Alton Towers was first opened in 1980 as a theme park, but it was initially built as an enormous mansion and collection of gardens in 1814 by the 15th Earl of Shrewsbury. The gardens were grouped into themes, and today that tradition of themes is continued through the current Alton Towers Park. Many of the eccentrically constructed gardens and decorations have been kept in their original form as more sensational rides have been added. Today, Alton Towers is one of Britain's premier theme parks and a major attraction for tourists.
The Alton Towers themed park is broken into various sections. J.C. Loudon, one of the artists consulted by the Earl of Shrewsbury when designing the mansion's gardens, described Alton Towers as, "the work of a morbid imagination, joined to the command of unlimited resources." Though your impressions of Alton Towers may not be quite as dramatic, the park design combined with the Alton Towers music creates a unique feeling among theme parks. Alton Towers themes include Merrie England, Katanga Canyon, Gloomy Wood, Forbidden Valley, Ug Land, Adventure Land, and more. The most popular Alton Towers theme for young children is Storybook Land, a section with gentle rides that chronicle familiar storybook characters.
Alton Towers rides are among the most popular in the United Kingdom and throughout Europe. Alton Towers rides are known for their extreme nature. The most notable Alton Towers rides include Nemesis, a ride that leaves passenger's legs free to dangle, and Oblivion, which was the world's first vertical drop roller coaster. Another of the more famous Alton Towers rides is Air. Air suspends passengers in a horizontal position, creating a sensation of flying through the air.
Currently, there are two nearby hotels offering accommodation to guests of Alton Towers. Cariba Creek is an area hotel that also features a water park. The water park is open to guests and non-guests of the hotel itself for a fee. The second Alton Towers hotel is comfortable and offers excellent amenities. The hotel contains a gorgeous spa and can be a relaxing retreat for adults and children of every age. Alton Towers hotel packages are often available. Alton Towers hotel packages can be booked in advance, usually through a travel agent or even through the Alton Towers hotel. These packages can be a great way to save money for any travelers who know they definitely plan to make a stop at the Alton Towers theme park.
For tourists who plan to exclusively visit the Alton Towers theme park and leave the hotel out, tickets can be purchased in person at the park. Tickets are also available online, and often times travel companies offer discounted tickets for tourists when booking their flights. If you plan to make a stop at Alton Towers, be sure to check ahead for possible ticket deals. Alton Towers is a great way to combine the history of Britain with the thrill of extreme and exciting roller coasters and is a great way to spend a day—or a few—in England.