Alton Travel Guide

 
by eddrockett
  •   Things to Do
    by eddrockett
  • George outside Ug Land
      George outside Ug Land
    by Meadows11
  • george & ceils in front of 'Air'
      george & ceils in front of 'Air'
    by Meadows11
  • the daunting Nemesis
      the daunting Nemesis
    by Meadows11
  •   Things to Do
    by Meadows11

Explore Alton

Things to Do  

England's world class theme park : SW 7

England's world class theme park : SW 7, Alton

 sourbugger Says:  Alton towers is going to 'launch' a new coaster in May 2013. It was initially known as 'sw 7' which stood for 'secret weapon', but has now recieved its proper name of 'The Smiler'. It stands on the site of 'The black hole' which was basically a fairly average coaster... 

England's world class theme park : Dark rides

England's world class theme park : Dark rides, Alton

 sourbugger Says:  It would be fair to say that what are generally known as 'dark rides' in the terminology of theme parks is not Alton Towers strongest suit. Disney are clearly the masters in this department, and anybody else a fairly distant second.These are Alton's main offerings :Duel : a... 

England's world class theme park : rollercoasters

England's world class theme park : rollercoasters, Alton

 sourbugger Says:  Alton towers has developed quite slowly over the years. I can remember when they used to have the log flume as the main advertised 'thrill ride'. Nowadays it barely rates above a childrens roundabout.The designers have had a special challenge at Alton towers as local... 

Alton Towers - SAVE BIG MONEY!!!

Alton Towers - SAVE BIG MONEY!!!, Alton

 eddrockett Says:  I want to hear some appreciation on this tip as they don't come much better than this! :-)So if you are visiting Alton Towers, be prepaired to pay over £30 per Adult ticket if not more, it's very very expensive! If you are visiting as a family entrance would be well over... 

New at Alton Towers

New at Alton Towers, Alton

 Smutzie Says:  I went to Alton Towers after a gap of 8 years. Things have changed. New white-knuckle rides like Oblivion and Air are fantastic. Oblivion takes you the edge of a vertical drop, leaves you hanging over the edge for a couple of seconds and then plunges you into a foogy hole in... 

Hex

Hex, Alton

 Meadows11 Says:  This long winded 'story of the towers' attraction is only worth it for the freaky illusion at the end of the ride. Apart from that I found Hex boring and drab. Also, if you were claustrophobic it would be an absolute nightmare. We queued for ages, and slowly walked through... 

Alton's Classic Coaster- Nemesis

Alton's Classic Coaster- Nemesis, Alton

 Meadows11 Says:  I think there was meant to be some sort of theme with this one, but I certainly didn't follow it, seemed very vague. That doesn't detract that this was a fantastic ride however! It was fast, intimidating and great fun. It is the roller coaster that Alton Towers originally... 

'Air'- The Ultimate Thrill Ride

'Air'- The Ultimate Thrill Ride, Alton

 Meadows11 Says:  Meet 'Air', Alton Towers newest thrill ride. I was really looking forward to this one upon my second visit to the park, and it certainly did not dissapoint. This rollercoaster has a unique style, which gives you an immense feeling, and will have you believe that your... 

Cork Screw-A Slightly Milder Rollercoaster for you

Cork Screw-A Slightly Milder Rollercoaster for you, Alton

 Meadows11 Says:  Don't get me wrong, the Cork Screw still goes inverted for a large portion of the ride, and is pretty fast, but this is a slightly milder option, for if looking at the likes of 'nemesis' and 'air' get the better of your stomach! Found in the Ug Land area of Alton Towers, the... 

Ug Land (Alton Towers)

Ug Land (Alton Towers), Alton

 Meadows11 Says:  Ug Land is a themed area of the Alton Towers theme park, where all the attractions are based around cavemen and dinosaurs. The area has a very cartoony, fun atmosphere, and is a neutral venue for kids and adults alike, with rides that reflect this. Even if none of the rides... 

Alton Towers

Alton Towers, Alton

 Meadows11 Says:  I have now visited Alton Towers on two occasions. Being a big fan of theme parks I can safely assure you that this is Britain's leading park for atmosphere, value and quality of rides. There is something to suit evryone here. There is beautifully crafted scenery, tranquil... 

Cable car ride

Cable car ride, Alton

 Sjalen Says:  I recommend a cable car ride above the famous gardens created by the 15th Earl of Shrewsbury who owned the land here then. He was quite an excentric man and in the garden you can find all sorts of things like classical temples, Stonehenge and similar things. When I was... 

Hotels  

Transportation  

Getting Around Alton Towers

Getting Around Alton Towers, Alton

 Meadows11 Says:  Getting around the various lands of Alton Towers couldn't be easier than by using the sky trams. The overhead trams are also great fun to go in, and there's always something to see. They run very regularly, and stop at each of the main areas of the park. Might not be the... 

Drive

Drive, Alton

 Sjalen Says:  Best is if you have your own car (although you pay £3 for the parking and £10 if you want the best location!). It is well signposted from the hub of motorways around Stoke-on-Trent. Don't despair if you haven't got a car. Virgin, Central and Midland Mainline trains all have... 

Shopping  

The Chocolate House: Sweet Tooth In Alton Towers
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Meadows11 198 reviews
The Chocolate House

A mini paradise for chocolate lovers! You can't help but miss it as you stroll in to the confines of Alton Towers theme park, it resembles a windmill, and when you go inside the small building is packed to the rafters with different confectionary items. There all the Cadburys products that you would expect there to be, plus a few extra novelty items as well, specific to the towers!

What to buy: Chocolate of course!

What to pay: Unfortunately, the items here are no cheaper than you'd pay on the high street, in fact if anything they are more expensive. But even if you don not buy anything, it's worth taking a look around anyway.

Updated Apr 11, 2005

Related to:
 Theme Park Trips

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Warnings and Dangers  

Can I actually get in ?
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sourbugger 2975 reviews

Alton towers has quite obviously tried to copy Walt Disney theme parks in terms how guests are processed in arriving at the park. Disney, however, did not have to deal with the vagaries of local planning committees. Not for Alton towers a swift expressway branching off the local autoroute or interstate...rather an exasperating trudge through local villages on B-roads. On busy days the kids will become frustrated at the snail's pace progress made towards the entrance. Once there guests are directed towards a monorail that cluncks towards the ticket booths, and finally the entrance to the park itself. Expect delays and queues at all points..

The lesson here is a) arrive early or b) book the previous night in a local B & B or the Theme parks own hotel (thus gaining early entry) or c) make the alton towers trip a 2 dayer so your not rushing to pack everything in one day.

have fun.

Written Feb 24, 2013

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What to Pack  

Pack Light Around the Towers
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Meadows11 198 reviews

Luggage and bags: No need for any sort of luggage really. If you are staying overnight either at a b&b or an Alton Towers Hotel then just a change of clothes which can be left at the hotel will be needed. You will be on your feet most of the day when around the park, and as such will want to be travelling light.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Obviously this will depend on whether. However, you will probably be doing a lot of walking so wear something that breathes easily, and sensible shoes. On, or even nearby certain rides you WILL get wet, and as such may need a spare jumper or something. However, in the warmer months your clothing should dry off by the sun in not time at all!

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: If you feel safer bringing your own medicines that is fine, but there are plenty of first aid spots and trained helpers available should the unfortunate need arise.

Photo Equipment: There is plenty to snap away at here, but due to the nature of some of the rides, you may not want to take your favourite one! If you want to buy a disposable one, then they are readily available in the shops around the park.

Written Mar 11, 2005

Related to:
 Theme Park Trips

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Off The Beaten Path  

The gardens & village
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sourbugger 2975 reviews

The most obvious 'off the beaten path' point of interesr is the local village itself. I guess 99.9% of visitors ignore the charming little village in their haste to get into the theme park or get home again. I must admit I'm guilty as charged and have never stopped in the village either.

Back in the theme park itself the delightful gardens are missed by most. They are maintained to a high standard and are concentrated in the 'valley' between the Nemesis coaster and the 'Towers' ruin. Most see a little of them from the cable car that spans the valley. If you can spare the time (especially if you are on a 2-day ticket) then taking the scenic route and walking through the gardens makes for a nice respite from the adrenalline junkies off to get their fix on the next ride.

Written Feb 24, 2013

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Favorites  

Queue Skip

Queue Skip, Alton

 Meadows11 Says:  One of the newest features of Alton Towers is the Queue jumping facility. This has become quite a popular format with the majority of theme parks around the world, and if you've visited one recently then you should be familiar with the concept. Basically, you reserve a... 

Jump the Queue

Jump the Queue, Alton

 Meadows11 Says:  One of the new features at Alton Towers is the Queue Jumper pass. This has become a very popular idea at the majority of theme parks over the last few years, and so if you've been to any others then you should be familiar with the concept. Basically to save time queuing on... 

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