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Review: Alton Towers Stargazing Pods, NEW for 2019

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Alton Towers has never been known to miss a trick when it comes to offering imaginative accommodation options. First came their colourful CBeebies Land Hotel, followed by Splash Landings Waterpark Hotel and then their luxurious Woodland lodges. And now the resort is appealing to families like mine who love camping with their new Stargazing Pods.

The camp is made up of 102 cute, hobbit-like pods, which are positioned around the ‘green’ – a great place for my kids Annie and Ed to let off steam after our long car journey from London. It was early evening when we arrived and we kicked back and enjoyed a drink, while listening to the entertainment laid on in the ‘village’ tee-pee. It was a quick detour on our way back to our pod to try out the telescopes. We made the most of the lack of light pollution and observed the stars in the night sky over Staffordshire.

Stargazing pods at night

Stargazing pods at night

Ed gazes into the stars

Ed gazes into the stars

The pods are tiny but comfortable enough for the night and are well equipped with a double and two single beds, heating, wifi and personal charging points. Perfect for families on a budget, they are the cheapest way to stay close to the action of the park, and are definitely the best choice for families who like the outdoors and don’t mind sharing communal facilities. If you are after an all mod cons experience then you might be better with staying at one of the luxury lodges on site.

After a night in your pod, if your kids are anything like mine, they will chomping at the bit to get into the park and onto the rides. We were in luck as, along with a takeaway breakfast, pod guests receive early bird entry. This means we had half an hour in the park before the hoards arrive, enough time for us to try out the new Wickerman ride and our old-favourite Galactica.

Ed and Annie outside the campsite

Ed and Annie outside the campsite

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The lowdown

Opening times:
The Pods are open throughout peak summer and school holiday periods (Easter, May half term, all of June, July and August plus October Half Term). Pods can also be booked for weekend stays in May, Sept and Oct.

Price:
Alton Towers Resort’s Stargazing Pods start at £88 per night off-peak and £123 in peak season.

What’s included:
The price includes all bedding and bed linen. A basket of towels can also be rented on check-in, or you can bring your own. Overnight guests will enjoy access to restaurants and entertainment across the resort including Roller Coaster Restaurant but excluding the Windmill Restaurant and entertainment in CBeebies Land Hotel which is exclusive to CBeebies Land Hotel guests. Short break guests also enjoy free parking throughout their stay, and a free round of ‘Extraordinary Golf’.

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