Friday 21 October 2011

Alton Towers gardens


Last Monday, Sacristan and I went to Alton Towers to get our annual fix of scared-ness. The day was grey with some showery wetness, but the queues were short and the rides were fun.

At lunch time, we took ourselves and our picnic into the gardens, looking for somewhere a little more restful to sit and eat.

Whilst there, I dodged the raindrops to take a few photos.


The glasshouses give a sense of their original splendour, but are rather neglected now. Considering how much the Tussauds Group must make from this place, it's a shame they can't see fit to pump a little back in to doing up these historic buildings. (The cynic in me says that there would be no profit involved!)



This narrow staircase had an appeal all its own - from the top...


...and the bottom.


Arches and statues are the order of the day, with staircases linking the many levels of terrace in this steep sided valley.


The ornate footbridge crosses the stream at the foot of the bank of turning trees...





...while the pagoda rises from the centre of the small lily filled pool.

Once, people came from miles around just to wander amongst the beauty of these gardens. These days, Alton Towers mainly attracts a different kind of clientèle and the gardens are maintained, rather than cherished - which is a shame!

13 comments:

  1. What a beautiful place. It's too bad that it isn't cherished any longer.

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  2. Do you know I've never been inside the grounds at all. I'd love to see the gardens they look spectacular - it's a shame they aren't maintained as well as they could be by Tussauds - I love the steps from the bottom up:)

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  3. Wonderful photographs, I see the dreaded Alton Towers in a new light now and I might be tempted to pay a visit (if only I can avoid the dreaded rides)

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  4. Beautiful photos. I'd love to stroll about those grounds! I also enjoyed your autumn colors post below this one...

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  5. I should think these applies to a lot of places - they have gone over to where the money is. It must cost a lot to maintain such gardens. I did go to Alton Towers once, many moons ago, so it was nice to come on your little tour with you. Not sure about the rides though.

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  6. Gorgeous pictures/photos/prints. Too bad we have never been there.

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  7. What a beautiful place. Such a shame the gardens and buildings aren't more well-loved.

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  8. Alton Gardens does have so much beauty, even if it is a little beauty. Hopefully the new owners will eventually invest some money into upkeeping it.

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  9. One word, GORGEOUS! I would cherish these gardens!!

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  10. This has been a glorious treat, seeing such splendid beautiful even if it might show signs of neglect upon closer inspection. your wonderful captures certainly did not reveal this aspect at all. It really does have great magic in both design and layout and the Autumn colours are magnificent. I, too, loved the arches, the delightful staircase and I' love to be able to play in those gracious glasshouses! As you say, what a great pity that businessmen only see the value of monetary returns on their investments!

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  11. My apologies for all the typos...I have the setting sun directly behind my screen and am squinting to see. I should have drawn the blind.

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  12. This place is amazing! I especially love that glasshouse. I agree with you that it's truly a shame the group who owns this property don't invest in restoring some of these amazing buildings. I'm also a preservationist at heart and it always saddens me to see really great buildings go to ruin because of the lack of care and attention people give them.

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