Alton Towers Resort will be re-opening its Gardens to visitors on weekend days from Friday 13th November, in line with the latest Government guidance on gardens and outdoor paid-for attractions.
The Gardens will be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, meaning local communities and guests will be able to enjoy their weekend exercise in the grounds over the next few weeks.
The Gardens will open with limited capacity and restricted opening hours to ensure social distancing can be managed for guests, and to protect employees and visitors throughout their visit. Guests will also continue to see the additional hygiene and safety measures that have been in place since the Resort reopened in early July.
Set among the Resort’s 550-acre site, the Alton Towers Gardens offer a beautiful spot for families to enjoy a winter walk, and there’s also lots for history fans to enjoy. The Gardens as they are today were largely laid out over 150 years ago by Charles Talbot, 15th Earl of Shrewsbury and proprietor of Alton Towers. Work began in 1814 to transform the farmland around the main house into one of the largest formal gardens in Britain, when more than 13,000 trees were planted and many features installed including the Pagoda fountain and the fantastic Conservatory, which has undergone a £1.9m restoration in the past few years. The gardens are lovingly maintained by a team of full-time gardeners, who maintain the planting in keeping with Charles Talbot’s original vision.
Here are some of the safety measures that guests can expect:
- Restricted number of guests. Everyone is being asked to book in advance online.
- Continuation of temperature checks upon arrival at the Resort.
- Signage and social distancing markers on the Admissions Plaza and around the Resort, with clear walking routes.
- Sale of takeaway food and drinks will be limited to ‘grab and go’ items including hot and cold drinks and snacks. Please note that card payments only will be accepted.
- All rides and other attractions remain closed in line with Government advice.
- Toilet facilities by Admissions and in Mutiny Bay will be open for guests.
Guests are asked to visit our website for a full list of the hygiene and safety measures and frequently asked questions, which can be found here.
Guest are reminded that they should follow the latest Government guidance – which can be found here.
James Walker, Marketing Director for Alton Towers said:
“We are delighted to re-open our Gardens to the public on the next few weekends and offer guests the chance to enjoy them whilst taking their vital daily exercise. The Gardens were greatly enjoyed and appreciated by guests over the summer and we know the grounds are particularly stunning as winter approaches”.
“We will continue to limit the number of guests each day, and still have a raft of hygiene and safety measures in place to protect our visitors and employees. We recognise how important these tranquil garden and outdoor spaces are for families at this time, not only for physical exercise but their wellbeing, providing a setting where families can enjoy time in the outdoors together.”
Information on booking a visit to Alton Towers Gardens:
- Guests must book online in advance here.
- Entry is £12 for adults, £5 for children (aged 3-11). Children under 3 are free, Merlin Annual Passholders and Alton Towers Season Passholders can access the Gardens for free, but still need to pre-book their visit using the link above.
- The Gardens will open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only from 13th November from 10am to 3pm, with last entry at 1pm.
- There is no charge for parking.
- Takeaway hot and cold drinks, and snacks will be on sale in the Gardens.
- Guests are asked to check the website before they visit to review the hygiene and safety measures which they can expect to see when they visit.
Will you be planning a visit to the Gardens once they reopen? Make sure you share your thoughts over on the Attraction Source Forum.
