Delve into the TowersTimes archives and uncover some of our best articles and features on some of the resort’s most significant developments, from both before and during Alton Towers’ time as a recreational destination.
A Park in Miniature
In the past, Alton Towers have comissioned the production of models of potential attractions in order to gain an understanding of what they will look like.
The End of the Line
The Alton Towers Railway remained open at the resort for over 40 years, however it was closed in 1996 with the introduction of the Skyride.
Nickelodeon: Outta Action
Despite not having a confirmed reason behind this attraction’s closure after only a couple of seasons, we were given access to have a look around back in 2005.
Review of the Year: 2002
Want to reminisce about Air’s opening season? We reflected on some of our highlights, following the addition of a variety of new attractions throughout 2002.
Review of the Year: 2003
The construction of Splash Landings Hotel and Waterpark, as well as the revamp of The Haunted House, were some of the most notable developments of 2003.
Review of the Year: 2004
Perhaps one of Alton Towers’ most turbulent seasons, 2004 saw the closure of numerous rides, the resignation of the park’s manager and the Ropers’ court case.
SW5Live
SW5Live documented the construction of Air, the world’s first flying rollercoaster, and is what the TowersTimes of today evolved from.
SW6 Minisite
With it having been 8 years since the last Secret Weapon, TowersTimes anxiously followed SW6 (now known to be TH13TEEN) from its planning application to opening.
The Battersea
John Broome envisioned the Battersea Power Station as the ideal location for a London theme park, but the idea never came to fruition due to financial restrictions.
The Earls of Shrewsbury
The Earldom played an important part in Alton Towers’ history, with the 15th Earl creating the idea for The Towers and surrounding gardens.
The Real Chained Oak
The story behind this mysterious tree served as the inspiration for Hex’s plot, although it was adapted for the attraction.
Where the Merch Never Ends
Over the past 60 years, there has been a whole host of cuddly and quirky merchandise on sale at Alton Towers. Here’s our collection of souvenirs!
YourDay
From 2007 to 2009, guests were able to purchase personalised footage of themselves experiencing the resort’s top rides as a souvenir.
Year by Year
Follow the park’s annual development from 1980 to present day using our timeline indicating the addition, update or removal of any attractions.