Alton Towers Weekend
On 2nd - 3rd March 2002
Do you enjoy rollercoasters or themed hotels or just a good night out? Then you should have joined the 23 of us who spent a winter weekend break at the Alton Towers Hotel in Staffordshire. Arriving Saturday afternoon there was the opportunity for a dip in the hotel pool not to mention a nice relax in the sauna and jacuzzi. We stayed in themed rooms - either a 'garden room' with trellis wallpaper or an 'explorer room' with lamps shaped like a pirate hat! Each room also had a giant resident teddy bear and a 'secret drawer' full of goodies to amuse children of all ages!
After showering and changing we met for pre-dinner cocktails in the bar before a three course meal in the Secret Garden Restaurant. The menu seemed better than previous years with choices such as tandoori chicken, spicy meatballs with spaghetti and a wonderful platter for vegetarians. Some of us were cheeky and ate gateau then invaded the ice cream factory! Dinner entertainment was provided by Neil Goulder who had constructed the cardboard flying machine found in the 'secret drawer' and wanted to make it actually fly by attaching helium balloons. We needed around ten to get it airborne, so the youngsters in our group went around the restaurant taking balloons from other tables! Neil surrounded by red, green and yellow balloons got some strange looks upon leaving the restaurant! Then it was into the function suite for the disco, which also turned out to be a wedding reception. By the end of the night the dance floor was covered in confetti!!
The teenagers in our group either went to bed or played in the lifts. (You have to have stayed at the Alton Towers Hotel to appreciate why!) The adults continued socialising with a room party. There was wine, nibbles and laughter until 1.30 am.
After a lovely Sunday breakfast consisting of cornflakes, pastries, fruit, yoghurt and tea/coffee, we checked out and headed into the theme park. During their winter weekend breaks certain areas of the park are opened exclusively for hotel guests. This particular weekend we had chance to enjoy the rides in "Ug Land" and "X Sector". First stop was old favourite The Corkscrew, which now seems tame by coaster standards, followed by a couple of rides on Hex. Some of us had a silly session on the kiddies carousel riding tigers and giraffes! The best - or worst if you don't like rollercoasters! - was saved until last with non-stop riding on The Black Hole and vertical drop Oblivion. This is the best time to visit Alton Towers as there are virtually no queues for the major rides.
The park closed around 1.00 pm having given us nearly three hours being twisted, looped and dropped at high speeds. Some of our group had travelled up from Devon so had to set off home. Others came for lunch at The Talbot in Alton village where there was an extensive homecooked menu. Then it was time for fond farewells as we headed off to Hertfordshire, Surrey, Nottinghamshire, Shropshire and Yorkshire.
Thanks to those who made it a fun weekend and apologies to those who wanted to come after the hotel was fully booked and unfortunately remained on my waiting list. With prices from £32.75 including accommodation, food and entertainment this is an excellent value weekend suitable for all ages. And we didn't even join in with the balloon sculpting, face painting or treasure hunt! I hope to organise a similar event in February or March 2003 - so watch this space and book early!