Plan Your Visit to Alton Towers
Everything you need to know before visiting Alton Towers — from getting there, to what to bring, to where to stay.
Getting Here & Parking
Alton Towers Resort is located in Alton, Staffordshire, ST10 4DB. The resort is easily accessible from the M1, M6, and M42 motorways. Follow the brown tourist signs once you're nearby.
By Car
- • From M6: Junction 15 or 16, follow signs via A500/A50
- • From M1: Junction 23A onto A50 westbound
- • Sat Nav: Use postcode ST10 4DB
Parking
- • Standard parking is included with most tickets
- • Premium parking is available closer to the entrance
- • Follow car park marshals on arrival
- • Monorail runs from car parks to the entrance
By Public Transport
The nearest train station is Uttoxeter (about 30 mins by taxi). National Express coaches run seasonal services directly to the resort. The X441 bus runs from Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent.
Opening Times
Alton Towers typically operates from late March through early November for the theme park season, with special events running outside this window.
Theme Park
Generally 10:00 – 17:00 (up to 21:00 during events)
Waterpark
Open year-round. Typically 10:00 – 17:00
Hotels
Open year-round. Check-in from 15:00, check-out by 11:00
Check our live opening times page for today's exact hours, or visit the official calendar for future dates.
Height Restrictions
Most thrill rides require a minimum height. Younger visitors have plenty of options in CBeebies Land and family areas. Height checks are done at ride entrances.
| Ride | Min. Height | Intensity |
|---|---|---|
| Nemesis Reborn | 1.4m | Extreme |
| The Smiler | 1.4m | Extreme |
| Oblivion | 1.4m | Extreme |
| Rita | 1.4m | High |
| Galactica | 1.4m | High |
| Wicker Man | 1.2m | High |
| TH13TEEN | 1.2m | High |
| Spinball Whizzer | 1.2m | Moderate |
| Congo River Rapids | 0.9m | Moderate |
| Runaway Mine Train | 0.9m | Moderate |
| Gangsta Granny: The Ride | 0.9m | Low |
| The Curse at Alton Manor | None | Low |
View our full ride guide for complete height and age details.
Tickets & Passes
Save up to 40% by booking your tickets online in advance. Gate prices are significantly higher, so always pre-book.
Day Tickets
From £32pp when booked online
Book NowMerlin Annual Pass
Unlimited visits from £64pp
Get Your PassFastrack (Queue Skip)
Skip the queues with Fastrack passes, available for individual rides or as bundles. Check availability and prices on the official website. You can also monitor wait times on our live queue times page.
Accommodation
Turn your day out into a short break. All resort accommodation includes a second day in the park free, plus early ride time, free parking, and breakfast.
Alton Towers Hotel
The flagship hotel with themed rooms, splash pool, and premium dining.
View & BookSplash Landings Hotel
Tropical-themed with direct access to the Waterpark.
View & BookCBeebies Land Hotel
The UK's only CBeebies-themed hotel — perfect for under-7s.
View & BookEnchanted Village
Woodland lodges and luxury treehouses in a fairy-tale setting.
View & BookStargazing Pods
Unique pods with clear roofs for stargazing. Quirky and affordable.
View & BookWoodland Lodges
Self-catering lodges set in the resort's woodland grounds.
View & BookRestaurants & Food
From quick bites to sit-down meals, there's food for every taste across the resort. Most restaurants are concentrated around Towers Street, Forbidden Valley, and Mutiny Bay.
Sit-Down Restaurants
Rollercoaster Restaurant
PremiumWatch your meal loop-the-loop to your table — the UK's first of its kind
Oak In Chains
PremiumSteaks, grilled chicken, and freshly prepared table-service meals
Explorers Pizza Pasta Buffet
ModerateAll-you-can-eat Italian buffet with pizza, pasta, and salad bar
The Burger Kitchen
ModerateSucculent burgers made with premium ingredients
Quick Bites & Snacks
Just Chicken
Unique seasoned chicken in the Oblivion-themed venue
Explorers Lunch Box
Potato bites, pizzas, and desserts for all ages
Courtyard Hot Dogs & Waffles
Hot dogs, wraps, and signature Wafflemeister waffles
Donut Division
Military-themed donut stand with sweet treats
GROUND COMMAND Coffee
Sandwiches, pastries, and handcrafted coffees
Corner Coffee
Sandwiches, cakes, and hot drinks
Dining Tips
- • Meal plans can save money — pre-book online from £55pp
- • Eat early (11:30) or late (2:30+) to avoid peak queues
- • Picnic area available near the car parks
- • Allergy info available at all venues — ask staff or check online
Shops & Souvenirs
Pick up the perfect souvenir from one of the park's themed retail outlets — from ride-branded merch to sweets and toys.
Towers Trading Co
The main gift shop — the ideal place for a souvenir to commemorate your visit
Wicker Man Shop
Exclusive items in honour of the Wicker Man — Be Chosen
Katanga Cargo
Huge selection of products and gifts in this amazing emporium
Sharkbait Reef Shoppe
Pirate treasure and underwater adventure memories
Attic of Antiquities
Ghoulish gifts and sinister souvenirs from Gloomy Wood
Little Explorers Toy Box
CBeebies souvenirs and exclusive character items
Most shops are located near ride exits and along Towers Street. The main gift shop is near the park entrance.
Waterpark
The Alton Towers Waterpark is a tropical indoor paradise open year-round. It features thrilling slides, a wave pool, lazy rivers, and splash zones for younger visitors.
Key Info
- • Open year-round — even when the theme park is closed
- • Included in all short break packages
- • Day tickets available separately or as add-ons
- • Lockers and changing facilities provided
- • Under-8s must be accompanied by an adult in the water
Accessibility
Alton Towers is committed to making the resort accessible. The Ride Access Pass (RAP) system helps guests who cannot queue conventionally.
Ride Access Pass
- • Free — available from Guest Services
- • Provides allocated return times for rides
- • Requires evidence of disability
- • Apply online before your visit for faster setup
Facilities
- • Wheelchair-accessible paths throughout
- • Accessible toilets in all areas
- • Wheelchair hire available (limited, first-come)
- • Companion ticket scheme available
For full accessibility details, visit the official accessibility page.
Security & What to Bring
All guests go through security screening at the entrance. Be prepared to have bags checked.
Do Bring
- • Comfortable shoes (lots of walking!)
- • Waterproof jacket — it's Staffordshire!
- • Sun cream in summer
- • Small bag for essentials
- • Portable charger for your phone
Not Allowed
- • Selfie sticks
- • Glass bottles
- • Large cool boxes
- • Alcohol (outside licensed venues)
- • Drones
Seasonal Events
Alton Towers runs spectacular seasonal events throughout the year, each transforming the park with unique entertainment and exclusive experiences.
Mardi Gras
May – June
Live music, street performers, and festival food across the park.
Oktoberfest
September
Bavarian-themed celebrations with live music and themed food.
Scarefest
October
The UK's biggest Halloween event with scare mazes and spooky rides.
Fireworks
November
Spectacular fireworks displays set to music over the Staffordshire countryside.
Christmas
November – December
Santa's Sleepover, festive shows, and winter wonderland activities.
Alton After Dark
Various
Evening openings with extended hours and exclusive atmosphere.
Our Free App
Get the most out of your visit with the Unofficial Alton Towers web app — live queue times, ride guides, opening hours, and daily news right in your pocket.