Alton Towers is an absolutely fantastic theme park to visit! It’s sprawling and offers an abundance of activities for the entire family. Here are all my helpful tips to ensure you have the best day out.
Address
Farley Ln, Alton, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 4DB
When I last visited Alton Towers a few years ago, I took the train from London to Stoke-on-Trent and then grabbed a taxi to the park. I believe the taxi fare was approximately £15 each way from the station. For my recent trip from Birmingham, it took just over an hour to drive to Alton Towers. If you’re coming from London, expect about a 3-hour drive. Standard parking costs £6 for the day, but be prepared for a 15-25 minute walk to the theme park, which can be tiring after a full day of fun. To save time and effort, I recommend splurging on the express parking for £18, which offers a shorter walk to the theme park entrance. Alternatively, there’s a monorail available, though queues can get long during peak times.
Price
Tickets for Alton Towers start from £34 if booked in advance. Further down, I’ll share some money-saving tips. If you’re interested in visiting the water park, prices start from £12.50. While I haven’t personally visited the water park, I’ve heard positive reviews about it!
Ways to save money.
To make the most of your visit to Alton Towers while saving money, consider several cost-effective options. If you’re visiting during off-peak periods, the Parent and Toddler Pass offers great value, allowing one adult and a toddler under 5 to enter the park for just £25. Keep an eye out for special promotions such as 2-for-1 entry with Seabrook Crisps or offers from The Sun Superdays. Look for Kellogg’s cereal packs offering discounted or free entry tickets. Another option is signing up for Kids Pass to access discounts on tickets and accommodations. Lastly, watch for Carex promotional bottles that can provide half-price entry. By planning ahead and taking advantage of these offers, you can enjoy a memorable day at Alton Towers without breaking the bank.
Plan your day.
When visiting a large theme park like Alton Towers, planning ahead can greatly enhance your experience. Start by downloading the Alton Towers app, which offers a comprehensive park map, details on height requirements for rides, and real-time queue times. The app allows you to plan your day effectively by marking off attractions you want to visit and helps navigate between thrill rides and family-friendly attractions. Before booking tickets, it’s crucial to check the height restrictions for rides to ensure they are suitable for your children. This proactive approach ensures a smoother and more enjoyable visit for everyone in the family.
Height restrictions can be found here too.
What I recommend.
- Octonauts Rollercoaster Adventure – a very cool rollercoaster for little ones 0.9M +
- Generally the whole of CBeebies land is exciting! Perfect for under 5s
- The new Gangsta Granny ride is pretty cool but be aware that queues can get crazy.
- Sharkbait Reef by SEALIFE is wonderful!
- Skyride is an amazing way to get around the park and also see some beautiful scenery.
Food
During our visit to Alton Towers, we opted for fries, which cost approximately £2.95 for a small portion. It’s advisable to bring plenty of snacks, especially for queue times, to keep everyone satisfied throughout the day. Drinks at the park can be quite expensive, so consider investing in a refillable cup for £15, which allows you to refill drinks throughout the day. Alternatively, bringing ample drinks with you can also save on costs. A handy tip is to freeze water the night before your visit so it stays cold throughout the day, keeping you refreshed as you explore the park.
Other top tips for your Alton Towers visit.
For an optimal visit to Alton Towers, consider these tips to enhance your experience. Avoiding peak times, such as weekends and school holidays, can significantly reduce wait times for rides. Downloading the Alton Towers app is crucial as it provides real-time updates on queue lengths and helps you plan your day efficiently. Prioritize popular rides early in the morning or later in the afternoon to minimize wait times. Bringing along a portable unisex potty like Kiddiwhizz ensures you’re prepared for restroom needs while waiting in queues. Arriving early helps beat the crowds for both parking and park entry. If you’re not keen on getting wet on water rides, pack a poncho from Poundland or Tiger. Consider staying overnight at nearby budget hotels like Travelodge or Premier Inn to make the most of a multi-day visit and save on accommodation costs. These tips will help you make the most of your time at Alton Towers and ensure a memorable experience for everyone.
