UK theme parks offer a thrilling day out for families, friends and couples alike, with many schools also arranging trips during the summer months.
These entertainment hotspots attract not only locals but also tourists and expats, such as Canadian man Matt Giffen who recently relocated to London. Matt recently experienced his first visit to Alton Towers, timed perfectly with the return of its famous annual Scarefest for Halloween.
This event features night-time rides, attractions suitable for all ages, and spooky mazes. Accompanied by his girlfriend, Summer, Matt took to TikTok to document his experience at the Stoke-on-Trent theme park.
He exclaimed: “We’re at Alton Towers for the first time. Guys, this is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life. Look at how mental this looks.”
The camera then panned to reveal the Halloween-themed setting, adorned with numerous pumpkins and colourful flags. The couple began their day with Edge of the Forest, a new scare maze introduced at the theme park this year.
Initially, Matt was under the impression that it was “not going to be scary at all”, but he soon found himself screaming and vowing: “I’m never doing anything like that ever again.” The TikToker then shared one aspect of Alton Towers that particularly impressed him, stating: “This is why I love the UK so much.
“In your theme park there’s just a massive difference, why not?” Matt was referring to Alton Towers, the historic estate once owned by the Earl of Shrewsbury in the 19th century, which now houses the theme park.
Alton Towers first opened its grounds to the public in 1860 and by 1890, it attracted crowds of 300,000 who came to watch acrobats, lion tamers, elephants, bands and fireworks. The site officially became known as a theme park in 1980 with the introduction of the Corkscrew rollercoaster.
As they continued their exploration, Matt paused to observe visitors on a water ride that he likened to the Pirates of the Caribbean film series. The couple then indulged in some nachos before braving the Wicker Man rollercoaster.
The TikToker added: “Apparently there’s an aquarium here so we’re going to go check that out. We don’t really like big rides. “So funny, we’ve literally come to Alton Towers, went on the Wicker Man and now we’re going to the aquarium.” After seeing a starfish and other aquatic creatures, the couple treated themselves to some of the famous warm, soft sugar doughnuts, with Matt tasting them for the first time and declaring the sweet treat “phenomenal.”
WARNING: The video below contains explicit language. Viewer discretion is advised.
Concluding the TikTok video, he said: “That concludes my first ever time out here in Alton Towers. A lot of food was eaten. Not a lot of rides were rode.”
The clip has attracted thousands of views and likes along with hundreds of comments. A number of viewers expressed astonishment that Matt avoided most attractions and were amused by his description of Alton Towers as a castle.
One user pointed out: “The ‘castle’ literally is Alton Towers.” Another remarked: “As a local this made me laugh – it’s a gothic manor house, not a castle and haunted FYI.”
A third viewer exclaimed: “You didn’t go on the rides!?! At Alton Towers!!!!!!???”
