There’s a unique kind of electricity that fills the air during the Alton Towers off-season. It’s a quiet hum of anticipation, a palpable sense of wonder that hangs over the Staffordshire valleys. While the rides sleep and the park undergoes its annual winter maintenance, we, the dedicated fans, turn our attention from the thrills of today to the promise of tomorrow. Our forums buzz with whispers, our eyes are peeled for the slightest hint of a planning application, and every new fence panel erected on-site is scrutinised with the intensity of a forensic investigation. It’s a tradition as old as the park’s secret weapon projects themselves.
Alton Towers has a legendary history of building world-class, ground-breaking attractions under codenames and behind tantalisingly high wooden fences. From SW3 (Nemesis) to SW7 (The Smiler), these projects have defined generations of theme park innovation. And as we head towards the 2025 and 2026 seasons, that familiar excitement is bubbling up once again. The park is stirring, and the signs are pointing towards something big on the horizon.
In this bumper deep-dive, we’re going to collate all the credible rumours, analyse the construction work we can see, and speculate wildly (but with a healthy dose of insider knowledge!) on what the future holds for our beloved Alton Towers. What’s going on in Forbidden Valley? Will X-Sector finally get a new thrill ride? And what does the park’s long-term plan tell us? Grab a brew, settle in, and let’s get speculating!
Project Horizon: What’s Happening Behind The Forbidden Valley Fences?
If you’ve visited the park recently or have been following the community chatter, you’ll know that the epicentre of all current speculation is Forbidden Valley. This area, already home to the legendary trio of Nemesis Reborn, Galactica, and The Blade, has a new, very large, and very conspicuous construction site. Following the removal of the Funk 'n' Fly temporary flat ride, a significant plot of land between Galactica's station and the Rollercoaster Restaurant has been cleared, flattened, and surrounded by those iconic project fences. The signs are there, and the codename floating around the community for this development is 'Project Horizon'.
This isn't just a minor refresh; the scale of the groundwork points to a major new installation. For enthusiasts, this is the most exciting development at the resort in years, likely representing the next ‘Secret Weapon’ project. The potential for a new major coaster to complement the raw intensity of Nemesis and the unique sensation of Galactica is immense, and it could completely redefine the identity of Forbidden Valley for a new generation.
The Clues Uncovered: Fences, Footers, and Foundations
For the dedicated construction-watchers among us, the off-season has been a goldmine. From vantage points on the Skyride, and even sneaky glimpses through gaps in the fences (we've all been there!), we're starting to build a picture. Initial work involved extensive ground clearance and levelling, a far more significant undertaking than would be needed for a simple flat ride.
More recently, the real excitement has begun: the appearance of concrete footers. These deep, reinforced concrete structures are the foundations upon which a ride’s steel supports are bolted. Their size, depth, and placement can tell us a huge amount about the potential attraction. We’re seeing a combination of large, square footers, indicative of heavy support columns, and long, trench-like foundations, which often point towards parts of a ride that exert immense lateral forces, such as high-g helices or heavily banked turns. Interestingly, there also appears to be significant excavation for what could be a deep pit or an underground tunnel section – a classic Alton Towers trick to get around those pesky treetop height restrictions.
Decoding The 'Leaked' Planning Documents
While no official planning application has been made public under the 'Project Horizon' name (Alton Towers are masters of disguise, often using shell company names), documents and diagrams, supposedly from preliminary consultations, have mysteriously found their way into the fan community. We have to take these with a pinch of salt, but they paint a fascinating picture.
The plans appear to show a long, sprawling layout, weaving in and out of the woodland behind the restaurant. The key statistics are tantalising: a maximum height of just 19.5 metres above existing ground level, but with a significant 'maximum drop' of over 30 metres, confirming the use of extensive excavation. The layout seems to feature multiple launch sections, a large, sweeping 'overbanked' turn, and a series of tight, low-to-the-ground S-bends. A large new show building is also marked on the plans, located towards the back of the site, suggesting a potential indoor section or a themed station. The sheer scale of this hints that if you haven't got one already, a Merlin Annual Pass might be a very wise investment to watch this monster rise from the ground over multiple visits.
Coaster Type Speculation: A B&M Surf Coaster, or a Mack Multi-Launch?
This is the million-dollar question. What kind of coaster are we looking at? The evidence points in a few exciting directions.
- The Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) Hypothesis: Alton Towers has a phenomenal, long-standing relationship with Swiss manufacturer B&M. They are the masterminds behind Nemesis, Oblivion, and Galactica. The park trusts them to deliver reliable, high-capacity, and world-class experiences. One of B&M’s newest models is the 'Surf Coaster', which features wide trains where riders stand. The ride experience is focused on airtime and sweeping turns, mimicking the feeling of surfing. Could Project Horizon be the UK's first Surf Coaster? The wide footers and sweeping turns on the plans could certainly accommodate it. It would also offer a completely new ride sensation not currently found at the park. Imagine 'surfing' through the Forbidden Valley forests – the thematic potential is enormous.
- The Mack Rides Multi-Launch Hypothesis: German manufacturer Mack Rides has been on an incredible roll lately, creating some of the world's best multi-launch coasters (like Helix at Liseberg and Copperhead Strike at Carowinds). The plans showing multiple launch sections strongly suggest this type of ride. Mack's layouts are known for being long, varied, and packed with airtime hills, inversions, and intense turns. A Mack multi-launch would fit the 'sprawling layout' description perfectly and could offer a long ride duration, something the park has been missing in its recent additions. This feels like a very strong contender and would be a fantastic, modern addition to the park’s lineup, which you can check out on our complete ride list.
- The Intamin Blitz/Multi-Launch Wildcard: Let’s not forget Intamin, the creators of the now-departed Rita. While the relationship may have been strained in the past due to reliability issues, there's no denying Intamin are at the top of their game with rides like VelociCoaster. An Intamin Blitz Coaster would deliver unparalleled intensity and speed, fitting for a 'Secret Weapon'. It remains an outside chance, but one we can’t entirely dismiss.
Whichever it is, one thing is certain: this is shaping up to be a headline attraction. The investment is clearly significant, and it’s the kind of project that gets your heart racing. Make sure you book your tickets for next season to see the progress for yourself!
The Future of Dark Forest: Will TH13TEEN Get a New Neighbour?
For years, Dark Forest has felt like an area of two halves. On one side, you have the magnificent, story-driven TH13TEEN, the world's first freefall drop coaster. On the other, you have Rita, the ferocious launch coaster, a relic of the park’s ‘U-Go-Land’ past that was hastily re-themed in 2010. While still a fun and intense ride, its bright red track and drag-racing theme have never truly gelled with the spooky, twisted woodland vibe of the Dark Forest. Between the two lies a tantalisingly empty plot of land, once home to the Ug Swinger, sparking endless debate: what's next for this corner of the park?
The rumour mill consistently churns out ideas for a Dark Forest expansion or overhaul, and it's a discussion worth having. The area has so much untapped potential, and a new attraction could finally unify its theme and create a truly world-class, immersive zone. A visit now feels slightly disjointed, something a cohesive new development could fix entirely.
The Rita Problem: A Re-theme or a Removal?
The biggest question mark hangs over Rita. Her operational reliability has been a known issue for years, and the theme is undeniably tired. Fans are divided: should she be re-themed, or is it time for her to be retired to make way for something new?
A re-theme is the most plausible short-term option. Imagine the track repainted a dark, rusty brown or a wraith-like grey, intertwined with gnarled, thorny branches. The station could be transformed into a crumbling mausoleum or a sacrificial altar from which you are 'launched' into the haunted woods. New audio and lighting effects could completely change the ride's narrative, tying it directly into the lore of TH13TEEN and the Wraiths. This would be a cost-effective way to breathe new life into the area without the colossal investment of a brand-new coaster.
However, the more dramatic rumour is that Rita's time is up. Removing her would open up a huge parcel of land for a new, modern attraction that is designed from the ground up to fit the Dark Forest theme. While this would be a sad day for many who love Rita's raw power, it could be a case of addition by subtraction, paving the way for something truly spectacular.
A New Supporting Attraction: Flat Ride or Family Thrills?
Whether Rita stays or goes, the empty plot next to her is prime real estate. The park is arguably missing a top-tier, high-capacity thrill flat ride. Think of something like a Gerstlauer Sky Fly (letting riders control their own inversions), a Zamperla Gryphon (a giant spinning, swinging pendulum), or an S&S Screamin' Swing. Any of these could be themed perfectly to the Dark Forest – imagine being 'captured by the forest' and flung through the trees. It would add a much-needed secondary attraction to the area, helping to absorb crowds and provide a different kind of thrill to the two coasters.
Alternatively, the park could opt for a 'thrill-lite' or family-thrill attraction. Something that bridges the gap between CBeebies Land and the major coasters. A family-friendly dark ride exploring the lore of the forest, or a small, twisting family coaster like a Gerstlauer Bobsled, could make Dark Forest a more rounded destination for families with kids who have outgrown CBeebies Land but aren't quite ready for Nemesis. It’s an interesting thought, and one that aligns with Merlin’s recent focus on broadening their family appeal.
X-Sector Overhaul: Is Enterprise's Replacement Finally Coming?
X-Sector is the home of pure, psychological thrills. It’s an area defined by the cold, imposing steel of Oblivion's vertical drop and the chaotic, dizzying inversions of The Smiler. Yet, for several seasons now, there has been a noticeable hole in its lineup. The removal of the classic HUSS Enterprise in 2021 left a circular scar on the landscape and in the hearts of many long-time visitors. It was a ride that perfectly encapsulated the disorienting, technological theme of the area. Ever since its departure, the question on everyone's lips has been: what will replace it?
The space occupied by Enterprise is not huge, but it's significant. It sits in a prime location, right between the entrances to The Smiler and Oblivion. For an area that is all about overwhelming the senses, leaving this spot empty feels like a missed opportunity. Speculation has been rampant, and with each passing year, the feeling grows that plans must surely be in motion. So what are the realistic options for this iconic spot?
Why Enterprise Left Such a Void
To understand what could come next, we must first appreciate what was lost. Enterprise wasn't the biggest or fastest ride in the park, but it was a crucial part of the X-Sector experience. It was a 'rite of passage' ride, often the first intense attraction many guests would brave. Its spinning, rising motion, subjecting riders to sustained G-forces, was a perfect warm-up for the main events. It was also visually impressive, a kinetic sculpture of steel that added energy and movement to the area. Its replacement needs to fill that same role: an eye-catching, high-energy, disorienting thrill machine that complements, rather than competes with, its two colossal neighbours.
Modern Flat Ride Candidates: What Could Fit the Theme?
The most likely a candidate for this plot is a modern, thrilling flat ride. The industry has produced some incredible innovations since Enterprise first debuted. Here are a few possibilities that would fit perfectly into X-Sector's dystopian theme:
- Zamperla NebulaZ: This mesmerising ride features four arms that rotate around a central point, with gondolas at the end of each arm that also spin. The overlapping, near-miss movements are visually stunning and would look incredible under a dramatic lighting package. It could be themed as some kind of 'planetary gear system' or 'atomic particle accelerator'.
- Technical Park Aerobat: A visually similar ride to the classic 'Planes' rides of old, but supercharged for the 21st century. Riders sit in arms that swing outwards and can choose to 'stall' their vehicle, sending it into a series of wild, looping spins. The interactivity would be a huge draw and fits the X-Sector theme of 'control' and 'experimentation'.
- Gerstlauer Sky Roller: Similar to a Sky Fly, but with a different seating arrangement. This ride also allows riders to control the spinning of their own gondola as a giant arm swings them around. The high capacity and interactive nature make it a strong contender for a park looking to add a re-rideable experience.
Whatever the choice, it must be visually impressive. X-Sector is as much about the spectacle as it is about the rides themselves. A new attraction here needs to be a showpiece, drawing guests in with its mesmerising motion and imposing structure. Getting a Merlin Annual Pass would give you unlimited chances to experience whatever new experimental device they decide to install.
Analysing the Alton Towers Long Term Development Plan
For the truly dedicated, the most fascinating insights come from the Alton Towers Long Term Development Plan (LTDP). This is a strategic document submitted to the local council, outlining the park's development vision for the next 5-10 years. While it doesn't name specific rides, it designates 'zones' for future development and gives us clues about the scale and type of attractions the park is considering. The most recent version of the LTDP reaffirms several key development areas, some of which we've already discussed.
Zoned Development Hotspots
The LTDP clearly identifies several 'zones' for major investment. Unsurprisingly, Zone G, which roughly corresponds to the Forbidden Valley construction site ('Project Horizon'), is marked for a 'large new ride installation'. This legally underpins the speculation that we're getting a major new coaster.
Similarly, Zone J, encompassing the Dark Forest plot and potentially the Rita area, is marked for 'future ride development'. The wording is more ambiguous here, suggesting that plans might be more flexible, allowing for either a single large attraction or a series of smaller ones.
Perhaps most intriguingly, the LTDP also highlights a large, currently unused area behind X-Sector and The Smiler, designated Zone H. This plot is huge, far bigger than the Enterprise plot, and is earmarked for a 'future major attraction and associated facilities'. This is the park's long-term ace in the hole. While we don't expect to see any movement here for a few years yet, it confirms that Alton Towers has grand ambitions for another Secret Weapon project in that part of the park in the late 2020s or early 2030s. This long-term vision is what makes being a fan so exciting!
The Ongoing Battle with the Treetops
The LTDP also sheds light on the unique challenge Alton Towers constantly faces: its height restrictions. The park is legally bound not to build any structures that protrude above the tree line, preserving the natural beauty of the surrounding valley. This is why we see so many rides built into giant pits and trenches (Nemesis, Oblivion) or hugging the terrain. The plan for 'Project Horizon' to utilise a deep excavation is a direct continuation of this philosophy. It's a testament to the ingenuity of the park's designers that they turn this limitation into a creative advantage, resulting in unique coasters that interact with the landscape in ways you don't see anywhere else in the world. It’s a core part of the Alton Towers DNA.
CBeebies Land Expansion: What's Next for the Little Ones?
It’s not all about white-knuckle thrills. Since opening in 2014, CBeebies Land has been a phenomenal success, cementing Alton Towers' status as a premier destination for families with young children. The area has seen consistent investment, with new attractions being added every few years. With the recent addition of Hey Duggee’s Big Adventure Badge, Peter Rabbit’s Hippity Hop, and Andy's Adventures Dinosaur Dig, the land is more vibrant than ever. But in the world of children's entertainment, things move fast, and the park knows it needs to keep things fresh. So, what could be next?
The area behind the 'Something Special Sensory Garden' has always been rumoured as a prime spot for the next phase of development. It’s a relatively flat and accessible plot that could house a new ride or show building without disrupting the flow of the existing land.
New IPs on the Horizon?
The key to CBeebies Land's success is its use of beloved BBC intellectual properties (IPs). The question is, which IP will be next? The BBC has a rich catalogue, and a few names consistently pop up in fan speculation.
- Bluey: This is the big one. The Australian show about a family of Blue Heeler dogs has become a global phenomenon. Its focus on imaginative play and family life makes it a perfect fit for CBeebies Land. An interactive attraction themed around Bluey and Bingo's games, or even a recreation of their iconic house, would be an instant hit and draw huge crowds. This feels less like a matter of 'if' and more a matter of 'when'.
- Numberblocks: Another educational powerhouse, Numberblocks teaches maths concepts through fun, engaging characters. An interactive, educational attraction themed around the Numberblocks could be a fantastic addition, blending fun with learning in a way that parents would love.
What Kind of Attraction?
CBeebies Land excels in offering a variety of experiences, from gentle rides and live shows to play areas and character meet-and-greets. The next logical step could be a family-friendly dark ride. The land currently lacks a significant indoor ride-through attraction. Imagine a gentle boat ride through the world of 'In the Night Garden' or a track-based ride taking you on an adventure with the Octonauts. This would provide a high-capacity, weather-proof attraction that the whole family can enjoy together. It's an obvious gap in the lineup, and we wouldn't be surprised to see it filled in the next few years. For families, planning your visit around these potential new additions could be key, so checking our plan your visit guide is always a good idea.
How New Construction Will Impact Your 2025 Visit
While the prospect of new rides is thrilling, large-scale construction can have a temporary impact on the guest experience. It pays to be prepared. If you're planning to book a short break for the 2025 season, here are a few things to keep in mind regarding Project Horizon and other potential works.
Park Navigation and Path Diversions
The main construction for Project Horizon is located in Forbidden Valley. While the park is excellent at maintaining guest flow, there may be temporary path diversions or pinch points, especially during the busier months. The path connecting Forbidden Valley to Gloomy Wood near the Rollercoaster Restaurant could be affected. Your best friend here will be the Alton Towers App and our own live GPS map, which will help you navigate any closures and find the most efficient routes around the park. The Skyride will also be your best friend, offering not only a great way to bypass the construction area but also a fantastic view of the works!
Potential Impact on Queue Times
With a large section of Forbidden Valley effectively being a no-go zone, guests will naturally disperse to other areas of the park. This could lead to a slight increase in queue times for major rides in neighbouring areas like Dark Forest (TH13TEEN and Rita) and X-Sector (The Smiler and Oblivion), particularly during the first hour of the day. Our top tip is to head to the furthest points of the park first – like Mutiny Bay or Katanga Canyon – and work your way back towards the entrance later in the day. Always keep an eye on the official app or our live queue times page to make smart decisions on the fly and minimise your waiting.
Best Vantage Points for Construction Spotting
For many of us, seeing a new ride take shape is part of the fun of a visit! It’s a chance to be a part of the park's history. If you're a budding construction-watcher, there are a few key spots to get the best views of Project Horizon.
- The Skyride: This is, without a doubt, the number one viewing platform. The journey from the station near the park entrance towards Forbidden Valley offers a sustained, unobscured aerial view of the entire construction site. You'll be able to see the layout taking shape, spot new support structures, and truly appreciate the scale of the project. Have your cameras ready!
- The Forbidden Valley Pathway: The path leading from the main Towers Street crossroads towards Nemesis Reborn runs adjacent to the construction site fences. While the views are at ground level and partially obscured, there are often small gaps in the fences (or 'viewing windows' that the park sometimes kindly installs) that allow for some sneaky peeks.
- Galactica's Queue Line: The elevated sections of the queue line for Galactica, particularly the final approach to the station, may offer some interesting side-on angles of the new development. It's a great opportunity to get a different perspective while you wait.
Debunking the Wildest Alton Towers Ride Rumours
In the world of theme park fandom, speculation is half the fun. But over the years, some rumours take on a life of their own, reappearing season after season despite having little basis in reality. Let's take a moment to address – and respectfully debunk – a couple of the most enduring myths.
The Legendary 'Volcano Coaster'
This is perhaps the oldest and most famous Alton Towers rumour. The story goes that the park has long-held plans to build a coaster that erupts from a giant, man-made volcano, likely themed around the story of the Chained Oak. It's a wonderfully dramatic idea, but the practicalities make it almost impossible. The sheer cost and engineering challenge of building a stable, realistic volcano structure of the required scale, combined with the park's stringent height restrictions, puts this firmly in the realm of fantasy. While elements of rockwork and fire effects are common, a full-blown 'volcano coaster' in the Staffordshire countryside is, sadly, not on the cards. A fun idea to dream about, but not one to expect.
A Water Coaster in Mutiny Bay
Another persistent rumour is the idea of a large water coaster, like a Mack PowerSplash or Intamin Aqua Coaster, being built in Mutiny Bay to replace the old Flume site. While the park is definitely in need of a major water ride, and the plot of land left by the Flume is significant, a huge steel water coaster structure doesn't quite fit the theme of a ramshackle pirate cove. The area is themed around wooden structures, shipwrecks, and cobbled streets. A giant, modern steel coaster might feel thematically out of place. It's more likely that this area, if redeveloped, would feature a more traditional, heavily-themed log flume or river rapids ride that better fits the existing atmosphere. Never say never, but we'd file this one under 'unlikely' for now.
Will a Merlin Annual Pass Be Worth It for the New Season?
With all this excitement building, we get asked this question a lot: is now a good time to invest in a Merlin Annual Pass? Our answer is an emphatic yes. If you're as excited as we are about the future of Alton Towers, an annual pass is your golden ticket to the entire journey.
Think about it. You're not just buying entry to the park; you're buying a front-row seat to watch history unfold. With an annual pass, you can visit multiple times throughout the season to see Project Horizon rise from the ground. You can be there for the first delivery of track, the first test runs, and the grand opening. You can experience the park's atmosphere change as anticipation builds. It allows you to feel like part of the story, not just a visitor.
Beyond the construction-watching, the value is undeniable. You get access to all of Merlin's UK attractions, enjoy discounts on food and merchandise, and unlock special passholder-only perks. If you plan on visiting Alton Towers more than twice in a year, the pass essentially pays for itself. For any dedicated fan, it's a no-brainer. There is so much to see and do already, and with new developments on the way, the value of having unlimited visits just keeps growing. To see the breaking news on all these developments as they happen, keep an eye on our Alton Towers news page!
The Final Word: An Unprecedented Era of Excitement Awaits
The air around Alton Towers is thick with more than just the mists of the Churnet Valley; it's thick with promise. The sheer scale of the work in Forbidden Valley suggests we are on the cusp of welcoming the next legendary Secret Weapon, a ride that will sit alongside Nemesis, Oblivion, and The Smiler in the park's hall of fame. Project Horizon is real, it's happening, and it's going to be spectacular.
Beyond that, the continued whispers surrounding Dark Forest and X-Sector show a resort that isn't resting on its laurels. It's actively looking at how to enhance, improve, and perfect the visitor experience across the entire park. From the biggest thrill-seekers to the smallest toddlers in CBeebies Land, the future looks incredibly bright.
There has never been a more exciting time to be an Alton Towers fan. We are witnessing the dawn of a new era of investment and innovation. The coming seasons promise to be a rollercoaster in every sense of the word. Our advice? Don’t just watch from the sidelines. Be a part of it. Start planning your next adventure, book a short break, and come and see for yourself why Alton Towers remains the undisputed king of UK theme parks. We’ll see you in the queue!