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Original poster

Is Alton towers worth it if you don't like the big rides?

40 replies

GizmoIsSoFluffy · 31/03/2022 21:48

DD has decided not to go to her y11 prom.

Because she has no friends and doesn't want to spend the evening with a "bunch of people who are horrible to me"

But, I would really like to do something special for her. She has worked herself to the ground for her GCSEs and it would be nice to reward her with a memorable day/weekend.

I was thinking Alton towers, but she doesn't like big rides. Is it worth going if she won't go on the big rides?

Any other ideas? Midlands based.

OP posts:
NuffSaidSam · 31/03/2022 21:52

Alton Towers seems an odd choice as a special day for someone who doesn't like big rides.

Has she expressed an interest in going?

What does she like to do? Maybe ask her causally where she'd like to go and then surprise with a trip.

Hellocatshome · 31/03/2022 21:53

I would say no at that age as she probably won't be interested in the smaller rides. Could you go on a little city break, cheap premier inn type hotel and some girly window shopping and a nice lunch etc?

Readyforspring · 31/03/2022 21:54

Would she enjoy a spa pamper type day. Or anything based on an interest she has?

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Isobelslider · 31/03/2022 21:54

Not. We went when our kids weren't big enough for the big rides and it was shit TBH.

She'll also be too big for the smaller rides in Ceebeebies land.

The only option perhaps is the water park bit, rather than the main park.

Bobbybobbins · 31/03/2022 21:55

I think Alton Towers is very very rides focused and busy. Maybe a day in Birmingham? Theatre? Something to do together like an activity?

Phormiumjester2 · 31/03/2022 21:55

No. It would be a waste of time & money! Does she hate ice skating? Would you take her to the ice rink??

What DOES she like doing?

Goawayangryman · 31/03/2022 21:56

Alton Towers is not a good choice even if you like the big rides... Unless you can go out of school holiday time ;)

What does she like doing? Could you go for like a nice day doing spa things somewhere instead? I like the one at Sherwood centre parcs a lot.

SunflowerSmith · 31/03/2022 21:57

You could stay in the hotel and go to the Splash Landings water park instead, there's nothing much in Alton Towers itself other than rides.

Hellocatshome · 31/03/2022 21:57

Maybe take some ski or snowboard lessons together at Tamworth Snow Dome if she would like that?

Tabitha789 · 31/03/2022 21:57

If she doesn't like rides then that's such a waste.
What's she actually interested in. There's so much out there.

Hellocatshome · 31/03/2022 21:58

I wouldn't even bother with the water park at Alton Towers mine were 11 and 13 and even they were bored of it after an hour or so, its better for younger kids really.

Original poster
GizmoIsSoFluffy · 31/03/2022 21:59

She had mentioned Alton towers in the past, that's why I was thinking that.
She is not into pamper days/make up and hates shopping. She is very different to most teens.
Loves camping, doesn't like walking,

OP posts:
Hellocatshome · 31/03/2022 21:59

What does she like?

Hellocatshome · 31/03/2022 21:59

Can you take her camping then?

SunflowerSmith · 31/03/2022 22:00

What date is it on? We Will Rock You is at the Birmingham Hippodrome in July.

Original poster
GizmoIsSoFluffy · 31/03/2022 22:00

Snowdome could be good, we've never been there

OP posts:
ChocolateRiver · 31/03/2022 22:00

How about a weekend in London? You could easily get the train from the midlands. How about seeing a show, some shopping, nice meal out?

SunflowerSmith · 31/03/2022 22:01

Or if she likes camping book one of the luxury lodges at Love to Stay in Shrewsbury

Original poster
GizmoIsSoFluffy · 31/03/2022 22:01

And thank you all for putting me off Alton towers, your experience isich appreciated.

Now to keep looking....

OP posts:
ChocolateRiver · 31/03/2022 22:02

Sorry, just seen that she doesn’t like shopping. How about museum, boat cruise and a show instead?

NuffSaidSam · 31/03/2022 22:02

A night glamping? With some outdoorsy activities (riding, axe throwing, clay pigeon shooting, lama walking).

Zoo Keeper for a day if she likes animals.

Trip to one of the safari parks.

HalfShrunkMoreToGo · 31/03/2022 22:02

@GizmoIsSoFluffy

She had mentioned Alton towers in the past, that's why I was thinking that. She is not into pamper days/make up and hates shopping. She is very different to most teens. Loves camping, doesn't like walking,
How about Bosworth Water Trust for a nights camping or Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre for a day of kayaking, climbing, bushcraft or Rutland Water for archery and Water sports?
2anddone · 31/03/2022 22:02

Definitely not worth it imo however I am getting up at 5.30 tomorrow to drop my ride hating child at school for a school trip there!

Nubnamechange · 31/03/2022 22:03

What about a day climbing in the Peak District? You can get proper tutors.

HalfShrunkMoreToGo · 31/03/2022 22:04

Or Twycross Zoo camping twycrosszoo.org/events/twycross-zoo-safari-sleepover-camping-experience/