Alton Towers
Also known as Alton Resort, Alton Towers is located in Staffordshire. This hotel and amusement park is part of the Merlin Entertainment Group. Opened in the mid-1800’s, Alton Towers hosted garden and flower shows until 1980 when a water and theme park was built on the location.
There are currently nine roller coasters at Alton Towers along with other attractions. These roller coasters include:
- Congo River Rapids
- Nemesis
- Thirteen
- Runaway Mine Train
The hotel located at Alton Towers opened its doors in 1996, and is well known as the first accommodation to be built on-site at the theme park and resort. In the early 2000s, the Splash Landings Hotel was added to the complex. This Caribbean themed hotel also boasts its own water park.
Crazy golf, conference facilities and high ropes courses are also included at the resort, and a CBeebies Land Hotel is also scheduled to be open in the summer of 2017.
There are several events that are hosted at the park throughout the year, and people of all ages will find Alton Towers offers a lot of activities that can be enjoyed by all.
The History of Alton Towers
Although you may be familiar of the park in its current form, you may not be aware of its history. The estate of Alton Towers was once occupied by the Earl of Shrewsbury. The title of the estate remained with the family until 1920.
Charles Talbot, the 15th Earl, decided to clear the landscape around the Towers. After enlisting the help of labourers, artisans and mechanics, the present day Alton Towers dream was conceived.
Charles worked very hard to ensure that the entire concept for the Towers was original, and met with other artists to make sure that Alton Towers would not become an imitation of other theme parks.
The Shrewsbury family stayed in the residence until the early 1920s. The Towers were purchased by businessmen in 1924 and was transformed into Alton Towers LTD. By the 1950s, the grounds around the Towers were restored as a major tourist attraction.
Transportation
There are several ways for you and your family to navigate to Alton Towers. You can choose to travel by foot, rail or by air. No matter which method of transportation you choose, each will offer you a unique way to view the theme park and the surrounding areas.
If you arrive to Alton Towers by car, you will be asked to park in a designated space. You will need to remember that a parking charge is required in order to leave the car park. Parking tickets can be purchased simultaneously with admission fees, or they can be purchased at any time during your visit from one of the machines that are located on Towers Street.
With a variety of roller coasters such as The Smiler and other attractions such as Hex – The Legend of the Towers, Alton Towers is considered one of the best destinations for families to visit in Staffordshire. Consider Alton Towers for your next day out, weekend getaway or holiday retreat.
