Alton Towers

As England's largest theme park, with 500 acres of attractions and rides the whole family can enjoy, this Staffordshire gargantuan appeals to more than just thrill-seekers. It is an ideal day out - or family break - for all ages.

Best for: All ages

16.00

Today

22°C
73°F

What to Expect:

Advance tickets
Cafe/Restaurant
Family tickets
Great for kids 4-12
Great for teens
Pay on day
Picnic areas
Seasonal opening
Special events

What to do

Alton Towers has its pick of headline-hitting exhilarating rides, but there are also plenty that aren't nearly as scary, and lots perfect for those with younger children.

Thrill-seekers:
Th13teen
Air
Nemesis
Oblivion (over 1.4m only)
Rita - Queen of Speed
The Blade
Enterprise
Ripsaw
Submission

Whole family:
Runaway Mine Train
Sonic Spinball
Congo River Rapids
The Flume
Duel - The Haunted House Strikes Back (ghost train where you can shoot the ghosts!)
Haunted Hollow
Hex - The Legend of the Towers
Tea Cup Ride
UG Swinger
Ice Age - The 4D Experience
Sharkbait Reef by Sea Life
Extraordinary Golf

With young children:
Peugeot Driving School
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - The Ride
Berry Bish Bash
Bouncing Bugs
Frog Hopper
Galloper's Carousel
Old MacDonald's Farmyard - Check out 'There's something in the dung heap'!
Doodle Doo Derby
Old MacDonald's Tractor Ride
Old MacDonald's Singing Barn
Riverbank Eye Spy
Note that some rides have height and girth restrictions - see the signs at the entrances to individual rides.

Visit 'Guest Services' for information on 'Parent Queue Share passes' and to get free ID wristbands for the kids, giving you a little extra peace of mind.

Where to stay

Check out our selection of recommended family friendly accommodations near Alton Towers on the right-hand-side of this page (in our 'Booking Specials' box). The resort itself also has 2 hotels - Splash Landings Hotel and Alton Towers Hotel.

Family deals are usually on offer for hotel and ticket packages, so make sure you check out the website for more information.

Photos

When

Open late March–early Nov, from 9.30am to between 4pm and 7pm, according to season. Get here early to avoid traffic and lengthy queues, and count on the place being VERY busy in school holidays – leave the 'big ones' until last to avoid the queues, or invest in Fasttrack passes.

How

Alton Towers Resort is easy to get to, with great links for both road and rail. The nearest train stations are Stoke-on-Trent, Derby and Uttoxeter. Check out the latest family train travel deals with our preferred partners on our trains page. If you're driving, the resort is between the M1 and the M6 (satellite navigation: ST10 4DB).