With an atmosphere all its own, Scarefest reframes the usual theme park thrills with an edgy Halloween twist. The award-winning Scarefest runs on selected dates until 2 November 2025.

Among the tricks and treats, disabled people will be surprised at how accessible the Alton Towers theme park really is. In fact, it’s estimated that around 20% of visits include a disabled person!

There’s something even more thrilling about enjoying iconic rides like The Smiler and Nemesis Reborn, as well as taking a literal ‘spin’ on the new Toxicator, as the evening draws in. Because the park is open until 9pm you’ll get to experience the rides in full illumination contrasted with dark skies – which of course only adds to the excitement and is a definite highlight. Even so, since the park is decked out in all its exuberant Halloween craziness, a wander around in daylight will also certainly be memorable.

Perhaps what brings Scarefest to life, or death, or afterlife – or something like that… is the actors, who take on the guise of ancestor characters from Altonville. While they aren’t dressed to startle, the way they move and interact is certainly designed to gently dismay. The set-piece parades and dance routines are incredible, and honestly, you really never know when one of them is going to surprise you!

The Dark Hollow scare zone is a sinister place where you’ll meet interactive nightmarish characters coming at you from the gloom. For the full scare effect, again, it’s probably at its compelling best after sunset, with much of the experience based around the antics of the actors.

In the Edge of the Forest, is scare maze, where, without wishing to drop a spoiler, nothing is quite as it seems. Expect plenty of motion-activated props that will react to your presence, just as if the place is alive and the feeling of being part of a chilling and disorientating narrative, especially when compared with the chaotic and slightly more theatrical nature of the Altonville Mine Tours scare maze. Even so, for sheer spectacle, it’s the Burial Grounds scare zone, set in the shadow of the Wicker Man, that arguably, uses fire, smoke and other effects at their best.

Elsewhere, the whole family can enjoy the Runaway Mine Train and Trick O’ Treat Town.

Because of the relatively late finish, you could decide to stay in one of the park’s hotels, where you’ll enjoy further live entertainment and stay in accommodation that’s very well appointed for disabled guests.

Since a visit to Alton Towers is really all about the rides, if you, or one of your party struggle to queue, the park operates its Ride Access Pass (RAP) scheme, though you’ll need to book this well in advance of your visit.

See: Ride Access Pass | Alton Towers Resort

Also well worth knowing is that disabled guests are entitled to bring a companion into the park with them, free of charge (though they will need to provide official documentation as listed on the Alton Towers website). Assistance dogs are also welcome, though they cannot accompany guests on rides and must not be left unattended.

Because of the variety of rides, each has different (safety) restrictions that may affect disabled visitors. Nevertheless, wheelchair users can usually take themselves on to the ride platform to transfer from wheelchair to carriage. The team then advise where and how to get off. (In most cases, they offload the same way they get on to ensure their wheelchair is there, while with some rides, the wheelchair can be moved by the ride host to wherever the visitors exit. Either way, visitors are supported by the ride’s team to ensure a comfortable onload and offload.) NB: while ride hosts can offer information about rides and how to access them, they are prohibited from physically lifting or moving visitors. This is why disabled guests are required to have a minimum of one essential companion (over 14 years old) with them at all times, and who can help them get on and off rides and attractions, including transferring from wheelchairs. (Visitors with limb difference or who use prosthetics are invited to look at details regarding the suitability of rides on the Alton Towers website.)

There are rides and attractions, however, that are suitable for wheelchair users to experience without needing to transfer from their wheelchairs, including: Andy’s Adventure Dinosaur Dig, Something Special Sensory Garden, Big Fun Show Time, JoJo & Gran Gran at Home, The Furchester Hotel Live and Sharkbait Reef by SeaLife.

While the park is generally suitable for wheelchair users, sensible routes are signposted, since there are steep inclines in some areas.

Staff are also able to advise regarding which attractions have flashing lights, effects or lights. Even so, where visitors need a break, a sensory space is located in CBeebies Land – and additionally, for neurodivergent visitors, a visual story guide has been created and is available on the website to help prepare for the visit.

All toilets include access for wheelchair users and there is also a Changing Places facility, plus slightly smaller Spaces to Change facilities.

Equipment, such as wheelchairs, pushchairs, buggies (not suitable for babies) and ear defenders are available to hire or loan, though best advice is to bring your own, since they are only available on a first come, first served basis. While mobility scooters are also available, and great for traversing the park, they cannot be used in queues. Blue Badge parking is also available next to the main admissions plaza.

A detailed access guide that describes many of the rides can be found at: www.accessable.co.uk/alton-towers-resort/access-guides

For tickets and other information, visit: www.altontowers.com