Our perfect day at Cbeebies Land Alton Towers
Last week we were very fortunate to be invited to Alton Towers with the children, and to say they were excited would be an understatement! On Friday evening we laid out all the clothes, packed a bag full of bribes car snacks, and planned to set off at the crack of dawn the following day.
And so on Saturday morning we set off, on time for the first time in our lives, and although the weather was a little gloomy, the children were in great spirits.
Until the car broke down. Again.
After our usual wait on the hard shoulder (you seriously could not make this up), the car was towed home, into the garage and we had four very disappointed children to contend with and were seriously contemplating cheap hotels near alton towers we could go to!
Thankfully my lovely Mum and Dad offered to lend us their car, but due to it only being a five seater sadly Harry couldn’t come. We didn’t tell him, obviously, and he was completely oblivious having fun with my parents , but wow the Mum guilt was tough!! Either way, on Sunday morning we set off again and, even better, the sun was shining!
For those who are unfamiliar with Alton Towers, it is one of the UK’s biggest theme parks located in Stoke on Trent. Not only is it home to some of the biggest and scariest rollercoasters, but also to Cbeebies Land, the most magical place for children with all of their favourite characters and rides.
With so much to see and do, our biggest decision was which ride to go on first!
The girls were desperate to go on the Get Set Go Treetop ride, the best way to see Cbeebies land from the comfort of a tree top carriage.
This is one of the most popular rides at Cbeebies Land and yet we were through the queue and on the ride within fifteen minutes.
The girls were in their element on this ride which, to a four and five year old, is quite high up and my little thrill seekers loved every minute!
New for this year is the Furchester Hotel show and, as one of the girls favourite programmes, we were eager to get in there early.
The show takes place in the Furchester hotel, and there are signs to tell you how many minutes until the next show so that you’re not hanging about for too long.
We were unable to take photographs inside of the show but it was a great experience that had the children up singing and dancing, running around trying to find cookies for the hotels special guest, and watching in awe at the fantastic puppetry and interactive screens. I didn’t even need to ask if the girls had enjoyed the show, their little faces and the sound of their laughter told me all I needed to know!
Another new ride for 2017, is the Go Jetters Vroomster Zoom ride.
Eva is a huge fan of Go Jetters, and as well as being excited about the ride, she was just as excited about posing with the characters!
One of the things I love about Cbeebies land is the fact that there are so many opportunities to take photos and, for me as a blogger, capturing those memories is priceless.
Unfortunately as much as the girls were wiling to pose with the plastic characters, they weren’t quite as keen when it came to the real thing!
After a very short wait we were on the ride, and with four to a spaceship the girls took charge, leaving Lewis and I in the back.
With the ability to make the spaceship go up or down by pulling on a lever, it goes without saying that we were flying high for the duration of the ride.
One of the things we really wanted to do this visit was visit the Big Show Fun Time arena, a brilliantly colourful area where you can watch shows, play games, meet characters and enjoy your lunch.
Each day the show times are listed at the entrance so that you don’t miss out. We were lucky to catch Tree Fu Tom, which the girls really enjoyed.
The Big Show arena is the perfect place to have a sit down, or in Lewis’s case to update his social media.
I have to say that all of the staff at Alton Towers were nothing but polite and helpful, but none more so than a lovely lady who, on seeing that the girls were afraid of one of the characters, sat down beside them to reassure them.
By some miracle she even managed to persuade Megan to get a little closer to them, and even more miraculous, to give them a high five!
Although there are so many picnic spots located in Cbeebies land, we chose to take our picnic over to the lake, where we could eat with a view.
We have never explored the gardens at Alton Towers before, but whilst we waited for our lunch to settle we decided to have a wander down there, and they really are spectacular.
The gardens are so peaceful, and you really wouldn’t believe that something so beautiful and serene was located so close to the noise and excitement of the theme park.
We could easily have wandered around the gardens for hours, although after a short walk the children were ready to get back on the rides.
Whilst Gaz and Lewis went back on the rollercoasters, the girls and I took the cable cars back to Cbeebies Land.
Although my girls are primarily all about the rides, there is so much to see and do that, even without the rides, you could fill a whole day there. Around every corner is something new, and it was lovely to hear the girls excited shouts of, “Look at this!”, and “Watch me!”.
Nina’s Science Lab was a big hit with us, a real hands on experience that makes learning fun. It would also be a great place to duck out of the rain!
Another lovely feature is the Something Special Sensory Garden, where you can walk around, touch and smell the many plants and flowers, and follow the interactive activities.
Anyone who knows Eva will agree, that most of the time she looks distinctly unimpressed, even when she is smiling inside, her face tells a completely different story. So I can’t tell you how lovely it was to see her really enjoying herself – smiling…..
Exploring….
And being silly….
Out of all of the rides, our favourite was definitely The Octonauts Rollercoaster Adventure.
When you’re four and five, the idea of going on a rollercoaster is ridiculously exciting, especially one that goes surprisingly fast!
The girls favourite part was the big blue whale which shoots up water and sprays you on the way down!
When it comes to children, there is nothing worse than standing around in a queue all day, so it was such a relief that we were able to go on one ride after another, never queuing for more than fifteen minutes.
For me as a parent, my favourite thing about Alton Towers is that there is something for everyone. With a ten year age gap between Lewis and Harry, it’s very hard to find days out that cater to him and the little ones. So in that way, Alton Towers is perfect for us, and whilst we enjoyed Cbeebies Land, Lewis and Gaz had the best time in the main park.
I also love that even though he is thirteen, and way too cool for Cbeebies, Lewis humoured his little sisters without a single word of complaint.
After a long and exciting day it was time to go home, and with the children more than a little bit tired and grubby, we said goodbye to Cbeebies Land.
For anyone who hasn’t been to Alton Towers, especially those whose children are big fans of Cbeebies, I would absolutely recommend it. We had the best day, one that we shall remember for a long time, and in the Summer, with a new car and with Harry, we will definitely be back!
This looks brilliant. I didn’t know they had a Cbeebies land at Alton Towers. I know my daughters would love it!
I went to Alton Towers pre-kids and our car broke down on the way too!
Oh no!! Maybe that stretch of the motorway is cursed! Haha! xx
This looks like an amazing day out, bad news about the car but I bet the smiles on their faces made up for it! #bigpinklink
Yes definitely! It’s so lovely to see them so happy! xx
Wow this looks an amazing day. As a kid growing up in Norwich I always HATED just how far away we were from Alton Towers as I never got to go!!
Ahh I bet! We are only 90 minutes away, the kids LOVE it! xx
What a fab day and an amazing treat for any CBeebies fab my daughtter would be over the moon to visit this!
It was such a great day out Talya. It’s definitely worth visiting! xx
Oh Laura I’m so pleased that you made it there on Sunday. It really does look amazing. It’s on my wish list to take the girls this summer as they are just the perfect age for Cbeebiesland. It is so much bigger than I thought it would be and all the shows are there. And Lewis what a sweetheart for his sisters x
Thanks Laura, I love that Lewis humours them as much as he does, I’m not sure I would have been the same at that age! Your girls will LOVE it, even out of Cbeebies land there are other rides for the children, an aquarium, the cable cars, lots of gardens and things to do and see. We are definitely going back in the summer too! xx
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Ooh there are a couple of new rides! Mine would love the Go Jetters! I was really impressed by it when we went- I never went to Alton Towers as a child so I was just as excited as the kids!! x
Haha I was so excited too, just seeing the childrens faces is the best! The Go Jetters ride is great! xx
Despite the hiccup with the car, it sounds like your adventure to CBeebies Land couldn’t have gone better. I love all the pictures you’ve shared. I’ve seen a few people share about CBeebies Land now and I can definitely see the appeal and draw – we don’t own a TV so watch very few of the shows on CBeebies, however we hope to take our son to Thomas Land later on this year. It must be such a great experience for children, immersed in what they see on the TV; your children look like they’re in their element. #MarvMondays
Thanks Jade, we had the best time! We have been to Thomas land too, at Drayton Manor? The children loved it, and the zoo there is fab! I’m sure you’ll have a great day! xx
Looks like you’ve had such a wonderful time. So glad you got there in the end!
Thank you Katy, we had a great time….minus Harry. Waaaah! xx
I love Alton Towers and hope to one day take my nephew with me as it looks like a lovely time. Sorry about the car troubles but thanks for the parents.
Thank you, cars are such a pain! Alton towers is so much fun! xx
I cannot tell you how much my little sister would enjoy Cbeebies land and she does like theme parks. I have always wanted to go to Alton Towers x
It’s our favourite theme park for sure! Any child who loves Cbeebies would be in their element! xx
We finally went for the first time to cbeebies land a couple of weeks ago, and I’m already planning to sneak Small out of school for a day to go back again soon as she loved it so much! Your pics are great!
Thanks Kel, it’s such a great day out for the kids isn’t it? We all had such a great time, we are hoping to go back in the summer! xx
I have a few nieces and nephews that would love to visit here. Looks like you all had an amazing time!
We had such a fantastic day! xx
Mom guild is the worst, glad you were able to continue with the trip. Your daughter reminded me of my oldest daughter who was obessed with Barney until she saw him in person, lol.
Haha yes, my girls love the idea of meeting the characters but then see then close up and freak out!! xx
No words to describe your photography. Just the best. Lovely kid, I just fall in love with them. I think you had a great time here.
A thank you so much, that really is such a lovely thing to say! xx
Very timely post as we are considering going in the summer! All sounds incredible and hs boosted my wish to go! Brilliantly written and informative #TriumphantTales
Ahh I’m so glad! You’ll love it I’m sure, it’s such a great day out! xx
Had been to UK a couple of times, but never to Alton Towers. I remember a mention though from my friends there.
It’s great to see you and the little ones had so much fun. Perfect day out!
Thank you Ravi, it’s a great day out! xx
We loved CBeebies land when we last visited – must go back again soon
It’s perfect for kids, and Gaz and Lewis had a great time on all the big rides! xx
Oh no what a nightmare, we have that kind of luck too! Glad you made it in the end though. I’m so envious, we took Sienna when she was 2 and she still remembers the octonauts ride and asks to go back! we love it! Beautiful photos Laura x #TriumphantTales
The Octonauts is our favourite too! It must feel so fast to little children, it’s so lovely to see their little faces! Thank you Kerry. xxx
What a fun day for all! As a measly mom from the US (says embarrassingly) I have yet to understand this CBeebies rage. Thank you for taking me along for the journey! #eatsleepblogRT xo
Ohhh part of me thinks the US is missing out, but part of me is envious that you don’t have to watch Mr Tumble on repeat like I do! The kids LOVE it though, and I had a great time too! xx
This place looks like an amazing one to have a day out with the kids. I just wish it was closer to us too 🙂
Its such a great theme park, there really is something for everyone! xx
It looks absolutely amazing! I so want to take the boys there now – sorry you had such a time getting there though, that sounds awful :/ My exhaust fell off last night so I’m in that boat today. The park looks so empty, we’re never that lucky – we’ve never been to the CBeebies bit though – I only ever seem to wait about 2+ hours in a rollercoaster queue. I feel a day off school coming…..
Oh no!! Car issues are the worst, I think ours is unrepairable….aggh! It was lovely there, although there are lots of people it didn’t feel busy! Lewis and Gaz went on the rollercoasters and said they waited 10 minutes at the most to get on! I remember queuing for hours in the past too! xx
This looks amazing Ruby and Maisie would love it, what a pain about the car, hope it gets sorted soon. Looks like you all had a fab time. The usual brilliant post fab photos Laura #triumphanttales
Thanks Nige, we had such a fab day out! The car issue is such a pain, I think we are going to have to scrap it! Agghh! xx
So cute! It looks like they had a wonderful time there and it’s definitely a place that you’d love to take the kids to. It makes me miss my twins when they were little. Trips like this made their day!
Ahh yes, it’s so lovely to see them having fun together, it’s one of our favourite days out! xx
Oh I know! Queueing with children is never fun so we were very lucky not to wait too long! xx
Under 3’s are free which is amazing, and there is so much to do, not just in Cbeebies land but right across the park. We could have spent all day exploring the gardens! xx
Car’s are so stressful aren’t they! We’ve broken down two years in a row going on holiday, you could not make it up!! I’m hoping our third motorway rescue was our last!! We love Alton Towers, and the children go crazy for Cbeebies, so it’s a guaranteed great day out! It’s always lovely when the sun is shining too! xx
Looks like you had a great trip! My two have been asking to go and judging by these photos, we really should try and take them.
Oh yes, they would LOVE it!! xx
Ahhhh we went to CBeebies Land for my daughter’s 2nd birthday, and the kids (6 &2) LOVED it! They’ve added some new rides since then, though, so I think we’ll have to pop back for another visit. Hope your car got fixed quickly #triumphanttales
This looks fantastic, the gardens are beautiful! Can’t wait to take Miss O in the summer! #DreamTeam
such an amazing place, fun experience it sure was for you and the girls, lovely to know how to spend that mum and girls time and it comes out just so perfect in pictures. they tell alot of wonderful stories.
I’m so pleased you made it in the end! It looks lovely – so clean and colourful – and I love the look of the gardens too! I know Max would love the Go Jetters ride, although he won’t tolerate dressed up characters either (I never liked them myself, can’t blame him really!) I really wish we were a bit closer (or that my family who used to live really close to Alton Towers were still there and we could combine a trip!)
Wow! That looks like an amazing day out! My girls would go gaga for cbeebies land.
#dreamteam
Looks like you all had a great time. My older 2 aren’t really into CBeebies any more and Zach doesn’t get a choice 🙁 I miss Mr Tumble…
This looks great and perfect for a young family. I’ve never been to Alton Towers and I must say I had a different impression in my head. Judging from the great photographs its definitely a place to bring young kids and It didn’t seem too packed from the photos which is always a good thing.
It’s such a fab place and not at all too busy. I hate taking mine anywhere when it’s heaving, it’s too hard to keep an eye on them all otherwise. This was such a perfect day out! xx
I never knew there was a CBeebies land. The kids would love it here.
invent been to alton Towers for around 10 years, although we did love going with the kids, understand the mum guilt over leaving Harry behind, but it looks like you all had a lot of fun,
I love Alton Towers as the grounds are beautiful! I cant wait til Ben is old enough to go to CBeebies land! maybe next year!
Thanks for sharing such adorable photos with us at #TriumphantTales. Hope to see you back next week.
What a bummer about your vehicle but glad you were able to figure it out to still go! This place looks like so much fun! It is so colorful and I see the octanauts!
Thank you! Luckily we got there the next day or the children would NOT Have been happy!!! xx
I love theme parks though the one’s here in Delhi don’t seem to be so beautiful like the one you have posted about. It really seems to be a perfect place for kids to enjoy and the whole family can have a great time. The pictures are so neat. Your kids are really cute and adorable especially the girls. 🙂
Ahh thank you so much, we had such a fab day! xx
It’s really good to see some new rides. The Go Jetters and Furchester Hotel would be a big hit with my kids. Looks like you had a great day out apart from the car
The kids loved the Furchester hotel, it was so much fun! xx
Looks like you had the weather for this great place! We’ve never been to Alton Towers as it’s a bit far away from us and we can’t afford the overnight stay. But maybe we could save up. I’d like the Octonauts rides the best. Sorry to hear about the car but glad it didn’t ruin the trip x
well that place looks pretty cool I must say! It looks like there’s a lot to do, which means tires the kids out and hopefully they’ll go to bed early (Ha! only kidding!) I think my munchkins would love to go there : 0
I’m a bit past all the fast rides now so CBeebies land would be right up my street lol. It’s a shame my two are too old for that now. The gardens look beautiful, I would love to walk around them.
#TriumphantTales
Me too! I used to love the rides but now I’m just terrified or they hurt my back! I’m getting old!! xx
This is really looks a cool place to visit. Kids will surely enjoy this place.
It looks like you had a really lovely day, such beautiful photos! #triumphanttales
Thank you Louise, we had such a great day! xx
What a gorgeous day you had for it! Beautiful photos. They’ve added loads to it since we last went, we were there not long after it opened and it looks far better now, might be worth a trip back! I’m so glad you managed to get there in the end. Thanks for linking with the #bigpinklink this week.
Thank you! The sunshine always adds to a great day out, we were so lucky with the weather, and it wasn’t very busy either – bonus! Definitely worth a trip, it’s our favourite day out! xx
Oh no with the car! Thank goodness you guys made it (bar Harry). The gardens look great. I remember going to Alton Towers possibly 1994 so I was 13. I loved it but remember the LONG drive there. Looks fab. Sarah #sharingthebloglove
I know!! Thank god we have a new car this week so we will be returning in the summer all 6 of us! I felt awful but we didn’t tell him, and he had a great time with the grandparents!! We are only 90 minutes away thankfully! xx
What a lovely post. It’s certainly changed since I last went. #sharingthebloglove
It’s amazing now! Especially for children!! xx
I haven’t been to Alton Towers in years – and certainly not since CBeebies Land opened. Hopefully we will be back when little one is old enough. It looks fantastic! #SharingtheBlogLove
We are planning a return trip in the Summer, it’s only 90 minutes from us luckily! xx
Our two love CBeebies land and it always amazes me how many different things there are to do. We’ve been a couple of times and still haven’t done half of the things that you’ve mentioned here. Your photos are stunning as always Laura and it looks like you had a brilliant time. Thanks for sharing with #DreamTeam x
Thank you lovely, it’s just the perfect day out for children isn’t it? We loved the new rides, and Lewis and Gaz had a blast on the rollercoasters! The lovely weather always adds to a great day out! xx
Hey, this looks like fun! My eldest has been asking to go…since we have Merlin passes this year. Might have to plan a trip soon! #dreamteam
I would recommend it to anyone! It’s such a great day out! xx
Oh this really does look like such a brilliant day out. It looks so empty there too?! Did you photoshop out all the other people?!
Last time I went I was about 19 and we camped with a load of friends – I remember the gardens being beautiful then too. Definitely a must to do with the kids 😉
Thanks for sharing with #coolmumclub
Hahah that made me laugh, nope, it was lovely and quiet, I’m not sure if the Drayton Manor incident last week had put people off going? Lewis and Gaz said they were going on the rollercoasters one after another where as I remember queueing for hours a few years ago! xx
This looks such a fantastic place for kids to visit, my twins would have loved it there! Looks like there is LOADS to do
There really is, we could have spent another day there easy! xx
This has been on our list for a while as we merlin passes. I did wonder if Monkey maybe a little old for it as he’s getting to the age where he’s getting to old for the little rides but is way too young for the bigger ones. But your photos and description has changed my mind and we will definitely be visiting over the holidays. Thanks so much x
Oh you would love it! There are other rides that Monkey would be able to go on too, and he definitely wouldn’t be too old for Cbeebies land anyway! If my 13 year old could still go on the rides (albeit through force!) then I’m sure Monkey would have a blast!! xx
I didn’t realise that Alton Towers had a Cbeebies Land. The boys would love this!
Yes! It’s funny how many people have commented the same, they advertise it all the time on Cbeebies channel, my kids go crazy every time the advert comes on! xx
So glad you got there in the end and all had a wonderful time. I had no idea that there was so much to do at Alton Towers for little ones, you’ve really tempted me to go for a visit now!
Oh you should go! It is SO much fun!! Your two would love it!! xx
Thank you, we had such a great day! xx
You made it in the end. YAY!
hahah yes! YAY!! xx
That sounds like so much fun. I really want to take my kids there before they are too old for the CBeebies bit. Even I get a little excited thinking about The Octonauts and The Go Jetters rides! Thanks for linking up to #EatSleepBlogRT. Hope you join again next time.
Haha I was very excited too, I’m too scared for the big rides now so the Octonauts was probably my limit!! xx
Oooh this sounds fantastic. I used to love Alton Towers as a child so I can’t wait to take my daughter. Its her 3rd birthday in July so this sounds like the perfect birthday treat for her ? #marvmondays
Yes! I’m sure she would love it, mine cant get enough of it!! xx
This looks like such a great place for kids. I love that they have beautiful gardens, too, if you want something a bit more quiet. #postsfromtheheart
Nadia xx
Yes the gardens are gorgeous, I would have loved to stay in there for longer! xx
Popping back to your adventure via #bigpinklink xo
Good luck! xx
I saw all your tweets as the whole Alton Towers saga unfolded and felt so bad for you when I saw that your car had broken down, but then was delighted when you managed to find a way to head back up the next day! It looks like it was totally worth it. I mean, how fab is CBeebies land?! Ella really wants to go there and after seeing all your pics I think we might have to try and get down there for her birthday maybe. Its definitely going on the bucket list for this summer 🙂 Great post, thanks for sharing it with us on #MarvMondays. Emily
Ahh thank you, it was an absolute nightmare! The car is officially dead, the engine has gone! Oh Ella would LOVE it, and you too I’m sure!! It’s definitely worth a visit! xx
It looks like you all had a brilliant time! I wish the queues were under 15 minutes for the adult rides lol. I didn’t even know there was gardens at Alton Towers – you could easily spend a good couple of days there
Thanks for linking up to #AnythingGoes 🙂
Debbie
There was!! Lewis and Gaz went on the adult rides and they were waiting just five minutes for them all! Amazing, we were very lucky I think! xx
The gardens…gosh I miss English scenery. I’ve never been to Alton Towers believe it or not. How fantastic you were invited! Glad the car got sorted. Saw the pic on IG!
It’s amazing! We love it there and yes, the gardens are beautiful!! So relieved to have a fully working car, our old car has had to be scrapped! xx
My older two would absolutely LOVE a trip here – you’ve inspired me! #postsfromtheheart
It wouldn’t disappoint!! It’s our favourite day out at the moment! xx
This looks amazing! I genuinely really want to take the little dude there now! <3
It’s FAB, I doubt there is a child on the planet who wouldn’t love it! xx
It looks like you had a great time! Sorry for the late comment, it was a busy weekend! Thanks for linking up to #ThatFridayLinky
Oh I bet it was, maybe next time you can do BlogOn and Nige have the kids, hehe! xx
Thanks for linking up Thanks for linking to the #THAT FRIDAY LINKY come back next week please
Oh dear. That sounds like the sorts of disasters that befall us on trips!
I’ve not been to Alton Towers for over 20 years.
It looks like there is loads more for smaller kids to do nowadays.
I’m glad it’s not just us!! We love Alton towers, just wish we had got there first time round! xx
It looks fantastic and glad you made it over the next day. The new rides sound great and I think my son would go crazy over the go jetters one as he loves that show. Thank you for sharing with #StayClassyMama
It was so much fun! Mine went crazy over the Go Jetters too, Harry would have loved it but it’s an excuse to go back in the summer. xx
How lovely – looks great, our children would love it. Did you queue much? We were disappointed with LEGOLAND Windsor as we drove 4 hours and went on 3 rides all day last year – blurrhhh. Thanks for linking to #sharewithme
Not at all! Fifteen minutes at most! Lewis and Gaz were on the big rides one after another, five minutes for most of them! I hate the queueing! xx
Wow this looks like a super fun day out! I love your photography – what camera do you use?
Thank you! It’s a Nikon D90! xx
Oh! How wonderful! My kids can’t stop asking me when are we going to to again? and again. and again?! lol! You are so lucky – the Furchester Hotel show and the Go Jetters were not open yet when you went there before Easter. You have made me wanting to go again! Haha! Thank you for linking up with us on #FabFridayPost xx
Oh you will love them Su, and the kids too of course! The Go Jetters was fab, we must have gone on it ten times at least! xx
This looks like a lot of fun. Those smiles say everything! Thanks for sharing on the #FabFridayPost
It was so much fun, the kids loved it! xx
Oh wow how much fun was that. I haven’t taken mine to Alton Towers yet I didn’t realise they had so much for the little ones.
Ooh it’s FAB!! Under 3s are free too! xx
Popping over for more fun at #FabFridayPost <3
What a great family adventure, sorry to hear about the car, but glad you all made it in one piece. Looks like a fabulous mini break for the whole family.
Thank you, we had such a lovely day in the end! xx
It’s a great day out and definitely worth a visit! xx
The images itself describes that you guys have enjoyed a lot there. Must say, you have lovely kids. CBeebies land is a great amusement park for kids.
We had a great day, it’s a fab day out! xx