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The Gardens

Alton Towers Resort, Alton, Staffordshire, ST10 4DB

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Access Guide

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Area Summary

Getting Help and Assistance

  • For the theme park map please click here (new tab).
  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • There is a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
  • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: large print on request.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • There are mobility aids available.
  • The mobility aids available include wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact a member of staff or Guest Services.
  • There is a designated place of safety which can be used by people who may feel scared or at risk.
  • The quiet/safe place is located in No.1 Towers Street.
  • Ear defenders and RADAR keys are available from Guest Services.
  • Portable hearing loops are available for use around the resort. These are available from Guest Services.
  • Free WiFi is available throughout the resort.
  • All staff undertake Disability Awareness and Equality Training.

Stepped Access Points

  • There are numerous stepped access points around the outskirts of The Gardens, which lead into different parts of the grounds.
  • Stepped access points are located leading from the following areas; Mutiny Bay, Dark Forest, Forbidden Valley, Haunted Hollow / Lakeside Walk.
  • The number of steps vary at each access point.
  • All steps are unmarked.
  • Some steps have handrails to one side, however the majority have no handrails.
  • Some steps are very narrow in places and have cracked surfaces.
  • When wet, the steps may become slippery.
  • There are over 150 steps leading to the bottom of The Gardens.

Accessible Access Point - Sloped Access

  • The most accessible route into The Gardens is located at the front of The Towers.
  • There is a very steep downhill slope leading to the access point.
  • The access point is clearly signed.
  • The gates at this access point are double and are permanently held open.
  • The opening width of the gates is 250cm+.
  • The steep slope continues beyond the access point and all the way through The Gardens.
  • The slope surface is tarmac and is cracked in places.
  • The centre of The Gardens is only accessible via steps.

Area (The Gardens)

  • Access and Circulation View
    • The most accessible route into and throughout The Gardens is via the steep slope from The Towers. However this slope does not access all areas.
    • There are a number of steps located to either side of the slope to access other areas of The Gardens.
    • There are walkways with a surface width of less than 150cm (excluding any permanent obstructions over a small distance).
    • Path surfaces vary and are uneven in places.
    • There are some features in this area which could cause a potential trip hazard.
    • The floor can become slippery when wet.
    • During busy periods this area can become congested.
    • There are not resting areas in this area.
    • Vending machines are not available in this area.
    • Freestyle drinks machines are not available in this area.
  • Signage and Audio View
    • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
    • There is background music/noise in this area.

Yellow Route to Forbidden Valley

  • The Yellow Route leads from Dark Forest to Forbidden Valley.
  • This route travels through the Gardens and encompasses numerous slopes and steps.
  • The slope gradients vary between slight and steep.
  • There are over 150 steps along the route.
  • The majority of steps are unmarked with no handrails.
  • Some steps are very narrow in places and have cracked surfaces.
  • When wet, the route may become slippery in places.
  • There is no written or pictorial signage along this route, however there are occasional coloured posts directing the paths to take.
  • Path surfaces vary and are uneven in places.
  • There is an open waters edge along this route.

Red Route to Dark Forest

  • The Red Route leads from Forbidden Valley to Dark Forest.
  • This route travels through the Gardens and encompasses numerous slopes and steps.
  • The slope gradients vary between slight and steep.
  • There are over 150 steps along the route.
  • The majority of steps are unmarked with no handrails.
  • Some steps are very narrow in places and have cracked surfaces.
  • When wet, the route may become slippery in places.
  • There is no written or pictorial signage along this route, however there are occasional coloured posts directing the paths to take.
  • Path surfaces vary and are uneven in places.
  • There is an open waters edge along this route.