PARK LIFE
Alton Towers launches new VIP experience for fans – and it only costs a tenner
And where in the world you can find all the best theme parks according to fans
THEME park fans in the UK can enjoy a new and unique experience this summer.
Alton Towers was recently named in the top 10 theme parks in the world, with its rides, rollercoasters and attractions deemed better than those at Disney World in Florida.
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However, its latest offering comes in the form of something slightly different, with no thrills or inversions.
Instead, guests can now take a tour of the house and gardens around which the theme park is based.
Visitors are invited to "stroll the sights, soak up the sun and enjoy a VIP tour this summer" with a walking guide taking them "through the historic listed house and gardens".
The park's website promises "an insightful and informative tour of Alton Towers" with a personal guide.
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The house is known as the towers ruins and the grounds were the original attraction more than 100 years before it officially became a theme park.
They were first opened to the public in 1860 and by 1890 the house was attracting crowds as large as 30,000, with acrobats, lion tamers, elephants, bands and fireworks among the entertainment on show.
The park once again became a popular attraction throughout the 60s and 70s after the war, when it had been taken over by the Ministry of Defence.
They returned it to Alton Towers in the 1950s, and it finally became recognised as a theme park in 1980, following the introduction of the corkscrew rollercoaster.
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This history, along with much more, is explored in the two-hour long tour through the house and gardens.
It also offers access to some of the most "sought-after exclusive locations", including a rooftop panoramic view of the theme park.
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Alton Towers added: "There is no better way to capture the magic."
Guests are advised that the tour includes 2.5km (1.5 miles) of walking, as well as more than 350 steps and steep gradients.
The garden also includes walks along natural woodland pathways and steps, so visitors are urged to wear footwear suitable for this environment.
The tours run on certain dates throughout the summer, starting on July 3.
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Here is the full list of TripAdvisor's best amusement and waterparks 2024
- Disneyland, Paris, Marne-la-Vallee, France
- Siam Park, Tenerife, Spain
- Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Bero Carrero World, Penha, Brazil
- Waterbom, Bali, Indonesia
- Beach Park, Aquiraz, Brazil
- Puy de Fou, Les Epesses, France
- Alton Towers, Staffordshire, UK
- Walt Disney Studios Park, Marne-la-Vallee, France
- Dollywood, Tennessee, USA
- Heide Park, Soltau, Germany
- The Milky Way Adventure Park, Devon, UK
- Disney World's Magic Kingdom Park, Florida, USA
- Fun Spot America, Florida, USA
- Universal Studios, Sentosa Island, Singapore
- Aquafollie, Caorle, Italy
- Lost World of Tambun, Ipoh, Malaysia
- Parque Terra Magica Florybal, Canelo, Brazil
- Legoland, Billund, Denmark
- Drayton Manor, Staffordshire, UK
- Nautico Praia Clube, Caldas Novas, Brazil
- Hong Kong Disneyland, Hong Kong, China
- Ramayana Water Park, Pattaya, Thailand
- Alpen Park, Canela, Brazil
- Universal Studios Japan, Osaka, Japan
They will then run every Saturday and Wednesday at 2pm until September 14.
Tickets cost £10 per person, which does not include access to the theme park after the tour.
Alton Towers recommends booking in advance to avoid disappointment, with tickets on sale now.
Tickets can be booked on the day, but a maximum of 20 people will be able to take part on each tour, so spaces are likely to be limited.
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Meanwhile, this free London garden feels like an Italian villa.
And this garden in the UK has a "secret Disney castle".
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