Mum vs Toxicator: I love rollercoasters, my kids love Duggee - balancing big thrills and little adventures at Alton Towers

As a mum who loves a good rollercoaster but also has a family with very different tastes, finding a theme park that keeps everyone happy can be a challenge.

But that’s where Alton Towers truly shines—it has something for everyone, from the biggest thrill-seekers to the tiniest adventurers. And honestly? I think that’s what makes it such a special place.

Watch the video to see more on our stay.

We kicked off our trip with a stay in the Enchanted Village, and let me tell you, it was pure magic for the kids. These charming, fairy-tale-style lodges are tucked away in a woodland setting, and our little ones spent the evening pretending they were in an enchanted forest. Meanwhile, I appreciated the comfy bed and the fact that I didn’t have to pitch a tent for a “magical” outdoor experience.

The next morning, we made a beeline for CBeebies Land, which was heaven for our youngest. From meeting their favourite characters to hopping on rides designed just for them, they were in their element.

My toddler was obsessed with the Postman Pat ride, while my slightly older one loved “Hey Duggee’s Big Adventure.” Watching their faces light up made the early morning start (and multiple snack demands) completely worth it.

A real highlight was seeing the Teletubbies live - my youngest son was absolutely mesmerised (he loves them on the TV and even more so in real life).

Next up was The World of David Walliams, which—surprisingly—was a huge hit with everyone. Gangsta Granny: The Ride was just the right mix of funny and thrilling.

Then came the moment I had been waiting for - Toxicator! As the designated rollercoaster addict of the family, I was buzzing to try this new topspin ride. It lifts you up, flips you upside down, and spins you like you're caught in some crazy alien tornado above a bubbling toxic pool. It was intense, completely bonkers, and everything I love in a thrill ride. My stomach was not okay afterward, but was it worth it? Absolutely.

Unfortunately, our second day brought a brief bit of unexpected drama - Toxicator had to close for a while because of a burst sewage pipe but the staff handled it all really well, keeping guests informed and making sure everything was safe.

What I love about Alton Towers is that every single member of my family enjoyed something different. ✔️ Thrill rides for me (I’d go back for Nemesis and The Smiler in a heartbeat). ✔️ Fun, themed attractions for my husband, who loves a bit of a laugh. ✔️ CBeebies Land for the little ones, which kept them entertained for hours. ✔️ A magical stay for all of us, which made it feel like more than just a theme park trip.

So whether you’re there for the wild thrills, the family fun, or just to soak up the atmosphere, Alton Towers delivers. And best of all? It’s somewhere we’ll definitely be coming back to!

If you hate long queues (or just want to fit in more rides), FastTrack passes are an absolute game-changer at Alton Towers. We used them for the big thrill rides like Toxicator, Wicker Man, and The Smiler, and skipping the massive lines made such a difference—more time for fun, less time standing around with tired, hungry kids!

Why Staying Over Makes It Even Better

Staying at the Enchanted Village made the whole trip so much easier. There’s a hotel guest entrance near the monorail, which meant we could get into the park quickly without the usual parking stress. Plus, having the option to unwind at Splash Landings Waterpark after a busy day? Perfect for the kids.

Prices vary widely for staying over from stargazing pods to themed rooms in the hotels - visit here to see the full list.