Scarefest at Alton Towers!

Today I attended my first ever Halloween event at a theme park. Scarefest at Alton Towers- a UK family theme park in Stoke-On-Trent is known for being one of the best events of its kind. Each year the park is taken over by a large array of spooky performers and themed attractions from scare experiences to mazes. The spooky happenings are updated and changed every year so I can only review the ones present this year. It is worth noting that scare mazes are definitely not for the faint hearted, we are talking live actors jumping out of the pitch blackness inches from you sort of thing! I was definitely very new to this sort of an event and spent most of it screaming my head off from behind my brothers back (sorry Joe mega cringey I know!) as with theatre shows the mazes are very subjective and everyones experience is different depending on the scares they receive and quality (and number of actors) present in the mazes at the time of your visit. Here are some short reviews of the mazes/ shows/attractions I encountered. 

Attraction Reviews

Maze 1- Freak Show

Although this was my first ever maze meaning I was pretty jumpy this maze lacked actors for me. Coupled by the fact aswell the maze was primarily in the daylight and we chose to do it earlier on. Some very energetic clown performers and some trippy colorful set pieces and decorations- the clown with the chain saw was rather palpitation inducing. 2 scares out of 5!

Maze 2- Darkest Depths

A nautical themed maze with pirates, doomed sailors and sea monsters jumping out. I really liked the tension creating pre-show hosted by an old sea captain. This maze was really atmospheric aswell with lots of mist and nautical smells. The Davy Jones character was a little questionable at the end. 3 scares out of 5!

Maze 3- The Attic

Set inside the mansion itself. The Attic has become a bit of a timeless maze for Alton Towers and is featured at the event every year. A very atmospheric and tension creating pre-show as you enter the manor and learn about the scary story of the governess and her victims who supposedly haunt the towers. You then climb up a steep ladder into the tight twisting attic itself. Some super performers offering chilling jump scares and set pieces, the fire place finale is the perfect climax. Loved it though I was absolutely terrified, 5 out of 5 scares- our favorite maze in the park!

Maze 4- Altonville Mine Tours

Set in the tunnels beneath the manor. This maze invites you into the depths of the haunted fictional mines as you encounter the legend of the skin snatchers- a hill billy group of haunts with a rather nasty appetite. This maze was very tight and claustrophobic combined with the added notion that these actors were allowed to touch you too. Super jumpy and well acted, our second favorite maze of the park. 5 scares out of 5!

Other Attractions

* The Ancestors- a very impressive dance troupe who perform throughout the day

* Alton Towers Dungeon- a really good spooky experience to get your adrenaline pumping during Scarefest. A boat ride and live action storytelling adventure that really sets the heart racing. The final scene in the inn really got me! 

* Trick or Treat Town- although you had to pay extra for this I actually really enjoyed this live action maze (for the kids) as it was described yet it was still rather jumpy. Knock on the door and see which colorful character is lurking behind- they may even give you sweets!

* The Gardens- a spectacular light trail throughout the amazing grounds

* Hex- a permanent spooky attraction following another ghost story and offering a combination of walk through and ride experience- perfect to combine with a Halloween visit. 

* The Wicker Man- a fast moving wooden roller coaster- also with a spooky theme and a fiery finish!