Other places to go near Alton Towers? Tips please

ajr

Hi
We are going to stay about 4 miles from Alton Towers in August.Have ordered Alton tickets via Tesco clubcard but wondered what else people would recommend in the area.I have 2 boys 10 and 12. We have English Heritage membership too. Is the Alton towers water park worth the money and any good cycling places? ANY TIPS APPRECIATED!

Devizeslass

I'm not really the best person to advise you, as I haven't been there yet myself (we're off to Alton Towers next week) but we are planning to go to the Wedgewood museum and do the factory tour the day before. This is mainly because DH is very keen to see it, but I have seen it recommended in several places. I think the children can make or decorate pots. As this is "The Potteries", I think there are several other tours/museums you can do, but people seen to say the Wedgewood one is the best! Website: http://www.thewedgwoodvisitorcentre.com/

Would love to go to the water park, but DH doesn't do swimming pools :sad:

suekjw

I love the waterpark, but when we had annual passes it was half price for us. I think it is quite expensive, but if you do go, get there early as it isn't as busy early on. Saying that, with your family the ages they are, it would probably be a great day out! Also, we were advised to phone ahead of we weren't staying at the hotel, as if they are too busy, they won't let you in.

How about here : http://www.monkey-forest.com/ I haven't been yet (live in South Staffs) , but a few people I know have and they reckon it's great! It wouldn't be too far from AT.

lily_the_pink

There is the American Adventure place in Derby - similar to Alton though



Dovedale area is lovely though children are not always appreciative. Carsington Water might keep them amused (though you do have to pay for parking which really annoys me).

There is the chairlift at Matlock Baths (Heights of Abraham) which is a change from theme parks. Next door to a Gullivers kingdom (another theme park). Matlock Bath can be horridly crowded though and parking at weekends can be a nightmare.

Chatsworth has an adventure playground and farmyard - might be too far but the drive is through gorgeous scenary. http://www.chatsworth.org/whattodo/farmyard.htm
You could combine a visit to Chatsworth with a visit to Eyam - the plague village. You could also stop off in Bakewell to get some genuine Bakewell tart.

ajr

Devizeslass wrote:

I'm not really the best person to advise you, as I haven't been there yet myself (we're off to Alton Towers next week) but we are planning to go to the Wedgewood museum and do the factory tour the day before. This is mainly because DH is very keen to see it, but I have seen it recommended in several places. I think the children can make or decorate pots. As this is "The Potteries", I think there are several other tours/museums you can do, but people seen to say the Wedgewood one is the best! Website: http://www.thewedgwoodvisitorcentre.com/

Would love to go to the water park, but DH doesn't do swimming pools :sad:

Hi
My DH doesnt do pools either but is useful for bag carrying etc!!!

ajr

lily_the_pink wrote:

There is the American Adventure place in Derby - similar to Alton though



Dovedale area is lovely though children are not always appreciative. Carsington Water might keep them amused (though you do have to pay for parking which really annoys me).

There is the chairlift at Matlock Baths (Heights of Abraham) which is a change from theme parks. Next door to a Gullivers kingdom (another theme park). Matlock Bath can be horridly crowded though and parking at weekends can be a nightmare.

Chatsworth has an adventure playground and farmyard - might be too far but the drive is through gorgeous scenary. http://www.chatsworth.org/whattodo/farmyard.htm
You could combine a visit to Chatsworth with a visit to Eyam - the plague village. You could also stop off in Bakewell to get some genuine Bakewell tart.

Hi
Thanks ,some great ideas ,like the plague village idea as 12year old doing that in history.

margaretclare

If you fancy getting some bargains in beautiful designer lingerie and fashion, try David Nieper at Somercotes near Alfreton, Derbyshire. They might be having a sale on. https://www.davidnieper.co.uk

Also there's Denby Pottery - https://www.denby.co.uk They do tours showing how they make everything, there's a seconds shop, there's also the history of the factory which started in 1806, 2 centuries ago.

Best wishes

Margaret Clare

zzzLazyDaisy

Dovedale is pretty on a nice day. River walk - choose between nice and flat with a path on one side, or more rugged with a bit more climbing on the other side. Lots of different birds to see. At the bend in the river are some stepping stones which are great fun... especially in warmer weather when the kids start larking about and invariably someone falls in!!

On a cold/wet day you could try Ceramica in Burslem. History of pottery making in the area, and the kids can make their own pottery piece.

Lots of factory shops if you are looking for a dinner service etc (its not called the Potteries for nothing!!)

A bit further afield (but not a lot) are Buxton and Chatsworth.

Also Waterworld in Stoke on Trent is very popular - more slides and rides than AT's Cariba Creek, and cheaper (I think).

It is worth visiting the websites as they sometimes do money off vouchers that you can print off.

Also Leek is worth a potter around. And Cheddleton has a steam railway which is a nice trip, both within about 10/15 mins drive. For food try the Boat on the canal at Cheddleton, really friendly people and good value meals.

Symbeaux1

Although it's the Chester visitor centre, there are lots of things for the midlands in there.

You've got the follies near there, given the time you've got before you go it might be worth giving the Chester visitor centre a ring on 01244 402111 and asking them to send you their latest 'going places' (by the front door) magazine/paper theres some decent stuff in there to give you some ideas and plenty of deals. They sent ours out free of charge without a qualm but they took a while to arrive.

oramgepekoe

ajr wrote:

Hi
any good cycling places? ANY TIPS APPRECIATED!

Don't know if you're bringing your own bikes or need to hire, but the links cover both. Lots of disused railway lines.

http://www.cressbrook.co.uk/outdoors/cycletrails.php

http://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/index/visiting/cycle.htm

duhelu

if you are venturing into the Cheshire catchment area there are loads and loads of things to do.

Check out this website for ideas. You can search for heritage sites, museums, etc.

Enjoy yourselves.
Duhelu

https://www.visitcheshire.com