Alton Towers

[nykkieberry]

Is Alton Towers suitable for a four year old - or are we wasting our time? My partner doesn't want to go whilst we are holidaying in Derbyshire but i think it would be a good day out. Any advice?

[football]

Lots of better things to do. Calke Abbey (national trust) Blue John mine. Have a walk in the countryside, on a signed footpath.

[OBonio]

Yes, there's plenty there for 4 year olds. The farm yard bit is great fun (Old MacDonald sang by piugs, tractors all sorts). Take a picnic though. Prices in there are extortionate.

[WoWo]

Depends if your going for their benefit or yours. If for yours there will be enough to keep them going, but if its more for them then it would be expensive for little return.

[nykkieberry]

For all our benefit really - just trying to find some ideas to fill the four days we are there (in predicatably hideous weather)I'm not into rides so it's more for my son. Maybe the waterpark would be a better idea? (and it's inside!)

[Potatoman]

theres a whole section of rides for the wee ones. look proper good. just wished i was 19 years younger when i went!

[tartanwiz]

Alton Towers is suitable for all ages, and your 4-year old will love it. I hope you do too, of course. Even if you don't feel up to Air, Oblivion or Nemesis, there's plenty of other adult fun. I liked the Black Hole (a roller coaster in the dark!), Runaway Train, the Haunted House and the River Rapids. Your 4-year old will like the Farm and the kiddy coaster type rides, the story-telling book and little cars that take them round winding tours. Your kid will be smiling from ear to ear even if you aren't, but I'm sure you'll like it too. Oh and if you go on the cable car ride across the park you get a smashing view, and look out for squirrels - these amazing little creatures have no fear of heights and can be found up the cable car pylons. Alton Towers itself is a ruined house with a history and is well worth a visit. A great family day out.

[Fish the Mod]

Legoland Winsor is a better option

[spainlads]

Look out for the ad that's running on tV at the moment. You can download a voucher and it's a lot cheaper than the normally gate entry. Can't remember the URL, though it's NOT the usually http://www.alton-towers.co.uk/

[nykkieberry]

For info, Lastminute.com are selling all prebooked tickets at �15 :)

[Robinia]

If it's not too late here are 106 (so it says)things to do in the E.Midlands http://www.106centuryfm.com/Sectional.asp?id=1508

[michellep]

Alton Towers is great but really for older kids. Though if you don't mind paying the price there is quite a lot for four year olds. It depends if you are wanting to use the rides as well. If not Gullivers kingdom in Matlock Bath is more suitable for 4 year olds. I've taken mine when they were little. They loved it, but for adults to pay �28 each and not really be able to go on any of the thrill rides it becomes expensive.Another Park you could try is the American Adventure or Drayton Manor that has rides and Animals. They both have web sites. Enjoy your stay in Derbyshire

[Stephlyke]

Ive just taken my 3 year old and we had a fab time. He also went on the log flume and the rapids with us. Mimimum height is 1m. Best thing was the live tweenies show and the "Ribena Ball Blaster" in the Farm Area. Again, as someone earlier advises, Take a Picnic ! No healthy food on offer !. You can also take advantage of a special pass that allows parents with young children to go on the bigger rides individually. One of you queues, the other looks after the little one, then when one has been on the ride , you pass the ticket to your partner who can go straight back on without queueing.