Alton Towers attraction set to close its doors this summer – with brand new ride in its place
A POPULAR attraction at Alton Towers is set to close later this year before being “re-imagined”.
The theme park is due to reopen its doors later this month, with fans excited about the return of iconic ride, Nemesis, which has been rebranded Nemesis Reborn after being closed for more than a year.
However, it’s not all good news for the park, with fans of other attractions set for disappointment.
In an update from divisional director, Bianca Sammut, it was revealed that one experience is going to close in the summer, before reopening as something else in the autumn.
The Alton Towers Dungeon attraction sees visitors first sentenced by the Bishop of Stafford, before having to go on a traitors boat ride down the Black River.
They also have to try and survive the plague, endure humiliation and even run into characters like Dick Turpin and with Witch of Burslem.
However, after the summer, the attraction will be turned into something specifically for the park’s Scarefest season, which coincides with Halloween.
Bianca said: “In exciting news, we’re thrilled to announce that the Alton Towers Dungeon will undergo a thrilling transformation this Scarefest season.
“From summer, this space will close as it is re-imagined to create something truly special for our beloved event. Prepare for spooks and scares around every corner in a brand-new experience.”
It’s not the only attraction that guests will miss out on this year either, with Skyride cable cars set to remain closed this year.
The park had hoped they would be able to bring the colourful gondolas back for 2024, but they “require more love” according to Bianca.
She said that the cable cars, which take park guests on an overhead tour of the theme park and the rest of the resort are “a piece of Alton Towers history and an iconic sight”.
A multi-million pound project is underway to renovate the ride and get it back up and running.
There is one attraction that is set to reopen however, with Hex: Legend of the Towers making a comeback after being closed for most of the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
The immersive walkthrough experience has been furnished with brand new special effects and new branding, which will “take the twisted tale to the next level”.
Bianca claimed that the significant investment in the attraction reflects Alton Towers’ continued passion for both dark rides and creating immersive experiences.
A new Bluey attraction is also set to arrive at Alton Towers from March 23, with the Blue Heeler dog from Brisbane making the park’s CBeebies land her home.
She will be available for character interactions and meet and greets with fans.
Theme Park Tips
- Go to the back of the theme park first. Rides at the front will have the longest queues as soon as it opens.
- Go on water rides in the middle of the day in the summer – this will cool you off when the sun is at its hottest.
- Download the park’s app to track which rides have the shortest queues.
- Visit on your birthday, as some parks give out “birthday badges” that can get you freebies.
- If it rains, contact the park. Depending on how much it rained, you may get a free ticket to return.
Away from Alton Towers there are also a number of brand new rides opening elsewhere.
Legoland minifigure speedway
The brand new attraction at Legoland Windsor will see two competing rollercoasters going head to head against one another.
Passengers will join teams for the ride as their coasters go backwards and forwards to see whose is the fastest.
The Wave, Drayton Manor
Last year, Drayton Manor announced that Shockwave would be closing to make way for a newer version of the ride.
Now they have announced that The Wave will be replacing it.
The new coaster will have high speeds of up to 53 mph, as well as four inversions, a unique zero-gravity roll, and a double corkscrew.
Hyperia, Thorpe Park
The fastest and tallest rollercoaster in the country is set to open later this year at Thorpe Park.
An exact date is yet to be released for the record breaking ride’s official unveiling, but the final parts of the track were finally laid earlier this month.
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