Alton Towers

From Halal Explorer

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Alton Towers the largest theme park in the United Kingdom, is in Staffordshire, England.

Introduction

Nemesis (Alton Towers) 01 - The Nemesis rollercoaster at Alton Towers

Alton Towers, which is owned by Merlin Entertainments, is the largest theme park in the UK and is considered by roller-coaster enthusiasts to hold its own with any such park in the world.

Nemesis and Oblivion (you get the picture) are white knuckle rides to match anything in Europe and most rides in the USA. The park is very well themed and is built in a number of zones, namely Tower Street, Mutiny Bay, Katanga Canyon, Gloomy Wood, X-Sector, Forbidden Valley, Dark Forest, Cloud Cuckoo Land and CBeebies Land. The ruins of this stately home are even used in a ride - Hex.

Alton Towers is well signposted from the major motorways and is easily accessible from the major city's in England. Those visitors who wish to overnight can stay at one of the park's two hotels - The Alton Towers Hotel and the newer Splash Landings Hotel, which is also associated with a stunning water park.

  • Fees ☎ +44 8705 20 40 60 Prices for the 2022 season were: Adult £45, Child £36. Note: these are on "on-the-day" prices.Buying your tickets in advance online can save you around £11 per adult and £7 per child For up to date details on prices visit the parks own website

History of Alton Towers

Travel to Alton Towers

Travel by vehicle to Alton Towers

Alton Towers is accessible both the M6 and M1 motorways. As it is a major tourism attraction it is very well signposted. Be prepared to drive the last few miles on narrow country lanes.

By train and bus

It is not advisable to travel to Alton Towers by public transport as the links are infrequent, but good options exist seasonally from Stoke on Trent, Uttoxeter and Derby.

You will need to be at either:

Tussauds bus (YN08 NXL) 2008 Volvo B7RLE Plaxton Centro, Alton Tower shuttle livery, Derby, 1 October 2011 cropped - The Alton Towers shuttle bus

Derby train station or Nottingham bus station to catch the X52 bus to Alton Towers. There is only one bus per day so make sure you don't miss it. As of 2023 the price of the x52 is £14 from Nottingham and £10 from Derby.

Stoke-on-Trent train station and then catch the 30 bus to the Towers.

Uttoxetter train station and then catch the 32A bus to the Towers. This bus has an average frequency of about once every two hours and is a local service, servicing all the little villages around Alton Towers. These buses have gained a reputation with the local residents as being a bad service and there is little need to use them as getting to Uttoxetter requires changing or passing through at either Derby or Stoke.

"Alton (Hampshire) | Alton" is also the name of a market town in Hampshire. Be very careful not to travel to Alton in Hampshire as it is located 185 miles from Alton Towers Resort. The journey time by train and bus from Alton station in Hampshire to Alton Towers Resort is roughly 4 hours and 46 minutes, so if you mistakenly travel to Hampshire, you will have to switch or cancel your plans.

Get Around in Alton Towers

On Foot

The best way to get around the park is on foot. You can get a free park map from staff at the entrances or at various information points scattered throughout the park. The park is quite large and is very hilly so be prepared to walk long distances between rides.

By monorail

There is also a monorail between the hotels and car-park and the park entrance. Thit is quicker than the 10 minutes walk between the two but can obtain large queues during peak times.

By cable car

Also you can use the cable vehicle (skyride) to get between the park entrance and the pirate themed area known as Mutiny Bay, Forbidden Valley which is an alien themed area and fountain square, for the towers, Cloud Cuckoo Land (one of the two children's areas of the park) and the Dark Forest. It is advisable to use the skyride when traversing the valley between Forbidden Valley and Fountain Plaza as it is a very long and steep route through the parks gardens.

Halal Sightseeing Tips

  • The Maze
  • The Gardens - Overlooked by many visitors and the gardens at Alton Towers were an attraction long before the modern resort. Providing a quieter, more serene attraction. Perfect for picnics.
  • stately home - The towers

Top Must Do Travel Tips to Alton Towers

Thrill rides

Nemesis_(Alton_Towers)_01 - Nemesis TheSmiler2015 (2) - The Smiler

There are 10 main thrill (or 'white knuckle') rides which are designed to provide maximum excitement and fear to riders.

  • Galactica Forbidden Valley 52.9859,-1.882 Galactica (roller coaster) - Air (Alton Towers) 01 - A space-themed rollercoaster that uses virtual reality to help simulate the rider travelling through space.
  • Nemesis Forbidden Valley 52.986944,-1.882778 - Nemesis (roller coaster) A inverted rollercoaster which twists and turns. -Q77806
  • Oblivion X-Sector 52.986667,-1.896389 - Oblivion (roller coaster) - AltonTowers-Oblivion -Q76808 The world's first dive coaster with a 55 metre vertical drop and the third fastest overall in the UK.
  • Rita Dark Forest 52.985022,-1.890515 - Rita (roller coaster) Touted as the "Queen of Speed", this rollercoaster boasts a high acceleration of 0 to 100kilometers/ph in 2 and half seconds.
  • Enterprise X-Sector 52.987368,-1.896633 - A ride similar to a ferris wheel, but at a much higher speed.
  • The Blade Forbidden Valley 52.986826,-1.883994
  • TH13TEEN - Thirteen | Dark Forest 52.984701,-1.890421 Thirteen (roller coaster) The first freefall drop coaster (5 metres), it's designed to induce psychological horror among its riders.
  • The Smiler X-Sector 52.9872,-1.89528 The Smiler The Smiler on opening day
  • Sub-Terra Forbidden Valley (below Nemesis) 52.98688,-1.88275 - Nemesis: Sub-Terra An underground dark-ride. Currently closed and it's unknown if or when it will re-open again.
  • Wicker Man Mutiny Bay 52.988889,-1.888611 - Wicker Man (roller coaster) A family/thrill wooden coaster the United Kingdom's first in 22 years.

Family rides

Other rides worth a go are the following:

  • Spinball Whizzer Adventure Land 52.988915,-1.89457 - Spinball Whizzer
  • Duel – The Haunted House Strikes Back! Gloomy Wood 52.98897,-1.884314 Duel - The Haunted House Strikes Back!
  • Runaway Mine Train Katanga Canyon 52.989668,-1.885612 - Runaway Mine Train (Alton Towers) A western-theme rollercoaster and the oldest ride the park has in current operation.
  • Hex – The Legend of the Towers The Towers 52.985478,-1.892736 Hex – The Legend of the Towers
  • Congo River Rapids Katanga Canyon 52.9893,-1.88678 Congo River Rapids A river rapids ride for those that don't mind getting soaked.

CBeebies Land

Section within the park aimed at younger visitors.

Other activities

  • Waterpark 52.985096,-1.876068 - A fantastic indoor water park.
  • Extraordinary Golf 52.985224,-1.878061 - A crazy golf course.
  • Spa 52.980193,-1.89446 ☎ +44 871 702 7043 - If you wish to get pampered by the spa then a booking in advance via either phone or the website.

Shopping in Alton Towers

Various ride photos.

  • Towers Trading Towers Street 52.990452,-1.89196 Home to one of the UK's biggest gift shops, stocking every single bit of Alton Towers merchandise under the sun!

Halal Restaurants in Alton Towers

The Eastern Express is the only hidden Halal gem that offers an exciting array of quick-serve meals with a focus on diverse flavors and halal ingredients. Whether you're a Muslim Meat lover, Vegetarian, or simply seeking an adventurous dining experience and the Eastern Express has something to satisfy every palate.

A Culinary Adventure:

The Eastern Express takes pride in its vibrant menu, which features a range of culinary delights inspired by various cuisines from around the world. With a focus on halal ingredients and the restaurant caters to a diverse clientele, including those with specific dietary requirements. From traditional Curries and comforting dal to flavorful wraps and succulent Kebab and the Eastern Express offers an enticing selection that is sure to please even the most discerning taste buds.

Halal and Vegetarian Options:

One of the standout features of the Eastern Express is its commitment to offering halal meals. This ensures that individuals seeking halal-certified food can enjoy a diverse range of flavors without compromising their dietary preferences. The restaurant's dedication to providing high-quality halal ingredients is a testament to its inclusive approach and desire to cater to the needs of its clients.

In addition to its halal offerings and the Eastern Express also provides a variety of Vegetarian options. Vegetarians can indulge in flavorful dishes that showcase the richness of plant-based ingredients. From hearty vegetable Curries to mouthwatering wraps filled with fresh produce and the Eastern Express ensures that Vegetarian can savor a diverse range of delicious options.

Dining Options:

The Eastern Express offers a convenient quick-serve format, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a satisfying meal on the go. Whether you're looking to grab a quick lunch during a busy workday or enjoy a delicious dinner with family and friends and the restaurant caters to various dining preferences.

The seating arrangements at the Eastern Express provide a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for diners. You can choose to enjoy your meal at one of the cozy indoor tables or, weather permitting, opt for outdoor seating and savor your food in the refreshing surroundings of Alton Towers Farley Lane.

Conclusion:

The Eastern Express offers a delightful culinary journey that embraces diversity, flavor, and convenience. With its commitment to using halal ingredients and providing Vegetarian options and the restaurant caters to a wide range of dietary preferences. Whether you're in the mood for a satisfying Curries, a flavorful wrap, or a mouthwatering Kebab and the Eastern Express is sure to exceed your expectations.

So and the next time you find yourself in Alton, Stoke-on-Trent, make sure to visit the Eastern Express for a quick and delicious meal that will transport your taste buds to new culinary heights. Experience the fusion of flavors and the warm hospitality, and the vibrant atmosphere that make the Eastern Express a standout destination for food lovers.

Telecommunication

Where to sleep in Alton Towers

Alton Towers has two on-site hotels for overnight stays.

  • The Alton Towers Hotel 52.98491,-1.874217 ☎ +44 871 222 1100 A four-star quirky English escape with direct access to Alton Towers Theme Park via. the Woodland Walk, or just a few minutes walk to the Alton Towers Monorail.
  • Splash Landings Hotel 52.985425,-1.87606 ☎ +44 1538 704600 Home of Alton Towers Water-park. A Caribbean themed three-star hotel just a minutes walk from the Alron Towers Monorail.

There are many hotels and restaurants in the surrounding Derbyshire and Staffordshire area. Ashbourne, a historic marketplace town, is nearby and has a number of hotels and Bed & Breakfasts.

Cope in Alton Towers

Facilities include:

  • Baby Change Facilities

There are 7 baby changing facilities located within the toilets around the theme park. Should you forget any crucials such as nappies, bottles and dummies (pacifiers) and these are stocked at the Towers Trading Store.

  • Medical Centre

There is a First Aid Centre located between The Towers Family Restaurant and the Skyride Station on Towers Street.

  • Cash Machines

There are several cash points located around the park, but the only free ATM services are on Towers Street.

  • Smoking Areas

Designated smoking areas are provided across the resort, including at Alton Towers Hotel and Splash Landings Ho ☎ Smoking is no longer permitted outside of these areas, including the use of e-cigarettes.

Stay safe as a Muslim in Alton Towers

All rides, have posted safety instructions which should be observed. Staff members are well trained in first aid. Major incidents are incredibly rare and the operators considering it a professional responsibility to ensure a safe experience, despite the thrills.

In summer the place becomes overcrowded, so beware of pickpockets.

Where to go from Alton Towers

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