Alton Towers Resort, often shortened to Alton Towers, is a theme park resort located in Staffordshire, England. It is near the village of Alton, in the parishes of Denstone and Farley. The resort, which is operated by Merlin Entertainments Group, incorporates a theme park, water park, mini golf and hotel complex. Originally a private estate, Alton Towers grounds opened to the public in 1860 to raise funds for the estate. In the late 20th century it was transformed into a theme park and opened a number of new rides from 1980 onwards. In 2016 it was the second most visited theme park in the UK after Legoland Windsor.
The park operates seven major roller coasters; Galactica, Nemesis, Oblivion, Rita, Thirteen, The Smiler and Wicker Man. The first hotel accommodation opened in 1996 as the Alton Towers Hotel. The Alton Towers Waterpark and a Caribbean-themed Splash Landings Hotel were added in 2003. The Enchanted Village opened in 2015, and a new hotel based on the CBeebies brand opened in July 2017. The complex also includes conference facilities, a crazy golf course and a high ropes course.
The theme park is open from mid-March to early November, whilst many of its hotels and amenities are open year-round. Special events are hosted throughout the year, including Alton Towers Scarefest (the park's Halloween event), and a season-ending fireworks display held on the last two days of the season.
