As part of their wider journey to improve access for all, Alton Towers Resort has become the first theme park to partner with AccessAble; the UK’s leading provider of detailed disabled access information.

Alton Towers Resort have worked in partnership with AccessAble to create Detailed Access Guides for over 100 areas of the Resort, including accommodation, waterpark and attractions, to help support guests visiting the UK’s biggest theme park.

The Guides compile facts, figures, and photography to help guests plan their visit to Alton Towers Resort, covering key areas such as family and thrill rides, themed restaurants and shops, spa, as well as Extraordinary Golf course. Each Guide has detailed information on everything from parking and hearing loops, to walking distances and accessible toilets. They aim to help provide guests with as much information as possible to support them before and during their visit and aid inclusivity.

We know everyone’s accessibility needs are different, which is why having detailed, accurate information is so important. It’s why all of the details you’ll find in the Guides have been checked in person, on site, by trained surveyors.

In addition, AccessAble have worked with Alton Towers Resort to create a series of internal reports, referencing national best practice, that highlight some of the accessibility challenges currently observed across the attraction. These reports will enable the Resort to continually develop a prioritised programme of improvement that can be addressed effectively over time to enhance existing accessible features.

Alton Towers Resort has recently introduced several new features to drive forward its accessibility and inclusivity products, support and training. The 2022 season has seen the introduction of several new features and developments, including a new, additional Changing Place Toilet at the Theme Park entrance/exit, as well as investment to make additional Radar Keys, Hearing Loops and Ear Defenders available to guests. A new, additional Quiet Room space, fitted with sensory and calming equipment, has also been introduced at the Resort’s accommodation to support guests who need a dedicated space away from the hustle and bustle. Bespoke Makaton Training is also being rolled out to support employees in communicating with guests who use Makaton to communicate.

The new CBeebies Land attractions (Hey Duggee’s Big Adventure Badge, JoJo and Gran Gran at Home and Andy’s Adventure Dinosaur Dig) also consciously feature a number of accessible and inclusive features for families, including double-width slide created for the theme park which allows for joint use opportunities for children with carers and ground-level, sunken trampolines that are suitable for wheelchair users.

Dr Gregory Burke, Founder and Chair of AccessAble, said:

“We were delighted to work in partnership with Alton Towers to create Detailed Access Guides to the Resort.

The AccessAble website and App will enhance the visitor experience for disabled people, helping more disabled people to enjoy a Resort visit confidently.”

Kate McBirnie, Head of Guest Excellence at Alton Towers Resort, said:

“We’re really proud to be working with AccessAble and have access to such expert advice and guidance regarding accessibility and inclusivity at the Resort.

We know that these Guides, alongside our wider programme of work to enhance accessibility and inclusivity across the Resort, are going to make a huge difference to so many visiting the Resort moving forwards.”

Alton Towers Resort was recently recognised for its extensive delivery and continued improvements, scooping GOLD for the Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award at the Enjoy Staffordshire Tourism & Good Food Awards 2022.

The Guides are now live and available for use via www.accessable.co.uk/alton-towers-resort. They are also available via the AccessAble App which is free to download from the App Store and Google Play, providing accessibility information on the go.

The information on Alton Towers Resort joins over 70,000 places already covered across the UK, making www.AccessAble.co.uk a great tool for planning a day out or trip away.

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For more information about the project, please contact Carrie-Ann Lightley, Head of Marketing at AccessAble on 01438 842710 or email [email protected].

To view, find out more information and test out the Alton Towers Accessibility Guide please visit: www.accessable.co.uk/alton-towers-resort.