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'I've ridden The Curse at Alton Manor at Alton Towers - and it gives you a different kind of thrill'

Review: Moorlands mum Aimi Redfern was one of the first people to go on Alton Towers' newest ride

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Inside The Curse at Alton Manor(Image: David Parry/PA Wire)

Spring must be on the way because Alton Towers is back open and welcoming its first visitors of 2023. The theme park has unveiled its latest attraction for the new season - The Curse at Alton Manor.

Situated in the Gloomy Wood, the new ride has been created inside the former Haunted House (in which I remember being scared to death, back when it opened in 1992). More recently, it was converted into Duel, where you had the chance to shoot laser guns at the ghouls and zombies inside.

Described as 'haunting and immersive', The Curse at Alton Manor tells the story of Emily Alton, the troubled daughter of a pair of Victorian high society figures who prefer partying to parenting. One night, during a New Year's Eve party, they disappear into thin air leaving Emily alone in the attic.

READ: Two-hour wait for Alton Towers' newest ride as long queues form

The approach to the ride is familiar from its Haunted House days. The queue line snakes through a spooky graveyard, adorned with witty tombstones, and up the steps into the menacing mansion.

As you wander through one of the abandoned rooms, a voice tells the tale of what occurred in the house that fateful night. You then climb into your carriage, which sets off on a frightening journey through the twists and turns of the Altons' abandoned home.

It's still reminiscent of the old Haunted House, but the technology employed by the ride designers is very much 21st century. As you ride through various scary scenes, including the deathly great hall and into the attic where little Emily languishes, there are plenty of unpleasant surprises in store. If you're not a fan of creepy dolls, you're not going to like this!

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The queues to get on The Curse at Alton Manor(Image: Stoke Sentinel)

The ride is said to be suitable for children aged seven upwards, as long as they're brave. It's pretty scary for a seven-year-old - my nine-year-old went round the whole ride covering his ears and described it as 'scary', but also said he enjoyed it!

It's clear how much work has gone into the concept and creation of The Curse at Alton Manor, including many clever references to Alton Towers' history dotted through the rooms. I didn't spot any of them, though - I was trying not to look at anything too closely.

I'm not a big fan of spooky rides! But lots of people love to be scared and I think The Curse at Alton Manor is going to be a popular attraction for Towers' visitors who are looking for a different kind of thrill than they get on the rollercoasters. It's definitely an exciting new addition to the theme park.

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