In a short series of posts, I’m going to be covering all the spooky Halloween themed events that are planned across the four main UK Theme Parks – namely, Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Chessington, and LEGOLAND Windsor. These posts will hopefully give you some idea of what to expect, and how much it’ll cost to experience them. Obviously these kind of attractions are subject to availability etc, and might go some subtle changes before the launch, but hopefully these will give you some idea of what to expect.
Better still, I’m trying to arrange to visit each attraction and review their offerings first hand – first up in Part 1 is
Alton Towers Scarefest!
I’ve not been to the Scarefest for YEARS! I always seem to be at Alton Towers just before it starts, or just after it’s finished.
This year the Alton Towers Scarefest runs from the 17th October until 1st November and promises to be ‘scarier than ever before’ with two new horror mazes. First up is ‘The Haunting of Molly Crowe’ which will be VERY interesting as it’s a ‘blindfolded / hooded’ maze.
Molly’s house lies empty, but her tormented soul is yet departed. Travel back to Molly’s childhood in this theatrical experience that will heighten the senses as you attempt to cleanse the house of evil spirits.
The second new maze is ‘Sub Species: The End Games’ – set in a post-apocalyptic sewer, and the gutter dwelling inhabitants of it – there are multiple endings as you make your way through. In the Sub Species Maze there is ‘Operation Lockdown’ – a late night, immersive two-hour escape room that puts you in the heart of your own horror movie. It’s strictly for over 18’s and involves real life gameplay, extreme performance and hands on interaction where destiny is in your own hands.
Returning for 2015 is a true horror maze classic – Terror of the Towers – What Lies Within – set within the Alton Towers themselves along a new route, you’ll discover the terrifying secret within! There are also two new ‘scare zones’ at the Alton Towers Scarefest – the first The Dark Apocalypse where a deadly virus has infected Forbidden Valley and Nox: Infernus in the Dark Forest, where the underworld rises again.
I can’t WAIT! I *really* want to try ‘Operation Lockdown’ but I’m not sure my old heart could cope with it – I’m willing to give it a go!
It’s not all white knuckle terror, the mazes are suitable for ages 14 and up, but Alton Towers Scarefest also caters for younger visitors too –
For brave young visitors there’s a chance to learn how to spook with Phil’s Ghoul School then meet up with the famous freaky four for more Halloween excitement with Skelvin’s Spooky Storytime and Patch’s Trick or Treat Party. With frightening family fun and many spine-chilling attractions open until 9pm, there are lots of Halloween horrors to be enjoyed by everyone, including the chance to experience all the amazing rides and attractions in the dark.
If you’re interested in the Alton Towers Scarefest then you can book Theme Park tickets from £37.80 for adults and £33.30 for children. All three mazes are an additional cost of £20 per person if you book online (£16 per person for Merlin Annual Pass Holders), and the Operation Lockdown experience will cost from £99 per head. There are also Hotel packages available stating at £50 per person, per night (based on four sharing).
Click to read Part 2 – Thorpe Park
