The Alton Towers Theme Park in Staffordshire, England is truly an adventure for “children of all ages”. There are theme rides for the youngest people as well as adults. In 2008 it attracted 3.1 million visitors, which made it the UK’s second most visited theme park.

Alton Towers itself dates back to the 8th century when it was a fortress of many buildings. It was also the Gothic country house of the Earls of Shrewsbury. In the 1970s the building was stripped out and then had concrete floors added so it so it could be opened up to the public. There is an expensive project planned to restore the oldest parts of the house. There are also a number of unusual gardens including a Dutch garden, a Swiss Cottage, a Pagoda Fountain, and more.

In 1980 the theme park was opened, and over the years many sections have been added and some rides moved from place to place. Towers Street is the first area you come to. It has shops and a view of the gardens and the ruins of the Towers. Sometimes at Halloween there is a spooky maze at the ruins.

Planned for 2010 by Merlin Entertainment is the theme of a crypt in a mysterious forest and a special roller coaster.

The newest addition in 2009 was Sharkbait Reef, which has a 20-metre ocean tunnel, and where you can interact with underwater species. Another 2009 addition is Cloud Cuckoo Land for the younger guests and is a fantasy garden full of bright colors, a show in the Theatre, a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ride, and a play area. A new ride there is called the Twirling Toadstool.

Storybook Land has a “Squirrel Nutty Ride” where the children travel in acorn shaped powered cars.

Old MacDonald’s Farmyard contains a small petting zoo, a carousel, a boat ride, Old MacDonald’s Singing Barn, and a few rides.

Adventure Land is for visitors between ages 5 and 11 with its main ride being a spinning roller coaster.

Mutiny Bay is pirate themed with actors roaming the area dressed as pirates. Battle Galleons is a water ride where guests travel along a track in boats.

X-Sector has the world’s first extra-wide roller coaster with a steep vertical drop after hanging over the edge for three seconds. There is also the world’s first inverted roller coaster and the world’s first roller coaster where the riders’ feet are suspended freely.

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