Alton Towers...or somewhere else?

Lilacblue

Hi Everyone

I want to make the most of the fact that the kids are off school tomorrow because of the teacher strike; luckily, I am not working either.

The idea of Alton Towers does not appeal to me personally, but I know that my kids would think it was fantastic if I told them we are going there. I thought I would take their cousins too, but when I spoke to my sister she raised the fact that Alton Towers might be a bit too 'old' for them all.

The children I have tomorrow are 8,10,11,13. All are tall so height restrictions are not a problem, but maybe I have overestimated their maturity to enjoy roller-coasters etc. They all 'think' they will enjoy it but I might find they queue up then chicken out(some of these rides are pretty scary after all, that's the point I suppose).

I haven't been to Alton Towers for years - please can someone advise on age-appropriateness? We live in the midlands so other options would perhaps be Drayton manor, Twin Lakes or Gullivers at Milton Keynes. Legoland is a bit far.

many thanks!

bylromarha

1-The parks will be busy during strike day, so there will be a lot of queuing.

2 - If they don't know if they're keen on rollercoasters, then I'd go for Drayton Manor. A good range there, a couple of scary ones, but nothing majorly bad. They'll be able to get a feel for what they like and the park is small enough that you won't have to traipse around all day if you walk to see a ride, and decide it's too big/fast/scary.

3 - Don't forget to take a pac a mac where ever you go so you can enjoy the log flumes and boat rides. Stormforce 10 @ Drayton is great!

FWIW - my kids love rollercoasters aged 7 and 9. 7 yr old is most disappointed that she can't go on the worst rides at Drayton Manor as she's too small. She loves Apocalypse, the freak!

And Drayton is cheaper too if you book online today - BOGOF alton tickets more expensive than £20 ad, £15 ch Drayton prices.

mew

As bylromarha has said Alton Towers is expensive and may be busy tomorrow but I cannot imagine any children of any age being disappointed with Alton Towers (with the exception of queues and not getting on enough rides if busy).

Alton Towers is a family orientated theme park and to be honest, most of their big rides are not that scary or fast for the average child.

Aside from the big rides, there is plenty to do. The ice Age 4D show is great, the water rides are good, the Runway Mine Train is brilliant, Duel and Hex are both good (if your the kids don't mind the dark), Berry Bash is fun (but painful), Charlie & The Chocolate Factory ride is OK and there is more fun things to do without even doing the big coasters.

Have you been or considered West Midlands Safari Park? You can't compare it to Alton Towers or Drayton Mannor but I'd assume it's closer to you and is great value for money. There is obviously the Drive Through Safari (really good) but there is a massive walkabout section and a good selection rides which would be suitable for the age range of children you are taking

artichoke

i would say alton towers would be great for that age range even if they dont like the big rides. We went in Feb for a Moshi Monsters event and the big rides were not open but mind still have great fun on the runaway train ride, the hex, the pirate thing that is like a waltzer, and other such stuff....

I don't think Gullivers is open....

have fun whatever...

i have a problem in that i cant do anything fun with the one who is home as the other is in school and will think it unfair

Art

Lilacblue

Hi everyone

Thank you SO MUCH for all your helpful replies. Not being much of a theme-park fan myself, I never know what is appropriate for whom in terms of where to go, so it is a big help that you have given some advice.

I have booked tickets for Drayton Manor because it is only half a hour away, and they are doing a really good deal so I bought two adult tickets, three childrens tickets and car parking for £89. I think that is pretty good, and the children are thrilled. I shall save Alton Towers for next year!

Thank you Artichoke, for the suggestion of West Midlands safari Park. I have heard good things about it, but we went to Twycross Zoo in the summer so Drayton Manor wins it in terms of being something a bit different.

I feel sorry for the families where one children is affected by the strike (and getting a free day off!) and the other is expected to go in to school. At my children's school there is only one class in out of eight. Those few kids are not happy!

Thanks again x

bylromarha

Have a great day - you'll come back with less sore feet at Drayton than if you'd gone to Alton!

And don't rule out Thomas Land - the troublesome trucks throw you about a bit!