Last weekend Alton Towers launched its newest attraction to celebrate the arrival of Scarefest. Each Halloween, Alton Towers lights up in green for its spooky extravaganza that is loved by kids and adults alike.
The theme park is transformed into a Halloween-lover's paradise, with something spooky to look at no matter where you turn. As well as being decorated to the nines, Scarefest also sees Alton Towers open until 9pm, so thrill-seekers can enjoy their dose of adrenaline in the dark.
Scarefest starts on October 14th, and of course, runs until October 31st. I took a trip to see what's on offer this year, and was not disappointed.
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I f you do want to visit Alton Towers Scarefest I'd advise you book online as far ahead as possible, as it is A LOT cheaper than paying on the door. Advance tickets cost £42 if you go on a weekday, but would be £65 if you buy on the door. You can compare ticket prices here.
If you can afford fast track tickets, they are WELL worth considering. I tried fast track for the first time last weekend, and instead of queuing for around an hour and a half, I breezed past the crowds and was on all rides within 10 minutes max. I will never buy a standard ticket again, let me tell you.
It is WELL worth the money as we managed to go on all the big rides twice and still had time to spare. You can find fast-track prices here.
My main reason for visiting Scarefest was to try out Alton Towers' newest attraction: The Invitation. The Invitation is a brand-new scare attraction that has never been seen or heard at Scarefest before.
This horrifyingly unique and immersive attraction is an audio experience, most of which takes place in complete darkness. Guests are invited to visit the Lakeside Cemetery mausoleum where the friendly funeral director is dying to meet you.
After queuing in a graveyard, we were met by a creepily friendly funeral director. She was all smiles, but she actually made my spine shiver - and this is before we'd even entered the attraction.
Upon entering, all riders are put into a cramped waiting room, and the lights go out, leaving you in the pitch black. It gets your heart racing that's for sure.
After being told that once you're in the crypt, you won't be able to leave (that scared me in itself) you're led inside. It really looks like an underground crypt, and guests are asked to sit in a small indent in the wall before putting on headphones and then the lights go out.
Once you sit down you feel like there is NOWHERE to hide, and it messes with your head big time. I won't say too much about what happens once you put the headphones on, but let me tell you, the sound effects make you feel like you're actually experiencing it - and because they're noise cancelling, you can't hear anybody else, so you feel alone.
The hairs on the back of my neck were standing up, and at one point, I was so scared I ended up crying. It ruined my mascara, so if you are planning on wearing some to experience the Invitation, do yourself a favour make sure it's waterproof.
I did briefly take my headphones off to hear what other people were experiencing, and I can confirm, I wasn't the only one who was absolutely terrified. There was a mixture of emotions - some people were laughing, while one woman was screaming 'PLEASE DON'T TOUCH ME' at the top of her lungs.
If you're pregnant or of a nervous disposition, you're not allowed to go inside the Invitation, and honestly, I can see why. But if you want a genuinely terrifying experience that plays more on psychology than relying on big drops and speedy rollercoasters, I definitely recommend you give it a go.
A personal highlight of the day was our trip to Alton Towers Dungeon. I won't give too much away, because it really is an experience you should enjoy without knowing too much beforehand, but it is HILARIOUS. As you navigate the dungeons of Alton Towers, you're met by several questionable plague-ridden characters.
The actors in the attraction are absolutely top-notch, and they had our whole group enthralled and belly laughing. You even get a boat ride as part of the attraction, which is marvellous fun.
Another thing to do would be to ride the Wickerman when it gets dark. We rode it in the day, and while it was fun, it had nothing on the experience when it's dark and chilly. It was epic.
You can buy Alton Towers Scarefest tickets here. It's advised to book online ahead of time for the cheapest rate possible.
The 4 Scare Attraction Combi Ticket is available from £32 when booked online.
Entrance to T rick O Treat Town with HARBIO is an additional £12pp. Overnight short break stays start from £40pp per night when booked online at altontowers.com
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