Alton Towers is Not Just a Vacation Destination, It’s an Experience for the Entire Family
Finding a vacation destination geared toward the entire family can be challenging, to say the least. In a typical family, the age differences between siblings makes choosing entertainment tricky; meanwhile, many family vacation spots cater so much to children that parents feel like they need a get-away of their own. Fortunately, there are a select few places where everyone in the family has something special to enjoy. Alton Towers, Great Britain’s most famous theme park is one of those places.
The Most Invigorating Rides in the World
Among the many attractions at Alton Towers, the most notable ones are the high-trill rides found in the theme park. One of the most popular of these is Air, a rollercoaster that truly defies gravity. This innovative ride features and overhead track, allowing your legs to dangle as you soar weightless and high above the park. You even have a chance to be part of history as you ride through the Air, which is the world’s first flying rollercoaster.
Of course, Air is not the only “first” featured at Alton Towers. Nemesis, the world’s first inverted rollercoaster, is guaranteed to blow you away with G forces greater than those of a space shuttle take off. This ride is appropriately named because conquering it is certainly a testament to overcoming your fear. If speed is what gets your heart racing, Rita Queen of Speed is a must-ride. This rollercoaster reaches 60 miles per hour in just 2.5 seconds and has more lift than an airplane.
Nevertheless, not only does Alton Towers offer some of the world’s most invigorating rollercoasters, there are plenty of other attractions to keep the adrenaline pumping. For instance, the Oblivion will test even the toughest, most experienced thrill seekers. You’ll plummet into a pitch black abyss that’s a jaw-dropping 200 feet underground. What’s more, this drop is steeper than any you’ll ever experience, even if you go skydiving. And, as you may have guessed, Oblivion is the world’s first vertical drop.
Just for the Tweens
Though Alton Towers has an abundance of entertainment designed for adults and older kids, it has just as many exhilarating attractions for those “in between.” In addition to rollercoasters like Runaway Train, Spinball Whizzer and Corkscrew, you’ll find entertainment in places like the Haunted House. Your kids may have seen a dozen haunted houses up to this point but have they ever dueled ghosts? After “fighting” your way through the spooky house, visit the Hex and you’re sure to leave spellbound. This spine-tingling room is an optical illusion that will have you wondering if the room is moving or if you’re eyes are playing tricks on you.
If you’re looking for a wet ride but aren’t ready for the waterpark, just take the family onboard the Congo River Rapids. If you’re really up for a watery adventure, you’ll love The Flumes. The best way to describe this attraction is to dub it as the super soaker of Alton Towers theme park. You and the family will load up into a giant bathtub and plunge down the rapids. There, you encounter enormous rubber ducks and whirlpool plugs.
Littlest but not Least
How will you know when it’s time for your littlest child’s first rollercoaster ride? It might be the day you take the family to Alton Towers. The Beastie, a rollercoaster made just for the youngsters dips and winds just enough to bring out your little one’s smile. And, the Beastie is a good training tool for someone who will ride the big rollercoasters next time you visit. Moreover, if your child has ever dreamt of riding a glass elevator like the one in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, you have the opportunity to bring the dream to life. This particular journey recreates cherished scenes from the film and ends with a fantastic elevator ride into the clouds.
Once your little one learns how much fun there is to have being a passenger, it’s time to get a driving license – Alton Towers style. At Peugeot Driving School, the kids will travel through traffic lights, roundabouts and other wonders of the road. If this park sounds like a world all of its own, that’s because it is exactly that. As if a driving school isn’t enough, you can also take your youngster down Cred Street, an area of the park with tons of attractions and rides all of its own. And, they’re all geared toward the littlest (but not least) of your group.
Soak up the Fun
At first glance, Alton Towers may seem like just another theme park. For many travelers, learning about all the different rides and how they cater to the whole family is amazing. Add to that the news that there’s a waterpark in addition to the theme park and vacationers can’t seem to stay away. Once again, this portion of Alton Towers is dedicated to making sure that everyone in the family has a blast – of water.
The attractions range from the Master Blaster, featuring three twisting slides with separate pools, the Wacky Waterworks Treehouse with 70 play features and the Little Leak pool where sliding and splish-splashing are practically required. Even babies and toddlers have the chance to splash and play during designated sessions set aside just for children up to age six. And, for added convenience, you’ll find baby and toddler friendly changing stations, a feeding room just for tots and even a place to purchase disposable swim diapers.
Nonetheless, age range is not the only attribute making Alton Towers one of the most diverse parks in the world. The vast waterpark also features a warm water section where you’ll find the Lagoona Bay waterfalls and Bubbly Wubbly pool. Here’s your opportunity to take a breather after a full day of cool rides.
Fun is Only Half the Story
What’s really interesting about Alton Towers is that any family could easily center an entire vacation on it. There’s a great deal of terrific theme parks scattered throughout the world but very few can truly offer variety like that found at Alton Towers. One could easily compare it to Disneyland or Disney World. Places like these are far more than just parks. They are vacations in and of themselves.
At Alton Towers, there are hotels available for guests who are ready to truly immerse themselves in all it has to offer. The first of two hotels onsight, the Alton Towers Hotel, is inspired by the travels of Sir Algenon Alton. There, you have the opportunity to stay in its Discovery Bedrooms, which are perfect for four to five guests, children and adults. Or, if you prefer, you can book on of the hotel’s elaborate suites. These rooms are decorated literally from floor to ceiling, include VIP parking and even special access to theme park rides.
The second hotel, aptly named the Splash Landings Hotel, is located near the waterpark. Its relaxed tropical atmosphere is fun for everyone in the family and ideal for groups with small children. In fact, this particular hotel was voted the best family friendly hotel by readers in Mother & Baby Magazine. And, like the waterpark, it’s available year-round.
Furthermore, hotels aren’t the only places to relax at Alton Towers. Just as there are rides and attractions suited for kids of all ages, there are also places set aside just for you, the grown-up. For example, Alton Towers is well-known for having the some of the most capacious gardens in Great Britain. What else can you expect from a place that sets records and makes history time and time again?
If you enjoy a good game of golf, you’ll appreciate Extraordinary Golf, an 18-hole course that’s fun for the whole family but still offers adults a chance to enjoy their own adventures. Let’s say a full day at the golf course leaves you a little on the sore side. In this case, feel free to get up the next day and head for the spa. For only £18.50, you can enjoy five pampered hours in an Aqua Relaxation Room. This includes a hydro pool, hot tub, crystal steam room and sauna.
If You’re Looking for a Great Family Vacation Spot
The Alton Towers should definitely be on your list of places to consider for you and your family. As you can see, it has a great deal to offer and this description only skims the surface. If truth be told, there is a good chance you’ll have to visit more than once if you wish to experience it all.
About Author
Paul Leach
Webmaster of www.hogarthassociates.com.au and www.thebusinesswizard.co.uk
