Alton Towers Scarefest 2026: Complete Parking Guide for Every Scare Night
Your complete guide to parking at Alton Towers for Scarefest, running until 1 November.
Alton Towers Scarefest 2026: Parking Guide for Scare Nights
Scarefest is back at Alton Towers on selected dates until 1 November 2026, and the event nights bring big crowds.
Book your space before you set off, so you can spend your time on the frights instead of hunting for a spot.
Book Alton Towers Scarefest Parking
Book your parking at Alton Towers before you leave home, so a space is waiting when you arrive on a busy scare night.
Pick the price point that suits your visit and compare options in the JustPark app before you commit.
Extend your session in the app if you are staying for the later event nights.
Lock in your space in advance so you know where you are parking before you arrive.
Look for accessible spaces using the accessibility filters in the JustPark app.
Scarefest 2026 Dates
Scarefest runs on selected dates across four blocks:
26–27 September
2–4 October
9–11 October
16 October to 1 November
On event nights the park stays open later, with closing times listed as 9pm. Outside event nights, the usual closing time is earlier, so check the official Alton Towers website for the date you plan to visit.
What to Expect at Scarefest 2026
Scarefest is split into two sides, so there is something for every visitor. Frightful Nights is built for scare-seekers, with the scare mazes and scare zones. Spooky Days is aimed at families, with all-ages trick-or-treat walkthroughs, live shows by the Alton Ancestors, and the CBeebies Land Monster Ball.
The scare mazes (paid add-ons, recommended for ages 12 and over):
Final Exhibit is the new headline maze for 2026. Guests enter what looks like an exhibition of newly discovered Alton Towers artefacts, then are drawn into the hidden archive of The Curator. The threat is The Archivists, a hypnotised workforce that chases guests through dimly lit corridors. Expect strobe lights and pitch-black sections, and reviewers say it suits braver older visitors.
Edge of the Forest is in its second year. Lost souls warn visitors about the Leshwall, a sinister spirit that infiltrates the minds of those who cross its path, and guests are stalked by tree-like creatures.
COMPOUND takes guests into the depths of a secretive scientific facility. This year it has a new pre-show.
Altonville Mine Tours: Tiny's Revenge returns to the abandoned Altonville Mines, where Tiny, a former resident, still haunts the dark tunnels.
Family attractions (ages 6 and over):
Trick O' Treat Town has interactive doors, which one parent reviewer said were a hit with young children.
Amigos in the Afterlife is a family walkthrough recommended for ages 6 and over.
Reviewers say the family attractions are enough to keep young children busy, while the thrill mazes suit older children.
The scare zones (included with park entry):
Dark Hollow is an outdoor scare zone extending the world of the Dark Forest, introduced in 2025.
Burial Grounds introduces the Unchosen, a cult of outcasts rejected by the Wicker Man.
Rides in the dark: Nemesis Reborn, Wicker Man and The Smiler run after dark on event nights, included with park entry. Expect queues for the coasters after dark, especially early in the event.
Dine with the Dead: A new Halloween dinner show, booked separately and recommended for ages 14 and over. It seats guests inside the story as the Vile family hosts a twisted dinner party.
Entry rules: There is no minimum age to visit during Scarefest, and children under 16 must visit with an adult.
Final Exhibit: Behind the Scenes: A lights-on guided tour showing how the maze was built.
Ticket costs: Scare mazes are paid add-ons on top of park admission, and sources quote different prices, so check the official Alton Towers site when you book. Combined thrill-maze passes are also available, with a passholder rate.
Getting to Alton Towers for Scarefest
Driving from the motorway:
M1 northbound: leave at Junction 23a.
M1 southbound: leave at Junction 28.
M6 northbound: leave at Junction 15.
M6 southbound: leave at Junction 16.
Once you leave the motorway, allow around 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. Follow the brown Alton Towers signs.
Use postcode ST10 4DB in your satnav. Avoid routes through Stoke and Cheadle, which can send you along narrow single-track roads.
Travelling by train and bus:
Uttoxeter is the closest station, about 10 miles away, roughly a 20-minute drive or a 30-minute bus journey.
Stoke-on-Trent is about 15 miles away. The 32X bus runs Monday to Saturday from Stoke station to the resort.
Derby is around 25 miles away, with a taxi or car service taking roughly 50 minutes to an hour.
The X41 bus runs daily from Stafford and Uttoxeter to the resort.
Alton Towers Scarefest FAQs
What dates is Alton Towers Scarefest 2026?
Scarefest runs on selected dates from 26 September to 1 November 2026. The event is split into blocks, so check the dates above before you book.
What age limit applies to Alton Towers Scarefest scare mazes?
Thrill scare mazes are for ages 12 and over, and family scare mazes are for ages 6 and over. Age guidance for the new Final Exhibit maze may be confirmed closer to the event, so check the official website before booking.
Is Alton Towers Scarefest open until 9pm?
Event nights run until 9pm. Outside event nights, closing times are earlier, so confirm the time for your date.
Do I need to book parking separately from my Scarefest ticket?
Yes. Your park ticket and your parking booking are separate, so book your space on JustPark ahead of your visit.
Live Near Alton Towers? Rent Out Your Space
Do You Live Near Alton Towers? Earn Extra Income by Renting Out Your Driveway
If you live close to the resort, your driveway could earn you money on busy event nights. Rent out your driveway with JustPark and set your own availability. You can also adjust your rates for event nights using scheduled pricing so you earn more when demand is highest.
Keep Your Scarefest Night Simple
Book your Alton Towers Scarefest parking before you set off, so you can arrive relaxed and ready for the frights. Secure your space early, especially for weekend event nights.
Book your parking at Alton Towers now
