| Comment | Thorpe Park vs Alton Towers
Both have good coasters, Smiler and Nemesis at Alton Towers are world-class. Thorpe has more outright thrills, but less nuance/theming.
Thorpe is more compact, so easier to get from ride to ride but less scenic overall.
Alton Towers isn't allowed to build above the treeline. This has led to some imaginative designs (like Nemesis and Oblivion being dug into the ground) but also means some rides aren't as spectacular. Thorpe also has rides like a drop tower and giant swing that wouldn't get planning permission at Alton Towers.
Even though Thorpe is much further from Glasgow, the difference in travel time isn't huge. It might make sense to tie a trip to Thorpe in with a break in London. Getting to the park from the centre of the city isn't hard, a train from Waterloo to Staines and then a shuttle bus round. The shuttle busses back are always mobbed at the end of the day, so either splash out for a taxi or walk back round to the station. |
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