We treated the whole family to a magical and thrilling time at Alton Towers

THERE’S The Smiler. There’s also the thriller, the bone-chiller and a big cheesy grinner!

At Alton Towers you really will go through, ahem, a rollercoaster of emotions.

7

7

7

7

But unlike real life these days, it will be all highs without the lows.

A trip to this brilliant theme park near Stoke-On-Trent is the perfect place for the family to escape the everyday stresses and strains and go on the ride of your life.

There genuinely is so much to do for all ages.

As a family, we so rarely find something that keeps our 16-year-old twin boys and seven year-old daughter happy at the same time.

But that simply wasn’t an issue for this magical weekend.

Our two adrenaline junkie teenagers — Joe and Harry — could get thrown, twisted and turned in every conceivable direction they wanted at lightning speeds, thanks to the incredible choice of white-knuckle rollercoasters.

Our younger one, Maya, who is seven, is only at the start of her theme park adventures.

At first she was very timid, apprehensive of even the tamest rides.

By the end of the weekend she was dragging mum and dad on the fastest and wildest ones she could find.

The fact one of her big brothers won her a giant cuddly toy at one of the stalls just added to her sense of wonder.

We opted for fast passes which, while adding to the cost of a visit, dramatically cut down those queue times and vastly increase the time spent doing what you are there for.

Which basically means smiling till your jaw hurts.

There are two main areas that will appeal to all younger ones — CBeebies Land and The World of David Walliams.

Maya has never really watched CBeebies, and has just started reading Gangsta Granny.

But it wouldn’t matter if your wee one had never seen a TV screen or picked up a book, both areas are so much fun for all.

Maya’s favourite ride in CBeebies Land was Octonauts, which is a great first taste of rollercoasters for children.

There is also a Treetops train ride which goes round the whole area — you guessed it, at treetop height.

The exciting Go Jetters ride makes children feel like they are flying.

They can even control their plane and move it up and down thanks to the gearstick-like device in each compartment.

Of course the big decision for any youngster is whether to go there first or to The World of David Walliams.

Another of Maya’s favourites was Gangsta Granny: The Ride.

It’s great fun for wannabe jewel thieves everywhere!

There is also Flavio’s Fabulous Fandango which whirls you around like you’re on Strictly Come Dancing. On Ice. In a car with no brakes.

And, personally, I couldn’t possibly recommend the next ride because it’s so rude.

But if you, or your kids, find fart noises amusing you will explode — hopefully just with laughter — at Raj’s Bouncy Bottom Burp!

Yes, I’m sure it won’t be long until Maya has graduated to some of the rides her older brothers just love.

Some of their favourites were The Smiler, the world’s first 14 (yes FOURTEEN!) loop rollercoaster.

There is also Oblivion close by, which must be the shortest rollercoaster I’ve ever been on — but one of the best as it takes a nerve-shredding vertical drop.

But the one I like the most is Galactica, which for all the speed and twists is such a smooth — I’d even say graceful — ride.

We stayed at one of the three hotels on site — the fantastic Alton Towers Hotel.

The quality of the food is top notch and the staff are extremely friendly and helpful.

And of course the next morning, after a breakfast with a choice that will keep the hungriest — or fussiest — of kids happy, you can be back at the park in no time.

Our room was also a delight.

The giant teddy bear sitting up on the bed on arrival was yet another unexpected thrill for Maya.

And the themed Moon Room had so many lovely touches that really made our trip to Alton Towers an out of this world experience.

7

7

7

We pay for your stories and videos! Do you have a story or video for The Scottish Sun? Email us at [email protected] or call 0141 420 5200