Terror of the Towers
The Terror of the Towers begins with a back story of two explorers that broke into the Alton Towers ruins. Their bodies were never found after entering and talk around the town is that they have been taken by something dark and other worldly- though none has been inside to investigate since. To find out what happened to them you and your fellow explorers can enter the towers in search of what or who is responsible for their disappearance.
The experience reminded me much of The Blair Witch Project, with a bit of Paranormal Activity thrown in for good measure at the beginning, as you are shown handheld video footage of the explorer’s records of what they saw. The first room is filled with sheets draped over the walls that blow inwardly so you are constantly on edge thinking that someone is behind them.
All the explorers must hold onto the shoulders of the person in front, so not to get separated. The path through the towers is windy and constantly turns corners going back on itself so you have no idea where you are going. The pathway also narrows so you have to duck down to get through, which makes you think that you will break the link with the others in the unsettling change to your journey.
The points which you think someone will jump out at you are those which act as a diversion so you are thoroughly frightened by the ‘thing’ that appears in the places you are not looking.
The end of the experience uses strobe lighting, so as you walk through the mesh maze, you think that the monster inside is contained, however with another flash it is right in front of you!
You must also walk through a hallway of hooded figures, unbeknown to you which one is actually real.
Overall, the experience exceeded my expectations, as I have just been through The Sanctuary, I thought it might be much of the same. The cleverly placed distractions to allow the actors to frighten you when you least expect it were perfectly timed and although you know it is not real, you still feel like you are in the centre of a scary film.
The experience is open from 1-9pm and, despite being under the illusion that going by day will not have the desired effect; don’t be fooled by the times as you still have to walk around in the dark however light it is!
Tagged in Halloween Alton Towers