A few weeks ago we visited CBeebies Land at Alton Towers in Staffordshire. We first visited a few years ago, but the girls didn't really remember it, so they were very excited. Getting there is a bit of a trek as it is right out in the countryside, but it is well signposted and a pleasant drive. Although I can't help but feel sorry for the residents of the village of Alton with such heavy traffic passing through for much of the year!
We spent all of our time in the CBeebies Land area as the rest of Alton Towers seems to be all dramatic rollercoasters and scary rides for ages 18+, but it was enough to keep us busy all day. With characters the girls recognise throughout, from the bugs and presenters to live shows such as Tree Fu Tom and Hello Duggee, there were lots of excited cries of "oh, it's..." all day long.
We missed the Hey Duggee show unfortunately, but Tree Fu Tom was a big hit, especially when they could have photos with him after. There are several short character shows each day, and well worth heading to the Big Fun Showtime area first to check times, or checking on the app to make sure you don't miss them. I'd also advise getting there early to get a good spot. This is also a great place to have your picnic or snacks.
Sophia and Tatiana loved all the rides, especially the Postman Pat Parcel Post one, where you drive his van around delivering parcels to all the residents of Greendale.
The Numtums Number-Go-Round ride is just a cross between a large roundabout and a carousel, but they loved it all the same and had several rides on differently numbered cars.
The Charlie and Lola Moonsquirters and Green Drops house is slightly hidden away at the back next to the café and tends to be overlooked rather, but the fun activities including dressing Charlie and Lola up and a ball pit make it a welcome stop, there's even a bench for parents to have a breather on!
Another great place for a rest while the children play is the Tree Fu Tom Training Ground play area which has various stations where they can acquire and practice skills with Tom and friends. There are several picnic benches, so bring your picnic or a flask!
Next to this the new Go Jetters Vroomster Zoom Ride was a huge hit with our two little thrill seekers, while their sister was happier to play with her dolls on the figures.
Lara opted to go on the Postman Pat ride instead, which she enjoyed.
Next stop was the In the Night Garden Magical Boat Ride which features all the favourite characters and an accompanying story as you go round. I wasn't sure the older two would enjoy this one, but they still loved it.
After a couple of turns on the elevated Get Set Go Tree Top Adventure, our last ride was the Octonauts Rollercoaster Adventure, where Captain Barnacles was waiting for hugs and photos.
A few tips on visiting:
We spent all of our time in the CBeebies Land area as the rest of Alton Towers seems to be all dramatic rollercoasters and scary rides for ages 18+, but it was enough to keep us busy all day. With characters the girls recognise throughout, from the bugs and presenters to live shows such as Tree Fu Tom and Hello Duggee, there were lots of excited cries of "oh, it's..." all day long.
We missed the Hey Duggee show unfortunately, but Tree Fu Tom was a big hit, especially when they could have photos with him after. There are several short character shows each day, and well worth heading to the Big Fun Showtime area first to check times, or checking on the app to make sure you don't miss them. I'd also advise getting there early to get a good spot. This is also a great place to have your picnic or snacks.
Sophia and Tatiana loved all the rides, especially the Postman Pat Parcel Post one, where you drive his van around delivering parcels to all the residents of Greendale.
The Numtums Number-Go-Round ride is just a cross between a large roundabout and a carousel, but they loved it all the same and had several rides on differently numbered cars.
The Charlie and Lola Moonsquirters and Green Drops house is slightly hidden away at the back next to the café and tends to be overlooked rather, but the fun activities including dressing Charlie and Lola up and a ball pit make it a welcome stop, there's even a bench for parents to have a breather on!
Another great place for a rest while the children play is the Tree Fu Tom Training Ground play area which has various stations where they can acquire and practice skills with Tom and friends. There are several picnic benches, so bring your picnic or a flask!
Next to this the new Go Jetters Vroomster Zoom Ride was a huge hit with our two little thrill seekers, while their sister was happier to play with her dolls on the figures.
Lara opted to go on the Postman Pat ride instead, which she enjoyed.
Next stop was the In the Night Garden Magical Boat Ride which features all the favourite characters and an accompanying story as you go round. I wasn't sure the older two would enjoy this one, but they still loved it.
After a couple of turns on the elevated Get Set Go Tree Top Adventure, our last ride was the Octonauts Rollercoaster Adventure, where Captain Barnacles was waiting for hugs and photos.
A few tips on visiting:
- Alton Towers is open from late March to the end of October.
- Shop around for the best ticket deals you can before visiting.
- Parking is plentiful but, as with many Merlin resorts, there is a parking fee.
- The Cbeebiesland area is quite small, so leave the buggy at home and wear a carrier or sling if bringing young children. For older babies and toddlers we recommend the Hippychick Hipseat Carrier
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- Food choices are quite limited in CBeebies Land, but picnic space is plentiful so bring your own.
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