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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Alton Towers fans can go for a tour of the house and gardens this summerCredit: Getty
The new tours will run every Wednesday and Saturday from JulyCredit: Alamy
The grounds of the house were the original attraction at Alton TowersCredit: Alamy
Tours are two hours long and cover more than 2 kilometresCredit: Alamy

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.

The five coastal theme parks in the UK with new rides and attractions opening this year (1)

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.

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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.

Top 25 Amusement and Waterparks in the world 2024

Here is the full list of TripAdvisor's best amusement and waterparks 2024

  1. Disneyland, Paris, Marne-la-Vallee, France
  2. Siam Park, Tenerife, Spain
  3. Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi, UAE
  4. Bero Carrero World, Penha, Brazil
  5. Waterbom, Bali, Indonesia
  6. Beach Park, Aquiraz, Brazil
  7. Puy de Fou, Les Epesses, France
  8. Alton Towers, Staffordshire, UK
  9. Walt Disney Studios Park, Marne-la-Vallee, France
  10. Dollywood, Tennessee, USA
  11. Heide Park, Soltau, Germany
  12. The Milky Way Adventure Park, Devon, UK
  13. Disney World's Magic Kingdom Park, Florida, USA
  14. Fun Spot America, Florida, USA
  15. Universal Studios, Sentosa Island, Singapore
  16. Aquafollie, Caorle, Italy
  17. Lost World of Tambun, Ipoh, Malaysia
  18. Parque Terra Magica Florybal, Canelo, Brazil
  19. Legoland, Billund, Denmark
  20. Drayton Manor, Staffordshire, UK
  21. Nautico Praia Clube, Caldas Novas, Brazil
  22. Hong Kong Disneyland, Hong Kong, China
  23. Ramayana Water Park, Pattaya, Thailand
  24. Alpen Park, Canela, Brazil
  25. 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.

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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.

Meanwhile, this free London garden feels like an Italian villa.

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And this garden in the UK has a "secret Disney castle".

Guests can enjoy a panoramic view of the park from the room topCredit: Alamy
The house and gardens tours cost £10pp which doesn't include park accessCredit: Alamy
The new tours will take place until September 14 this summerCredit: PA
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