Family | Life | Food | Travel

05 January 2016

A Family Weekend Away at Alton Towers


The Mr and I have been to Alton Towers a number of times over the years as we are a pair of thrill seekers and love the adrenalin rush from the large roller coasters there. We were really excited however to be invited for a weekend break, along with the Mini Mes, to check out the Enchanted Village Woodland Lodges and Splash Landings Water Park along with the family friendly rides the Staffordshire theme park has to offer.






Upon checking in at the reception we received all of our VIP passes for the duration of our stay and we were able to view the menus electronically for the various restaurants and make our meal reservations there and then. This enabled us to drop off our bags and explore immediately without worrying about our dinner and breakfast bookings later on - such a great idea as not a second of our escape was wasted.


Our lodge was magical. Set in quiet and relaxing surroundings it felt like a hobbit home from Lord of the Rings! You enter into the main bedroom with king size bed and there is a separate bath and shower room and another bedroom with bunk beds and truckle bed. We popped the kettle on and had a few biscuits while taking a peek at the park maps to decide what we wanted to see and do first. The Mini Mes were impressed to discover their own little toiletries had been left out for them along with the fairy light between our room and theirs. Their room was also beautifully decorated with a lovely fairytale feel.




We choose the Secret Garden for our dinner and we were all pleasantly surprised, not only by the look of the restaurant but by the quality of the food too. The large tree in the centre with twinkling lights sets the scene and there are blossoming branches twisted around the entire room. It had such a warm and welcoming atmosphere and the menu had lots of variety to suit everyone with vegetarian and healthy options available.

I took the opportunity to really indulge and I had a selection of breads with oil and balsamic dips to share, spinach and mozzarella risotto balls, a pulled pork burger with Jack Daniels glaze, cheddar cheese and chips followed by chocolate brownie cheesecake. With neither of us needing to drive due to the luxury of staying on site, I was able to have a few cocktails and the Mr teamed his forest mushroom bruschetta and piri-piri chicken breast plus sweet potato fries with a beer (or two).

Both of the Mini Mes love chicken wings so they were in their element! They had the BBQ version to start and then Minxy enjoyed a burger while Jamster had pasta shells served with tomato sauce.
Despite being reasonably busy we didn't feel rushed at all. The food was very tasty indeed, yet not too expensive, and the service was great.




After a great night's sleep (it was unbelievably peaceful) we got up quite early to get washed and prepared for the busy day ahead. We went to the Crooked Spoon for breakfast where there was a delicious buffet consisting of all the usual items to create a full English along with various cereals and drinks. We then caught the monorail to access the park an hour before it opens to the general public which we were all incredibly pleased by. This is certainly a highlight of staying on site as this enabled us to walk straight onto rides with no wait at all! We were even able to remain in the same seats for the Runaway Mine Train and go round three times in a row, a ride that the Mini Mes really enjoyed, and save our queue jumping VIP passes for when it was busier.

I managed to convince the Mini Mes to go on Th13teen which was the perfect ride for adults and tweens to enjoy properly together. I could feel Jamster's heart racing through his chest but afterwards he said how amazing it was and how eager he was to have another go so we went on a few more times throughout the day. We went on Duel, a fantastic indoor ghost train style shooting game, the Congo River Rapids and we had great fun drenching everyone on the Battle Galleons by using the water guns. We were literally stood for 40 minutes squirting the boats and although we got wet ourselves we were all in fits of giggles.

The Mr even had time to go on Oblivion and Air while we watched from below with our refillable drinks and hot dogs before going to Sharkbait Reef by Sea Life. The variety of fish, mesmerising lighting and interactive areas were superb and it was a full attraction within itself. It was great to find Nemo and walk through the tunnel with lots of sharks swimming above and around us and handle shrimp.




Lastly we went to CBeebies Land before heading to Splash Landings for an afternoon of swimming and water play. Aimed at pre-schoolers this is a superb zone for smaller children or the less adventurous. There is Postman Pat Parcel Post, In the Night Garden Boat Ride, Octonauts Roller Coaster and even a Something Special Sensory Garden to explore. With photo opportunities, meet and greets and a Tree Fu Tom Training Camp too there were smiles all round. The buggy parks and parent changing rooms are a really useful resource as are the bottle warming and highchairs in the Little Explorers Lunch Box area.

Splash Landings is situated within the hotel of the same name and it is incredible. I'd viewed a few images beforehand online but nothing prepared me for how large the water park is. After changing in the cubicles and placing our belongings in the lockers we had a quick shower and headed inside. The Mini Mes stood in awe and didn't really know where to start!

We used the rope bridges and nets to climb to the top of the Wacky Waterworks Tree House and had a go at some of the 70 interactive features along the way which included pouring buckets, canons and wheels much to everyone's amusement. The queue to the slides were very long so with over an hour wait we decided to give those a miss, although they looked really good with transparent parts, plenty of bumps, twists and turns. We spent some time outdoors in the heated Wubbly Bubbly pool and Volcano Springs, had a swim at Lagoona Bay and then spent the remaining time floating around on rings in the Lazy River to relax. You just need to watch out for the sneaky staff above that like to pour cold water onto you... the Mr was not expecting that one but we found it amusing.




We had an amazing break at Alton Towers and I've spoken highly about our experience to lots of family and friends since returning home. I'd love to head back this year with rumours of a new attraction being launched along the extended family in tow.


Have you stayed at Alton Towers before?

Share:

96 comments

  1. looks fun, i have looked at booking before but its pretty pricey

    ReplyDelete
  2. Looks great! Never been but would love to take the kids!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi, we stayed at Alton Towers last week for one of their Festive Breaks and loved it. We really like it as all 5 of us can stay in one room. CBeebies land is great for our youngest - I loved the new Octonauts ride! Fast enough for me! Meant to have a nosy at the Woodland lodges before we left but got caught up in enjoying ourselves and forgot. Looks like you had a brilliant time x

    ReplyDelete
  4. I haven't been to Alton Towers since i was a kid but i am such a thrill seeker and adrenaline junkie so am desperate to go back and visit with the boys, especially now that they have cBeebies Land. Those wooden lodges in Enchanted Village look beautiful and definitely reminiscent of Lord Of The Rings! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sounds like u had such a fab time. We have never been before but would love to take Blake when he is older.I love the idea of staying the night as it would be longish jounry for us.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This looks incredible!!! I definitely want to take Evie when she's a bit older, especially to cbeebies land. The lodges look so magical too. I didn't know you could stay there. It's so far away from us we'd have to stay. I haven' been to Alton Towers in years, I didn't think of it as somewhere to go with little ones, but I must add it to our to do list. xx #love2blog

    ReplyDelete
  7. We have never been to Alton towers but it looks like so much fun. You all packed loads into your visit! The lodge looks beautiful and food looked delicious as well. It looks so family friendly and enjoyable! X

    ReplyDelete
  8. Haven't been here in years. The accommodation looks lovely, must book myself a trip!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I used to go there loads when I was younger. But Mr H is not a fan of rides. It looks like there is so much to see and do at Alton Towers. And the accommodation sounds amazing. I may have to look into going when Little Miss H is a bit older. A great review. Hugs Lucy xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  10. This looks so amazing - we would love to stay here - Pickle would love it! Great review. Kaz x

    ReplyDelete
  11. The lodge looks fantastic. I've only ever been for the day but it was a family favourite.

    ReplyDelete
  12. The lodges look lovely! We have stayed in a themed room in the hotel and been to the watermark before. Would love to go again and stay in a lodge! x

    ReplyDelete
  13. wow lots to do, thanks for the review.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I've been to Alton Towers a few times when I was in school. So a good few years ago haha. But I really enjoyed it and really miss it! I really want to take the girls there one day but would have to stay over! x

    ReplyDelete
  15. Great place to go looks fun xx

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wow, it sounds like you managed to fit so much in and the lodges look lovely! We went to Alton Towers in October half-term for the first time in years as my daughter had finally reach the magical 140! I like the Runaway Mine Train, but we just had to go on Nemesis, Oblivion, Air and Rita because my kids are such thrill-seekers!

    ReplyDelete
  17. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I went to Alton Towers a long time ago when I was at university...I remember the Oblivion ride well - am impressed you hubby went on his own. I had no idea they had a Cbeebies Land! My daughter would LOVE it there...will have to pay it another visit with her in tow! #countrykids

    ReplyDelete
  19. I've always wanted to go to Alton Towers! Your accommodation looks amazing. The style is so cute, and with bunk beds you can't go wrong x

    ReplyDelete
  20. It looks like you all had a blast exploring everything that Alton Towers has to offer, I've never thought about staying at the attractions themselves to it's interesting to see what's on offer. It's great that they've got something for everyone with smaller friendlier rides as well as the serious thrill seeking ones, the kids look like they had a blast finding their favourites. Thanks for linking up with me on Country Kids.

    ReplyDelete
  21. The lodge looks amazing! My son loves CBeebiesland but isn't quite brave enough for the bigger rides yet. Would love to stay there when his is though #CountryKids

    ReplyDelete
  22. Looks fantastic and the perfect getaway for fun and laughter

    ReplyDelete
  23. The forest mushroom bruschetta looks good!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I've never been and I've never been fond of theme parks or fairs etc. Must just be me... :(

    ReplyDelete
  25. I love Alton Towers and rides, but haven't been since having N. I've only stayed once and that was for a hen party, we did the spa the first day and park the next which was great.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I have never actual been to Alton Towers before, although my teen keeps asking to visit. It sounds like you had a great time, that lodge looks amazing and so does your food xx

    ReplyDelete
  27. Oh this looks awesome the accommodation looks so cute my girls would love that. I have never been as it's quite far for us so would defiantly look at staying over night! Great review xx

    ReplyDelete
  28. Looks great fun Haven't stayed over before May look for this year as have annual Merlin Passes & it'd be great to have a few relaxing days away

    ReplyDelete
  29. That looks so much fun, my Granddaughter would love to stay there x

    ReplyDelete
  30. I always thought Alton Towers was just rides, I had no idea you could do so much! My eldest would absolutely love this! I am glad you all had a fab time!

    Laura x x x

    ReplyDelete
  31. Looks a great place to take the family!

    ReplyDelete
  32. I would love to take my girls and stay here, I'm not keen on rides but my husband loves them!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Aww ace post! Alton towers looks like so much fun!
    I am currently doing my driving lessons and If and when I pass I would love to drive down there it would be an amazing family experience

    ReplyDelete
  34. Margaret Clarkson
    I've never stayed there before - it looks like you had a great time!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Well that is the first time I've seen an imitation tree trunk on a bed, lol!! Glad you all had fun xx

    ReplyDelete
  36. Looks awesome such a fab time away xx

    ReplyDelete
  37. Alton Towers is definitely on our family's bucket list!

    ReplyDelete
  38. I love a theme park break! How fun

    ReplyDelete
  39. We used to go on day trips there all the time but I haven't been for years. I have to admit that last years accident has put me off theme parks all together but for a short trip to the spa there or the water park would probably be nice.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Never been looks good like to take my daughter now she's old enough

    ReplyDelete
  41. Layla Thomas22/01/2016, 11:09

    Looks amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Never been before but from your review it seems worth exploring

    ReplyDelete
  43. Never stayed before but been may times as live quite near. I've always wondered what it was like to stay and will check it out for myself sometime now after you're fab review :)

    ReplyDelete
  44. looks great but a breakdown of costs would have been helpful.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Never been to Alton Towers but looks really good

    ReplyDelete
  46. Claire Elizabeth Noke29/01/2016, 23:33

    We've been to Alton Towers but we only live a couple of hours away, so we drive home after our visits, so I've never stayed over xx

    ReplyDelete
  47. I've never been to Alton Towers but I did go to Thorpe Park a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, I weighed 20st and a few pounds and didn't fit on the rides. It was so embarrasing! I'm looking forward to going back this year because I now weigh 11st.

    ReplyDelete
  48. I've never been but it looks great for kids

    ReplyDelete
  49. ive never taken my family here as for one my hubby is scared of rides and the ages between our children means we would have to split up most of the day to take them on rides of their ages and sizes

    ReplyDelete
  50. Havent been to Alton towers since i was 8! Think i will take my little girl this year though seeing as its not very far from where i live ☺

    ReplyDelete
  51. Havent been to Alton towers since i was 8! Think i will take my little girl this year though seeing as its not very far from where i live ☺

    ReplyDelete
  52. Looks like a great stay, loving the accommodation and the fact that you can pre-book your meals electronically, great!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Alton Towers looks like a blast. I hope to find out for myself sometime.

    ReplyDelete
  54. I have never been to Alton Towers, but it looks great, thanks for the review x

    ReplyDelete
  55. Looks like you had a great time

    ReplyDelete
  56. I love the lodge. I've not been to Alton Towers for years.

    ReplyDelete
  57. those rooms look lovely and magical. just wish the prices were abit cheaper.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Wow, it looks amazing. I'd love to take the kids x

    ReplyDelete
  59. sharon martin11/02/2016, 12:52

    looks like fantastic fun

    ReplyDelete
  60. I used to love theme park rides, especially roller coasters, but since that horrific accident last year I have been much less keen. I think the operators need to do more to reassure us that the causes of that accident have been fully addressed.

    ReplyDelete
  61. I have never been to Alton towers or an amusement park.... eeven when I was a child! But it looks a little on the high end of price after doing some research. The lodge looks like a place for that of an adventure; I can only imagine the friendly and enjoyable persons that are lucky to stay!

    ReplyDelete
  62. We took our daughter a while back and she loved it. So did we. Looks like you had a great time. Food looks so yummy

    ReplyDelete
  63. We took our daughter a while back and she loved it. So did we. Looks like you had a great time. Food looks so yummy

    ReplyDelete
  64. we love going here we have stayed in both hotels would love to try these new Lodges

    ReplyDelete
  65. Looks like you had a fab time! Lovely post!

    ReplyDelete
  66. Looks great! Never been but would love too!

    ReplyDelete
  67. my 2 girls love alton towers but i am not so keen

    ReplyDelete
  68. Looks great, i have never taken my kids on holiday yet, four kids means its expensive x

    ReplyDelete
  69. It is a theme park we are yet to visit! I don't think I could go on the rides though - as I have got older I have become more of a wimp! My kids are fearless though!

    ReplyDelete
  70. Margaret Clarkson
    I've never stayed there. It looks like it is really nice to stay there. I'm pleased to read how much you enjoyed it.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Wow, looks like such a great trip! I love, love, love the little hobbit type house you stayed in. Like a fairytale!

    ReplyDelete
  72. Looks amazing, i would love to take my boy there to stay for a weekend. x

    ReplyDelete
  73. Never stayed there but have visited for the day

    ReplyDelete
  74. I have not stayed at Alton Towers but from I would love to some day

    ReplyDelete
  75. I have never stayed but have visited. :)

    ReplyDelete
  76. I would love to go to Alton Towers again, never stayed over though!

    ReplyDelete
  77. How fab. We went once a long time ago so may be time to go again. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  78. We stayed just over a year ago, the kids loved it, we all had a great time.

    ReplyDelete
  79. Maria Rogers02/05/2016, 16:10

    LOOKS AMAZING!

    ReplyDelete
  80. Nope, but may do when kids are a bit older!

    ReplyDelete
  81. I wasnt sure about Alton towers with three young kids but think I may be converted!

    ReplyDelete
  82. carolyn joyce08/05/2016, 10:25

    never been here but theme parks dont really do much for me so may skip this one x

    ReplyDelete
  83. Looks like a wonderful time. It's years since we went to Alton towers.

    ReplyDelete
  84. I love Alton Towers for the rides, although it's been a good few years since I been there. The trouble is, I'm the only one that will go on them because the rest of the family don't do rides :(

    ReplyDelete
  85. Very surprised by how lovely the accommodation looks. Sounds like a great trip

    ReplyDelete
  86. I've never been to Alton towers as it's a bit far for us as I don't drive but it all looks great x

    ReplyDelete
  87. Looks very tempting to go. But currently can't. We will try in future.

    ReplyDelete
  88. Wow would love to take the kids To Alton towers we keep talking about it , but other money commitments always get in the way and trying to get time off work! especially the other half .. we live in london so quite a way to go so would definately have to stay over... oh I do hope we get to go one day :)

    ReplyDelete
  89. themed rooms seem lovely

    ReplyDelete
  90. I've never been, would love to go!

    ReplyDelete
  91. i love alton towers, i'm a bit of a daredevil. Rollercoasters are the best.

    ReplyDelete
  92. Aw my! Looks amazing! We are looking for a UK trip this year, has to be this!

    ReplyDelete
  93. great review i have been Alton Tower's and it was excellent the hotels where lovely and i loved the talking lifts in the hotel breakfast was delicious and the theme park was so fun

    ReplyDelete
  94. Oh wow!! This looks amazing! X

    ReplyDelete
  95. I've been to Alton Towers before, but not for many years! I love the idea of staying there! Will defo visit in the future after reading this blog!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for taking the time to stop by. We love to hear your thoughts - feel free to pop a comment in the box!

Blogger Template Created by pipdig