Alton Towers reveals opening dates and hours for 2011 season

Alton Towers has confirmed its operating dates and opening hours for 2011, with the first day of the full season set to be Saturday, March 26.

Prior to that, the park will open from 10-4pm during the February half term week (which runs from February 19-27). During the spring, the park will open at 10am and close at 5, 5.30 or 6pm, with hours being extended through to 7pm during the school summer holidays (July 23 - September 3). Full details of scheduled opening hours can be found on the Alton Towers website.

The opening hours suggest that the popular Scarefest Halloween events will return to the park during 2011, bringing with them extended opening hours (through to 9pm) between October 15-31. As in previous years, the event is likely to include a range of special Halloween attractions including horror mazes and "overlays" for existing rides.

Towers Times points out that extended opening hours are scheduled from 4-6 November, which suggests that the Ultimate Fireworks Event will return for a second year running. The 2010 event was the first since 2006, with Alton Towers having faced consistent complaints over noise from local residents.

As in previous seasons, a large number of "two-for-one" offers and other discounts are likely to be made available for Alton Towers tickets throughout 2011. Keep watching Theme Park Tourist's Special Offer Watch for details of deals and discounts as they emerge.