The small Staffordshire village of Alton was mentioned in the Domesday book and has a number of historical landmarks, including Alton Castle. But it is far and away renowned as the location of Alton Towers, one of the UK’s most-visited theme parks. Built on the grounds of an eponymous, 19th-century stately home that can still be viewed today, the family-friendly resort is one of the top things to do in Alton and features the Alton Towers Theme Park, Alton Towers Waterpark, CBeebies Land (a theme park for toddlers), Alton Towers Spa, and many other entertainment options.
After the long British winter, Alton and its surrounds burst into bloom with daffodils and bluebells in spring (April–May) when the weather tends to be mild and pleasant with showers. If you’re planning on visiting Alton Towers, try to visit the theme park in June before the schools break for summer—you’ll have a better chance of good weather and won’t have to contend with the July and August crowds.
Alton’s compact size means it doesn’t offer many public transportation options—the X52 shuttle bus runs from Nottingham and Derby to Alton Towers Resort, and there’s also an Alton Towers shuttle from Uttoxeter train station. The villages and natural landmarks of Staffordshire are scattered throughout the countryside, so renting a car is the best way to get around.
Roller coasters and rides aren’t all that Alton has to offer—the East Midlands is a mecca for hikers and natural landscapes. The Staffordshire Moorlands boasts walking routes such as The Roaches, where heather-smothered hillsides, rugged rock faces, and wildlife abound, and The Cloud, one of the highest points in the area. For a taste of ancient history, head to Thor’s Cave outside the village of Wetton—likely occupied by humans more than 11,000 years ago.
