The yearly Halloween celebration at the Alton Towers Resort is back for the eerie season with two new scare attractions available this year.
One of these attractions is a paid experience called ‘Edge Of The Forest,’ which immerses visitors into the mysterious ‘Dark Forest’ area of the resort.
Guests are led into a secretive woodland cabin and informed about the awakening of an ancient force known as The Leshwall affecting the trees and playing with their minds.
The attraction builds suspense through storytelling, and the impressive theming vividly depicts the ominous tale unfolding right before your eyes, creating an atmosphere where reality blurs with illusion.
Scarefest continues to innovate by introducing new narratives and themes. The other new attraction, Dark Hollow, skillfully expands on the backstory of the popular Th13teen ride situated nearby.
Dark Hollow is one of the two free walk-through scare zones where visitors traverse through the dark woods encountering a range of eerie characters lurking amidst the foliage and pathways.
Sharp-eyed attendees may spot various hidden references in this walkthrough, including familiar props from previous events. Stay vigilant.
In my opinion, Dark Hollow stood out as the highlight of this year’s event. It offers a satisfying duration and meticulous craftsmanship, from the sinister characters to the numerous teddy bears eerily suspended from the trees.
The scare mazes are intense experiences, designed to elicit screams and provide a thrilling dose of terror in dimly lit corridors, ensuring a brief adrenaline rush before rejoining the crowds at the theme park.
Mazes like ‘Skin Snatchers’ and ‘Compound’ aim to keep heart rates up and deliver a solid dose of fright, albeit temporary, as visitors navigate through the darkened pathways. Although they may induce moments of panic, they are designed to be enjoyed.
Rushing through the mazes may cause visitors to miss out on the intricate storytelling. Taking your time to walk through allows for a more immersive experience. Resist the temptation to sprint; instead, savor the details at a leisurely pace.
Upon entering the resort, guests are enveloped in captivating Halloween-themed decorations and entertainment. Each food and beverage outlet offers its own spooky-themed treats.
The event caters to all age groups, with some mazes specifically tailored for younger visitors, such as the delightful Trick O’Treat Town or the Mexican-themed Amigos In The Afterlife.
I accompanied my two young grandchildren, aged 1 and 2, this year, and they thoroughly enjoyed the Halloween ambiance, especially the shows and Trick O’Treat Town; the latter might have been influenced by the distribution of Haribo sweets.
Alton Towers can be a costly excursion, so maximize your visit by utilizing the app to plan your activities on the go – there’s a plethora of attractions and entertaining live shows to experience.
Efficient planning helps navigate the bustling theme park environment and ensures ample time for relaxation, socializing, and soaking in the festive atmosphere.
For me, the true allure of Scarefest lies in the opportunity to ride rollercoasters like Nemesis Reborn and Wicker Man in the dark; the bespoke lighting enhances the thrill, intensifying the fear factor in the nocturnal setting.
VERDICT: With vibrant, approachable characters at every corner and numerous photo opportunities, this event caters to a broad audience, whether seeking spooky fun or spine-chilling excitement.
Entrance tickets start from £34, with free entry for children under 90cm. Additional charges apply for scare maze tickets starting from £10, and the event runs until November 2nd – visit altontowers.com for more details.
