
What Time Do the Rides and Attractions Open During Scarefest at Alton Towers?
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As the days get shorter and the nights grow longer, Alton Towers Resort transforms into a spooky haven for thrill-seekers and Halloween enthusiasts during Scarefest, one of the UK’s most anticipated seasonal events. With a combination of terrifying scare mazes, family-friendly frights, and access to the park’s famous roller coasters after dark, Scarefest offers a unique experience that stretches well beyond the typical opening hours.
In this blog, we’ll break down the opening and closing times for the rides, attractions, and scare mazes during Scarefest, so you can plan your visit down to the last scream.
General Scarefest Opening Hours
Scarefest typically runs from early October through Halloween, with extended hours to make the most of the eerie atmosphere. Here’s a breakdown of the general opening hours:
• Park Opening Time: The Alton Towers Resort gates usually open at 10:00 AM during Scarefest.
• Closing Time: The park stays open until 9:00 PM, much later than during the regular season, allowing visitors to enjoy rides in the dark and experience the haunted mazes at night when they’re at their spookiest.
However, these are just the general park hours. Let’s dive into when the specific rides, attractions, and scare mazes open during Scarefest.
Roller Coasters and Major Ride Opening Times
While the park opens at 10:00 AM, many visitors flock to Alton Towers’ renowned roller coasters and rides, such as The Smiler, Nemesis, and Wicker Man, which are even more exhilarating after the sun sets. All major rides and attractions are typically operational from 10:00 AM until the park closes at 9:00 PM.
• Morning Rides: Most of the thrill rides, including Oblivion, Galactica, and Rita, are ready for action as soon as the park opens at 10:00 AM.
• Rides After Dark: One of the major highlights of Scarefest is the chance to ride roller coasters in complete darkness. Imagine the heart-pounding drop of Oblivion or the dizzying inversions of The Smiler amplified by the thrill of night. These rides continue to run until the park closes at 9:00 PM, giving visitors plenty of time to experience them under the cover
Recommended Rides to Experience in the Dark:
• The Smiler: With its 14 inversions, the disorienting experience is taken to another level after dark.
• Wicker Man: This wooden coaster, with its fiery theme, is a must-ride when the sun goes down. The sight of the colossal Wicker Man structure illuminated at night adds a new dimension of terror.
• Nemesis: Already a legendary ride, Nemesis feels even more intense when it plunges into its subterranean track under the night sky.
Scare Mazes: When the Haunts Begin
The Scarefest scare mazes are one of the biggest draws of the event, offering spine-chilling experiences that are not for the faint-hearted. These mazes typically have different operating hours from the rides, as they are designed to be most effective after dusk.
• Opening Time: The scare mazes generally open around 1:00 PM to accommodate guests who prefer to experience them during the day. However, most visitors agree that the true terror begins once the sun sets.
• Closing Time: Like the rides, the scare mazes stay open until the park closes at 9:00 PM.
Popular Scare Mazes During Scarefest:
• The Attic: Terror of the Towers: Set in the eerie, old Towers ruins, this maze plunges guests into a Victorian tale of vengeful spirits. Its dark, atmospheric location makes it especially terrifying after dark.
• Altonville Mine Tours: Uncover the Legend of the Skin Snatchers: Step into a dark mine where unspeakable horrors await. This maze is known for its claustrophobic setting and gruesome storyline.
• Darkest Depths: A relatively newer maze, Darkest Depths plunges you into an underwater world filled with sea monsters and ghostly pirates. Open to a slightly younger audience (from 12 years old), it’s a good introduction to the world of scare mazes.
Family-Friendly Attractions: Daytime Spookiness for Younger Visitors
Scarefest isn’t just for those seeking a good fright. Families with younger children can enjoy a range of spooky yet age-appropriate attractions during the day. While these experiences have daytime operating hours, some remain open until early evening.
• CBeebies Land Monster Ball: A fun, interactive dance party where kids can join their favourite CBeebies characters in a spooky celebration. This attraction runs throughout the day, usually between 10:30 AM and 5:00 PM, making it perfect for families with little ones who need an earlier bedtime.
• Garden Lights Walk: Whispering Souls: For families or those looking for a less intense experience, this enchanted walk through the Alton Towers Gardens offers an atmospheric yet calming stroll. Open throughout the evening, this attraction is best experienced after dark, when the gardens come alive with haunting lights and eerie whispers.
Special Events and Shows During Scarefest
In addition to the rides and mazes, Scarefest also offers live entertainment, street performers, and special shows that run at various times throughout the day and night. These events are perfect for those looking to take a break from the scares while still soaking in the Halloween atmosphere.
• Freaky Fun Zone: Located near CBeebies Land, this area is packed with Halloween-themed activities, including games, performances, and character meet-and-greets. Open from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, it’s a great stop for families.
• Scarefest Shows: Throughout the day and into the evening, various shows and performances take place across the park, particularly in areas like Fountain Square. These performances are usually staggered between 12:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
Top Tips for Timing Your Visit During Scarefest
To get the most out of your Scarefest visit, careful planning around opening and closing times is key. Here are a few tips:
• Arrive Early: Scarefest is one of the busiest times of year at Alton Towers, so arriving early will help you beat the crowds and enjoy some of the major attractions before the lines get too long.
• Use the Alton Towers App: Check real-time ride queues and scare maze availability via the official app. This is especially useful during Scarefest when crowd levels can be high.
• Take Advantage of Later Hours: Don’t rush to do everything during the day—save the most thrilling rides for after dark when the park takes on a completely different atmosphere.
Conclusion
During Scarefest, the opening and closing times of Alton Towers Resort’s rides, scare mazes, and attractions offer guests the perfect blend of spooky daytime fun and spine-chilling nighttime frights. With rides operating from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, scare mazes starting around 1:00 PM, and family-friendly events in full swing during the day, there’s something for everyone, no matter how brave (or scared) you might be.
Planning your visit with these opening times in mind will ensure you can fully immerse yourself in the eerie, thrilling experience that is Scarefest at Alton Towers.