Holiday Cottages in Alton Towers

Things to Do Near Alton Towers

Alton Towers Resort is the headline attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year with its world-class rollercoasters and themed lands. But the resort is only the starting point. CBeebies Land gives younger children their own dedicated area, and the Waterpark is excellent for rainy days or for cooling off after hours in the sun. The Enchanted Village lodges and treehouses within the resort grounds add accommodation options, though many families prefer the independence and value of a self-catering cottage nearby.

Uttoxeter Racecourse is a short drive south and hosts the Midlands Grand National. Racedays make for a brilliant family outing, with picnic areas and a relaxed atmosphere that welcomes newcomers. In nearby Rocester, JCB World tells the story of one of Britain’s most recognisable engineering brands through interactive exhibits and enormous machines. Children are fascinated, and adults often find it more engaging than expected.

For walkers and nature lovers, the options multiply quickly. Dimmingsdale is a hidden gem, a steep-sided valley with waterfalls and moss-covered ruins that feels almost enchanted. The Manifold Valley trail follows a disused railway line through spectacular limestone scenery, leading to Thor’s Cave, a vast natural cavern set high in the cliff face. The climb up is steep but manageable for older children, and the views from the cave mouth are extraordinary. The Churnet Valley itself offers gentler walks along the river, and the heritage railway that runs through it adds a nostalgic touch.

Several local farms welcome visitors for alpaca walking, a surprisingly calming activity that children and adults enjoy equally. Glamping sites in the area range from shepherd’s huts to woodland pods, and some cottages come with access to private swimming lakes, ideal for warm summer days. Cycling is popular too, with quiet lanes connecting the villages and more challenging routes heading into the Peak District foothills.

Where to Eat and Drink

The villages around Alton Towers have a better selection of pubs and restaurants than you might expect. Cheadle, the nearest market town, has several cafes and traditional pubs serving hearty meals. The area is known for Staffordshire oatcakes, a savoury pancake filled with cheese, bacon or beans, and you will find them on menus throughout the region. Denstone and Oakamoor both have well-regarded country pubs where families are welcome and Sunday roasts are taken seriously.

For something more refined, the Churnet Valley has a handful of restaurants that make the most of local produce, including game from the surrounding estates and cheese from Staffordshire dairies. Alton village itself, sitting just below the towers, has a welcoming pub and a cafe that caters to the steady stream of visitors. Ipstones, higher up on the moorland edge, offers a quieter dining experience with views across open countryside.

Towns and Villages to Explore

The villages surrounding Alton Towers each have their own character. Alton itself is a small settlement nestled in the valley, with a pub and a handful of cottages. Oakamoor, once an industrial village on the River Churnet, has reinvented itself as a peaceful walking base with attractive stone buildings. Croxden is home to the atmospheric ruins of a medieval abbey, free to visit and well worth an hour of quiet exploration.

Denstone and Rocester sit on the flatter ground to the south, both with village shops, pubs and a strong sense of community. Cheadle is the largest settlement nearby, a traditional market town with independent shops, a striking Catholic church designed by Augustus Pugin, and all the practical amenities you might need during a holiday. Ipstones, perched on higher ground to the north, offers a taste of moorland life and access to walks with long views towards the Peak District.

Getting Here and Getting Around

Alton Towers sits in the Staffordshire moorlands, roughly equidistant from Stoke-on-Trent, Derby and Uttoxeter. The A50 and A52 provide the main road connections, and the area is within two hours of most Midlands cities. From Manchester, allow around 90 minutes. From Birmingham, the drive takes approximately an hour. From London, expect around three hours via the M1 and A50.

The nearest train station is Uttoxeter, with services connecting to Derby and Crewe. From Uttoxeter, the X41 bus runs to Alton Towers, though a car or taxi is the most flexible way to reach the cottages and the resort. A car is essential for making the most of the area, as public transport is limited in the rural lanes between villages. Supermarkets in Cheadle and Uttoxeter cover grocery needs, and farm shops in the surrounding villages sell excellent local produce.