Best route to Alton Towers?

[Foulthrow]

I’m off to Alton Towers soon, not been for a few years, and was hoping for some advice on the best route to take.

Last time we went I seem to recall the satnav sent us some weird way that took us ages. We ignored it on the way home and got back pretty easily.

Going from Accy.

TIA.

UTC.

[FactualFrank]

Once you're past Manchester, I'm not sure there's more than one route.

[Foulthrow]

I’m sure I took a different route on the way back. Was about five years ago though.

[ClaretTony]

If you end up going down the M6 it will take you off at the A500 junction north of Keele services but I think you are better coming off at the A500 south of the services, the one that goes past Stoke's ground.

[evensteadiereddie]

Either of the two exits mentioned above will do - AT is about twenty miles along the A500 dual carriageway.
You'll see JCB's World HQ too. Yay !

[Tricky Trevor]

RAC routefinder says nothing in it.
M6=90 miles, CT is correct for coming off.
M60 Eastbound then Wilmslow--Macc--Alton=70miles

[Quickenthetempo]

Going through Macclesfield is the more scenic route but M6 is far more simple if you have no Sat nav.

[levraiclaret]

I would go down the M6 to Junction 16 left onto the A500 through Stoke, left again onto the A50 towards Derby (past the Britannia Stadium on your right).
Follow the A50, you take the third exit on the roundabout at Blythe Bridge but you are still on the A50 heading towards Derby.
When you reach Uttoxeter there is the second roundabout (on the A50), take the first exit onto the B5030 (I think) towards Rocester then follow the signs for Alton Towers.

[karatekid]

Up and over, round the twisties , keep the big wheels spinning and you will waltzer it. Or you could always catch the ghost train.

[Dazzler]

Myself,I would go down m60 (east) then take the scenic route down the A6 & A53.

[cricketfieldclarets]

If you come off the M65 at the M61 turn off, then head for Blackpool you will get to the pleasure beach. Much cheaper. And far better

[Stayingup]

If you end up going down the M6 it will take you off at the A500 junction north of Keele services but I think you are better coming off at the A500 south of the services, the one that goes past Stoke's ground.

Thats correct. Dont come off at tge A500
Next one a few miles further down the M6.

[claretblue]

couple of different routes you can take to Alton Towers - one not better than the other!

- its swings and roundabouts!

[theroyaldyche]

I’m off to Alton Towers soon, not been for a few years, and was hoping for some advice on the best route to take.

Last time we went I seem to recall the satnav sent us some weird way that took us ages. We ignored it on the way home and got back pretty easily.

Going from Accy.

TIA.

UTC.

Down the m6 to stoke then the off roads to alton towers past the bug JCB facrory

[Falcon]

I tend to go to Alton Towers at least once per year and I travel whichever way Google Maps tells me is quicker on the day.

It can backfire - I remember being stuck in traffic for an hour unexpectedly somewhere near Stockport once, and another time getting diverted down some single track country lanes where I met a tractor coming the other way and had to reverse for what felt like half a mile to let it past, but usually big brother sees me right.

I think I've probably been by all of the routes mentioned above. All much of a muchness so just keep an eye on the traffic news.

[IanMcL]

Enjoy your day.

[Dougall]

My sister took my daughter yesterday, and her satnav took her down via Buxton (because of delays on the M6).
She said it wasn't much different from using the M6, timewise, and it's a prettier journey.
She came back via the motorways though.

[ClaretTony]

I've now removed all the unnecessary comments from one poster from this thread and taken the appropriate action. I've also removed the equally unnecessary responses.

[Bosscat]

I've now removed all the unnecessary comments from one poster from this thread and taken the appropriate action. I've also removed the equally unnecessary responses.

Good on you CT this thread had been a bit of a "Rollercoaster ride"

[Foulthrow]

Thanks for all the help and suggestions. I know that there are internet based options available for finding routes but a bit of actual experience often beats satnav I've found.

Also, thanks to CT. I don't let one negative comment bother me. I think the fact that almost everyone else has taken the time to help me out demonstrates that, 99% of the time, this board is a great place to be.

[ŽižkovClaret]

When you get near, follow the signs, your satnav might lead you to a tractor ha

[Quickenthetempo]

Once you get there the all you can eat pizza and pasta restaurant for 15 quid are bang on.

Far better than the overpriced burger and chicken places.

[jedi_master]

In terms of routes when you’re physically in Alton Towers, I always say the same thing - don’t follow the herd to X-Sector (Oblivion/Smiler). Make the long walk up to the back of the park in Forbidden Valley (Nemesis/Galactica) and work your way around the place backwards.

You can usually get about three rides in each on Nemesis and Galactica whilst most are stood in an hour long queue for The Smiler or Wicker Man (far better to do those in the afternoon).

[Falcon]

In terms of routes when you’re physically in Alton Towers, I always say the same thing - don’t follow the herd to X-Sector (Oblivion/Smiler). Make the long walk up to the back of the park in Forbidden Valley (Nemesis/Galactica) and work your way around the place backwards.

You can usually get about three rides in each on Nemesis and Galactica whilst most are stood in an hour long queue for The Smiler or Wicker Man (far better to do those in the afternoon).

I went last year just after Wicker Man opened and X-Sector early doors was great. Got on Smiler in about 10 mins. Everyone was over by Wicker Man.

I would simply suggest keeping an eye on the live ride times page on their website on your mobile phone and plan accordingly.

[Quickenthetempo]

Just download the app to your phone for all queue times. There nothing like they used to be mind.

[jedi_master]

Has anyone tried the Alton Dungeon yet? We are going for first time this year on the 15th and were planning on doing it but noted you have to pay extra (think it's a fiver).

[lesxdp]

Whichever route you take from the M6 be carefull with your speed. There are cameras on the A500 and the A50

[theroyaldyche]

I’m off to Alton Towers soon, not been for a few years, and was hoping for some advice on the best route to take.

Last time we went I seem to recall the satnav sent us some weird way that took us ages. We ignored it on the way home and got back pretty easily.

Going from Accy.

TIA.

UTC.

Have you set off yet pal