Alton Towers has been a visitor attraction since 1839, when the then owner opened the gates to the public several times each year. These days, the park, which has arisen from a site once occupied by a Norman castle, brings an estimated 2.7 million visitors every year. As the countries’ largest theme park it provides entertainment for the whole family and can be easily reached from nearby campsites.
Alton Towers has become famous for its selection of innovative rides and visitor attractions on offer, from easy going carousels for the faint hearted, to blood curdling roller coasters for those with a taste for adventure. There’s a host of places to dine and snack to suite all tastes and appetites. Throughout the year there are a range of special offers and events and family tickets can be pre-booked online to save time when you arrive at Alton Towers.
If Alton Towers isn’t enough excitement for one visit, there is the Tissington Trail which is a 13 mile walk following the route of a forma railway between Ashbourne and Buxton. It was opened in 1971 and is a terrific ride if you’ve brought your bike along for the trip.
The Tissington trail can truly be enjoyed by all. Because of its flat crushed limestone base the trail is suitable for all abilities and can easily accommodate visitors in wheelchairs. There is also the ability to hire a bike if you’ve not brought one along, but beware of saddle soars if it’s been a while since you were last on a bike.
Ashbourne is a local town which offers everything the camper requires and is in easy reach of most Peak District campsites near Alton Towers; in many cases it’s walking distance from the site. There’s a wide range of great eateries and stores to stock up on provisions and a variety of ‘outdoor’ stores for when there just aren’t enough tent pegs to keep the tent secured.
In addition, within easy reach of Peak District campsites near Alton Towers are the towns of Buxton, Bakewell and Matlock; each of which have their own character and provide plenty for the camper to do, see and buy.
Today camping has become a popular pastime for many families and has been transformed from the days of a bivouac into a healthy lifestyle that offers a cheap and fun way to enjoy the great outdoors. The whole family can relax and enjoy the variety of Peak District wildlife that is waiting to be discovered or simply relax on the site and take in the air.
The Peak District campsites around Alton Towers offer the very best in camping accommodation. Beautiful parks are set against wooded backdrops and beautiful scenery as well as providing all the latest amenities expected from the modern camper. Streams and brooks have been replaced with laundries, associated drying facilities and even dishwashers. The traditional camp fire has been replaced with the barbecue but the good cheer around it on a Saturday night has thankfully remained as warm and inviting as ever.
Campsites around Alton Towers give one of the best opportunities to visit the park and to experience the Peak District at close hand. Not only is camping fun but it allows for a holiday on a budget. Sites are usually open between Easter until the end of autumn, but it’s always an idea to call ahead of time to check on specific opening hours, prices and availability.
Alton Towers also has its own hotels that are next to the park andan ideal place to say on your visit.
