Travel bucket list idea:
Alton Towers
Alton, Stoke-on-Trent , United Kingdom (UK)
- https://www.altontowers.com
Bucket List Experience
England’s largest, most action-packed theme park, Alton Towers offers thrills and spills for children of all ages, with plenty of terror-inducing rollercoasters, including the chilling ‘Thirteen’ and Oblivion, which catapults downwards with a force of 4G.
There’s plenty for younger children too, with a new section of the park based on the books of David Walliams, including a Gangsta Granny coaster. There’s also an impressive indoor water park, boat rides and outdoor play centres, as well as live, toddler-friendly shows.
The Alton Towers complex encompasses a range of accommodations, from treehouses and stargazing pods to a traditional hotel. The resort area also houses an impressive spa and 18-hole crazy golf course.
Logistics
Getting there & doing it
Driving is the easiest way to get to Alton Towers; there are three stations nearby – Stoke on Trent, Uttoxeter and Leek, but there is no shuttle bus, so you’ll need to pre-book a taxi.
Booking online in advance is essential for the water park, plus there’s an advanced online discount for the theme park. Fold-up maps are available on entry, or download the Alton Towers App for a virtual guide before you go. Take waterproofs (much of the site is exposed to the elements) and wear good walking shoes as it’s tiring work for feet.
Target the most popular rides at the very start, before long queues form, or at the end of the day, when the park ceases to admit punters but rides continue to operate. Queue-jump passes are also available for purchase at a premium.
When to do it
The theme park is open mid-March to mid-November, seven days a week. The water park is open year-round.
The long queues and general chaos are especially hectic during half term and summer holidays of British schools (July and August).