A father who has visited Alton Towers multiple times says his children rode the Runaway Mine Train 10 times in a row during a recent short break at the Staffordshire resort.
Geoff Maynard visited with his wife Lauren and children Clara and Adam to celebrate Adam's 11th birthday, staying overnight at the Alton Towers Hotel. The family arrived mid-morning and headed straight into the park, where they encountered a torrential downpour after four months without rain.
Family favourites at the park
The Runaway Mine Train proved a constant family favourite, with the children showing delight as Maynard clung to the bar in his carriage. On a quiet queue period on day two, they rode it 10 times in a row while he waved from below.
Other family favourites included The Curse at Alton Manor, a creepy house of horror ride, and Congo River Rapids, which gave the family a soaking. Hex - The Legend of the Towers, a tour inside the Alton Towers mansion based around the curse of the fallen branch, was also a big hit.
Big rides for Adam
Adam ticked off several big rides, including Nemesis Reborn, which he rode enthusiastically last year, and Th13teen, which features a sudden plunge in the dark. He also braved the Nemesis Sub-Terra underground experience.
The family spent time watching brave souls on Oblivion, which plunges downwards into the depths, and the Smiler, with its iconic cackling theme tune. Maynard said it turned his stomach just looking at it.
Hotel stay and verdicts
After a busy day, the family headed for dinner in the Secret Garden restaurant, took in live entertainment in the bar, and slept in a Moon Voyage Room at the hotel. The next morning they enjoyed a buffet breakfast before returning to the park for the early opening for hotel guests, and got back on the Runaway Mine Train.
They also tried the Waterpark with its slides and swimming areas. Adam's top ride was Nemesis Reborn, followed by TH13TEEN and Nemesis Sub-Terra. Clara's top ride was Runaway Mine Train, followed by Congo River Rapids and The Curse at Alton Manor.
Short breaks at Alton Towers start from £77pp in 2026, bookable online at altontowers.com. Parent and Toddler passes start from £29. Scarefest 2026 runs from Saturday 26 September to Sunday 1 November 2026, featuring the new scare maze Final Exhibit.
