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

[GizmoIsSoFluffy]

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.

Depends what you mean by big rides. I could never tolerate huge drops, but I love things like log flumes, runaway mine train, rapids, pirate galleon, anything that whirls around like a waltzer. I used to go to theme parks very regularly when I was a teenager and enjoyed it, despite never going on one of the main attraction-type rides.

Going against the tide here, but I quite like Alton Towers even if not going on the big rides. It’s fun to watch the big rides, plus aquarium, gardens, house, eating a varied range of junk food all day… also things like the pirate ships with water cannons if you want to get soaked.

How far are you from the backcountry outdoor museum? We had a fantastic day there and did the canal trip, bought old fashioned sweets and fish and chips and the kids really remember it as a special day out.

Or warwick castle has lots going on with the bird show and walk round the top etc. I loved the bird show!!!

Forgot the cable cars too

I love AT BUT it will be heaving. An hour queue for each ride isnt uncommon. That turns it Not Fun.

No definitely not, I hate rides and like people say the smaller rides are for young children. It’s v expensive. Does she like water parks / swimming? As the water park at Alton Towers is fantastic and really reasonably priced. If not, does she like animals? Twycross Zoo is a nice day out!

We were at AT for 2 days in October half term. It was hell & we vowed never to go again. Why did we go? Friends said it was fun. 90 minutes stood in a very dull queue is something I can only do once a day, not repeatedly!

How about Harry Potter studio tour? London trip?

Like pp have said Alton Towers is a bit rubbish if you don't like big rides as there's not much in-between stuff. It's either proper white knuckle stuff or baby rides. The gardens are gorgeous but not worth the entry fee especially for a teenager.

We find Blackpool pleasure Beach better for a mix of fun stuff but that might be a bit far depending on where in the Midlands you are.

There's a Bear Grylls adventure place in Birmingham which looks good but haven't been so can't personally comment on it.

Trentham Gardens is nice. There's a high ropes thing there and nice arty shops and cafes for a mooch round.

Water world
Safari park
Twycross Zoo
Drayton Manor (mix of zoo and rides)
Trentham gardens/ monkey forest
Telford iron bridge etc
Warwick Castle
Blackcountry museum
Cadbury world
Sea life
Cinema

Do you want to surprise her?

Drayton Manor is a really good day out with lots of not so big rides.

There is a lovely falconry place in Hagley where you can book experiences . I’ve been to lots of bird places and the one in Hagley was by far the most interesting and informative - lovely people.

Some sort of glamping experience then - hot tub, tree house, whatever. Same price as Alton Towers in the end!

I think Alton Towers could be good, depending on what you mean by big rides. If you go as soon as her exams are finished it will be less busy.
There's the rapids, log flume, runaway train and a few other smaller rollercoasters might be ok, pirate ships etc. The grounds are really big and attractive and take a long time to walk through (or cable car). You could have a night there so she could go to the water park the next day.
Another idea, is get a day pass for Center Parcs (if they still do them). Or go to an outdoor activity centre.

London shopping? Theatre? Sightseeing! X