This is the story of Alton Towers today and yesterday. We take a privileged journey through images dating back to the 1870's - through film dating back to the 1920's and through the eyes of the present - to those who know and love Alton Towers today.

The Story of Alton Towers, as a place of fun, thrills and magic, began when Charles, the 15th Earl of Shrewsbury, first flung open the gates of his amazing ancestral estate to an awe-struck public - as far back as the 1830's! As his monument in the garden testifies, 'He Made The Desert Smile', and his great vision of a 'wonderland' with magnificent gardens and attractions such as the Chinese Pagoda Fountain and Swiss Cottage saw Alton Towers as a themed park - 120 years before Disneyland! All this set against an incredible Gothic mansion - worked upon by the great Austine Pugin - and one of the most splendid in the world!

Crowds have flocked to this magical place ever since - to the fairs, wakes and fireworks extravaganzas in the 1890's - through to the funfairs of the 1950's - and on to modern times, from the unveiling of The Corkscrew in 1980 through to the present.

We take a special look and ride upon, the remarkable gravity defying rides of today, such as Oblivion, Air, Nemesis and Rita Queen Of Speed, with fascinating insights from those such as Rollercoaster guru, John Wardley.

Re-live the magic and wonderment of nearly two centuries of Alton Towers!