General information
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CountryUnited Kingdom
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OperatorMerlin Entertainments
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CategoryAmusement park
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StatusOperating
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Opening year1980
Description
Alton Towers Resort is a theme park in Staffordshire, England. The park is located in the grounds of the historic Alton Towers estate, with the stately house ruins and gardens at its centre. It has several dark rides and large roller coasters.
History
Alton Towers first opened as a theme park with a pay-one-price ticket structure in 1980, under ownership of John Broome, although it had operated some simpler attractions for some years earlier. The park developed with permanent new rides, areas and entertainment throughout the 1980s, including its first dark ride, Around The World in 80 Days.
In 1990, the park was sold to the Tussauds Group (now Merlin Entertainments) who began to redeveloped it with new areas and rides, including The Haunted House and Toyland Tours.
