Alton Towers

Theme park in Alton, Staffordshire, England, 24 km/15 mi east of Stoke-on-Trent; it opened in 1979. It was once the home of the earls of Shrewsbury. The gardens of Alton Towers lie above the gorge of the River Churnet, and are decorated with statues, grottoes, ornamental fountains, and temples. The house contains a picture gallery and armoury.

The gardens were landscaped in the early 19th century by Charles, 15th Earl of Shrewsbury. The house – originally called Alveton Lodge – was enlarged in Gothic style in the 1830s by John, the 16th Earl, who renamed it Alton Towers. In 1924 the estate was sold to a private company who opened it to the public.