Alton Towers Resort is a premier tourist destination located in Staffordshire, England. It is a theme park and waterpark that offers a variety of exciting rides, attractions, and entertainment options for visitors of all ages. The resort is known for its thrilling roller coasters, family-friendly rides, and extensive waterpark. The park is owned and operated by the British entertainment company, Merlin Entertainments.
The park features over 50 rides and attractions, including several roller coasters, water rides, and family-friendly rides. Some of the most popular attractions at Alton Towers include the Nemesis and Oblivion roller coasters, the Wicker Man wooden coaster, and the Thirteen drop tower ride.
Theme Park Rides
Alton Towers Resort is home to several world-class roller coasters, including “Nemesis,” “Oblivion,” and “The Smiler.” Nemesis, which opened in 1994, is an inverted coaster that features five inversions and reaches speeds of up to 50 mph. Oblivion, which opened in 1998, is a vertical drop coaster that features a 180-foot drop and reaches speeds of up to 68 mph. The Smiler, which opened in 2013, features 14 inversions and holds the Guinness World Record for the most inversions on a roller coaster.
Roller Coasters:
- Nemesis:
Nemesis is one of the park’s most iconic roller coasters. This inverted coaster, which opened in 1994, is built into a pit, and the track twists and turns around the surrounding landscape, giving riders the sensation of being swept along at high speed through a dark, foreboding landscape. The coaster features multiple inversions, including a zero-g roll and a corkscrew, and reaches speeds of up to 50 mph.
- Oblivion:
Oblivion is a steel roller coaster that opened in 1998 and was the world’s first vertical drop coaster. The ride features a 180-foot drop into a tunnel, reaching speeds of up to 68 mph. The coaster also features a tight helix and a second drop, giving riders an intense and thrilling experience.
- The Smiler:
The Smiler, which opened in 2013, is a steel roller coaster with 14 inversions, breaking the world record for the most inversions on a roller coaster at the time of its opening. The ride features a twisted track that loops and corkscrews around itself, providing riders with a dizzying and thrilling experience.
- Wicker Man:
Wicker Man is a wooden roller coaster that opened in 2018. The ride is themed around a pagan ritual and features an impressive wooden structure that weaves through a dense forest. The coaster features an immersive pre-show experience and reaches speeds of up to 44 mph, providing riders with a thrilling and unique experience.
Thrill Rides:
- The Blade:
The Blade is a high-speed thrill ride that spins riders at high speeds in a circular motion. The ride reaches heights of up to 60 feet, providing riders with a thrilling and exhilarating experience.
- Rita:
Rita is a launched roller coaster that reaches speeds of up to 61 mph in just 2.5 seconds. The ride features a series of airtime hills and a tight, banked turn, providing riders with a thrilling and intense experience.
- Th13teen:
Th13teen is a steel roller coaster that features a vertical freefall drop of 100 feet, followed by a series of twists and turns. The ride also features a surprise drop element, which provides riders with an unexpected and thrilling experience.
Family Rides:
- Congo River Rapids:
Congo River Rapids is a family-friendly water ride that takes riders on a thrilling journey through a simulated white-water rapids experience. The ride features a variety of twists and turns, as well as a few drops and rapids, providing riders with a fun and exhilarating experience.
- Duel – The Haunted House Strikes Back:
Duel is a family-friendly dark ride that takes riders on a journey through a haunted house, where they must shoot targets to earn points. The ride features interactive elements, as well as special effects, providing riders with a fun and engaging experience.
- Runaway Mine Train
The Runaway Mine Train is a classic family roller coaster that is perfect for children and adults alike. The ride takes guests on a journey through a rocky mountain landscape and features several drops and turns. With a height restriction of just 1.1 meters, this ride is perfect for families with young children.
- Twirling Toadstool
The Twirling Toadstool is a fun and exciting ride that takes guests on a spinning journey through a magical mushroom forest. With bright colors and whimsical theming, this ride is perfect for young children and families looking for a fun and relaxing experience.
- Heave Ho
Heave Ho is a pirate ship ride that swings guests back and forth as if they were sailing the high seas. With a height restriction of just 1 meter, this ride is perfect for families with young children who want to experience a bit of adventure without being too scared.
- Galloper’s Carousel
The Galloper’s Carousel is a traditional carousel ride that has been a staple of amusement parks for generations. With beautifully carved horses and colorful decorations, this ride is perfect for families looking to relive the nostalgia of classic amusement park attractions.
- Driving School
The Driving School is a fun and interactive ride that allows children to drive their own miniature cars through a traffic course. With traffic signals, roundabouts, and other features, this ride is a fun way for children to learn about road safety and have fun at the same time.
- Sharkbait Reef by SEA LIFE
Sharkbait Reef by SEA LIFE is an interactive aquarium that takes visitors on a journey through an underwater world filled with sea creatures. With interactive displays and educational exhibits, this attraction is perfect for families looking to learn more about marine life and have fun at the same time.
In addition to these thrill rides, the theme park also features several family-friendly rides and attractions, including “CBeebies Land,” which is geared towards younger children and features rides and attractions based on popular children’s television shows such as “Postman Pat” and “In the Night Garden.” Other popular family rides include “Galactica,” which is a virtual reality roller coaster, and “Rita,” which is a launch coaster that reaches speeds of up to 62 mph.
Waterpark
The waterpark at Alton Towers Resort is known as “Splash Landings” and features a tropical Caribbean theme. The waterpark includes several water slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and a children’s play area. One of the most popular attractions at the waterpark is “Master Blaster,” which is a water coaster that features high-speed drops, twists, and turns.
Accommodation Options
Alton Towers Resort offers several on-site accommodation options, including hotels, lodges, and themed rooms. The hotels at the resort include the Alton Towers Hotel, the Splash Landings Hotel, and the Enchanted Village. The lodges at the resort are located in the Enchanted Village and feature woodland-themed accommodations. The themed rooms at the resort include “Galactica,” “In the Night Garden,” and “CBeebies Land Hotel.”
Dining Options
Alton Towers Resort offers a range of dining options, including restaurants, cafes, and food kiosks. The resort features several sit-down restaurants, including “The Crooked Spoon,” which serves British cuisine, and “Secret Garden Restaurant,” which offers a buffet-style dining experience. There are also several fast-food options, such as “Pizza Pasta,” which serves pizza and pasta dishes, and “Fried Chicken Co.,” which serves fried chicken and burgers.
Special Events
Alton Towers Resort hosts several special events throughout the year, including Halloween and Christmas-themed events. During the Halloween season, the resort features several spooky attractions and scare mazes, such as “Altonville Mine Tours” and “Project 42.” During the Christmas season, the resort is decorated with festive lights and decorations and features a range of holiday-themed entertainment, such as “Santa’s Sleepover” and “Pantomime.”
Conclusion
Alton Towers Resort is a premier tourist destination in the UK, offering a range of exciting rides, attractions, and entertainment options for visitors of all ages. The resort’s world-class roller coasters, family-friendly rides, extensive waterpark, and on-site accommodation options make it a popular destination for short breaks and family vacations.