Many of us know by now that us enthusiasts like to visit theme parks a little more than most. Whether it be to chain-ride roller coasters, explore at our own pace or simply have the option to visit our favourite places whenever we want, solo park visits can be a real game changer. However, theme parks are known for being busy, bustling and full of things to do, so it can definitely be intimidating if you’ve never done it alone before. So I, Nikki, thought it’d be a great chance to write a guide for nervous people like me, to tackle that hurdle and get those rides in! For this post, I’ll be focusing on Alton Towers as I’ve personally found it to be one of the best places to visit alone, however many of these tips are applicable anywhere.
Firstly, it’s worth considering what in particular about the solo visit is putting you off the most. Is it the travel? The crowds? Or perhaps not knowing what to do once you’re there. It’s good to think about this, not to put yourself off, but to know what to tackle in order to make it happen. If the concept is overwhelming, perhaps consider visiting a theme park that you’ve been to before and might roughly know your way around. For me, this was Alton Towers as it’s definitely my most visited place. As a baby-step, consider travelling alone to your chosen place and meeting friends there, in order to become more comfortable with the idea of getting down there yourself. Furthermore, there are plenty of resources out there to break down the travel for any theme park, such as community groups across Facebook and Twitter where you can ask others about their preferred travel routes, taxi companies and local shuttle buses. Trainline is also a great resource, as it picks out the exact routes you need to take, compiles cheap trips (such as the SplitSave options) and gives live updates on exactly where your train is at any given moment. All you need to do prior to this is simply Google your nearest train station to the theme park you’re visiting. If parking is an issue for you, many theme parks will list their parking availability (including Premium or Disabled options) and prices online so you’re a little more equipped before heading off on your journey. YouTube is also a fantastic resource, as many vloggers will create in-depth travel vlogs, showing their own travel routes and tips.
If you’re still struggling to choose a place to visit, it’s worth considering which parks close to you have quiet spaces, as going to a busy park alone can get a little overwhelming at times. Alton Towers is a great example, as it has acres of gardens and woodlands to explore, with quiet picnic spots and an abundance of beautiful scenery. From the deeper areas of the gardens, all that can be heard is the chirping of birds, the trickling of the Pagoda fountain, and the faint screams from X Sector which create a unique and (oddly) tranquil experience. If you are looking at other parks and this is a particular worry, many places now have Sensory rooms which are dedicated quiet areas with ambient lighting and comfortable seating, which is great for someone a little more nervous like myself. Details of these can be found on individual theme park websites (or if you’re unsure, you can quite easily DM most places via social media and receive a quick response). Even if you don’t have additional needs, it may be useful to familiarise yourself with the locations of these just to be on the safe side. Additionally, we are incredibly fortunate in the UK that many of our theme parks have open seating areas like the lawns at Alton Towers, where you can grab a meal and sit and watch the world go by for a little bit (or some entertainment and live shows if that’s more your thing!)
Now if you’re a chain-rider like myself, term-time is a fantastic time to visit theme parks (although it’s recommended to check park calendars as some may close altogether, or limit their opening hours on weekdays during off-peak periods). Mid-week days (such as Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) have an extra bonus, as Mondays and Fridays may have people starting or ending their long-weekend trips. A late-April Alton Towers visit is basically perfect, as there are enough attendees to give the park atmosphere, the temperatures are beginning to rise, and even the busiest of rides have queues no longer than 30 minutes on average. This is a great opportunity to take photos and soak it all in, whilst still having plenty of time to ride and re-ride your favourite attractions. Single rider queues, whilst not all too common, are also a great way to binge-ride attractions with lower capacities or that are particularly popular. While these can be abused sometimes, any queue over 20 minutes will likely have a much more reduced queue time by going via single rider and filling those empty seats. They can also be an unexpected opportunity to have a laugh with people you wouldn’t ordinarily expect to speak to, as thrilling roller coasters are a great place to laugh and scream with complete strangers!
Another great way to dip your toes into more independent trips is to consider visiting theme park community events, such as our very own Attraction Source Events held at various theme parks across the UK throughout the year. These often include exclusive ride time on some amazing attractions, behind-the-scenes tours, interesting talks from park management, and of course, a chance to meet a great group of like-minded attendees who are just looking to have a good time! I, myself, have met some wonderful friends through these event days over the last couple of years, and it’s a great way to branch out and go full-blown enthusiast with people who love parks just as much as you do! People attending on their own are just as welcome as those who come with friends or family. It’s also a really exciting way to experience a new park for the first time, as the attendees often partake in ride takeovers, and it’s more than likely that someone in the group will be familiar with the surroundings and how to make the most out of the day.
Adding to the entertainment discussed earlier, most UK parks often have shows and parades, particularly during events like Festival of Thrills, Mardi Gras and Oktoberfest at Alton Towers. These provide something to do for when the day gets on and you’re wanting to relax, as some shows can last as long as an hour. Most theme parks have show times and offerings listed at the entrance, so you’re able to plan your day around these and ensure you don’t miss out. They are also a great way to feel involved in the festivities even when attending alone for the day. These will also be included with park admission so it’s absolutely worth taking advantage, especially if it’s something you don’t often find yourself doing.
A final bit of advice is to simply take the day at your own pace and explore even your most visited parks with a fresh set of eyes, as it can feel foreign and exciting going by yourself. Perhaps there’s a pathway you’ve not taken before, a ride your friends didn’t want to do with you in the past, or even a food outlet you’ve not tried before. Alton Towers really feels like a whole new park, as the vast offerings and little details really do stand out when the whole place is at your fingertips. You can study the map to ensure you’ve explored every inch of the place, or simply go off the grid and allow yourself to get lost, and still have a brilliant trip.
The feeling of conquering a theme park solo much outweighs the fear of going alone, as it’s an utterly liberating experience which has personally allowed me to return again and again and explore more new and exciting places whenever I wish! So there’s only one question left to ask. What are you waiting for?
