JollyDays Supported Holidays: Alton Towers Theme Park with Netty & Leo

Alton Towers Theme Park

Our group of thrill seekers were ready to hit the rides at this amazing theme park. We headed straight to our first rollercoaster the Spinball Whizzer! It was pretty scary as we whizzed along at 60kph, also swivelling 360 degrees at the same time! It certainly left us feeling dizzy! Next we dared to tackle the crazy Smiler. This rollercoaster was one of the best in the park, with 14 loop the loops and breakneck speeds. We loved it, definitely one for the adrenaline junkies!

There was a need for more speed so we headed to Rita which goes from 0-60mph in 2.5 seconds pulling a whopping 4.7g of force! Scream if you want to go faster! If there wasn't already enough screaming for one day, our next ride was a really scary one. TH13RTEEN is a spooky rollercoaster that enters a haunted house with a sudden vertical drop and even goes backwards, what a thrill! We headed down to the X Sector to ride the mighty Oblivion rollercoaster! With a 180ft near vertical drop that took us underground this really was the big one. "Don't look down!" they said, but it was hard not to at the top of the drop, a real heart in mouth moment! The Wicker Man is a traditional style wooden roller coaster with a Celtic Pagan theme. Not only was it quite scary but pretty fast too! They told us we were to be sacrificed! We came out alive but perhaps we had been cursed?!

The Congo River Rapids was a barrel of laughs as we rode through the canyon in our rafts splashing and screaming all the way; luckily, we didn't get too wet!

A fabulous afternoon was spent at Speedwell Cavern where our underground adventure began. Hidden beneath the picturesque hills of the Peak District is a subterranean wonder. We were given a unique opportunity to explore the mysteries of the underground world. We learnt about its fascinating history dating back to the 18th century which was originally a lead mine, and the cavern was developed in 1771 during the height of the industrial revolution. Miners carved out extensive tunnels deep within the limestone hills, hoping to find rich veins of lead. However, the mine was soon abandoned due to flooding, leaving behind an intriguing labyrinth of tunnels and caverns. What sets Speedwell Cavern apart from other caves in the Peak District is its unique boat trip. We embarked on an underground journey through the flooded tunnels in a small boat, guided by a knowledgeable tour guide. As we silently glided through the dark, narrow passageways, the atmosphere became both eerie and enchanting.

It was off to Monkey Forest, a truly unique place. The Barbary macaque monkeys have been here for 19 years and it’s clear to see they love their home immensely. It is set in 600 acres of woodland and the monkeys some 140 of them roam free. As we walked along the paths they came right up to us. They were so friendly and most of the females had babies on their backs. It really made for a fantastic afternoon.

Another day out as the wonderful Cinch Tram Museum was enjoyed by all. Nestled in the heart of a quaint town, the museum offers a delightful journey into the history of urban transportation. This unique museum, dedicated to the preservation and celebration of tramway heritage, is a hidden gem for history enthusiasts and curious travellers alike. The Cinch Tram Museum is more than just a collection of old trams; it's a celebration of an era and a testament to the enduring charm of these iconic vehicles where we took a nostalgic trip down memory lane! We even got to travel on a tram through old village scenes.