The Smiler travel guide

The Smiler is a record-breaking roller coaster located at Alton Towers Resort in Alton, England. Opened to the public on May 31, 2013, it quickly gained fame for its unique design and unparalleled ride experience. The Smiler was manufactured by Gerstlauer and is renowned for holding the world record for the most inversions on a roller coaster, with a staggering total of 14.

The ride's theme revolves around the concept of 'marmalisation,' a fictional process aimed at altering the rider's mind. The Smiler features an intricate layout comprising a series of loops, corkscrews, and barrel rolls, all designed to disorient and thrill its passengers. Its striking black and yellow color scheme, combined with the twisted steel track, makes it an iconic fixture in the park.

Despite its popularity, The Smiler has faced some challenges, including a notable incident in June 2015, which led to a temporary closure for safety enhancements. Alton Towers implemented rigorous safety measures, and the ride was reopened in March 2016, continuing to attract thrill-seekers from around the world.

The Smiler remains a must-visit attraction for adrenaline junkies and contributes significantly to the allure of Alton Towers Resort.

The Smiler at Alton Towers stands out due to its record-breaking 14 inversions, the most in any roller coaster worldwide. This steel marvel combines a mix of different types of inversions, including corkscrews, loops, and barrel rolls, creating a dizzying and thrilling experience for riders. The ride's structure, with its interwoven track design, adds to the visual spectacle and amplifies the sensation of disorientation.

Another notable feature is the ride's theme, which centers around the concept of 'mind manipulation.' The Smiler incorporates optical illusions, flashing lights, and disorienting sounds to create a multi-sensory experience that goes beyond the physical thrills of the ride itself. The 'Marmaliser,' a giant, spider-like structure at the ride's center, plays a crucial role in this theme, featuring screens, leg-like appendages, and various effects designed to 'marmalise' riders.

The ride also boasts a unique dual loading station, allowing for efficient boarding and disembarking, which helps maintain a high throughput of passengers. This feature ensures that more guests can experience The Smiler with minimal waiting times, making it a standout attraction at Alton Towers.

The Smiler at Alton Towers boasts a world record with its astonishing 14 inversions, more than any other roller coaster globally. This adrenaline-pumping ride features a total track length of 1,170 meters and reaches speeds of up to 85 km/h. One intriguing aspect is the ride's optical illusions; elements like spinning hypnotic wheels and wavy patterns are designed to disorient riders, enhancing the thrill. Unique to The Smiler, its theme revolves around 'mind manipulation,' and the ride’s logo itself is a twisted smiley face, adding to the eerie vibe. The structure includes 5 mind-bending 'Marmaliser' elements, such as The Giggler, which sprays riders with a fine mist. It's not just a ride but a psychological experience.

Visiting the popular The Smiler while in Alton is like stepping into a living postcard.

Set out on an adventure to the village of Alton. Amidst captivating landscapes, you'll find a harmonious mix of past and present, intertwining natural splendors and modern comforts.

In Alton, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a tranquil setting that revitalizes the spirit. Beyond its scenic vistas, the destination offers a handful of contemporary amenities to ensure a comfortable and relaxing visit. As you stroll through its streets and pathways, you'll encounter hidden gems that invite moments of quiet reflection and authentic connection.

Discover treasures that have remained unchanged throughout the years. Attractions such as the wonderful Oblivion, Rita, Spinball Whizzer, Extraordinary Golf, and Dimmingsdale Valley & Furnace Forest Walks- Forestry England await, offering a glimpse into Alton's deep-rooted history and evolving culture.

The best time to explore The Smiler at Alton Towers is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and autumn (September to early November). During these periods, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, allowing for a comfortable experience without the peak summer heat. Additionally, crowd levels are significantly lower compared to the bustling summer months, enabling shorter wait times and a more relaxed visit.

For those looking to avoid the busiest times, it's advisable to visit on weekdays outside of school holidays. This ensures an even more enjoyable experience with fewer queues and more opportunities to ride The Smiler multiple times.

Special events such as the Scarefest in October provide a unique and thrilling atmosphere, with extended park hours and Halloween-themed activities enhancing the overall excitement. However, these events can also attract larger crowds, so planning an early visit during these festivals can be beneficial.

Overall, the best time to explore The Smiler is when the park is less crowded, and the weather is favorable, allowing for a memorable and enjoyable adventure.

Getting to The Smiler is possible with a variety of transportation options, but planning ahead is essential to ensure a smooth journey in Alton, England.

If you're arriving by air , you'll arrive at Manchester Airport, which is approximately 29.8 miles (48 km) from the village center. From there, you can then plan your onward journey with a taxi, shuttle, or private transfer for a direct route to The Smiler.

If you're already in Alton, the journey to The Smiler is an adventure in itself. Located 0.7 miles (1.2 km) from central Alton, you can choose from local buses, taxis, or guided tours to reach it. The Smiler is situated at Alton Towers, Farley Ln, Alton, Farley, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 4BD, UK, and is well worth the trip!

Prepare for an unforgettable journey of discovery in England. With your travel plans set, you're ready to embark on a memorable experience at The Smiler.

As The Smiler is located in an area that can be tricky to navigate without proper planning, these packages handle logistics by organizing transportation, accommodations, and activities.

Delve deeper and discover the top travel plans for exploring The Smiler in England.

When preparing for your visit to The Smiler, it's essential to find the perfect place to stay. Discover your perfect accommodation near The Smiler in this section, with options for all travel types.

Start each day with a breathtaking view, setting the perfect tone for your exploration of The Smiler. With round-the-clock customer support, best price guarantees, and top-rated accommodations, you can rest easy knowing you're in good hands.

Oblivion is located in Alton Towers, Farley Ln, Farley, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 4DB, UK.

Whether you’re visiting for a brief stop or planning to spend more time exploring, this attraction adds something special to your trip. You can visit it at Alton Towers, Farley Ln, Alton, Farley, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 4DB, UK.

Located at Alton, Farley, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 4DB, UK giving you ample opportunities to enjoy the site.

Check out the full list of top attractions in Alton below to discover even more incredible places to visit.