There was a certain point during our travel planning process when we realized that there was so much to do but so little time. Normally you would skip some activites then, we tend to squeeze everything in one day.
After the breakfast we drove down South again to spend the first half of the day close to the town of Alton.
Alton Towers
A small place to enjoy beautiful English landscape... and ride some of the world best roller coasters. Alton Towers is one of the most famous theme parks in Europe. What makes this theme park unique are the buidling regulations of the shire of Stafford.
Alton Towers Towers Ruins
The amusement rides and rollercoasters must not be built higher than the trees of the local landcape. Alton Towers made a virtue out of necessity and built thrilling terrain roller coasters. These roller coasters take advantage of the undulations of the land upon which they are built.
Alton Towers Nemesis
The reason I have visited Alton Towers several times in the past is the fact that I am actually allowed to go on the rides – at least until this day.
Alton Towers accessible ticket booth
Since the last visit there were two new attractions that needed to be tested. The Alton Towers Dungeon and the Wicker Man, a modern wooden roller coaster. Full of excitment we went to the wheelchair entrance of the roller coaster to be stopped by staff. She asked me my all time favorite question. Was I able to walk on my own? Even my distinct skills to make my way hand over hand along a wooden fence couldn't convince her. So no Wicker Man for me.
We had a similar situation at Oblivion, a coaster that features a 180 ft drop that is close to vertical. Luckily I was already seated so I was able to ride.
I was able to experience the fully accessible Alton Towers Dungeon, though. A a spectacular walk-through journey that takes visitors through Staffordshire’s darkest history in 45 minutes.
Alton Towers Dungeon
Before leaving the theme park to head back to Manchester we went on Duel an interacitve haunted house ride and took a spin on Spinball Whizzer. Good bye Alton Towers. Will I ever see you again with the uncertainty of being able to ride?
Alton Towers Duel & Spinball Whizzer
What to do after spending half a day at a theme park? Enjoy a concert of the Spice Girls! Before we had dinner at Wagamama, a British restaurant chain, serving Japanese food at a great price.
Wagamama
Afterwards we took the tram (which is perfectly accessible) to get to concert. Obviously we weren't the only ones that had that idea and so we ended up going to the Etihad Stadium in a sardine tin stuffed with loudly singing 'manchasta' teens dressed as Victoria Beckham, Geri Halliwell or even more creative as 'Chubby Spice'.
Spice Girls traffic information
The concert itself was solid old shool fun including all the songs of our childhood – nothing more and nothing less. Was it worth driving up to Manchester, spicing up our lives for three days? Of course!
Spice Girls concert
...and please take my advice to not always trust the GPS of your rented car unless you want to be navigated into a complete closure of a motorway.
M1 road closure
Thanks to a breathtaking race through several amber lights in London and a sporty sprint through St Pancras station we made it to our train at the last minute. Can't wait for our next UK adventure!
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