What is Alton Towers?
{{Infobox amusement park |name = Alton Towers Resort |location = [[Alton, Staffordshire|Alton]] |location2 = Staffordshire |location3 = England |coordinates = {{Coord|52|59|15|N|1|53|27|W|region:GB_type:landmark|display=inline,title}} |season ='''Theme Park'''<br>Main season: mid March–early November<br>Santas Sleepovers: Late November-Early January<br> '''Alton Towers Hotel'''<br>Year-round<br>'''Splash Landings Hotel'''<br>May - October (2017)<br>'''Enchanted Village'''<br>Year-round<br>'''CBeebies Land Hotel'''<br>Year-round<br>'''Alton Towers Waterpark'''<br>Year-round<br>'''Alton Towers Hotel Spa'''<br>Year-round<br>'''Conference Centre'''<br>Year-round<br>'''Enchanted Forest Tree Top Quest'''<br>February–November (2017)<br>'''Extraordinary Golf'''<br>Year-round |homepage = [http://www.altontowers.com/ www.altontowers.com] |owner = [[Merlin Entertainments Group]] |general_manager = Ian Crabbe <br> <small>(Divisional Director)</small> |operator = Alton Towers Resort Operations Ltd. |opening_date = {{start date|1860|04|13|df=yes}} <small>(as country estate)</small><br>{{start date|1980|04|04|df=yes}} <small>(as theme park)</small> | previous_names = Alton Towers<br>Alton Abbey |visitors = {{increase}} 1.980 million (2016) |area = {{convert|910|acre|ha}} (total combined resort area) {{citation needed|date=March 2017}} |rides = 37 |coasters = 10 |water_rides = 2 |Operated by = Merlin Entertainments Group |slogan = Escape to the Alton Towers Resort }} '''Alton Towers''' is a [[theme park]] in [[Staffordshire]], [[England]]. It is near the town [[Alton]]. It has seven large [[roller coasters]] and three smaller roller coasters. Theme: Escapism or escaping normal life ==Roller coasters== *Galactica - riders fly under the track. First flying roller coaster built by Bolliger & Mabillard. *Nemesis - riders sit under the track. *Oblivion - first vertical drop roller coaster [ 87 degrees drop ] *Rita