Alton Towers Gardens open today as the first phase is underway towards the parks opening in full.
Having the gardens open is not only a way for Alton Towers to bring in a small amount of revenue it’s also a chance to put the staff to work on the new social distancing measures.
It makes for good preparation ahead of the parks official opening (crossed fingers) in early July.
On a side note, I also feel the parks Halloween plans for the gardens at this years Scarefest also plays a role in the gardens opening nice and early, but more on that in another article!
The welcome gate consisted of a tent where temperature scanning was taking place, all staff members had face coverings on.
As you enter the entrance to the park all of the 40th Anniversary bunting dotted Towers street. No shops were open but signage was up instructing people of the new social distancing measures inside.
Advertising for the parks new refill stations and updated social distancing measures were dotted everywhere.
According to Disney and Other Theme Parks who have kindly provided us with these photos as we didn’t attend ourselves, extra signage was being installed whilst they were there.
Mutiny Bar was open to have a look around. Ride markings have been added for when the park reopens. Toilets and kiosks also have social distancing markers put down in place.
On opening day (Saturday June 6th) X-Sector was closed off but we received reports that Forbidden Valley was open to walk towards.
Food stations have floor markings and perspex windows to protect staff and new signage for Gangsta Granny: The Ride has been added even though the ride is delayed until 2021.
What is key to note is that signage for the parks planned Oktoberfest, Scarefest and Fireworks Show all remain on-site meaning that our speculation video here, looks as it may be coming to fruition.
Sadly opening day was very rainy indeed but it didn’t stop diehard enthusiasts from coming down to the park and being let inside to have a walk around.
Thanks once again for Disney and Other Theme Parks for providing us with some of these wonderful images!
Can I visit the gardens without visiting the theme park which doesn’t interest me.? What is the price for the gardens?
Many thanks Paul.
Hey Paul, I’m afraid you can’t just visit the gardens on their own now that the theme park is fully open. The gardens were opened before the park so guests could walk around. They charged £12 for entry or £1 if you were a season pass holder. I’m afraid now the garden entry is now inclusive of the normal park entry pricing. Best. Sean
You will have many frustrated gardeners including myself. The gardens were featured on gardeners world and people will be desperate to see them. Not many people will be interested in both the gardens and the theme park and by the same token, they will not be prepared to pay the entry price for the theme park. £12 is fine. Is there no way to get round this by sectioning off the gardens in some way? I was really looking forward to taking photos and walking under the topiary arches. Can you not find a way of making many people happy?
The gardens were only open before the theme park due to government guidelines otherwise it’s standard park entry. The gardens directly lead into all major areas of the theme park and would be impossible to isolate as you have to walk through the main gates and through the park to access the gardens themselves.
What a shame that garden only tickets are not available. They look so beautiful on Gardners World. As pensioners we are not up to riding The Smiler, Oblivion, and Nemesis roller coasters and all the other exciting fun rides these days!!. Just have to rely on our memories of years ago when we spent many a happy day at Alton Towers.