Thrill seekers and theme park fans are in for a treat as family fun takes centre stage in Staffordshire, in 2020, thanks to a host of adventurous anniversaries – with a special ‘passport’ offering the added bonus of a value-for-money, one-price ticket to ride.
While Autumn 2019 was the 25th anniversary of the opening of the SnowDome in Tamworth, and 30 years of splashing-good-fun at Waterwold in Stoke-on-Trent, 2020 will mark 40 years since the opening of Alton Towers Resort as a theme park and the70th birthday of Drayton Manor Park.
What links these four world class attractions, of course, is that they are all located in Staffordshire – one of the most family friendly destinations in the whole of Britain.
Surprising Staffordshire is also home to the Thrill Hopper – a discount ticket introduced 21 years ago that covers entry to top theme parks Alton Towers Resort and Drayton Manor Park, as well as the water rides, slides and bubble pools at Waterworld, and snowplay, ice skating and sledging at the SnowDome.
Offering a money-saving roller coaster ride to thrilling adventures, the Thrill Hopper, which currently costs £65 for a single pass or £185 for a family, comes of age in 2020.
For further details, visit www.thrillhopper.com.
Family friendly staycations in Staffordshire linked to the Thrill Hopper attractions, can be booked separately at nearby accommodation. The Moat House Hotel in Stoke-on-Trent, for example – which is currently a Best Western Plus – has been bought by the Hilton chain and will undergo a £6.5m renovation, before re-launching in 2020 as DoubleTree by Hilton Stoke-on-Trent next year. It stands adjacent to Waterworld and has family rooms that sleep up to 5 people and on-site leisure facilities. Prices from around £80 for a family room.
Drayton Manor Hotel, meanwhile, has 120 bedrooms including Thomas & friends themed rooms. Prices from around £158 for a family room. There is also a Caravan & Camping club site at Drayton Manor Park, which includes Ready Camp Glamping safari tents in addition to 90 pitches for touring caravans and tents.
And Alton Towers Resort has a wide range of on-site accommodation from the new Star-gazing pods to the award-winning CBeebies Land Hotel. There are three themed hotels, woodland lodges, camping pods and luxurious treehouses to choose from, as well as on-site restaurants. Prices from around £153 for a Pod and £239 for a family room.
All other tourist information about the county, can be found by visitinghttps://www.enjoystaffordshire.com.