, immersive experience. Hex is probably not suitable for very young children due to the dark and eerie atmosphere.
The Curse at Alton Manor
One of the park’s newest attractions, The Curse at Alton Manor at Alton Park is a spooky dark ride with modern and stunning special effects. The slow-moving carts take riders on a scary adventure. While it is one of Alton Towers’ best rides, it may be a little too spooky for squeamish youngsters.
Check out our other posts about other theme parks in Europe of more fun things to see and do in The UK!
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Gangsta Granny The Ride
Gangsta Granny The Ride is a family-friendly dark ride inspired by David Walliams' popular children's book "Gangsta Granny." It takes riders on an immersive, interactive journey as they join Granny and her grandson Ben in a heist to steal the Crown Jewels, featuring a mix of 4D special effects, humorous scenes, and storytelling. The ride is an amusing journey for adults and kids.
SeaLife Aquarium at Alton Towers
Included in your park’s admission price is a self-guided walking tour of the on-site SeaLife Aquarium, Sharkbait Reef. Inside the aquarium, you will see marine life of all kinds including sharks, jellyfish, crabs, and fish of all colors and sizes. Interactive exhibits are engaging and informative.
Congo River Rapids
If you’re visiting on a warm summer day be sure to take a ride on the park’s wonderful water rapids raft ride, the Congo River Rapids. Waves, tunnels, and splashes await you as you quickly meander down the rapids. This is one Alton Towers’ best rides to enjoy on a hot summer day.
Marauders Mayhem
Marauders Mayhem is a surprisingly fun take on a teacup ride that is pirated-themed. Riders climb inside and take a fun and dizzy ride on the carts that will be sure to leave you spinning.
Other Alton Towers Area Attractions of Note
Alton Towers is not just about high-speed thrills; it offers a variety of other attractions and experiences.
Alton Towers Dungeon
Alton Towers Dungeon is an interactive walkthrough attraction featuring live actors and special effects, telling the dark history of the area. Similar to the famous London Dungeon the experience combines storytelling with immersive sets and jump scares. The experience can take up to one hour to view.
Visiting the Alton Towers Dungeon requires a separate admission fee. The dungeon is suitable for older children and adults.
Extraordinary Golf
Located near the resort hotels and main parking lot, Extraordinary Golf is a mini-golf course themed around the park’s rides and attractions. There are two 9-hole courses, each with quirky obstacles and fun theming. This is a great activity for a relaxing break from the thrill rides. Look for combination tickets that include golf and park entry for savings. Park admission is not required to play.
Alton Towers Gardens
Alton Towers is a massive theme park, much of the central part of the park is home to the historic Alton Towers Gardens. This part of the park is a must-see, featuring beautifully landscaped areas, fountains, and a pagoda. Dating back to the early 19th century, the gardens were part of the original estate. Taking a walk through the gardens is a perfect way to take a peaceful break from the rides. Take time to explore the various sections and hidden pathways.
The gardens offer excellent photo opportunities, especially during spring and summer when flowers are in bloom. Park admission is required to view the gardens.
Food at Alton Towers
Alton Towers offers a variety of dining options to suit all tastes and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a sit-down meal, you’ll find plenty of choices throughout the park. Take a break for lunch between enjoying Alton Towers’ best rides. Food prices in the park are moderate in terms of traditional theme park pricing. Snacks can be enjoyed for £2-6 and meals for £15-30.
Rollercoaster Restaurant at Alton Towers
Located in the Forbidden Valley section of the park and near the park resort hotels the Rollercoaster restaurant offers a unique dining experience where food is delivered to your table via rollercoaster tracks. The menu includes options for various burgers, pizzas, salads, and desserts. It’s vital to make reservations in advance, especially during peak times. The novelty of the food delivery system makes it a popular spot.
Woodcutters Bar & Grill
Near the entrance to Wicker Man Woodcutters is a rustic, family-friendly restaurant offering meals of Burgers, steaks, and salads. Kids’ meals are also available. Indoor and outdoor seating is available making it a good spot for rainy or sunny lunch breaks.
Explorers Pizza & Pasta Buffet
Located in Katanga Canyon Explorers Pizza & Pasta Buffet is an all-you-can-eat buffet offering pizzas, pastas, salads, and desserts. The buffet is a great value for families. Arrive early to avoid long waits during peak meal times and don’t overdo it, you’ve got more roller coasters to en
Alton Towers Events and Seasonal Activities
Alton Towers hosts a variety of events and seasonal activities throughout the year, adding extra excitement to your visit. Typically all of Alton Towers’ best rides are open during seasonal events with many exceptions during Christmas.
Scarefest at Alton Towers
Starting in late October, just in time for Halloween, the park is transformed with haunted mazes, scare zones, and spooky decorations. Alton Towers’ best rides morph into scarier versions!
Carefully designed haunted mazes are built and opened. Past attractions like The Attic: Terror of the Towers and Altonville Mine Tours have done a great job of scaring guests to Alton Towers. There are also scare zones set up. These zones are areas of the park where actors dressed as zombies, ghosts, and other creatures interact with guests. There are also more family-friendly Events like trick-or-treat trails, costume competitions, and spooky shows.
Be sure to book in advance as Scarefest is extremely popular. Arrive early to enjoy the rides during the day and stay late for the nighttime scares. Wearing costumes is encouraged, but masks are not allowed for safety reasons.
Alton Towers Fireworks
In early November, typically the first weekend of the month, Alton Towers marks the end of the theme park season with a spectacular fireworks display. The choreographed display is set to music, with pyrotechnics lighting up the sky over the park.
On this special night, many rides stay open late, offering a chance to enjoy the attractions in the dark.
Alton Towers Oktoberfest
Starting in September and ending in October Oktoberfest at Alton Towers is a German-themed event featuring traditional food, drink, and entertainment. Visitors love enjoying the diverse food and drink offerings like authentic German sausages, pretzels, and beer. Special entertainment events include live music, traditional Bavarian dancing, and interactive games.
Plan a visit in the afternoon for a lively atmosphere with music and dancing, or arrive early to get the most possible rides in before taking part in the festivities. Most activities and games are suitable for all ages.
Christmas at Alton Towers
Spread over varying dates starting in late November and ending in early January Christmas at Alton Towers has become a beloved tradition. On these special days, Alton Towers transforms into a winter wonderland with festive decorations and holiday-themed activities.
At Santa’s Grotto guests can meet Santa Claus and receive a special gift. Beautiful Christmas lights and decorations are arranged throughout the park. Festive Holiday-themed performances and entertainment are also available.
Book your tickets early as Christmas events can sell out quickly and don’t forget to dress warmly for outdoor activities and bring waterproof clothing in case of rain.
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Tips for Visiting Alton Towers
There are plenty of things to keep in mind when planning a visit to Alton Towers theme park. Taking time to understand these considerations will help you plan the best possible Alton Towers trip and ensure you can enjoy all of Alton Towers’ best rides.
Best Time to Visit Alton Towers
Generally, weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Visiting on a Monday or Tuesday is advisable, especially during peak holiday time in the United Kingdom. Planning your visit during the school year on weekdays will ensure shorter queues.
While attending a special event can be magical, be aware that events like Scarefest and Fireworks can attract large crowds. Plan accordingly if you prefer a quieter experience.
Alton Towers Photo Package
If you like to share memories of the day assign one person in your group to be the official photo collector. This person should add the option for unlimited digital photos (just £25) to their ticket. During the day be sure to collect the links to the photos after each ride. The park provides amusing overlays and backgrounds. You can share your photos instantly online. This is a great way to capture the memories of riding Alton Towers’ best rides. Note that prints of photos are not included.
Alton Towers Fast Track Passes
Various skip-the-line options at Alton Towers are available, from single-ride passes to unlimited access for the day. These passes, called Fastrack, can be bought online, on the Alton Towers App, or at the park. Prices vary depending on the level of access and the daily crowd level. If you are visiting on a busy weekend day buying an Alton Towers Fast Track Pass may be the only way to ride all of Alton Towers’ best rides in just one day. These are the current options available to guests. Check the park’s official website for the most up-to-date info for your visit.
Fastrack Solo (starting at £8) This one-shot Fastrack allows you to quickly skip one line on a specific attraction. This option is great during the busiest times of the day
Fastrack Bronze (starting at £32). Allows you to skip the line of the following 4 attractions: Spinball Whizzer, The Curse at Alton Manor, Runaway Mine Train, and Gangsta Granny: The Ride. You may skip each line once.
Fastrack Silver (starting at £55) Allows passholder to skip the line of these 6 coasters: Wicker Man, Oblivion, Rita, TH13TEEN, The Smiler, and Galactica. You may skip each line once.
Fastrack Gold (starting at £75) This top-tier pass allows holders one chance to skip the line for 13 rides including Wicker Man, Oblivion, Rita, TH13TEEN, The Smiler, Galactica, Spinball Whizzer, Gangsta Granny: The Ride, The Curse at Alton Manor, Marauders Mayhem, Battle Galleons, Rapids, and Runaway Mine Train
Fastrack Platinum (starting at £130) The best pass available allowing UNLIMITED line skipping for the park’s top 14 attractions: Nemesis Reborn, Wicker Man, Oblivion, Rita, TH13TEEN, The Smiler, Galactica, Spinball Whizzer, Gangsta Granny: The Ride, The Curse at Alton Manor, Marauders Mayhem, Battle Galleons, Rapids, and Runaway Mine Train
Alton Towers Height Restrictions
Be sure to check in advance as many rides have height restrictions for safety reasons. Measure your youngsters and verify the info on the Alton Towers website before your visit. Here is a quick summary.
1.4 meters (55 inches): Nemesis Reborn, Galactica, The Smiler, Rita, Oblivion
1.2 meters (47 inches): Wicker Man, TH13TEEN, Spinball Whizzer
1.1 meters (43 inches): Marauders Mayhem, Congo River Rapids, Runaway Mine Train
0.9 meters (36 inches): Battle Galleons, Gangsta Granny: The Ride, The Curse at Alton Manor
Additional restrictions are noted on the park’s website including maximum heights for certain rides, CBeebies attractions restrictions, and height minimums that require an adult to ride along.
Alton Towers Accessibility
Ride access passes are available for guests with disabilities, allowing access to rides via alternative entrances. Apply in advance through the Alton Towers website. Designated accessible parking areas near the entrance. Blue Badge holders park free of charge. Accessible toilets, changing places, and family restrooms are available. Check the park map for locations. All on-site hotels offer accessible rooms. Inform the resort of any specific requirements when booking.
Summary
Visiting Alton Towers is an adventure filled with thrills, family fun, and memorable experiences. From world-class roller coasters to 19th-century gardens, there’s something for everyone. Experiencing Alton Towers’ best rides and attractions will be a memorable trip for families, couples, and friends. Plan ahead, make the most of your time with early arrivals and Fastrack passes, and enjoy the variety of attractions, dining, and events that this iconic theme park has to offer. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or looking for a fun day out with the family, Alton Towers promises an unforgettable visit.
