Gangsta Granny: The Ride at Alton Towers is a multi-sensory dark ride based on David Walliams' beloved children's novel. Located in The World of David Walliams, this family-friendly attraction opened in 2021 and follows Granny and her grandson Ben as they attempt "the greatest heist in the history of the world" – stealing the Crown Jewels. Designed by Merlin Magic Making with input from David Walliams himself, the ride features immersive theming, vibrant animatronics, and special effects that bring the story to life. Built by Garmendale Engineering, the ride was originally scheduled for 2020 but opened on 17 May 2021 after pandemic delays. With a...
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An inspiring Peak District Blog from the folks at the #1 Peak District destination website, Let’s Go Peak District. You will find news, inspiration, facts and lots more… lots, lots more, such as walks in every Peak District county, bike rides, Peak District Voices from those live and work in the Peak District National Park. The Let’s Go Peak District website categorises and makes finding information easy, so some good places to start may be our really popular…
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Alton Towers: Royal Carousel
The Royal Carousel at Alton Towers is a beautifully restored historic carousel built in 1860, now located in The Towers area near the main entrance. This charming attraction features intricately carved wooden horses and ornate details showcasing craftsmanship from a bygone era, with riders able to choose between sitting on beautifully painted horses or in elegant carriages. The gentle up-and-down motion is accompanied by traditional fairground music, creating a timeless, nostalgic experience. In 2018, the carousel was relocated to The Towers area as part of a major refurbishment, preserving its original features while making it accessible to a new generation. With a height restriction of...
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Alton Towers: Heave Ho
Heave Ho at Alton Towers is a gentle swinging ship ride located in the Mutiny Bay area. Opening in 2018, this family-friendly pirate-themed attraction simulates the motion of a ship sailing across the high seas. The ride features a smooth back-and-forth motion that's perfect for young adventurers, with colourful pirate theming that transports you to a world of treasure and adventure. With a height restriction of just 0.9m, it's accessible to children accompanied by an adult, making it a great introduction to theme park rides for little ones. The charming pirate theming and gentle motion make Heave Ho a must-ride for families visiting Mutiny Bay,...
Read More![Alton Towers: CBeebies Land [All Rides]](https://letsgopeakdistrict.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Cbeebies-Feature.jpg "Peak District Blog 4")
Alton Towers: CBeebies Land [All Rides]
CBeebies Land at Alton Towers is the UK's biggest children's area, bringing the magic of the BBC's CBeebies channel to life with 9 rides and attractions designed for little ones aged 0-6. Since opening in 2011, the area has expanded with beloved attractions including the Octonauts Rollercoaster Adventure (2015), Go Jetters Vroomster Zoom (2018), and Peter Rabbit Hippity Hop (2018). Families can enjoy gentle rides like In the Night Garden Magical Boat Ride, Postman Pat Parcel Post, and the classic Toadstool Ride. Most rides have a 0.9m height restriction, making them accessible to toddlers and young children. With live queue times available for all rides,...
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Alton Towers: Marauder’s Mayhem
Marauder's Mayhem at Alton Towers is a classic teacups-style ride that has been spinning families around since 1987. Located in Mutiny Bay, this Mack Rides attraction features large, pirate-themed cups that rotate around a central turntable. Each cup has its own steering wheel that allows riders to control the spinning speed of their cup, adding an interactive element to the experience. Originally opening as simply Tea Cup Ride, the attraction was later rethemed to fit the Mutiny Bay pirate area with colourful pirate designs. Despite being one of the park's oldest rides, it remains a firm favourite among families and young children, offering gentle, family-friendly...
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Alton Towers: Battle Galleons
Battle Galleons at Alton Towers is an interactive water battle attraction where two galleon-style boats face each other in a thrilling aquatic duel. Located in Katanga Canyon, this Mack Rides ride has been delighting families since 2008. Riders use water cannons to soak their opponents on the other boat, while water spray effects from the sides ensure everyone gets wet. The objective is simple: soak the other team while avoiding getting wet yourself, though that's almost impossible! The attraction was briefly renamed Mutiny Bay between 2018 and 2023 before reverting to its original name. With a height restriction of just 0.9m, it's one of the...
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Alton Towers: The Curse at Alton Manor
The Curse at Alton Manor is an immersive dark ride that brings a chilling new story to the historic Alton Manor in Gloomy Wood. Opening in 2023, this Mack Rides attraction replaced the beloved Duel ride, returning to the atmospheric storytelling roots of the original Haunted House. The ride takes you through the dark history of the manor with eerie effects, animatronics, and a haunting soundtrack by IMAscore. Unlike Duel's interactive shooting, The Curse focuses on narrative and atmosphere, creating a genuinely spooky experience suitable for families with a 0.9m height restriction. The ride has evolved through three incarnations over the years, making it a...
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Alton Towers: Spinball Whizzer
Spinball Whizzer at Alton Towers is a thrilling spinning rollercoaster that combines the excitement of a coaster with the unpredictability of a spinning ride. Located in Forbidden Valley, this Maurer Rides creation has been entertaining families and thrill-seekers since 2004. The ride is themed around a giant pinball machine, with bright colours and playful theming creating a fun, energetic atmosphere. Each car seats four riders in a back-to-back configuration, with freely rotating cars that create a different experience every time you ride. Between 2010 and 2015, the ride was themed as Sonic Spinball featuring Sonic the Hedgehog, before reverting to its original theme with new...
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Alton Towers: Hex – The Legend of the Towers
Hex · The Legend of the Towers at Alton Towers is a unique dark ride that tells the chilling story of the Chained Oak, based on a real local legend. Located within the historic Towers building, this Vekoma Madhouse combines immersive storytelling with a disorienting psychological illusion. According to legend, a beggar woman cursed the Oak after being denied shelter by the Earl of Shrewsbury, predicting that his family would die with every branch that fell. The Earl chained the branches to prevent them from falling. As you enter the ride, you're led through themed rooms building suspense before the main experience: a circular room...
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Alton Towers: Runaway Mine Train
Runaway Mine Train at Alton Towers is a classic family rollercoaster that takes riders on a wild ride through a deserted mine in Katanga Canyon. Opening in 1992, this Mack Rides powered coaster is the park's oldest rollercoaster and reaches speeds of 22 mph over its 1,000-foot track. Unlike traditional rollercoasters, it uses a powered lift system that controls the train's speed, making it a perfect introduction to rollercoasters for younger riders. The ride features twists, turns, and small drops through immersive mining theming, complete with rock formations, tunnels, and mining equipment. With a height restriction of just 0.9m, it's one of the most accessible...
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