![]() Most other Merlin-owned theme parks with onsite hotels would follow the same course over the following few years. Īs of early 2008 the resort changed its name to 'Alton Towers Resort' to better reflect its status as a multi-day destination. As of 2016, the property is under control of Secure Income REIT plc, of which Nick Leslau is a non-executive director. Merlin continues to operate the site under a renewable 35-year lease. On 17 July 2007, Alton Towers was sold to private investor Nick Leslau's investment firm Prestbury under a sale and leaseback agreement. Dubai International Capital also gained 20% of Merlin Entertainment. In May 2007, The Blackstone Group purchased The Tussauds Group for US$1.9 billion and merged it with its then-subsidiary Merlin Entertainments. In 2005, Dubai International Capital (DIC) acquired Tussauds for £800 million. The opening of Oblivion that same year and Air (now Galactica) in 2002 saw the park sustain new major roller coasters, both marketed as 'World First' rides. ![]() The Tussauds Group was sold to venture capital firm Charterhouse in 1998. Tussauds' park development team from 1990 to 2002 included attraction producer John Wardley among others. The change of park ownership brought another era of development, involving the opening of new themed areas and attractions, such as Runaway Mine Train (1992), The Haunted House (1992), Toyland Tours (1994), and Nemesis (1994). In 1990, Broome sold Alton Towers to The Tussauds Group, then a division of Pearson plc, after his development of the former Battersea Power Station encountered financial difficulties. From there, he began the theme park by developing new areas and installing permanent rides, including the Corkscrew, The Flume, Around The World In 80 Days, The Black Hole and the Grand Canyon Rapids. Property developer John Broome acquired the park after marrying the daughter of majority shareholder Dennis Bagshaw in 1973 and subsequently buying all its concessions. In the 1950s, this included the operation of a fairground, and by the 1970s included a boating lake and chairlift. In 1924, a group of local estate agents formed Alton Towers Ltd to take ownership of the estate and began to restore the gardens as a tourist attraction. Money raised from railway excursions was paid to the earl and helped to maintain the upkeep of the grounds. Special events are hosted throughout the year, including Alton Towers Scarefest (the park's Halloween event), Oktoberfest, Festival of Thrills, Summer of Fun and Mardi Gras.Īlton Towers first opened to the public on a regular basis following the opening of Alton Towers railway station. ![]() The theme park is open seasonally from mid-March to early November, whilst many of its hotels and amenities are open year-round. Facilities include Alton Towers Waterpark, Alton Towers Conference Centre and Extraordinary Golf. It operates a total of ten roller coasters and offers a range of accommodation and lodging options alongside the theme park. The park has many attractions such as Congo River Rapids, Runaway Mine Train, Nemesis, Oblivion, Galactica, The Smiler, Wicker Man, Rita and TH13TEEN. In the late 20th century, it was transformed into a theme park and opened a number of new rides from 1980 onwards. Originally a private estate of the Earls of Shrewsbury, Alton Towers' grounds were opened to the public in 1860 to raise funds. In 2021, it ranked first for attendance among amusement parks in the UK, with an estimated 1.8 million visitors. The park is operated by Merlin Entertainments Group and incorporates a theme park, water park, spa, mini golf and hotel complex. March - November, December/January (Christmas)ĩ10 acres (370 ha 3.7 km 2) (total combined resort area) Īlton Towers Resort ( UK: / ˈ ɒ l t ən/ ( listen) OL-tən) (often referred to as Alton Towers) is a theme park and resort complex in Staffordshire, England, near the village of Alton. ![]() For the eponymous Chetwynd-Talbot seat supporting this amusement park, see History of Alton Towers.Īlton Towers Resort Previously known as Alton Towersĥ2★9′15″N 1★3′27″W / 52.98750°N 1.89083°W / 52.98750 -1.89083
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