What To Expect

What‘s Included

Reviews

• Improves to be made

  garveywrite,,Jan 20, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  2.00

  I’ve been going to Alton towers for years now and as much as I love the place, things need to seriously change. Let’s start with the positive things.. Postives: Nemesis reborn is an amazing addition to the park, it is certainly an upgrade from the orignal nemesis and the actors around the area were fantastic when it was retracked Changes have been made to The Smiler such as repainted parts, fixed effects and some old horror elements from 2013 being added back (all that is needed to do is repaint the track and theming parts and then add back the get corrected elements) Wickerman is still holding very strong and looks great, the pre show is fantastic still to this day. Towers street has new theming in the windows dedicated to the parks attractions. Alton Afterdark is one of the best events Alton Towers has made so far. The sanctuary theme song was added in X-Sector near oblivion during scarefest which is the song that was played in the scaremaze built to tell the story of the smiler in 2012 but I think this song should always play during the entire season. New lighting around places like X Sector and Forbidden valley were added for scarefest. Now for the negatives: The terrible 4pm closing times are just ridiculous. 7pm should be park standered for closing time. The state of Galactica and the smiler are absolutely awful, both need a good repaint, especially the smiler. The smilers trains are rusty and the restraints are filthy and smelly, could do with a good repaint and wash, maybe even replace the smilers restraints to have lap bars which would be amazing for the ride experience and just would be an overall upgrade. The smilers marmaliser effects are mostly broken all the time and the audio inside of the correction block has awkward cuts whenever a marmalise or corrected annoucment is supposed to play which sounds awful, just bring back the original audio. Some of the marmaliser sound effects are very quiet and the screen for the marmaliser has a bunch of dead pixels and broken screen parts. Not only that but the giggler leg has had the logos on the yellow barrels painted over which is just pure laziness. There’s no actors around the park anymore which helped bring that “magic” Alton towers had. I think every area of the park should have actors, phalanx actors around nemesis, minsitry of joy staff around the smiler, Wickerman cult member actors and etc. I also think if IPs are going to be used at the park, an example being the new bluey ride that has been built, reverting spinball whizzer back to sonic spinball would be a really good idea, especially because of the rising popularity with Sonic the hedgehog. Overall the park has a lot to work on, but it is quickly losing its magic and charm. I think of the issues that have been mentioned can be solved or worked on, it could do a lot for the park and make a lot of big fans of Alton Towers happy. I hope this review and all I have mentioned can be passed on to the higher ups at Alton Towers who can do something about these issues.

• Absolutely Fantastic!

  ahmed elnady 82,,Jan 14, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  As a family of 4 visiting the Alton Towers for the first time, we had an absolutely fantastic time here. Spent 2 nights (inclusive of theme park entrance, waterpark, the pantomime show, plus breakfast and dinner) - was a great deal with additional discount using the Blue Light Card. Staff were friendly and very helpful. Food was good, with a few Halal dishes (which was great). The Carribean atmosphere in Splash Landings Holtel was warm and stunningly attractive. The waterpark is the best we've ever seen in the UK (we've been to loads elsewhere). All in all, we would highly recommend this to anyone, and would definitely be coming again.

• Average stay at above average prices

  Chloe M,,Dec 29, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  3.00

  Having been to the resort at the same date a few years ago for my daughter’s birthday, we had expectations that sadly were not met. The hotel was fine. We stayed in splash landings hotel, which was spacious and fairly equipped. Mattresses comfortable etc. the room, like last time, was boiling hot with only thick duvets so not the best night’s sleep. The park was reduced opening due to the winter break. Last time we stayed, and when we came as Merlin pass holders a couple of years ago, this meant that all CBeebies, David Walliams rides and a few others were open. This time we had far less choice. DW closed entirely (probably due to media scandal), CBeebies partially open, with an absence of Spinball Whizzer and Go Jetters (meaning little to appeal to our 8 and 10 year olds). A couple of other rides scattered about. Hex was decent. Every single shop is now card only, which is poor. As a result the kids were unable to spend their Christmas money on souvenirs. The room was ready a little early and the shuttle buses were very regular, which was great. All staff were very helpful across both days. Check in straightforward. The panto was a pleasant surprise and I actually loved the 45 minutes length. They did a decent job and the kids really enjoyed it. Shame the venue didn’t have raised seating as visibility difficult. I had mentioned it was my daughter’s birthday when booking. Only one staff member noticed (hostess of the restaurant on night one - thank you for this). We were hoping for something to make her day special, especially when during the last birthday when we did loads of Merlin activities in London, they made an absolute fuss of her across the entire day. The evening meal was fine, but not as good as last time we stayed. Much more limited options and no drinks included. Fruit loving birthday girl was disappointed with the pudding selection. Same goes for breakfast. Last time we had options of branded cereal boxes, Nutella and fruit, all missing this time. Not as good as a Premier Inn breakfast. The waterpark was decent and not too busy. I was really unhappy to discovers a 2.5 hour time slot on arrival - different from previous years, meaning the birthday girls’s day was cut short as we were out at lunchtime. Several outdoor slides were closed and the waterpark was a bit cold for me. Staff here again were really pleasant. Overall a pleasant family break, but too many cost saving exercises at the detriment of customer experience. Wasn’t worth the £500 paid. Management will really need to pull some tricks to survive Universal’s launch if this is the best they have to offer.

• Great all round, but few cheeky prices.

  gazo662,,Dec 26, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  4.00

  So 4 stars, even though tbf it was brilliant from start to finish. Here goes, so we did the santa sleepover package, and like most people when we booked it was thought, what!!! How much?!!!, however, when you break all what's included down, and calculate it as if you was doing all the things included on a pay per go kind of way, then you would probably spend a whole lot more. So far this experience is definitely the most in terms of feeling that Christmas magic. A massive Christmas tree on the main strip, surrounded by hundreds of smaller ones all lit up and nicely decorated everywhere you turned. The elves guided us to santa through a magical woodland, and the santa himself has got to be the best one I've experienced, not just looking alike, but the voice and mainly the way he interacted with my 2 children to make them laugh and enjoy and then a decent teddy bear for each child as a present from the main man himself. Then the pantomime ( cinderella & prince charming ) Can not fault it, hilarious, the fact that the kids sat on beanbags at the front and didnt move for the whole duration of the show says it all. Not to mention a bit of very mild adult humour slipped in without the children even suspecting. So onto hotel, check in fast & simple, room spotless and perfect size for a family of 4. Evening meal was a buffet, with the option of festive dinner buffet too, a great variety for all, and end of the day you are in a family theme park having a buffet, yet both evening meal & breakfast was spot on. Next day, 2.5 hours in a spotless, clean, very well life guarded splash landings with many attractions all ages to enjoy. Lastly crazy golf, although a bit dated & a few buttons to press that didn't do anything, it still kept the kids very busy and we all enjoyed a good hilarious family round of 18 holes. Ok so why 4 stars!!! Here goes. Although the evening buffet if purchased separately would of cost us £90 for all 4, there was still no drinks available within, costing me just shy of £20 for 4 regular soft drinks. A bottle of Fanta from a vending machine £3.50, but the best one is, a whopping £20 for 10 basketballs on a " in to win " game in the theme park. Don't forget you still have the really difficult task of winning a teddy, I've bought much better teddies from local well known stores for less without the stress of winning it, yes it's the fun of taking part, I get it, but £20? You always wait for that expensive burger, or drink or whatever, i get that, but theres expensive, and theres taking the P* erm yes!!. Anyway, as a whole, the whole experience was great, the kids were happy, which meant mom and dad were happy, and that's what it's all about isn't it. Thank you Alton Towers.

• Memorable Christmas Magic

  Beccaharry,,Dec 23, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  We visited Alton Towers Resort for the Santa Sleepover from 22nd–23rd December as two adults with two toddlers, and we had such a wonderful experience from start to finish. On the first day we spent time in CBeebies Land, which the kids absolutely loved. The queues were very reasonable, with the longest wait being around 25 minutes, which is great when visiting with little ones. Meeting Santa was brilliant, it was well organised, moved quickly, and the children left very happy with their teddy gifts. The evening meal at The Crooked Spoon exceeded expectations. The all you can eat carvery was fantastic for the kids and the food quality was genuinely great. After dinner we attended the Cinderella panto. Although it was busy, the kids were seated at the front, could see everything clearly, and were thoroughly entertained. Our accommodation was perfect for what we needed, comfortable, clean, and ideal for a short family stay. The next day we visited Splash Landings, which was a highlight for all of us. We had so much fun together. Afterwards, we relaxed in the main hotel with coffees and some food before heading home. I really want to call out the staff in the main hotel, especially Finlay. After a very upsetting accident where a hot coffee was accidentally spilled on my three year old son’s legs, the staff were absolutely incredible. They acted immediately, stayed calm, reassured us, and went above and beyond to help and comfort him, even managing to make him laugh during a stressful moment. They continued checking on us and looked after us until we were confident to travel home. Thankfully, my son is absolutely fine, but the kindness and professionalism shown by Finlay and the team will stay with us. We had such a fantastic time overall and cannot wait to visit again next year. Highly recommended for families with young children.

• Worst experience

  aimeeroll,,Dec 11, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  3.00

  My family and I have been returning to Alton towers Santa sleepover weekend repeatedly over the last 5 years. This year was the worse year! They opened less rides, next to no entertainment, did not cater for all ages and overall the effort just felt minimal. It was hugely disappointing for our family and not sure we will return again.

• Wonderful festive weekend

  victoriapD127GW,,Dec 7, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  We had a wonderful family Christmas weekend at Alton Towers. Our boys (5 and 2) absolutely loved it! There was a gorgeous show on at the park (Sprout Saves Christmas), we saw Santa and the elves and the usual CBeebies rides were running. After the park we headed to the hotel for a panto, which was hilarious. We then had a lovely Christmas dinner as a family and enjoyed the fantastic singing entertainment in the bar afterwards. The next day we had a buffet breakfast and enjoyed the brilliant Splash Landings. It was a bit wet for golf but we were given passes to come back later in the year! A special mention to all of the staff who were so friendly and helpful and really helped make the weekend extra special. Such a brilliant festive weekend, would highly recommend!

• Magical Santa experience

  Wanderer47691316173,,Dec 2, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  4.00

  We stayed at The CBeebies Hotel. Staff were so friendly and helpful. You can get express parking and head straight to theme park or use shuttle bus. Hotel was well set up for young children with entertainment in the evening. Some games or toys/ drawing for older children would have been useful. Bedrooms were well equipped although the fridge wasn’t very cold. Room was very hot and although could adjust it still didn’t really cool down. Shower good and nice clean linen. Food was ok, nothing special and a bit cold. It was a Christmas carvery. There were no pizzas or salad bar. Kids menu was good. All buffet. Breakfast was fine, again nothing special but we all had enough to eat. The park has limited rides but with the shoes there was enough to do. Food in the park was limited and therefore very slow, not very good and expensive. Would recommend bringing your own food. The highlight was Santa. So well done and made the kids feel very special. A lovely gift which they will treasure. The waterpark was great fun and kids slid, swam and played for hours. 20p for lockers and you can hire towels if you forget. Overall a fabulous weekend making special memories with young children. Thank you to all the staff in hotel and Santa experience.

• Trip of a lifetime

  sofiatS2115IU,,Nov 21, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  this was the best place I have ever gone with my family for a 2 day stay honestly loved it and don’t regret. This was so fun and best theme park ever! All staff were so nice and respectful. I went on a Sunday for my first day and it was not that busy longest queue was for smiler with only 40 minutes ( apart from wicker man with an 1 hour & 30 minutes) and we got on basically everything. We stayed in these fairy lodges and honestly so nice and very comfy beds. The second day there was many long queues but not surprised honestly best place ever but we got on a few rides again anyways but I thank my parents for taking my on the amazing trip

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Fantastic unless you are Celiac

  KrisR478,,Nov 10, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  4.00

  We stayed at the Alton Towers Hotel and the kids loved it, the staff were friendly and the room was nice and clean. The park was great, queue times were not too bad and we managed to get on everything we wanted. My only criticism is that one of my family is celiac and it was a real struggle to find gluten free food in the park that wasn't just salad or chips. Previously this wasn't an issue so I don't know what has changed. We will bring our own food next time.

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