Alton Towers with kids - the ultimate theme park and hotel guide!

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Welcome to my guide on visiting Alton Towers theme park with kids – including a review of our family day out, hotel options, ride information, photos and money saving tips. If you’re looking for a fun family day out, Alton Towers is a great option – with loads of thrilling rides to amuse older kids and teens, alongside Cbeebies Land for the younger visitors. It’s location near the Peak District makes it a good choice if you want to enjoy some relaxation as well – it’s a great day out to combine with a family UK staycation as there’s lots you can explore nearby too.

CRAZY DEAL! 😍 When you book a short break stay at Alton Towers, between 3rd February and the 1st March 2026, you’ll get an Essential Merlin Annual Pass included for each person staying for FREE! You’ll need to stay between the 14th March and the 26th June 2026 – the offer works with most of the accommodation options, excluding the stargazing pods, and you can find all the details in my guide: How to get a FREE Merlin Annual Pass – short break offer!

If you want to stay on-site with the kids, I’ve broken down all of the different Alton Towers hotel and accommodation options – as well as listing the hotels nearest to the Alton Towers theme park if you’d prefer to stay nearby with the kids instead. You’ll also find a guide on which rides are suitable for different aged children and practical information like a map and opening times. So here’s everything that you need to know about visiting Alton Towers theme park with kids, and the short break hotel options too.

Visit: May 2024 (Updated February 2026)

Where is Alton Towers theme park – and how do I get there?

Alton Towers is located in Staffordshire, set in a stunning 500-acre park. It’s a little bit off the beaten track, but don’t let that put you off. You can find the Alton Towers Resort at the following address: Alton Towers Resort, Alton, Staffordshire, ST10 4DB. Alton Towers is located between the M1 and the M6 and is well signposted from both motorways. So if you’re travelling there by car, depending on your direction, the nearest motorway exits are:

M1 Northbound – Junction 23a
M1 Southbound – Junction 28
M6 Northbound – Junction 15
M6 Southbound – Junction 16

There’s a £12 parking charge for the car park, though there are lots of kid-friendly accommodation options (more on that below) and if you stay on-site in an Alton Towers hotel parking is free. Once you arrive you can hop onto the monorail which will take you into the heart of the park, though if the queues are long you can walk the route too. If you want to make your way there without a car, the nearest train station to Alton Towers is Uttoxeter which is just 10 miles from the resort – from there you can grab a taxi or a bus.

Who owns Alton Towers?

The Alton Towers Resort is part of the Merlin Entertainments family – the same group behind Chessington World of Adventures, Thorpe Park, Legoland Windsor and loads of London attractions (like the London Eye, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, the London Dungeon and Shrek’s Adventure). If you’ve got a thrill-seeker (or a few!) in the family it can be worth considering a Merlin Annual Pass – if you’ll use it for multiple days out year round, it can be great value for money if you’re planning to visit lots of UK family attractions. Keep your eyes peeled too as they reduced the Merlin Essential Pass to £79 per person just before Christmas! And, children under 90cm don’t need one – they can enter for free with an adult pass-holder so if you’ve got little ones it can be a pretty good deal.

Visiting Alton Towers theme park with kids – which rides are suitable?

Alton Towers is famous for its big, high-thrill rides like The Smiler, Nemesis and Oblivion, but let’s not forget about the little ones (and those of us who prefer a slower pace – like me! 😂). Luckily, there’s something for everyone, and toddlers and young kids will adore Cbeebies Land. The only thing to be aware of, if your kids are at an ‘inbetween’ age (perhaps age 7-9) is that there’s quite a jump when it comes to the height restrictions for the big coasters. Having said that, there are some rides outside of CBeebies Land that primary aged kids will love (such as the Runaway Mine Train and the Congo River Rapids) but they do need to be above 1.1m tall so check before you visit to avoid disappointment. Here’s my run down of which rides are best for kids of different ages at Alton Towers theme park:

Alton Towers ‘Big Thrill’ rides that are best for big kids and adults (must be over 1.4m):

The Smiler: If you’re a fan of rollercoasters, this is the ride to go for – The Smiler is one of the world’s most intense coasters, with 14 inversions. I wasn’t brave enough to take on The Smiler but my kids (aged 11 and 12) thought it was amazing – though it’s definitely not one for the faint-hearted!
Nemesis: The Nemesis rollercoaster is an Alton Towers classic – it’s a suspended rollercoaster that twists and turns, and though it’s still a ‘big thrill’ ride it’s tamer than The Smiler if that one is a bit much. If you’re into coasters, this is a must-ride.
Oblivion: Prepare for a stomach-dropping experience as you plummet down the vertical drop into the Oblivion. It’s a short ride, but it really does pack a punch – have a break after lunch before this one. 😂

Alton Towers ‘Junior Thrill’ rides that are best for older primary school children (must be over 1.2m):

Wicker Man: The Wicker Man is my favourite rollercoaster at Alton Towers – it’s a wooden rollercoaster with a fiery Wicker Man statue towering over it. If you’ve got a brave 7+ age child this is a great coaster, without it being as wild as the ‘big thrill’ rides.
Th13teen: Th13teen is an indoor/outdoor rollercoaster with a spooky twist. The ride features a series of drops, tight turns and unexpected elements, including a surprising free-fall drop halfway through the ride.
Spinball Whizzer: Spinball Whizzer is a spinning rollercoaster which is a family favourite, offering a fun combination of high-speed twists, turns and spins – my kids loved this ride.

Alton Towers ‘Little Thrill’ rides for younger kids and families:

CBeebies Land: If you have toddlers or younger primary school age children, this area is perfect. Think cute, family-friendly rides based on beloved CBeebies shows like Postman Pat and Hey Duggee. The rides are gentle so the little ones can have loads of fun.
The Octonauts Rollercoaster Adventure: This is a lovely little coaster that’s ideal for younger kids who are ready to take on a few twists and turns. It’s a perfect introduction to the world of rollercoasters without being too intense.
Heave-Ho!: This pirate-themed ride is another family-friendly option that’s great for kids who want a bit of fun without the scary drops.

Click here to see a full list of all the rides available and the height restrictions – it’ll take you straight to the relevant section on the Alton Towers website.

The queues can be long, especially on busier days, so I’d recommend downloading the Alton Towers app to keep track of ride times and plan your day. Aim to hit the most popular rides first thing in the morning, over lunchtime (when people are busy eating) or not long before the park closes, and avoid peak-dates and times of year. We went in May and it still chucked it down anyway – so visit out of season if possible, and pack a rain coat so you can still make the most of it. Luckily the weather brightened up for us by lunchtime, but it seemed most rides were still running as usual despite the rain when we visited. Here’s the map for the attractions at Alton Towers (credit altontowers.com) – which you can click to download:

Though we visited during term-time, on a rainy weekday in May, the park was still surprisingly busy – we queued to ride the monorail from the carpark. Once in the theme park, everyone seemed to disperse and it didn’t feel too busy. For lots of the rides we got on straight away, or after just a 5-10 minute queue. I think the longest queue was around 30 minutes so it wasn’t too bad at all – and you can see the queue times on a screen near each ride (or on the app) to plot your route around those.

At peak times though (especially in the school holidays) I think you could easily expect to queue for an hour for popular rides. Fast track passes are available, which allow you to queue jump, but these are more expensive. Though I think, if you stay in an Alton Towers hotel or lodge, you can gain early access to some of the rides on day two – check their short break terms and conditions for more information.

Which Alton Towers hotel is best?

If you want the full themed experience for the kids, or a multi-day visit, there are lots of different accommodation options on-site at Alton Towers – so I’ve unpicked the different hotels and holiday homes so that you can see which might best suit your family. If you want a short break package, with a hotel stay included, check out their website for the best deals – click here to check out the current Alton Towers short break offers. Staying on-site can actually be a cost effective option if you want a few theme park days with the kids – Alton Towers often run ‘second day free’ deals when you book one of the hotel or accommodation options on-site. Here are the options available:

1. Alton Towers Hotel: The Alton Towers Hotel is themed around the fictional explorer Sir Algenon, providing a whimsical backdrop to capture the kids’ imaginations. Each room is uniquely decorated with options like the Moon Voyage Room, the Arctic Explorer Room and the Gangsta Granny Room, inspired by David Walliams’ popular book. Guests at the Alton Towers Hotel benefit from perks such as a full English breakfast buffet, evening entertainment for the kids, free parking and a 9-hole round of Extraordinary Golf. Click here to find out more about the Alton Towers Hotel on the Alton Towers website.

2. Splash Landings Hotel: For a hotel with fun at its heart, check in to the wonderfully wacky Splash Landings Hotel with even more cool themed rooms to choose from – like the Ice Cave Room or the Pirate Room. This hotel is also home to the Alton Towers Waterpark – so if you’re visiting the Alton Towers Waterpark, or want a combined trip with the theme park too, then this hotel might be a good option. Again, the Splash Landings Hotel rooms also come with a full English breakfast buffet, entertainment from the Calypso Crew, free parking and a round of golf. Click here to find out more about the Splash Landings Hotel on the Alton Towers website.

3. CBeebies Land Hotel: If you’ve got toddlers or younger children then you’ll most likely want to step inside the rainbow and straight into the colourful world of the UK’s only CBeebies Land Hotel, uniquely designed for young families. The hotel features delightfully themed rooms (think Octonauts, In the Night Garden and even Postman Pat!) and offers live shows, games and adventures to keep the little ones entertained. Just like the other Alton Towers hotel options, a stay at the Cbeebies Land Hotel also includes a full English breakfast buffet, free parking and golf too. Click here to find out more about the Cbeebies Land Hotel on the Alton Tower website.

4. Enchanted Village Woodland Lodges: If you’d prefer a more peaceful environment for the kids, you’ve also got the option of booking one of the log cabins at the Alton Towers Enchanted Village instead of a hotel. The lodges provide a cozy and magical setting, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in a woodland fairy tale. Don’t worry, the Woodland Lodges also benefit from all the perks of the hotels too – you can head inside for the hotel shows, enjoy a full English breakfast buffet, get free parking and have that round of golf! Click here to find out more about the Enchanted Village Woodland Lodges on the Alton Towers website.

5. Luxury Treehouses: For a super luxurious stay, the Luxury Treehouses at the Alton Towers Resort are nestled in the serene Enchanted Village – though these will for sure be the priciest of the accommodation options! The Luxury Treehouses come with a kitchenette, a large TV and games console for the kids, a hot tub, room service, VIP parking and fast track tickets – as well as the typical perks of a breakfast buffet, entertainment and the round of golf that is included with all Alton Towers hotel stays. Click here to find out more about the Luxury Treehouses on the Alton Towers website.

6. Stargazing Pods: For a more budget-friendly experience, the Alton Towers Stargazing Pods offer compact yet comfortable accommodation – glamping style. Each pod sleeps up to four people and provides a cosy base for families looking to enjoy the great outdoors. The Stargazing Pods come with a takeaway breakfast, free parking, golf and entertainment too, though facilities like toilets and showers are shared. Click here to find out more about the Stargazing Pods on the Alton Towers website.

How do I book an Alton Towers Hotel with a Merlin Annual Pass?

A Merlin Annual Pass can be an amazing way to save money on UK attractions, and some pass types also come with discounts for the resort hotels. (Check what’s included before purchasing.) If you are a Merlin Annual Pass holder, and you’d like to book a hotel stay on the Alton Tower’s Resort, you’ll need to visit the Merlin Holiday Club area of the website. From there, enter your Merlin Annual Pass number in order to book a discounted hotel stay – click here to head straight to the Alton Towers Merlin Holiday Club page. You’ll still get all of the room options, so you can book whichever suits your family, and breakfast and parking is included for free as usual too.

Where are the closest places to stay near Alton Towers?

Alton Towers is also not far from the Peak District (it’s around a 50 minute drive) so it’s great for a blended holiday – with a fun day out for the kids, alongside relaxation and countryside walks! (We spent the week before our trip at Knights Lodges which was about 35 minutes away from Alton Towers – if you fancy a hot tub break!) Park Holidays Ashbourne Heights Holiday Park is also about a 25 minute drive from Alton Towers – with budget-friendly accommodation options, an indoor pool and kids’ facilities. And, Sykes Cottages have loads of holiday properties within 10 miles of Alton Towers if you want to spread out a bit with the kids.

There are quite a few independent hotel options in the area near Alton Towers too – so use a website like Expedia to compare prices. The nearest hotels to Alton Towers (excluding those on the resort) are:

The Bridge House Hotel: situated approximately 3km from Alton Towers.
Peakstones Inn: located about 1.7km from Alton Towers.
The Duncombe Arms: located approximately 10km from Alton Towers.
Travelodge Ashbourne: situated around 10km from Alton Towers.
The Izaak Walton Country House Hotel: approximately 10km from Alton Towers.
The Upper House: located about 19km from Alton Towers.
The Boars Head Hotel: approximately 20km from Alton Towers.
Travelodge Stoke-on-Trent Trentham: located approximately 20km from Alton Towers.
Premier Inn Uttoxeter Hotel: located about 9km from Alton Towers.

Alton Towers with kids, the ultimate theme park and hotel guide, frugal mum guide, photo of family

What are the opening times for Alton Towers?

The Alton Towers theme park is open from March until November every year – though the waterpark is open all year round so that could be a good winter / rainy day activity with the kids. (Let me know what you think if you’ve visited the waterpark, we haven’t been yet!) The rides open at 10am but you can get into the park from 9am when the monorail starts running – so it’s worth an early start to be first into the park. Alton Towers closes at different times in different seasons, depending on the light and weather, so you’ll need to check the closing time for the particular date of your visit. There are also some additional opening dates over the festive season – click here to find out more about Christmas at Alton Towers.

How much are Alton Towers tickets and where can I find discounts?

Alton Towers can be a pricey family day out, with pre-booked tickets typically costing around £30 for a one-day entry ticket. Avoid buying your tickets on the gate as they will be dearer – though children under 90cm can enter for free. Luckily, Alton Towers theme park also take part in lots of discount schemes – so keep your eyes peeled to save some money on your entrance tickets. Here are some of the deals and discounts that I’ve come across for one day tickets to Alton Towers theme park:

Cereal boxes: Cereal brands like Kelloggs often run promotions where you can find discounts or even free tickets (things like 2 for 1) for Alton Towers by purchasing specially-marked boxes so look out for these in the supermarket.
Other supermarket savers: It’s not just cereal boxes either – Carex recently offered a 50% discount for Alton Towers via a campaign on their hand soaps, so look for qualifying products if you’re planning a visit.
Kids Pass: Kids Pass is a subscription service that offers discounts on family days out, including theme park tickets for places like Alton Towers – you can trial it for £1, so it’s well worth signing up if you’re planning some days out with the kids.
Love to Visit: The ‘Love to Visit’ website offers discounted tickets for attractions all over the UK – so it’s well worth a look to see their current Alton Towers deals.

Tesco Clubcard: Tesco shoppers can use their Tesco Clubcard points to get some money off Alton Towers tickets, or pay for them in full and enjoy a free day out.
Alton Towers website: Alton Towers run offers on their own website, so make sure you check there first – at the time of writing they’re running a £29 ticket offer!
Merlin Annual Pass: As I mentioned before, if you’re a regular thrill-seeker, you can access absolutely loads of attractions with a Merlin Annual Pass including: Alton Towers, Chessington, LEGOLAND Windsor and Thorpe Park; indoor fun like SEA LIFE centres, Shrek’s Adventure!, The London Eye and Madame Tussauds; and historical and immersive experiences like Warwick Castle, The Dungeons and even Cadbury World. Kids under 90cm go free and you can check out all of the pass options and what’s included here: Are Merlin Annual Passes worth it and which pass is best?

Alton Towers Annual Pass: Merlin also recently introduced annual passes that are cheaper and park specific – you can get an annual pass for Alton Towers from £64.

Keep things frugal when you’re in the park:

Pack refillable water bottles: You can refill water bottles for free throughout the park, so don’t waste money buying bottled water. This is particularly useful during summer visits when it can get quite warm.
The early bird gets the worm: Arrive early to beat the crowds – the best rides tend to get busier as the day goes on, and you want to make the most of your visit to make it good value for money. As I mentioned above, the rides don’t open until 10am but the monorail into the park opens at 9am so arrive early and you’ll be first on the rides.
Take advantage of free entertainment: Alton Towers also offers shows and entertainment that are included in your entry fee. Look out for characters, magic shows or even street performers – it’s a great way to take a break from the rides without spending more money.
Bring your own picnic: Alton Towers is flexible when it comes to picnics – you’re welcome to take your own food, which is a big win for families on a budget. So, pack up a cool bag rucksack with sandwiches, snacks and drinks to keep the kids happy throughout the day. There’s a sheltered picnic area you can use, with toilets nearby, and you can rent a locker if you want to ditch your lunch while you’re enjoying the rides.
Look for meal deals: If you’d prefer to buy food in the park, keep an eye out for meal deals or combo offers. There are plenty of food outlets throughout the park, offering everything from burgers and pizza to healthier salads and wraps.

Which is better – Thorpe Park, Alton Towers or Chessington?

Deciding whether to visit Thorpe Park, Alton Towers or Chessington really depends on the age and interests of your children. Thorpe Park is best suited to teenagers and older thrill-seekers. It has fewer rides for younger children and its focus is firmly on high-speed / high-intensity attractions, as well some awesome water rides. My kids aged 12 and 13 thought Thorpe Park was absolutely brilliant – for all the details read: Thorpe Park with kids – the ultimate theme park and hotel guide! Alton Towers, while still offering major coasters like The Smiler, balances thrill rides with a more rounded family experience – it offers a variety of rides for kids of all ages as well as CBeebies Land for toddlers and little ones.

Chessington World of Adventures is the most family-focused of the three theme parks. It combines gentle rides, a zoo and a SEA LIFE centre, making it ideal for children under 10 years old. If your kids are younger or easily scared, Chessington offers the most suitable family-friendly day out of the three. Check out my Chessington World of Adventures review or my Chessington Hotel Resort guide for more information – it’s a brilliant theme park for a short break, the safari hotel is awesome, we loved it!

Final thoughts

Alton Towers is a fantastic family day out and, with a little bit of planning, it’s possible to enjoy your day without it being too expensive if you hunt out discounts and ticket offers, pack up a picnic and shop around for affordable accommodation. For multi-day visits it’s worth looking at the short break offers for the Alton Towers hotel / lodge stays – they often offer the ‘second day free’ with on-site stays so it can work out to be more cost effective and they have some great themed spaces that the kids would love.

Whether you’re into heart-pounding rides, or you’ve got little ones who will adore Cbeebies Land, it’s a brilliant theme park for a day out with the kids. My kids (aged 11 and 12) absolutely loved it – I’m a wimp so they went on way more rides than I did! 😂 (The Wicker Man rollercoaster is more than enough excitement for me!) We had such a great day and Alton Towers definitely swiftly became one of the kids’ favourite theme parks. We fancy trying the Alton Towers Waterpark next – so let me know in the comments if it’s any good! For more information, and prices for your tickets or stay, click here to check out the Alton Towers website.