Take a (safe) trip into TERROR

WE TEST-RIDE THIS YEAR’S ALTON TOWERS SCAREFEST

SAFE scares were the order of the day as the first visitors to the annual Alton Towers Scarefest took a trip into the dark side... with social distancing clearly on everyone’s mind.

The good news is that every effort and more has been made to make sure the event is safe for everyone to enjoy.

You can also rest assured that the event is no less spookier than visitors have come to expect.

Here’s what you can expect when you visit as we review and rate the attractions.

Freak Show: Toxic Junkyard

(new for 2020) 15+ EVERYONE loves being chased around by sinister clowns, don’t they?

Well, if it’s your version of fun, the good news is the Freak Show is back at Alton Towers.

The travelling terror troupe are back at the resort with a big show that isn’t to be missed.

Regular Scarefest visitors will welcome the return of the carnival of screams, incidentally that was the name of the original clown maze way back in 2010.

If you look carefully, you will see the old entrance to the maze abandoned within the junkyard.

A decade later and with a revamp here and there, it’s good to see it back.

Being an outdoor maze, it feels very well-spaced out.

The urban junkyard theming is superb and it has little nods to the history of the scare maze that came before it.

It’s a popular attraction and one that guarantees plenty of fun and frights.

The ending has everyone running for the exit in terror.

Scare rating: 5/5

Garden Lights Walk: Whispering Souls

(new for 2020)

RATHER unexpectedly, this was my Scarefest 2020 highlight.

No terror here, just the beautiful historic gardens lit up for a walk that all the family can enjoy.

It’s actually stunning, the fountains and conservatory given a wonderful new lease of life.

It’s relaxing and serene, and there is atmospheric classical music piped around the walk.

I hadn’t expected the experience, but it was a fantastic way to end the day and a lovely reminder that this unique setting of the theme park offers more than just the thrill of the rides.

Please make time for it, it’s lovely.

The Attic

15+

SET in the attic of the ancient Alton ruins, last year’s brand new maze returns for a second season.

A different kind of scare attraction than visitors are used to, it plays with the senses and offers a more psychological experience of the dark side.

With an eerie setting and some great acting and special effects, this attic is not where you want to be in the dead of night.

It is based on the old Governess of the Towers who is haunted by the death of her young children. She wants revenge and the maze tells the story and brings that vengeance to life.

The eaves of the Towers are packed with characters awaiting you round every corner.

The planners have had to be Covid-19 compliant and cautious when organising this year’s mazes and it has worked well, offering more spaces and constant cleaning between guests.

I loved this last year, and it’s just as good this time around. Creepy life-size dolls in a loft will always work.

■Score: 4/5

Darkest Depths

(family maze) 10+

THE new nautical family fright maze was another one of last year’s new mazes which saw families heading out to sea on board ‘The Mutiny’.

It’s a rip-roaring adventure for all ages as you rub shoulders with mutinous ghost pirates and come face to face with the legendary sea creature - the Kraken!

I was a huge fan of this last season and it returns this year in a different part of the park.

Again, just great fun and it’s nice to get everyone involved in the spooky fun and this certainly does that.

This is like a child friendly version of the bigger mazes the park has to offer and is a lot of fun for younger guests who are feeling brave.

Be warned though, me hearties, it’s quite jumpy in places! Don’t think you won’t leap out of your skin, it’s a great storyline and really hooks you in as you go from the top of the deck to the bottom of the sea bed.

It actually got the biggest jump of the day from me.

Scare rating: 3/5

15+

IF you are anywhere near brave enough to head down into the mines, there are some lovely rednecks down there ready to greet you. They are known as the ‘skin snatchers’ and well, you can guess the rest.

It’s not for the faint-hearted down here.

I had wondered how this maze would survive in the new world we live in, but it’s very safe in everything apart from that it’s full of people who want to turn your skin into a nice mask..

I love the atmosphere of this maze, it has a wonderfully sinister vibe, and the creepiest of soundtracks with ‘The Most Beautiful Girl; by Charlie Rich, on an eerie, warped, manic loop.

Now in its fourth year, this might be the last we see of the skin snatchers. I have a sneaky feeling we could see a new maze instead next year. If it was the last year, it certainly went out with a bang.

A lot of effort has gone into keeping the quality of the maze really high.

It’s probably the right time for a new maze in its place, but this is great fun and it has a bit of a cult following. Who knows if that mine will get filled in?

Scare rating 4/5

Alton Towers Dungeon

10+

THE recently introduced Alton Towers Dungeon is perfect for Halloween and I would recommend it.

It’s funny, has brilliant actors and special effects and it is genuinely something just a bit different to the usual offering.

With live stages and a ghoulish boat ride, you’d be daft to miss this, so get yourself down to Plague Street.

Scare rating: 2/5

■Scarefest 2020 opens on Friday October 16 and runs until November 1.

■* All you need to know about planning a visit and the new safety measures in place - https://www. altontowers.com/ plan-your-visit/ before-you-visit/ know-beforeyou-go/