Alton is a fantastic destination for a day or two of fun, especially if you’re traveling with family or thrill-seekers. It’s known for the iconic Alton Towers Resort, which offers a mix of adrenaline-pumping rides and gentle attractions suited for all ages. We particularly enjoy how accessible and well-organized the park is, with options that cater to different interests and energy levels. Whether you’re floating in the waterpark, riding high on roller coasters, or exploring the grounds for a more relaxed experience, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. For a full water adventure, the Alton Towers Waterpark is a great choice, especially with its indoor slides that operate year-round.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the best tours in Alton, covering everything from waterpark splashes to full-day theme park thrills. Each option offers something unique, whether you’re traveling with young kids, looking for a quick blast of excitement, or planning a longer visit. Read on to find the perfect match for your trip.
1. Alton Towers Waterpark
The Alton Towers Waterpark is a standout for those who love splashing around and staying active, regardless of the weather. It features a wide variety of interactive water features, from lazy rivers to high-speed slides. Kids will love the Little Leak area, which includes a new water ball, while the thrill-seekers can brave the Master Blaster water coaster—a sensational ride that propels you uphill before sending you flying down at high speed. The waterpark is open all year, making it a perfect rainy-day escape or summer activity.
What makes this waterpark special is its mix of indoor and outdoor options. In the warmer months, the outdoor pool area opens, giving visitors the chance to enjoy the Bubbly Wubbly bubble pool and the Flash Floods flume ride in the sunshine. The indoor section is packed with high-speed slides and interactive play areas, so there’s no shortage of ways to get soaked and have fun.
Many visitors praise the value for money—at just $24.62 per person for a full day, it offers a great way to tire out younger members of the family. While some mention that food is a little costly, the overall experience often exceeds expectations. It’s perfect for families with kids who want a guaranteed fun day without the long lines of rides.
Bottom Line: The Waterpark is a fantastic, all-weather option to keep kids entertained with plenty of water-based fun, especially for families who want a relaxed yet active day.
2. Alton Towers Resort 1 Day Admission Ticket
For those wanting to experience the full thrill of Alton Towers in just one day, the 1-day admission ticket is an excellent choice. This ticket grants access to over 50 rides and attractions, including seven roller coasters like the legendary Nemesis, which offers G-forces comparable to a space shuttle launch, and Oblivion, with its iconic vertical drop. You’ll also find newer additions like Wicker Man, which debuted in 2018 and remains a favorite among visitors.
This tour is particularly appealing because it provides easy entry—prebooking means you avoid long queues and can plan your day efficiently. The park’s layout caters to all ages, with CBeebies Land offering character meet-and-greets and gentle rides like the Furchester Hotel Live Show and Go Jetters Vroomster Zoom. Older kids and adults will appreciate the high-intensity roller coasters like The Smiler with its 14 loops or Rita, which delivers a real adrenaline rush.
Guests have noted that long queues can be a challenge, especially during peak times, but arriving early and planning your ride order helps. The one-day ticket is good value at $39.84, considering the sheer number of rides included.
Bottom Line: This ticket is best for visitors who want to maximize their time and experience the best of Alton Towers’ rides in one action-packed day. It’s ideal for thrill-seekers and families with older children who want a full day of excitement.
3. Alton Towers Resort 2 Day Admission Ticket
If you’re planning to spend more than a day at Alton Towers, the 2-day admission ticket offers a more relaxed way to enjoy everything without rushing. It’s especially suitable for visitors who want to beat the crowds and enjoy the rides at a leisurely pace. For around $63.37, you get access to all the signature rides—including Oblivion, The Smiler, and Wicker Man—plus the cable car and other attractions, spreading the experience over two full days.
This ticket is perfect for thrill-seekers and families alike who want to experience everything without the pressure of a single-day schedule. The park opens from 10:30 am, so arriving early on both days allows you to hit the most popular rides first. Reviewers mention that spending two days significantly improves the experience, especially since the park can be quite large.
While parking isn’t included, the convenience of exploring more thoroughly at a relaxed pace makes the extra cost worth it for many. The additional time to enjoy rides and avoid queues really sets this apart from the one-day option.
Bottom Line: The 2-day ticket is ideal for visitors who want to fully explore Alton Towers without feeling rushed, especially if they’re traveling with children or friends eager to ride more than once.
How to Choose the Best Tour in Alton
Choosing the right experience depends on your interests, budget, and how much time you want to spend. If you’re traveling with young children or just seeking a water adventure, the Alton Towers Waterpark offers a relaxing, wet day. For thrill-seekers wanting to experience the best rides in one day, the 1-day admission ticket provides access to the park’s most exciting rides. If you prefer a more leisurely visit and want to see everything without rushing, the 2-day pass is your best bet.
Consider your budget—the waterpark is the most affordable, while the 2-day pass offers the most flexibility for those willing to spend a bit more. Also, think about your interest level: families with younger kids might prioritize the waterpark or CBeebies Land, while roller coaster enthusiasts should opt for the full-day or two-day passes.
Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons or school holidays, to avoid disappointment and long queues.
Final Thoughts
Alton offers a range of experiences that suit different types of travelers. For a fun-filled day with young children, the Waterpark is a safe bet. Adventurous families or thrill-seekers should consider the 1-day or 2-day tickets, which unlock the full roller coaster lineup and allow more time to enjoy the rides.
No matter which option you choose, planning ahead and booking early will ensure your visit to Alton is smooth and enjoyable. With its wide variety of attractions, Alton truly is a place where everyone can find their fun—so start deciding and get ready for a memorable trip.
