Latest news with #AltonTowersResort
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Best UK waterparks for family fun this summer from indoor water coaster to mega slides
Forget passports and long-haul flights - the United Kingdom is home to some of the most exciting waterparks in the world, including high-speed flumes to lazy rivers Nothing screams summer quite like splashing around in a waterpark. Whether you're after heart-racing drops, lazy lounging in warm waters, or a cooling day out for the kids, these UK waterparks offer the perfect family escape — no passport required. Here's a round-up of the UK's most exciting waterparks, each offering a unique way to cool off and create unforgettable memories. 1. Alton Towers Waterpark – Staffordshire Located within the Splash Landings Hotel, this waterpark mixes Caribbean-themed décor with a blend of indoor and outdoor attractions. Open year-round, it's the perfect pairing to a family weekend at Alton Towers Resort. 2. Sandcastle Waterpark – Blackpool The UK's largest indoor waterpark is a tropical haven with 29C temperatures year-round. Inside, you'll find a maze of flumes, splash zones, and the world 's longest indoor water rollercoaster — measuring 250 metres. Known for its family-friendly vibe, Sandcastle offers fun for all ages. Prices (online): From £15.95 for children, £24.95 for adults Parents say summer holidays more stressful than starting business or having baby The best UK hotspots for adrenaline-junkie kids during school summer holidays 3. Aqua Park Lakeside – Essex This inflatable water obstacle course is a must-visit for thrill-seekers. With more than 30 obstacles, giant trampolines, and slides, you'll have one hour to bounce, climb, and splash your way through the floating adventure. Other locations include Slough and Milton Keynes. Prices: From £21.45 per person. 4. Splashdown Poole – Dorset With 13 different slides ranging from family-friendly to extreme, Splashdown Poole delivers high-speed excitement. Brave riders can try near-vertical drops, while parents can unwind in the "bubble bench" or jacuzzi. Prices: From £19 5. Alpamare – Scarborough Marketed as "unlike any waterpark you've seen before," Alpamare blends spa-like luxury with classic waterpark thrills. Think heated 35C infinity pools with sea views, a wave pool, flumes, and an on-site wellness spa. Prices: From £12 6. Waterworld – Stoke-on-Trent Filled with a million gallons of water, Waterworld is a tropical indoor paradise. Classic attractions like a lazy river and wave pool sit alongside adrenaline-pumping rides like the Black Hole, Python, and the Space Bowl — which spins you into a plunge pool finale. Prices: From £24 7. Splashdown Quaywest – Paignton, Devon Set against the scenic Devon coastline, this is the UK's largest outdoor waterpark. With eight thrilling rides, a beach bar, arcade, and ice cream hut, it's a must for summer staycations. Prices: From £15
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I'm an Alton Towers rollercoaster expert and people always make one mistake on rides'
John Burton is an attraction whizz who has enjoyed a glittering career that has seen him create immersive experiences including Nemesis Reborn, Toxicator, The Curse at Alton Manor and many others The mastermind behind Alton Towers Resort attractions including Nemesis Reborn and Toxicator has shared the one mistake that could ruin your theme park experience. Few people better understand how to get the very best out of a theme park than John Burton. The attraction whizz has enjoyed a glittering career that has seen him create immersive experiences including Nemesis Reborn, Toxicator, The Curse at Alton Manor and many other of the best known rides at the park. As the school summer holidays get underway, John has shared some tips for those planning a theme park trip. 'The one thing you should never do is close your eyes. By doing that you're missing half the experience - all the incredible theming, the storytelling, and the artistry that is built into every ride," he said. 'People think it helps calm their nerves, but it actually makes the whole experience worse. You lose all visual context, your brain can't process what's coming, which amplifies the fear.' John, whose official title is senior creative lead at Merlin Magic Making, was recently crowned Alumnus of the Year by Birmingham City University for his contribution to thrillseeking. He is the brains behind Alton Tower's latest attraction for 2025 - Toxicator. The only topspin ride of its kind in the UK, its extreme spin patterns exert centrifugal forces on those brave enough to ride it. He says there's a science - and an art - to getting the best thrills. And he credits his success with his focus on storytelling. He explained: 'The rides at Alton Towers are a magical combination of engineering and storytelling to create truly immersive worlds. So look up. Look around. Let yourself feel it. Rides and rollercoasters are about surrendering to the moment - and the more you engage, the more thrilling it gets.' John, who recalls being too scared to ride rollercoasters as a child, says there is one key hack to avoid the queues at Alton Towers Resort - which is offering families an extra day of fun for free this summer. The deal includes an overnight stay at the resort, full entry to the theme park, plus a completely free second day of thrills, giving guests the chance to double the adventure and make twice the memories. He explained: 'It's the classic mistake. Everyone piles into the first big-name coaster near the entrance. Go to the rides at the back of the park first - you'll beat the queues and get more rides in.' And he says fighter pilots can teach all of us a lesson on how to get the best out of a rollercoaster. 'On high-G rides like Nemesis Reborn, to prevent light-headedness, try tensing your calves and core like a fighter pilot to reduce blackout sensations - and remember to keep breathing," John added. 'On coasters like Wicker Man, sit at the back for stronger airtime and a more intense pull over the hills. For cinematic rides like Nemesis Reborn, go front row to get the full view and immersive story.' John's top five Alton Towers ride hacks Nemesis Reborn: Head for the front row: With no seats in front of you - you will be face to face with the incredible visuals. Smiler: Keep your eyes open: With 14 loops in total keeping your eyes open helps your body stay oriented. Wicker Man: Head for the back row: You'll be pulled over drops faster for maximum airtime. Toxicator: Choose wisely: If you want more backwards flips - sit on the side facing Nemesis Sub-Terra - but if you want more forward flips - face Galactica. Oblivion: Choose wisely: The back row gives you more airtime and the feeling of tipping over. The front row is a straight dive down into the black hole.
Daily Mirror
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Alton Towers fans go wild with 3-month pass that's cheaper than a day ticket
Alton Towers Resort is now offering a three-month Seasonal Pass for just £59 — less than the £68 cost of a single day ticket at the gate. Thrill-seekers can enjoy unlimited summer access to Alton Towers Resort for £59 with a three-month Seasonal Pass, which is cheaper than a single £68 day ticket when purchased at the gate. With top attractions like The Smiler and Oblivion included, it's a fantastic value option for families and adrenaline junkies planning multiple visits over the summer and beyond. Alton Towers is the UK's largest theme park, brimming with world-class roller coasters and family-friendly attractions. From heart-stopping rides to the tranquil water park, gardens and lake, there's more than enough to keep visitors entertained for the day. For parents with little ones, the Parent and Toddler Pass is currently discounted from £59 to just £29, offering entrance on off-peak dates for one adult and a toddler (aged 5 or under). While this pass isn't valid on weekends or during school holidays, it does include CBeebies Land and additional toddlers cost £5 extra per visit. For families who want to extend the fun even further this summer, Merlin offers other multi-visit passes for a range of attractions across the UK. The Discover Pass offers off-peak entrance to most attractions on over 200 days a year for £99, while the Silver Merlin Pass offers complimentary entry to Alton Towers Theme Park plus extra perks, including access to Scarefest (excluding Scare Mazes), discounted Waterpark entry and savings on meals and merchandise, for £179 per year, reports Yorkshire Live. The Merlin Gold Annual Pass is currently one of the hottest tickets in town, offering access to a host of top attractions including Thorpe Park, Alton Towers, Legoland, the Dungeons, Madame Tussauds, and even Cadbury World. This coveted pass comes with perks like free parking and discounts on food and more. Shoppers can snap up these passes online via the Alton Towers website. However, those buying should be aware that the Seasonal Pass doesn't cover certain dates, such as the August Bank Holiday weekend and Halloween. For those who fancy a single theme park getaway, Wowcher's Theme Park Breaks could be just the ticket. They're offering a Gulliver's Valley Resort Stay and Theme Park Entry package from £139, with options during school holidays perfect for a family of four looking for an exciting retreat. If your family is keen on outdoor adventures, consider a National Trust Family Membership starting at £103 annually, or grab an English Heritage Pass for complimentary entry to over 400 intriguing sites where kids can immerse themselves in history first hand. Alton Towers has been receiving rave reviews on TripAdvisor, hailed as 'magical' by visitors. An excited thrill-seeker shared: "Amazing. I have no words. If you want to have a fun day with family or friends or just on your own. Alton Towers is the place. It's a must!". Another visitor gushed: "What a fantastic day out with the family! ! ! Not been there in years but we have had the most fantastic time at the theme park. Clean and today and the kids absolutely had the most wonderful time on all the rides." A third enthusiast simply declared: "A great family day out. Service from the staff is always so friendly. A magical place." However, not every guest left with such rave reviews, as some found fault with certain aspects of their visit. One frustrated visitor complained: "As expected, when you go to a theme park they are very long queues. What you don't expect is no seating on a two hour queue. Waiting is not a problem, standing for two hours for one ride with no chance to sit down and rest your legs and back, really is!". Yet the majority of punters appeared to have a brilliant time during their visit. Another five-star reviewer enthused: " A great theme park in the north of the UK. I thought the theme for all of the rides was absolutely impeccable. I thoroughly enjoyed doing many different rides, including Congo River Rapids, Battle for the Galleons and Runaway Mine Train. The Wickerman theme was dark and brilliant. Overall thought was great."
Daily Mirror
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I visited Alton Towers this summer and was floored by the queue times'
A rollercoaster fan who recently went to Alton Towers was shocked at how long the wait times were for several rides with summer holidays coming up and she shared his experience online Alton Towers, the beloved theme park nestled in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, is a hot spot for thrill-seekers with its array of rides and attractions. With the six-week summer holiday on the horizon, parents are on the hunt for fun days out to keep their little ones entertained. Theme parks are a favourite choice for family outings, but they can become quite crowded during this period. A rollercoaster fan who goes by the moniker Coastertog on social media, has given his followers a glimpse into the lengthy queues at Alton Towers via a TikTok video. The clip has garnered a whopping 1.1 million views, 50,900 likes, and more than 1,300 comments in just two days. In the video, Coastertog started by declaring Alton Towers is very busy at the moment and he told viewers they wouldn't be ready to see the extensive queues for a number of rides. He revealed that the wait time for The Smiler was a staggering 140 minutes, while Thirteen had a 90-minute queue, even though it was only 11am. The video shows throngs of visitors at the park, with long queues around various rides. Despite the rainy weather, Coastertog estimated a turnout of 16,500 guests that day. He continued to highlight the extended wait times for other rides, including Wicker Man with a 110-minute queue, Nemesis with an approximate wait time of 100 minutes, and Galactica with a 105-minute wait. Coastertog also pointed out a ride access pass queue that was "hanging out of the gate." The avid theme park further notes that the closures of Rita and Spinball Whizzer were likely contributing to the lengthy queues. He remarked: "We've seen a lot of triple digit queue times today and fast track isn't going to save you either. Look at how long that queue is." Coastertog gave a heads-up that Alton Towers is expected to be "busy pretty much every day" during the school summer holidays but also hinted that queues "do die down nearer the end of the day" suggesting visitors might want to stick around rather than leave early. The TikTok post's caption warns: "Alton Towers queue times right now. Queues do calm down later in the day but if you're looking for a chilled day at Alton right now, just wait until September!" A spokesperson for Alton Towers Resort stated: "At this time of year, the Resort welcomes a high volume of school groups from across the country, many of whom are eager to experience our most thrilling rollercoasters. "As the UK's number one theme park, we're proud to offer unforgettable experiences but during peak periods, queue times can naturally be longer. "We continue to work hard to manage guest flow and provide real-time updates via our app to help guests plan their day." A viewer in the comments section of Coastertog's video suggested: "Alton Towers need to place daily guest limits. "If [a] certain amount of tickets for the day have already been sold, no more can be purchased." Despite Coastertog indicating lengthy queues for rides, a recent visitor to the theme park shared: "Went on Sunday and walked onto Nemesis twice and [the] maximum we waited was 30 mins."
North Wales Live
23-06-2025
- North Wales Live
Alton Towers offers budget-friendly season pass for less than a day trip
Theme park enthusiasts can anticipate a summer of excitement at a reduced cost with the new Alton Towers Resort Seasonal Pass. The £59 three-month seasonal pass is a bargain compared to the walk-up price of £68 for a single-day pass, even if you only visit once. The pass offers unlimited access throughout the summer, making it an attractive choice for those planning summer holiday outings. For adrenaline junkies, this could be the opportunity to enjoy rides like the Smiler and Oblivion all summer long. It's important to note that there are certain dates when the seasonal pass is not valid, such as the August Bank Holiday weekend and several dates in October leading up to Halloween. All passes, including the £139 Annual Gold Pass, are unavailable on these dates. One of the most sought-after passes on offer is the Merlin Annual Pass, granting entry to their theme parks, including Thorpe Park and Alton Towers, as well as Legoland, the Dungeons, Madame Tussauds and even Cadbury World. The basic package costs £99 per year, with more premium packages offering monthly payment plans. For those interested in a single theme park break, Wowcher's Attraction Breaks might be a better option. They offer a Gulliver's Valley Resort Stay and Theme Park Entry package from £139, with availability during school holidays for families of four seeking a fun escape, reports the Mirror. Reviews on Trustpilot are showering praises on Alton Towers, with one guest describing it as 'magical', expressing: "A great family day out. Service from the staff is always so friendly. A magical place." One visitor was particularly thrilled about the minimal wait times for attractions, noting: "Magnificent time at Alton Towers. All the rides were below an hour queue. Went as a group of 5 and we completed smiler and oblivion in the first 20 minutes." They continued to share their experience: "We then went on another 11 rides whilst doing Smiler, Oblivion, Rita, Thirteen and Nemesis twice. Our longest wait time was 50 minutes." There were also some tips for future visitors: "Arriving early is key as they let people in before 10 to start queuing for The Smiler early. Had a wonderful time and was worth every penny. Amazing theme park. Workers were very nice and were always happy to help." However, not all feedback was glowing; one felt changes could improve the experience, pointing out: "As expected, when you go to a theme park there are very long queues. What you don't expect is no seating on a two-hour queue." The critique continued: "Waiting is not a problem, standing for two hours for one ride with no chance to sit down and rest your legs and back, really is!". When it comes to catering for different age groups, many parents have applauded the park: "Amazing couple of days with my family. So much for all ages to do, and the entertainment on the field was a welcome rest for my three-year-old when the older members of our party wanted to go on the thrill rides." For those looking to make frequent visits, the Alton Towers Resort Seasonal Pass can be snapped up for £59 right now.
