Alton Towers Waterpark, commonly referred to by its hotel zone name Splash Landings, ranks among the UK’s most visited indoor waterpark destinations. Situated within the Alton Towers Resort in Staffordshire, it provides year-round swimming, slides, and splash areas for families visiting the theme park or booking a short break. For a consolidated overview of pricing and visitor feedback, consult the Alton Towers Waterpark (Splash Landings) Research Summary before planning your trip.
Although the official name is Alton Towers Waterpark, the term “Splash Landings” specifically refers to the dedicated toddler and preschooler zone featuring gentler slides, splash pads, and character meet-and-greet opportunities. This guide covers ticket prices, opening times, hotel packages, and visitor feedback to help you plan your trip.
The waterpark operates every day of the year thanks to its heated indoor facilities, with outdoor sections opening during warmer months. Pre-booking tickets online is necessary to secure entry and the lowest rates.
What Are the Alton Towers Splash Landings Tickets and Prices?
Standard advance tickets from £18 per person. Merlin Annual Pass holders pay from £14.40. Advance booking saves 20–28% compared to gate prices.
Typically 10:00–16:00 daily. Summer hours extend until 19:00. Open year-round. Check the official calendar before visiting.
On-site themed hotel with direct indoor access to the waterpark. Overnight packages from £42 per person including entry and breakfast.
4–4.5/5 across TripAdvisor and Viator. Families praise the clean facilities, toddler-friendly zones, and year-round appeal.
- Waterpark tickets are sold separately from theme park entry and must be booked online in advance.
- Advance online booking saves between 20% and 28% compared to on-the-day gate prices.
- Splash Landings is a dedicated toddler-friendly zone within the larger Alton Towers Waterpark.
- Merlin Annual Pass holders receive an additional 20% discount on standard advance prices.
- Hotel guests staying at the Splash Landings Hotel enjoy direct indoor access and package deals that include breakfast and parking.
- Additional discounts include 1/3 off with National Rail tickets, Tesco Clubcard voucher exchanges, and 20% off for key workers on short breaks.
- Children under 1 metre in height enter free when carried; no free ticket is issued for older children.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Alton Towers Waterpark (incorporates Splash Landings zone) |
| Location | Alton, Staffordshire, England |
| Opened | 2003 |
| Type | Indoor and outdoor waterpark |
| Number of Slides | 16+ (including Roaring Rapids, Master Blaster) |
| Standard Advance Ticket | £18 per person (online exclusive) |
| Gate Price | £25 per person |
| Merlin Pass Holder Price | £14.40 per person |
| Parent & Toddler Pass | £29 (theme park bundle; waterpark add-on similar pricing) |
| Opening Hours | 10:00–16:00 (summer until 19:00) |
| Year-Round Operation | Yes – indoor areas are heated |
What Are the Alton Towers Splash Landings Opening Times?
Standard Daily Schedule
The waterpark opens daily at 10:00 AM and typically closes at 4:00 PM, based on current 2026 schedules. These hours vary by season and day of the week. During peak periods such as school holidays and summer, closing time extends to 7:00 PM.
Seasonal and Holiday Variations
Alton Towers publishes a full opening calendar on its official website. Off-peak days in autumn and winter may feature shorter hours. Special events, private bookings, and maintenance days can also affect availability. Visitors are advised to confirm the schedule for their intended date before purchasing tickets.
Weather and Indoor Operation
Because the waterpark is primarily heated and indoor, it operates throughout the year regardless of outside weather. Outdoor areas, including the lazy river and some slides, may close temporarily during cold or wet conditions. The indoor sections remain open as usual.
Opening hours shift between peak and off-peak seasons. Summer days can run from 10:00 to 19:00, while winter visits may end as early as 15:00. Always check the official Alton Towers calendar for your specific date. Pre-booking is essential because capacity is limited and sellouts occur on busy days.
What Is Alton Towers Splash Landings Waterpark?
Indoor and Outdoor Zones
Splash Landings forms the dedicated family zone within Alton Towers Waterpark. The indoor area is fully heated and features a wave pool, lazy river, and multiple slides including the Master Blaster and Roaring Rapids. The outdoor section, open during warmer months, adds additional lounging space and splash areas.
Toddler and Preschooler Facilities
The Splash Landings zone is specifically designed for younger children. It includes gentle slides, shallow splash pools, and a dedicated area where characters such as Bluey and CBeebies friends occasionally appear. RadioTimes describes it as “perfect for little ones.” The Parent & Toddler Pass offers a cost-effective way for families with children under five to visit.
Slide and Attraction Highlights
The waterpark offers more than 16 slides in total. Notable rides include the Master Blaster, an uphill water coaster that uses water jets to propel riders upward, and Roaring Rapids, a fast-paced inflatable raft ride. The wave pool generates gentle swells suitable for all ages, and the lazy river provides a calmer floating experience.
What Is the Alton Towers Splash Landings Hotel?
Direct Access and Themed Accommodation
The Splash Landings Hotel is a themed property located immediately adjacent to the waterpark. Guests can walk directly from the hotel lobby into the waterpark without going outside. Rooms are decorated with tropical and underwater motifs aimed at families. Packages typically include breakfast, parking, and waterpark entry. For a detailed breakdown of value and inclusions, refer to the Alton Towers Waterpark (Splash Landings) Research Summary.
Package Prices and Value
Overnight stays with waterpark entry start from £42 per person, according to MadeForMums and RadioTimes. A one-night package for a family of four can work out significantly cheaper than buying separate day tickets and paying for parking. Key workers receive a 20% discount on short breaks. Gold Pass holders unlock further savings on food, drinks, and accommodation.
Booking Tips for Hotel Guests
Hotel packages must be booked in advance through the Alton Towers resort website. Cancellation and date-change policies vary by rate type. Guests who book directly through the resort often receive priority access to waterpark entry slots during peak periods.
An Alton Towers Annual Pass costs £64, compared to a single-day theme park gate ticket at £68. Passholders unlock waterpark discounts plus 300+ days of theme park access on non-peak dates. The Merlin Annual Pass extends these benefits across 30+ UK attractions. Both passes can reduce the overall cost of a family stay.
Visitor reviews consistently note that extras such as locker rentals, food, and drinks add to the overall cost. Lockers are available on a first-come, first-served basis for a fee. Outside food and drink are not permitted inside the waterpark, except for baby food and items required for medical or dietary needs.
What Do Reviews Say About Alton Towers Splash Landings?
Positive Feedback
TripAdvisor and Viator show overall ratings of 4 to 4.5 out of 5. Families frequently mention the cleanliness of the facilities, the warmth of the indoor pools, and the variety of slides. The Splash Landings toddler zone receives specific praise for its gentle waves and character meet-and-greets. Visitors on Viator highlight the convenience of combining a waterpark visit with the adjacent CBeebies Land theme park area.
Criticisms and Common Complaints
Queues and crowding are the most frequent negative comments. Peak days can result in long wait times for popular slides and limited availability of poolside loungers. Some visitors also note that the price of on-site food and locker rentals feels high compared to the overall ticket cost. A small number of reviewers on TripAdvisor and Viator reported difficulty obtaining refunds when the theme park closed due to extreme weather, such as the January 2025 snow event.
2025 and 2026 Trends
The 2025 season saw the opening of the Toxicator roller coaster in the theme park’s Forbidden Valley area, which boosted overall resort attendance. Waterpark visitor numbers remained steady. Advance booking guidance remains the most consistent recommendation across all review platforms.
History of Splash Landings
- – Splash Landings Hotel and Waterpark opened as part of the Alton Towers Resort. The complex was built adjacent to the existing theme park to offer a year-round indoor attraction.
- – Refurbishment work added outdoor pool areas, expanded the lazy river, and upgraded changing facilities. Exact dates of individual improvements have not been published by the resort.
- – Ongoing operation with updated safety measures and seasonal promotional offers. The waterpark continues to operate daily with the Splash Landings toddler zone remaining a key draw for families.
What We Know vs. What Can Change
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Splash Landings Waterpark is owned and operated by Alton Towers Resort, part of the Merlin Entertainments group. | Exact ticket prices fluctuate by season, demand, and active promotions. The figures above reflect 2026 advance online rates and may change. |
| The waterpark features indoor and outdoor pools, 16+ slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river. | Opening hours change by season and may be affected by weather, maintenance, or special events. Always verify on the official website. |
| Guests at the on-site Splash Landings Hotel receive direct indoor access to the waterpark. | Slide availability may vary; individual rides can close for maintenance without advance notice. |
| Tickets can be purchased online and often include promotional pricing such as 2-for-1 offers and Merlin Pass discounts. | User reviews reflect individual experiences and may not represent typical conditions on all days. |
Analysis: Splash Landings in the UK Waterpark Landscape
Splash Landings is one of the few indoor-outdoor waterparks in the UK that is directly attached to a major theme park resort. This integration gives it a distinct advantage over standalone destinations such as Waterworld in Stoke-on-Trent or Sandcastle in Blackpool, because visitors can combine a waterpark day with theme park rides and on-site accommodation. The convenience of the Splash Landings Hotel and direct indoor access strengthens its appeal as a family staycation choice.
Compared to newer waterparks, some areas of Splash Landings may feel less modern. The core facilities date from 2003, and while refurbishments have taken place, the overall design reflects that era. However, ongoing updates and the sheer range of slides keep the attraction competitive. The 2-for-1 ticket promotions and Merlin Pass discounts provide meaningful value for repeat visitors and annual pass holders.
A notable gap in online information is the lack of detailed, published data about specific slide height and age restrictions. Competitors often list these details prominently, making it easier for families to plan ahead. Alton Towers provides general accessibility guidance but does not offer a comprehensive slide-by-slide restriction chart on its public pages.
What Others Say About Splash Landings
“Discover Alton Towers Waterpark with thrilling slides, rapids and adventurous flumes.”
— Alton Towers Official Site
“Great fun for the whole family, clean, and well-maintained. Kids loved the slides.”
— TripAdvisor (summary of top-rated reviews)
“Queues can be long on busy days, and prices are high for what you get.”
— TripAdvisor (critical review theme)
Staying Updated
Because Splash Landings is an ongoing attraction with seasonal pricing, opening hours, and promotional offers that change regularly, the best source of current information is the official Alton Towers website. Any major refurbishments, new slides, or special events will be announced there. For a consolidated overview of pricing, hotel packages, and visitor feedback, the Alton Towers Waterpark (Splash Landings) Research Summary provides a useful starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the height restrictions for slides at Splash Landings?
Height restrictions vary by slide. Generally, children under 1.2 metres must use designated family and toddler areas. Check the official Alton Towers website for specific ride requirements before visiting.
Can I bring my own food into the waterpark?
Outside food and drink are not permitted in the waterpark, except for baby food and items required for medical or dietary needs. On-site cafes and snack bars are available.
Is there a locker rental service?
Yes, lockers are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis. Fees are not included in the ticket price and should be considered an additional cost.
Is Splash Landings suitable for toddlers?
Yes. The Splash Landings zone is specifically designed for toddlers and preschoolers, with shallow pools, gentle slides, and character meet-and-greet areas.
Does the waterpark offer swimming lessons?
No, Splash Landings is a leisure waterpark and does not offer swimming lessons. It is designed for recreational swimming and slides.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Yes. Advance online booking is required to guarantee entry. On-the-day tickets may be sold out, especially during peak periods and school holidays.
Can I use my Merlin Annual Pass at the waterpark?
Yes, Merlin Annual Pass holders receive a discounted waterpark ticket price of £14.40, which is 20% off the standard advance rate.
Is there a separate fee for parking?
Alton Towers Resort charges for on-site parking. Hotel packages sometimes include parking, but day visitors should expect to pay a separate parking fee.
Are towels provided at the waterpark?
Towels are not provided. Visitors must bring their own towels or purchase them from the on-site shop.
What is the difference between Alton Towers Waterpark and Splash Landings?
Splash Landings is the toddler and preschooler zone within the larger Alton Towers Waterpark. The waterpark also includes thrill slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river.
Freddie Harry Cooper Bennett is a staff writer for DailyPressUK.co.uk, covering UK news, politics, business and culture. He works under Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Whitmore and UK Managing Editor Eleanor Grant, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.