Celebrating Oktoberfest At Alton Towers

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Last update August 2023

Each year I feel Alton Towers gets bigger and better and this year Alton Towers have 6 events to celebrate. They started with Festival of Thrills and then Mardi Gras that took play May/June. Now we are on to the third event and from 9th September Alton Towers will be transformed into the German festival Oktoberfest. The festival will take place till 1st October and you can enjoy all the fun and entertainment of Oktoberfest included in your admission fee. 

What to expect at Alton Towers Oktoberfest

For those not familiar with the festival, Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest, annual festival in Munich, Germany, is held over a two-week period and ending on the first Sunday in October. The festival originated on October 12, 1810, in celebration of the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria, who later became King Louis I, to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.

Alton Towers bring the fun of the festival to the resort offering delicious food, live entertainment and of course, beer.

When you enter Alton Towers you will be greeted with German music, blue and white decorations and the smell of delicious food in the background.

If you head to the front lawn you will see a huge Oktoberfest entrance leading to a variety of food stalls including churros, brownies and marshmallows.

You will see the Wunder Bar to the left of the stage which has a range of German beers on offer. You can choose to purchase a pint at the bar or head to the souvenir stall first and purchase a stein glass. Then you can head back to the Wunder Bar where they will fill up your stein which averages about 2 and a half pints. 

There are plenty of picnic benches on the front lawn where you can sit and enjoy your beer and snacks or you can sit upstairs in the Wunder Bar however seating is very limited to just a few tables. 

The live entertainment stage which has been a permanent fixture over the past few months has a variety of  entertainment including german dancing which was a crowd favourite. 

If you are familiar with the resort you can head to the Bierkellar which is situated in the courtyard in Mutiny Bay. Undercover seating options are available here with live entertainment throughout the day. This year Oktoberfest has extended from the theme park entrance and front lawn to the whole of Mutiny Bay. 

Anything Else?

As well as enjoying the German fun you can also enjoy all your favourite rides. 

Opening times do vary so be sure to check out the opening times schedule. The park closing is anywhere from 4-7pm depending on the day. 

Oktoberfest is included in your ticket price so is no extra cost to you. 

Head to the resort before the 1st October for your chance to join in all the fun. 

To extend your fun you can stay over at one of the many choices of accommodation at Alton Towers. 

If you found this post useful there are a few ways that you could say thanks and support Playdays and Runways

Have you visited Oktoberfest at Alton Towers? Leave us a comment below and let us know about your visit 

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Zog At Warwick Castle

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Disclosure - This post contains affiliate links

Zog has arrived at Warwick Castle this year with lots to enjoy for all the family. Based on the popular children's book Zog by Julia Donaldson the activities are a lovely addition to Warwick Castle and they have definitely made the attraction more appealing to younger guests. 

What To Expect At Warwick Castle, 

Warwick Castle has done a fantastic job of including Zog in their already very popular attraction. The Zog and The Quest For The Golden Star has returned, but new for 2022 is Meet Zog, Zog Live Show and Zog Playland. 

Zog and the Quest For The Golden Star

The Zog and the Quest for the Golden Star trail begins just as you enter the grounds of Warwick Castle. Pick up your free trail map and follow the trail which will guide you to 5 quests which you must complete to earn a stamp. The trail is interactive and will have you learning all the skills Zog has including flying, roaring and breathing fire. At the end of a quest you will have the chance to earn a golden star. 

Zog Live Show

The Zog live show is a must for any Zog fan. You will find the stage show at a secluded woodland. The show features special content developed by Julia Donaldson, and a set design created using Axel Scheffler’s original artwork. You can expect lots of Zog fun including live puppetry, interactive routines and surprise special effects

The show will run until 30th September and will last 25 minutes.

Zog Playland

Definitely our favourite Zog activity. Zog playland combines both sensory and physical play, and has a range of accessible activities. Why not try out the zip wire and try to fly like a dragon. Climb up Princess Pearl’s tower and then slide down Zog's tail. 

You can crawl through adventure tunnels and find lots of interactive activities including sand play. 

There is a chance for parents to rest with seats available and also a kiosk serving hot and cold drinks and snacks.

Meet Zog

An opportunity to meet Zog for a quick cuddle, high five and a photo. 

Anything Else?

The Zog activities at Warwick Castle are included in your admission. There is no charge for any of the activities. 

As well as Zog you can enjoy all the other features of Warwick Castle including Time Tower, Horrible Histories maze, Birds of Prey Show, The War of the Roses jousting show and much more. 

Have you visited Warwick Castle and the Zog activities? 

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Michelle

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What To Expect At Shrek's Adventure, London

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Even though we have been Merlin Pass holders for as long as I can remember and visited all their attractions, Shrek's Adventure is one we just haven't visited. There was no reason as such it just never made it on to our 'to do' list when visiting the capital and after our recent visit I am sad we haven't experienced it before because it is such a fun attraction. 

What To Expect At Shrek's Adventure, Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7PB

It is a brilliantly bonkers, interactive and immersive walkthrough experience, where the whole family can journey through Far Far Away as the stars of the show.

See, hear, touch and smell the adventure by exploring 10 fairytale themed live shows, from a magical 4D flying bus experience, interacting with various famous characters including Princess Fiona and Donkey to collecting the special ingredients that you will need in order to find Shrek and make it home safely.

Once inside there are lots of photo opportunities before you start your adventure to Far, Far, Away but once you start there are no cameras allowed which I loved as I was able to experience it without reaching for my camera every couple of minutes.

We had no idea what to expect but now that we have visited I would say it is very much like The Dungeons experiences were you move through the attraction and come face to face with characters. 

You move through the attraction in a small group of maybe 20-30 people including children. You stay with your group throughout. 

There is some audience participation but only a small amount and I guess you could hide behind other visitors if you don't want to get picked. 

There is lots to see and some surprises along the way. It's a fun attraction for all the family and I don't think you need to be a fan of Shrek either to enjoy it.

Anything Else?

Shrek Adventure, London is a Merlin Entertainments attraction which allows you to access using your pass however there are exclusion dates so always check the passholder website before visiting. 

There are a wide range of tickets available which include standard, anytime and multi attractions. Standard tickets are from £24 if booked online which is recommended to avoid disappointment and also to save money. To book the best ticket package for you I would recommend visiting the website to view what is available. 

Timed slots are every 15 minutes. 

The attraction can take anywhere from 70 to 90 minutes. 

There are opportunities to meet characters and also have photographs taken. There is an option to buy single photographs or to purchase a travel book with all photographs in. This is available just before the exit. 

To exit the attraction you do have to walk through the shop with opportunities to purchase Shrek branded merchandise. 

We really enjoyed Shrek's Adventure and would definitely visit again. You can find out more information by visiting Shrek's Adventure. If you visit before the 4th September 2022 you can also meet Puss in Boots. 

Are you planning a visit to Shrek's Adventure? Leave us a comment below and let us know.  

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Michelle

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Captain Careless Treasure Hunt At Sea Life and Legoland Discovery Centre

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Disclosure - We were invited to Sea Life and Legoland Discovery Centre Manchester. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are our own. 

This Summer Sea Life and Legoland Discovery Centre have teamed up to offer visitors a swashbuckling adventure.  Can you follow the trail led activity to help Captain Careless find his treasure?

What To Expect At Sea Life Centre and Legoland Discovery Centre For Captain Careless's Treasure Hunt

At Sea Life guests will be able to take part in trail-led activities, from navigating their way across the ocean to helping solve Captain Careless’ coin conundrum, whilst hunting for the lost shiny booty which is hidden within the depths of the attractions. 

At the Legoland Discovery Centre, enjoy a brick-tastic day out. Don your sea legs and meet Captain Brickbeard and enrol in the Pirate Training Academy so you can learn what it takes to be one of the crew! Why not create an awesome pirate pet or a pirate flag from millions of pieces of lego?

 

On arrival at Sea Life we were given a map and a pirate trading card to get us started. We explored the centre looking at all the Sea Life creatures whilst trying to solve the Pirate puzzles. 

The puzzles where clearly displayed and the trail was a great addition to our visit. At the end of the trail we were greeted by a pirate who gave us a gold chocolate coin, a Peppa Pig Sticker and a magnifying glass for taking part.

Legoland Discovery Centre in Manchester is just next door to Sea Life and again on arrival we were given a map and another pirate trading card. 

We were free to enjoy all the usual attractions at Legoland Discovery Centre however there were pirate themed activities throughout the session. 

Find a member of staff to play the trading cards game (similar to top trumps) if you win you get to keep the cards and there are 6 to collect. 

Join in with the Pirate Dance party showing off your best pirate moves. 

Meet Brickbeard for the chance to grab a quick photograph with him. 

Anything Else?

Where? SEA LIFE London, Manchester and Birmingham and LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester and Birmingham 

When? Birmingham: 9th July – 4th September, Manchester: 16th July – 4th September, London: 23rd July – 3rd September

 

Pre Booking is essential and a time slot needs to be chosen if booking in advance

I would recommend allowing no than 1hr30 for the Sea Life and Legoland Discovery Centre is limited to a 3 hour slot which is plenty of time. 

You can purchase standard tickets online however if you are visiting both Sea Life and Legoland Discovery Centre you can purchase a multi which can help you save up to 32%

Sea Life has a small children's soft play area half way through and toilets. There are a few seats and vending machines. There is no cafe. 

The Legoland Discovery Centre has a variety of timed activities such as the 4D cinema and the pirate themed activities. Make sure you plan your time so you don't miss out. 

Both centres have chargeable VR experiences.

Legoland Discovery Centre has a cafe inside selling a selection of drinks and snacks. If you are choosing to buy a drink then I would recommend purchasing a free style cup as soon as you arrive. It is £3.50 allowing unlimited refills. 

To find out more information and to book tickets to the Captain Careless Pirate Treasure Hunt, please visit your local site below.

 

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham

SEA LIFE Birmingham

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester

SEA LIFE Manchester

SEA LIFE London

Will you be planning a trip to Sea Life and Legoland Discovery Centre? Leave us a comment below and let us know.  

If you enjoyed this post you can check out more by clicking our  'you may also like' posts below. 

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Michelle

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Our Top 5 Merlin Attractions From Buyagift

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Disclosure - We were gifted a Buyagift experience, however the idea for this post, photos and any opinions are our own. This post contains affiliate links. 

We have been Merlin Pass Holders for as long as I can remember. Being a Merlin Pass Holder allows us to visit Merlin attractions up and down the country and it’s a great way to spend a day, a weekend or even a week. Other than the a few Sealife centres and Shreks Adventure we have visited all the Merlin Attractions and they are by far our favourite day out. Recently I came across a collaboration between Buyagift and Merlin where you can now purchase Merlin experiences through Buyagift.

I love this collaboration because we are really big fans of Buyagift and we’ve used them many  times in the past and it’s nice to know now that we can buy Merlin experiences for our friends and family.

So what attractions can you purchase? Buyagift offer over 20 different experiences that you can choose from and I’ve listed just a few of our favourites. 

So if you follow our blog and socials you will know that Alton Towers is probably our favourite place to go for a day out. As a family of four we all absolutely love rollercoasters and Alton Towers is definitely the place for thrill seekers offering a huge range of thrill rides. If you have little ones it is also suitable as Alton Towers is home to CBeebies land and David Walliams World. Through Buyagift you can now purchase an experience that offers day entry to Alton Towers for two.

Madame Tussaud’s in Blackpool is a fun day out. John and I went just recently and we had a really good time. We went during the week when the children are in school, it was so quiet. We pretty much had the whole place to ourselves. This allowed us to take our time, look at all the different waxworks, and see the Marvel section which was fantastic. 

Whilst in Blackpool you can also now buy the Blackpool Tower Eye entry tickets for two. The Blackpool Tower is an iconic landmark in the North and is a must see for any visitor to the city. The Blackpool Tower Eye is more than just a tower inside you can enjoy the 4D cinema, check out the tower ballroom, circus and mini golf. Travel 380 feet above the ground to the top of the Blackpool Tower and will you be brave enough to walk across the SkyWalk?

From an iconic landmark in the North to an iconic landmark in the South. The London Eye is a 'must see and do' experience if you are in London. We’ve been on it many times and now Buyagift offer an experience where you can purchase London Eye tickets and a river cruise. The river cruise for two allows you a full day out in London with unlimited sightseeing trips on the hop on hop off with 10 stops in 24 hours. Check out the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tate Modern. The experience also includes a ride for two on the London Eye.

It’s been a few years since our last visit to Warwick Castle and we are definitely overdue. The last experience that I would recommend from Buyagift is entry to Warwick castle for two. The castle boosts almost 1000 years of British history, Birds of Prey shows and lots more. The popular Julia Donaldson book Zog now features throughout the castle and grounds with a new Zog Playland, Zog Live show and a Zog quest for a golden star. 

You can check out more Merlin attractions by visiting Buyagift

Have you bought an experience from Buyagift before? How was it? Leave us a comment below and let us know.  Also if you are looking for more posts about Merlin attractions visit our Merlin page. 

You can always keep up to date with us on our socials, give us a like on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or if this post has helped you, you can Buy Us A Virtual Coffee to say thanks.

Michelle

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Halloween Events At Merlin Attractions

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Halloween is almost here and there are so many events happening close to us. However as we are Merlin Pass Holders we usually try and visit as many of the Merlin attractions as possible to experience their spooky events. Here's what in store for 2021

Where?

 Legoland, Windsor

What?

Brick or Treat

When?

14th -31st October

How Much?

Tickets start at £39

What Can We Expect?

Lord Vampyre is throwing the ultimate Halloween party and would like to invite all little monsters and their families to the Legoland Windsor Resort for his favourite time of the year, Halloween! Lord Vampyre promises to make this years Brick or Treat event the most spook-tacular event of the year.

With many fun Halloween activities for you to dig your fangs into, including my very own Haunted House Monster Party Ride and NEW for 2021 Harbour Show, Lord Vampyre’s Creepy Crypt Trail, Monster Rocker’s fang-tastic Pumpkin Trail, costume competitions and so much more – plus all of our rides including the brand new land Legoland Mythica - World of Mythical Creatures, live shows and attractions, it’s a frightfully fun day out for all the family.

Photo credit and for more information visit Legoland Windsor Resort

Where?

Thorpe Park

What?

Fright Nights 

When?

8th - 10th then then 15th -31st October

How Much?

Tickets start at £39

What Can We Expect?

Prepare yourself as Fright Nights at Thorpe Park returns for another year. Fright Nights are not for the faint hearted as you will be scared senseless at the UK’s premier Halloween event. Ride Europe’s most thrilling coasters in the dead of night before taking on live action scare experiences. 

The Fright Nights event is recommended for guests age 13+ and certain Merlin passes are excluded so a ticket would be required and can be purchased at a discounted rate. 

Photo credit and for more information visit Thorpe Park

Where?

Chessington World Of Adventures

What?

Howl 'O' Ween

When?

16th -31st October

How Much?

Tickets start at £34

What Can We Expect?

The mischievous Wild Witches of Adventure Point have conjured up a devilish spell this Howl’o’ween and brought back to life spooktacular characters across the Resort. With lots of tricks and plenty of treats, watch your step as you explore the lands, because you’ll likely encounter all kinds of delightfully ghastly creatures around every corner. Maybe you will bump in to the vile villagers, plunderous pirates, ferocious pharaohs or barbaric bandits. 

Make sure you check out the Legends of The wild witches show, the curse catchers and the forgotten forest. All included in your admission. 

Photo credit and for more information visit Chessington World Of Adventures 

Where?

Alton Towers

What?

Scarefest

When?

8th - 10th October then the 15th -31st October

How Much?

Tickets start at £39

What Can We Expect?

Open until 9pm each day guests can face head-spinning, hair-raising rides and attractions in darkness including Wicker Man and the Alton Towers Dungeon! If that’s not scary enough, 4 multi-award winning, terrifying mazes are set to return. In addition, older families will be able to enjoy the brand-new Trick o’ Treat Town, an interactive walkthrough a special town where every day is Halloween and as well as treats, there are tricks aplenty.

Returning for 2021 is the free attraction ‘Garden Lights Walk: Whispering Souls’, where the gardens come to life in a whole new spooktacular.

Younger families can enjoy live shows including the CBeebies Monster Ball and the Freaky Fun Zone characters and shows.  There really is something for all the family to enjoy.

Scare mazes and Trick O'Treat town are an additional cost.

Photo credit and for more information visit Alton Towers

If you are a Merlin Pass Holder then you can also visit Legoland Discovery Centre in both Manchester and Birmingham and Sealife centre across the country to enjoy their Halloween events. Please check the individuals centres for up to date information. 

If you found this post useful there are a few ways that you could say thanks and support Playdays and Runways

Are you planning to attend a Halloween event at any of the Merlin attractions this year? Leave us a comment below and let us know. 

Like us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Buy Us A Virtual Coffee

Share This Post With Friends Who May Also Find It Useful. 

Michelle

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