Alton Towers
| Previously known as Alton Towers Alton Abbey | |
| Location | Alton, Staffordshire, England |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 52°59′15″N 1°53′27″W / 52.98750°N 1.89083°W |
| Opened | 13 April 1860 (as country estate) 4 April 1980 (as theme park) |
| Owner | LondonMetric Property |
| Operated by | Merlin Entertainments |
| General manager | Bianca Sammut |
| Slogan | Theres No Feeling Like It! |
| Operating season | Theme Park February – January (Full park offering between March – November) Alton Towers Gardens March – November Alton Towers Hotel Year-round Splash Landings Hotel Year-round Enchanted Village Year-round CBeebies Land Hotel Year-round Stargazing Pods April – November Alton Towers Waterpark Year-round Conference Centre Year-round Extraordinary Golf Year-round |
| Attendance | 2023: 2,350,000 (2.17%) |
| Area | 910 acres (370 ha; 3.7 km2) (total combined resort area) |
| Attractions | |
| Total | 42 |
| Roller coasters | 10 |
| Water rides | 3 |
| Website | www.AltonTowers.com |
Alton Towers Resort (UK: /ˈɒltən/ ⓘ OL-tən) (often shortened to Alton Towers) is a theme park and resort complex in Staffordshire, England, near the village of Alton. The park is operated by Merlin Entertainments Group and incorporates a theme park, water park, mini golf and hotel complex.
Originally a private estate of the Earls of Shrewsbury, Alton Towers' grounds were opened to the public in 1860 to raise funds. In the 1970s, a few rides were added and some of the themed areas were developed. Inspired by Disneyland, it was transformed into a theme park in 1980 with the installation of its first roller coaster and several new rides. The park has many attractions such as Congo River Rapids, Nemesis Reborn, The Smiler and Wicker Man. It operates a total of ten roller coasters and offers a range of accommodation and lodging options alongside the theme park. Facilities include Alton Towers Waterpark, Alton Towers Conference Centre and Extraordinary Golf.
The theme park is open seasonally from mid-March to early November, whilst many of its hotels and amenities are open year-round. Special events are hosted throughout the year, including Scarefest, Fireworks and Christmas.