Alton Towers, Alton

I took my family for the weekend and stayed in three lodges. These were clean and adequate for an overnight stay. The only criticism I would have was that we couldn't book into the room until 3 pm and had to leave by 10 am so it turned out to be very expensive for the length of the time the room was available to us. The staff in all areas were very friendly and cheerful. We had breakfast at the Secret Garden. There was a wide choice of continental breakfast, full cooked breakfast and fruit and yoghurt. It was nicely cooked and it was a pleasant atmosphere. Food on the park was expensive so I would advise people to take their own picnic. We spent our first day in the pool which everyone seemed to enjoy. Again, this was extremely expensive for 12 of us! In the evening we went to the hotel to watch the 'adult' entertainment but this was pretty poor. Everyone enjoyed the rides and we had so much fun on the ships where we had a hilarious water fight, all getting a drenching! All in all we had a very enjoyable weekend but I would hesitate to spend so much to stay overnight if I visited again.

I went to Alton Towers with a company day out. There were some extra things that were (to me) new, and quite changed the experience of the day. The park is exceptional for Coaster Lovers; along with Thorpe Park and Drayton Manor, it's at the top for the UK. However, for non-coaster lovers, there has always been somewhat of a paucity of entertainments - some kids games, amusement arcades and such and the Gardens. Now, they have opened up more of the towers themselves, which while there is little information, is interesting to explore. Also, the old Cathedral, attached to the towers, is open - a beautiful (if somewhat derelict) structure with some amazing stained glass windows. Additionally, there is now a full-fledged Sea Life location within the park which is well worth a visit; it includes a full under-water tunnel with a series of sea life swimming around. This makes it, for family members who are less coaster entertained, more of an enjoyable day out, and fleshes the park out as a full family event.

I would happily rate higher but for a few major things. For £99 for two adults and two children, one under five AND a discount voucher I expect very attentive staff with excellent customer service, value for money in the stalls/shops and for the place to be actually clean. As none of this was the case however it gets a low rating. As it stands at current, the place is an embarrassment. £5 for two ice cream cones worth 69 pence at any other ice cream man is an absolute joke.

It's the UK's best theme park, there can be no doubt. The queues are the nightmare though. If you can get there on a weekday outside of July it's quietest. I went on an overcast June Tuesday and had the best time of any of my visits. The digital photo pass is great value for getting your ride pictures, and adds treasure-hunt style fun to riding them all. Get there early (8:30) for great parking spots, and don't forget your ticket on the way out!

Fantastic park that's well maintained and has plenty to see and do even even if you're not into thrill rides (I am though). We generally go every year and it never disappoints. The fireworks event has been the best visit yet.