Posts Tagged ‘Alton Towers’

« Older Entries

Family Easter Fun

March 26th, 2012

Easter isn’t just a great excuse for chocolate eggs delivered by oversized bunnies; it’s also an outstanding time of year for UK attractions and theme parks, which open for the new season with loads of unbelievable goodies. This Easter holiday is an ideal occasion to enjoy some unforgettable family fun and electrifying thrills. Here’s a rundown of what’s on offer at the UK’s top theme parks and family days out when Easter hops along.

LEGOLAND® Windsor

LEGOLAND Windsor is now open for the 2012 season and it promises to be a jam-packed Easter with the opening of the new LEGO® Star Wars™ Miniland Experience, featuring six of the most iconic Star Wars scenes plus one from animated hit Star Wars: The Clone Wars. The attraction is a first in the UK, using 1.5 million LEGO bricks in an atmosphere of authentic sounds and lighting effects, and special event Star Wars™ Invasion celebrates its arrival at LEGOLAND from a galaxy far, far away on 24th and 25th March. Enjoy a child-friendly break to the unique family attraction this Easter.

Paultons Park

Lurking beneath the smouldering volcano is Paultons’ blazing new ride MAGMA, opening for sizzling thrills in time for Easter when the Park reopens on 23rd March. Brave adventurers will delve into the red-hot caverns in a bid to unearth the deeply buried Jurassic secret – but look out, because when MAGMA erupts you’ll be sent into a dizzy spinning rise 25 metres into the air overhead – then feel your stomach plummet as you drop back into the mountain! This fiery journey promises to be a real family treat for all riders over 1.10m.


 Chessington World of Adventures

Join the exotic fun this Easter at Britain’s wildest adventure with brand new live show DreamWorks Madagascar Live! Prepare to Party. From 23rd March the little ones will love singing and dancing along with Alex, King Julien, The Penguins and all their favourites in this amazing new extravaganza. Meet the gang in their brilliant Jungle surroundings, plus pose for photos and check out the new African Trading Co. shop and Coffee Hut café.

Alton Towers

Everyone’s favourite prehistoric trio and acorn-chasing squirrel arrive at Alton’s Cloud Cuckoo Land in time for Easter for an immersive 4D encounter. Using a combination of fun-filled 3D footage and eye-popping physical effects that reach right into your seat, this Dawn of the Dinosaurs 4D Experience transports you straight to loveable Sid and Scrat’s ultra-cool world from 24th March.

As if that wasn’t enough, Alton also unleashes the fury of Nemesis: Sub-Terra, an underground lair of hair-raising horrors based on the mysterious backstory of the original corkscrewing classic Nemesis. Dare you embark on the nerve-shattering journey? Courageous explorers can step up for this scarefest from Easter.

THORPE PARK

Bag a white-knuckle break to the nation’s Thrill Capital this Easter, whether you’re a hardened thrillseeker or fun-loving family. Get twisted with the THORPE PARK Mash Up on 6th and 9th April, an explosion of Easter insanity featuring awesome live acts and a few breathtaking surprises. You’ll be among the first brave riders to get your adrenaline pumping on THE SWARM, Europe’s tallest winged rollercoaster, boasting a unique head-first inverted drop from a stomach-churning height of 127ft. For families with a taste for extreme thrills with their chocolate eggs, THORPE makes an epic Easter getaway.

Warwick Castle

Easter is an ideal time to explore the eventful grounds and historical activities of Britain’s Ultimate Castle, where families can enjoy recreations of the great siege and treacherous jousting contests with the coming of spring. The Witches of Warwick have arrived in the creepy Castle Dungeon, cooking up supernatural spells and mischievous mayhem in a bid to avenge their curse. Plus until 15th April you can catch a range of exciting shows throughout the day, offering sights of everything from majestic birds of prey and weapons of war to battling knights and the legendary tale of The Sword in the Stone.

With so much going on at the UK’s theme parks over the Easter holidays, you’ll want to treat your family to some unmissable seasonal fun this April. Book a Play and Stay ticket and hotel package today.

 

Star Wars and all characters, names and related indicia are © 2012 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved.

Madagascar Live! Prepare to Party © 2012 DreamWorks Animation L.L.C

5 Places To Take The Kids This Half Term

February 22nd, 2011

February half term has arrived, so why not treat the kids to a fun-filled short break and make it a school holiday to remember?

Spend some quality time with your family and enjoy an exciting adventure to one of the following attractions — just don’t forget your camera.

Chessington World of Adventures Resort — African Adventures

Come along to Chessington this February half term and enjoy your very own African Adventure. Stay at the on-site safari-themed hotel; explore the Zoo and SEA LIFE centre, home to a wonderful variety of fascinating creatures; and even check out the brand new attraction Azteca, a mystical city deep beneath the sea.

Experience face painting, have a go at jewellery making, enjoy African drumming and much, much more. Dine at the new Zafari Bar and Grill overlooking the Wanyama Reserve and delight in a true African experience.

[/caption]

Alton Towers Resort

Join in the fun at Alton Towers Resort this half term. Stay on-site at the family friendly Splash Landings Hotel, located just a stone's throw away from all the best attractions and be at the heart of the action. Enjoy a variety of rides open especially for half term from the ever popular Runaway Mine Train to the terrifying rollercoaster Nemesis and even check out the tropical waterpark — the kids will love it. If you don't fancy staying on-site, why not relax overnight in a nearby hotel and enjoy a break to suit you!

Alton Towers Resort

Chessington World of Adventures Resort

Paultons Park

Book a fun-filled trip to Paultons Park today and get a second day FREE. Located on the edge of the New Forest, Paultons has over 50 different rides and attractions for both thrill seekers and younger visitors and is a wonderful world of adventure. Explore the Land of the Dinosaurs, check out the Magic Forest and even brave the swinging Pirate Ship. Enjoy two whole days of fun and make your half term extra special.

[/caption]

Eden Project

Home to the world’s largest greenhouses alive with crops, wildlife and even waterfalls, the Eden Project is a fascinating place to explore. A family-friendly attraction, the kids will love the play areas, stepping stones, short cuts and hiding holes and if they get hungry there are plenty of places to enjoy a tasty meal.

What’s more, come along and discover the fantastic Rainforest Time Quest open this half term. Travel back in time as you venture deeper and deeper into the jungle meeting explorers along the way and get set for an encounter you won’t forget! Book today and enjoy two days for the price of one!

The Eden Project

Paultons Park

Warwick Castle

Head to Warwick Castle for a fascinating adventure this half term. Retrace the steps of royalty including King Henry VIII and take in the grandeur of this historic attraction. Explore the creepy dungeons, take a trip to the top of the towers and unfold a host of gruesome history. Young princesses and princes will love the Pageant Playground, so let their imaginations run wild and enjoy an educational and entertaining short break. Book today and take advantage of our second day FREE offer, ideal for half term.

Warwick Castle

[/caption]

While the kids are off school, make the most of your time together and create memories to last a lifetime. Take plenty of pictures and on the next rainy day make an album or a collage to savour.

Top Five Ways To Spend Valentine’s Day

January 25th, 2011

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, so why not plan a surprise for the one you love?

Whether you think Valentine’s is wonderfully romantic or disgustingly soppy, it is always nice to treat someone special, so here are five top ideas to help make your Valentine’s one to remember.

Cook a Romantic Meal

You don’t have to blow lots of money at a fancy restaurant to enjoy your evening. Send the kids off to the grandparents for a few hours, light the candles and serve your loved one’s favourite meal in the comfort of your own home.

If you are nervous about cooking, dig out an easy and simple recipe the week before and get all the ingredients before the big day arrives  — this should help you relax on the night. Decorate the table with roses, play the background music and enjoy a romantic evening together.

Enjoy a Movie Night

The cinema has always been seen as a great place for a date, so why not head out for a few hours and watch something on the big screen? You could even go out for a romantic meal and reminisce over the year’s gone by.

Valentine’s is on a Monday this year, so if you don’t fancy heading out after a busy day at work, you could always watch your favourite movie at home. Rent some films, buy some popcorn and chill out in front of the TV with a hearty take away meal.

Go Shopping

The weekend before Valentine’s, why not treat your lover to a shopping trip? Tell them you will buy an outfit of their choice and watch their delight as they pick something extra special off the rails.

Ok, so this may seem like one for the girls, but if your husband or boyfriend wants a new suit or the latest rugby shirt then this is the ultimate treat.

With goodies in toe, why not slip away for a romantic lunch together and make a day of it? Head to the nearest confectionary store to buy some chocolates for later and enjoy a rather indulgent weekend.

Explore the Great Outdoors

Turn your Valentine’s Day into a Valentine’s weekend and plan a host of fun activities. Enjoy a long walk, or a bike ride and spend quality time in the great outdoors. Find a country pub and enjoy a quiet drink or grab some lunch in a hidden brasserie. If the mood takes you, why not even put the slow cooker on in the morning of one of your outings and return to a fantastic casserole or a delicious stew? Wrap up warm and enjoy a wonderful few days together. 

Take a Short Break

This Valentine’s, treat your loved one to a short break away and spend some quality time together. Book a trip to the Eden Project for a few days and admire the beauty of this wonderful attraction, or pre-book a break to one of the country’s fantastic theme parks, which open later in the year.

Give your loved one something to look forward to by arranging a break to THORPE PARK, or Chessington World of Adventures Resort and if you really can’t wait why not go along to one of the themed weekends at the Alton Towers Resort, taking place until March.

Enjoy a romantic Valentine’s this year and spoil the one you love.

Theme Parks Get Festive

December 14th, 2010

It’s finally December, which can only mean one thing – the countdown to Christmas has begun. Hurrah!

If you’re thinking about a festive break this winter, then look no further than a theme park get away. Although most of the rides are now in hibernation throughout the cold months, there is plenty of seasonal cheer happening at the parks.

Alton Towers is hosting a range of entertainment to keep the whole family happy. Book to stay at one of their onsite hotels and enjoy a Santa Sleepover, Festive Break or New Year Celebration package. Not only can the kids meet Santa and his reindeer, you’ll also have access to the tropical waterpark and SEALIFE Centre as part of you package.

Drayton Manor is holding their Magical Christmas event until 2nd January 2011. Celebrate the festive season with Thomas the Tank Engine in Thomas Land, head down to the Farmer McColl’s farm or watch a Christmas film in the 4-D cinema. It’s the perfect treat for the kids this Christmas.

Chessington World of Adventures is also getting into the Christmassy spirit with their very own Father Christmas Sleepovers.

Whichever break you choose, you and your family are guaranteed a brilliant time.

Our Day At Scarefest

October 19th, 2010

This weekend the PAS team took a road trip up to Alton Towers for the opening day of Scarefest. And what fun we had.

Alton had the balance just right. Both families and thrill seekers were kept thoroughly spooked all day long. The park was themed throughout with pumpkin displays and other tricks and treats. 

We stared off the day with the brand new ride, TH13TEEN. We only queued for an hour and it was worth it. If you haven’t been on it already, you’re in for a real surprise! Although the park was busy, we managed to get on all of the ‘big’ rides; Nemesis, Rita, Air and Oblivion. Another highlight of the day was looking around the Sharkbait Reef. With so many tropical fish, sharks and other sea life creatures, it’s well worth a look around while you’re there.

After a long day at the park, by about 7pm we were all hungry and needed a rest. The Woodcutter’s Bar and Grill was the perfect place to stop and they managed to fit us all in (we were a large table of 10) straight away. The food was great and inexpensive.

A little tip for you if you’re planning on staying at the park late: make sure you take extra clothes to wear. It gets freezing in the evening, especially waiting around in the queues. There are lockers available to hire for the day in Guest Services. For £3 a day, it is a good way to keep your extra scarves and jumpers safe until you need them later on in the day. Another tip to prevent frostbite while queuing, is to buy a hot chocolate before you join the queue.  It keeps your body warm and tastes delicious. Happy days! 

If you want the ultimate frightening experience, there are four maze attractions, one for children and three most definitely for adults! The Terror of the Towers maze is actually in the towers themselves and the other two mazes, Carnival of Screams and The Boiler House sit by the onsite Hotels and are open until midnight. You have to book tickets for these mazes, but if you really want the ultimate Scarefest experience and you’re not afraid of clowns, blood or the dark, then this will be right up your street! I can safely say I was a wimp and stayed well away from these and stuck to the rides. 

But don’t worry if you’re taking the little ones, there’s still lots of things for them to enjoy. With live shows and characters entertaining the guests, families wont be disappointed. The real scary stuff doesn’t start until the evening when the sun has gone down, by which time they will be tried and ready for bed. 

After a long day at the park, we went back to our hotel. We stayed at the Hilton East midlands, which is about a 30-45 minute drive away. It was clean, comfortable and had everything you needed. If you want to stay at the on site hotels, you’ll be in for a real treat. Throughout Scarefest they host a range of evening entertainment for the kids and you can even book to stay in a special Halloween themed room.

All in all it was a brilliant day out and highly recommended. The queues weren’t horrendously long and the rides didn’t disappoint (Nemesis is still my favourite). Scarefest runs until 31st October, so if you want a fright, be sure to head to Alton. 

What To Do with the Kids This Half Term

October 19th, 2010

It doesn’t seem like 5 minutes since the children went back to school after the Summer Holidays and already October Half Term is fast approaching.

With loads of Halloween and Fireworks events taking place, there has never been a better time to treat the family to a theme park break, without it costing a fortune. Thankfully, Play and Stay are are here to help you plan your trip.

If you are looking for something spooky to do with the family this Halloween that will even be suitable for the little ones, then plan a holiday to Chessington World of Adventures and go to Hocus Pocus between the 22nd – 31st October. If you book now you will get 2 days for the price of 1, meaning twice as much family fun.

For these older ones who aren’t afraid to be frightened to the max, THORPE Park is hosting it’s famous FRIGHT Nights event now. Visit the nations thrill capital on the 15 — 17 and 22 — 31 October for lots of terrifying fun. Be warned, this is not for the faint hearted and definitely not suitable for the younger kids.

Alternatively, Alton Towers is holding their Scarefest event, which caters for all ages. Come along between the 16th – 31st October and experience all of the tricks and treats Alton has to offer it’s visitors. There are horror mazes for the brave one’s among you and family fun entertainment for the younger ones. Or, if you’d rather give Halloween a miss, then the Alton Towers Ultimate Fireworks display is a must. From the 5th – 7th November you can book a break with Play and Stay to see the magical event.

LEGOLAND® Windsor is also hosting their annual Wizard’s Fireworks display on the 23rd, 24th, 29th, 30th, 31st October and 6th November. It’s the perfect family break away, with rides, fireworks and a hotel stay all included in the price. And on certain dates you can get your 2nd day in the park for FREE!

So what ever age your kids are, with so much going on, there is something to suit everyone! See www.playandstay.co.uk for more information and our latest prices.

Top Attractions for Toddlers

September 7th, 2010

It’s September and everyone has gone back to school. So, what better time to take your little one’s to a theme park!

There are plenty of rides to keep toddlers entertained. And what’s best, the queues will be a lot shorter as it’s off-peak season! Here’s our selection of rides for kids under 5…

Alton Towers Waterpark

[/caption]

LEGOLAND®
LEGOLAND really does cater for younger children, with so many of it’s attractions and rides aimed for this age group. Kids will love to see the LEGO models in the LEGO Creation Centre. Or they can design their very own LEGO car in the Rocket Racers area. For something a bit more adventurous, 3-5 year olds get the chance to race their very own LEGO car in the L Drivers zone. Even better, children under 3 years old get into the park for FREE! Hurrah!

Alton Towers
For a real treat, plan a family trip to the Alton Towers Waterpark. The younger children won’t be able to go on all of the big flumes, as restrictions apply, but there is The Little Leak pool, which is shallow enough for your kids to have plenty of fun in! Or take a visit to the pirate themed aquarium. Sharkbait Reef is full of sharks, fish and rays for you to see. Be brave and dip your fingers into the UK’s only Tropical Interactive Pool!

Chessington World of Adventures Resort
If the kids want even more driving experience, take them to Chessington for a ride on the Tiny Truckers. Or if they have lots of energy, let them run around the Dragon’s Playhouse. This indoor soft play area is the ideal place to let them have some fun! Alternatively, take some time out of your busy day at the park and enjoy a live show. The Dragon’s Tale Theatre has shows running throughout the day at 11am, 1pm or 3pm (see site for more information) and join the characters as they embark on a safari themed adventure.

You don’t need to go onto the biggest roller coasters to enjoy a day out at a UK Theme Park, see what else there is to explore and book your family break today.

Are You Brave Enough?

August 11th, 2010

So, Friday 13th is nearly upon us. Will you be brave enough to take a ride on a roller coaster, or will you be staying at home to avoid any bad luck?

There are many reasons and beliefs as to why Friday 13th is seen as so unlucky. The most logical reasoning seem to root back to the fact that Friday was seen as the unlucky day of the week and the number 13 was also considered unlucky. Fear of the day is still just as prominent now; even those who will happily walk under ladders or put new shoes on a table even seem to believe that something bad will happen on Friday 13th.

Alton Towers have caused speculation on their Facebook and Twitter pages by posting announcements that their newest ride, TH13TEEN, will be closed this Friday. The Facebook post resulted in a massive 373 people leaving comments, trying to clear up whether or not it was true.

A lot of people are under the impression it’s just a clever bit of Facebook marketing to create a buzz around the ride and that it WILL be open on Friday. There are even those who actually want to ride TH13TEEN on the day of bad luck. We can’t wait to see what Alton actually decides.

But those of you with Paraskevidekatriaphobia (yes, there actually is a word for people with a phobia of Friday 13th), you may want to stick to the Tea Cup ride.

Stay Longer and Save – Summers Deals Not To Be Missed!

July 12th, 2010

Turn a day trip into a mini break and keep the kids entertained for longer this summer.

With so many fantastic deals out there right now, be sure to make the most of them and get real value for money. Here’s our guide to the best offers around this summer. All you need now is your sunscreen and sunglasses and you’re ready to have some summer fun!

Stealth at Thorpe Park

[/caption]

LEGOLAND®
Can’t decide which them park to take the family to this summer? Well now you don’t have too. If you book a break at LEGOLAND you can get your 2nd day at the park FREE! Now the kids will have plenty of things to look forward to throughout the holidays! Hurrah!

CHESSINGTON WORLD OF ADVENTURES
If you are already planning a trip to Chessington this summer holiday you’ll want to make the most of this deal. Book now and you can stay for a second night at the Holiday Inn Chessington for only an extra £10 per room! From the huge selection of rides to the animals in the zoo, there is something everyone will enjoy.

THE EDEN PROJECT
Don’t worry if theme parks aren’t your thing, you can still benefit from these summer deals. The Eden Project is the perfect place to spend a relaxing summers day walking around the beautiful gardens and taking in the Cornish scenery. If you book a break now, you will get 2 days for the price of 1. Everyone deserves a summer break so book now and make the most of this unmissable deal.

Why not turn your break into a real adventure and explore the surrounding area too. You can add on attractions at each park when you book a break and you’ll receive even more great discounts. Visit places like the London Dungeons or the Waterpark at Alton Towers and make the most of your break. Happy holidays!

Splash Out at UK Theme Parks

July 8th, 2010

Make the most of the hot weather and visit one of Britain’s theme parks for a great day out.

There are so many unmissable water rides, but don’t worry if you get soaked, it’ll take no time at all to dry off in this heat. Here’s a list of the UK’s very best water rides for you to enjoy this summer. See how wet are you likely to get with our very own SOAK-O-METER! Whether you want to get absolutely soaked or you want to try to stay mostly dry, there’s something everyone will enjoy.

Tidal Wave

[/caption]

1. Tidal Wave at THORPE PARK
The Tidal Wave flume at THORPE PARK is not for the faint hearted! Not only will you plummet at a massive 85ft, you will get VERY, VERY wet. If you really need cooling down, stand on the bridge by the ride and get soaked by the enormous wave without having to go on the ride. The thrill seekers among you will want to go on again and again. It’s the perfect ride on a very hot day.

SOAK-O-METER rating: 5/5 Absolutely soaked!

2. Rameses Revenge at Chessington World of Adventures
Prepare to get very wet on the Rameses Revenge at Chessington. You will be turned upside down and round and round, while being drenched by the giant water fountains that will be spraying into your screaming faces! Definitely one for the adults, you will love this iconic ride.

SOAK-O-METER rating: 4/5 Very wet!

3. Congo River Rapids, Alton Towers
Most of the theme parks have a rapid river. In this one the giant inflatable rings float around a giant river while you get sprayed with waterfalls, shoots and other surprising features. Staying completely dry is near enough impossible unless you protect yourself in a waterproof poncho. It may not be the most stylish accessory, but it’s a theme park necessity!

SOAK-O-METER rating: 3/5 Take your waterproof!

4. Depth Charge, THORPE PARK
Have a race with your mates on this giant water slide. Shoot down the slide on a yellow inflatable boat and see who gets to the bottom first. You don’t get THAT wet on here, it’s all about who reaches the bottom first! Don’t worry, this is nothing compared to the Tidal Wave.

SOAK-O-METER rating: 2/5 Just enough!

5. Monkey Swinger, Chessington World of Adventures
This is a great ride that the whole family can enjoy. The monkey swinger is basically a giant carousel with swings and water shoots that soak you as you go round and round. This is great fun on a summer’s day, and even the faint hearted among you will enjoy this gentle swing.

SOAK-O-METER rating: 1/5 A light spraying!

« Older Entries