A family affair: Britain’s biggest family escapes to Alton Towers Resort ahead of first school holidays post lockdown

Activities

Attractions

Published on Wednesday, 26 May 2021 15:27

Last Updated on 26 May 2021

Monica Costa

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This week Britain’s biggest family, The Radfords, were invited to Alton Towers Resort to test out the rides and hotel rooms ahead of a post lockdown half term for the theme park.

Escaping their home after months of being cooped up indoors for the ultimate family staycation, Sue and Noel Radford along with 15 of their 22-strong brood packed up 5 suitcases, 2 pushchairs, and loaded a 17-person minibus to visit Alton Towers Resort in their first family outing since lockdown restrictions eased across England on 17^th May.

In newly released pictures and film footage, The Radford family, who live in Morecambe in Lancashire, can be seen putting all areas of the Staffordshire Resort to the test: waiting with bated breath at the famous Oblivion ‘drop’, shrieking as they spin on The Smiler, ordering a whopping 17 hot dogs on Towers Street and playing a large-scale game of hide and seek in the historic Gardens.

Three generations of the same family took on Britain’s greatest escape, making them the biggest ever family to simultaneously ride some of the UK’s most iconic rollercoasters. Mum, Sue, was the designated height checker and head counter for the day, ensuring as many of the Radford clan could enjoy each rollercoaster and ride as possible.

Throughout the visit, 17 members of the Radford family put Britain’s greatest escape to the test – riding rollercoasters, making a splash in the Waterpark, laughing with the Teletubbies in CBeebies Land and taking a stroll in the expansive gardens, all before dining at the Resort’s Rollercoaster Restaurant and then spending the night in the iconic themed rooms of the Alton Towers Hotel.

With members of the family ranging from the age of eight months to 50, everyone in the Radford family also enjoyed Alton Towers Resort’s newest attraction, Gangsta Granny: The Ride, along with other family favourites Runaway Mine Train and Wicker Man, giving all three the Radford stamp of approval. Members of the family that were brave (and tall) enough also enjoyed the thrill of Nemesis and Oblivion.

Commenting on their adventure, Sue and Noel Radford said: “Alton Towers Resort has been the best family escape we could have hoped for, especially after such a challenging year. With a brood as big as ours, it’s often tricky for us to find somewhere we can all go that everyone will enjoy.

“The noise the kids made when we told them we were going to Alton Towers Resort was almost as loud as when they all tried the Runaway Mine Train for the first time! It feels amazing to be out and about as a family after 18 months locked up, and the Resort was definitely a big enough escape for our whole clan! Alton Towers has it all, we’ve had a brilliant time!”

Joining their parents Sue (46) and Noel Radford (50) at Alton Towers Resort were, Millie (19), Katie (18), Elle (15), Aimee (14), Josh (13), Max (12), Tillie (10), Oscar (9), Casper (8), Hallie (5), Phoebe (4), Archie (3), Bonnie (2) and Heidie (1), along with their eight-month-old granddaughter and child to daughter Millie, Ophelia.

The family stayed at the Alton Towers Hotel which offers over 16 unique and themed rooms, from a moon voyage, arctic expedition, pirate cove adventure or an entire Cadbury chocolate suite. Guests can choose to sleep in a bed like a bathtub, a hot air balloon, princess carriage or even one of four brand new Gangsta Granny inspired rooms. Outside of the Alton Towers Hotel, the family were also able to explore the Enchanted Village with fairy-themed woodland lodges and the bright lights of the UK’s only CBeebies Land Hotel on their way to and from the Theme Park.

Best known from starring in the Channel 5 documentary, ’16 Kids and Counting’, the Radford family now have 22 children! Through their YouTube and Instagram channels, the family connects with fans and shares vlog content from their busy household.

At Alton Towers Resort in 2021 visitors can experience Gangsta Granny: The Ride and help Granny and Ben pull off the greatest jewel heist in history! Take a spin through the sewers on a 360° special-effects-laden, wild ride to break into the crown jewels vault. Can you grab the jewels and make an explosive escape? Careful, if the Feds catch you, you’ll be in a right royal mess!  And don’t miss the other delightful new rides and attractions from The World of David Walliams including Flavio’s Fabulous Fandango, The Royal Carousel, Raj’s Shop and Raj’s Bottom Burp!

For more laughs and thrills spin back to the 80’s as you bounce, spin and fly on The Retro Squad, three new totally awesome and wickedly retro pop-up rides. Cowabunga! 

Throughout 2021 as well as launching amazing new attractions, the Resort will be hosting a season of celebrations for the nation to enjoy including the arrival of Mardi Gras, a brand-new carnival inspired takeover, as well as the return of fan favourites Oktoberfest and Scarefest.  

Thanks to so much to do, Alton Towers Resort provides the ultimate staycation option with five uniquely themed hotels and accommodation options for a truly unforgettable escape for friends, families and thrill seekers alike!  

Alton Towers Resort is also home to CBeebies Land and CBeebies Land Hotel. Specially designed to promote learning through play and spark guests’ imaginations, CBeebies Land includes a large range of rides, indoor and outdoor play areas and a full programme of live entertainment featuring Bing and Flop in Bing’s Picnic, The Teletubbies in the Teletubbies Big Band Live Show and Hey Duggee’s Big Day Out Badge. Named Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Winner, CBeebies Land Hotel is the only one of its kind in the UK and offers guests the chance to enter the colourful world of CBeebies. Uniquely designed for young families, the hotel is bursting with music, stories and adventures for little ones to enjoy, including the chance for kids to meet some of their favourite CBeebies friends. Thanks to CBeebies Land and CBeebies Land Hotel, nowhere else can fans of the UK’s most watched children’s channel meet so many of their favourite characters all in one place as some of the CBeebies favourite programmes are brought to life.

Strict health and safety measures are currently in place to help guests have a fun-filled and safe escape to the Resort. A full overview of additional hygiene measures that have been implemented can be found here.

For more information about Alton Towers Resort or to book your fantastical escape, please visit www.altontowers.com