Tough times for Alton Towers – but theme park is still great

It’s been a tough year for Alton Towers.

Four people were seriously injured in a crash between two carriages on the theme park’s Smiler rollercoaster at the start of June.

The £18million ride – which only opened two years ago – remains closed.

Then, on the hottest day of the year, 80 people were stuck for an hour after two monorail trains broke down.

These freak incidents haven’t put people off visiting the Staffordshire attraction, however.

I went to Alton Towers with three friends at the end of last month and we had an absolutely fantastic time.

It was an adrenaline-filled day with plenty of laughs and lots of screams on the theme park’s many rollercoasters.

My favourite ride, Nemesis, seems to get better every time I go on it.

The landmark rollercoaster – which reaches speeds of up to 80mph while relentlessly twisting and turning riders – is celebrating its 21st birthday this year.

When it opened in 1994, Alton Towers billed it as “the ultimate thrill ride”.

Nemesis still lives up to this statement and is still ranked as one of the top rollercoasters in the world.

Alton Towers isn’t all about scary rides, though.

There is plenty on offer for youngsters – including several child-friendly rollercoasters, games and an aquarium – making it the perfect summer holiday day out.

Alton Towers opened as a theme park in 1980.

It’s estimated nearly three million people visit the attraction every year.

For more information about Alton Towers, log on to www.altontowers.com or call 0871 222 3330.

Related topics: