Visiting Alton Towers during Scarefest has become a favourite October tradition for us. The park takes on a different mood after dark — lights, shadows and a slightly more dramatic vibe. This year we challenged ourselves to ride the biggest coasters in one day, planned a route and got there early to make the most of it.
Smiler — 9/10
We went straight to Smiler when the park opened. It’s fast, chaotic and as disorienting as people say. The combination of inversions, sudden drops and visual effects makes it feel unique, and the vertical climb midway added an unexpected twist. It’s a brilliant adrenaline starter and definitely woke us up.
Rita — 7/10
Rita is all about the launch. The sudden acceleration hits hard — our first time on it and it felt short but intense. It kept the energy going after Smiler and felt a bit like a horizontal Oblivion in terms of punch.
(Unnamed drop ride) — 2/10
This one leans more towards atmosphere than thrills, with themed sections, dark areas and a few surprises. The build-up was great, especially during Scarefest, but the actual ride was underwhelming — a two-metre drop and that was it. It works nicely as a breather between big coasters, and the theming is clever, but it’s more about immersion than excitement.
Nemesis Reborn — 10/10
Nemesis Reborn was the highlight of the day. Smooth, fast and brilliantly intense, the revamped version felt fresher and more powerful than the original. The area’s theming adds so much, the pacing is spot on, and it was just great to ride with the kids. Easily our standout.
Galactica — 6/10
Riding Galactica in the flying position gives a totally different perspective and a unique sensation. The queue was frustrating because of the way fast-pass boarding is handled, which made the wait feel much longer. The ride itself was fun, smoother than expected and oddly relaxing compared to other coasters, and it felt particularly atmospheric as evening set in.
Ghost-train-style attraction — 8/10
This ghost-train-style ride was nostalgic and expertly themed — modern, moody and perfect for Scarefest. It isn’t traditionally terrifying, but the storytelling and effects create just enough tension for families. The staff getting into character added to the fun, and the kids loved it.
Oblivion — 8/10
Oblivion never loses its impact. Standing at the drop’s edge and staring into the darkness still makes my stomach flip. The drop is over fast but unforgettable. It worked well late afternoon and felt even better in the dark. Short, but brilliant.
Wicker Man — 10/10
Wicker Man was the perfect finale. The classic wooden coaster rattle combined with strong theming and fire effects made it feel huge as night fell. The queue is an experience itself, and the ride is loud, fast and full of energy. I laughed so much — I could happily spend the day queuing for this one.
Dinner
We ate at the Pizza Pasta buffet, which was ideal after a day of walking and rides. Plenty of choice — pizzas, pasta and salad — and refillable drinks, including a low-sugar fizzy option. Dessert pizzas were a nice touch. It cost about £70 for a family of four and was quick and easy.
Visiting Alton Towers during Scarefest really does feel like a different kind of day out. The atmosphere changes, the rides feel a little more dramatic, and fitting the big coasters into one day was a rewarding challenge.
