Things to do while teenager is at Alton Towers

[Isthisreasonable]

What is available to do locally if you are dropping teenagers off at Alton Towers. Really don't fancy hanging around the park solo and paying massively for the privilege.

There’s not a lot to do nearby as Alton Towers is quite rural. Cheadle is nearby which is nice. Sudbury Hall is nice if you want somewhere to look around for a couple of hours.

You could head to somewhere like Leek (ca. 6 miles away) for the day - bookshop, lots of nice little independent shops and cafes, some good charity shops, excellent bakery, library, park to wander round.

Or book a spa day at the Mill Wheel Spa, just outside Leek.

There's lots of nice walking around Alton Towers. You could head to Dimmingsdale and walk through the woods there - there's a very good cafe called The Ramblers Retreat that does great food.

Or Peak Wildlife Park is great - don't know if it'd take up a full day though, and it's not cheap. You could do that and combine it with lunch at Cottage Kitchen, very nearby.

I'm taking DD and her friends soon and the visiting my sister as she lives nearby.

Doesn't really help you but I am looking forward to it!

If you like Pugin's architecture St Giles church in Cheadle is worth a visit (google 'Pugin's Gem').

I spent a pleasant day in Ashbourne when ours were at Alton Towers. Nice little town, cafes, independent shops etc.

I second heading into Ashbourne-lovely town to explore.

Leek is also quite nice to explore, you could head to Rudyard Lake.

Ramblers Retreat is a nice cafe, with a garden out back. There are great walks along the Churnet Valley following the disused railway line, try to find the 'chained oak'. You can follow this route all the way to Denstone if you fancy a longer walk. Denstone Farm Shop also has a great restaurant.

You could also head to Hetty's Tea room- for possibly the best scones ever, again great walks along Cauldon Canal.

If you head back into Uttoxeter, there is a Cinema & a limited retail park.

Moddershall Oaks is a nice Spa, about 12 miles away.

World of Wedgewood is a little further, plenty to see. Gladstone Pottery Museum is also interesting.

Dimmingsdale is a lovely place to walk, very close to Alton Towers.

Dovedale is another good spot a bit further away.

Thanks everybody some good suggestions and I can research them before I go next month.

Sudbury Hall is now rebranded as the Children's Country House so isn't your traditional NT house to look round! That said it is quite interesting.

I'd go to Ashbourne; lovely market town.