Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Emma Gill

I tried Alton Towers' new ride The Curse at Alton Manor and it left my stomach churning

If there's one place you're guaranteed a fun trip over the school holidays it's Alton Towers.

We may have arrived a few weeks after its grand unveiling, but it was the perfect chance to try out the park's new ride, The Curse at Alton Manor.

The ride itself replaces Duel, which closed in September, but follows the same track inside the spooky building.

Like with the Wicker Man, there's a back story to the ride and you get to hear it as you make your way through the doors and to the ride itself.

READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community

The building used to be home to the Duel ride (Manchester Family/MEN)

It charts the story of Emily Alton - the troubled daughter of a pair of Victorian high society figures who prefer partying to parenting, until one night when they disappeared into thin air. The only person remaining was Emily, and some say she still 'haunts Alton Manor to this day, looking for the one thing denied to her – play'.

With 3D projections and cutting-edge audio technology bringing each scenario to chilling life, the ride blows your typical haunted house ride right out of the water.

I can't say I've ever felt truly nauseous on a ride that isn't a roller coaster, but the 'turning' tunnel had my stomach in knots.

'The Demon Doll Workshop' scene from inside the ride (PA)

The children with me, aged from 10 to 14, weren't particularly scared, but they still jumped a few times and were certainly kept entertained.

A few years back and I think it would have been a different story, so I think the 90cm minimum height rule is justified.

It's not a fast ride but with so much happening - and with such elaborate special effects never seen in a UK theme park - it's easy to miss bits, so you have to keep your eyes peeled.

Then again, there's no harm in going on for a second time - or is there?

The ride charts the story of Emily Alton (Alton Towers)

To be one of the first to try the ride, you can book your visit at altontowers.com. The Curse at Alton Manor, along with the other big rides, can get very busy, especially during holiday times, so it's worth considering a fast-track ticket to avoid queues if you don't fancy waiting - you can find prices here.

Read today's top stories here

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.