Everything new at Alton Towers for 2026 – Bluey ride and Nemesis (aff)
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
A major new family attraction, the return of Nemesis and extended Twilight openings are among the biggest changes visitors will notice at Alton Towers in 2026.
Alton Towers heads into the 2026 season with a mix of new attractions, returning headline rides and expanded events aimed at both thrill-seekers and families.
For visitors searching for what is actually new at the Staffordshire resort this year, the biggest additions range from a new Bluey-themed coaster through to the relaunch of one of the park’s most famous rollercoasters.
If you are planning a visit this season, you can check current Alton Towers ticket availability and prices before booking.
Bluey arrives at Alton Towers
.jpeg?crop=3:2,smart&trim=&width=640&quality=65)
One of the biggest additions for families is Bluey the Ride: Here Come the Grannies, marking the first time the hugely popular children’s TV characters have had a ride at Alton Towers.
The junior coaster is themed around Bluey and Bingo’s “Grannies” characters Janet and Rita, taking riders through a colourful version of Bluey’s backyard with gentle dips and turns aimed at younger children.
The attraction forms part of the park’s continued push towards younger family audiences and is expected to be one of the most in-demand additions this season. Families can review Alton Towers family ticket options ahead of a visit.
Nemesis Reborn returns
For thrill ride fans, the headline change remains the return of Nemesis Reborn following its extensive rebuild.
The iconic inverted coaster has been reworked with a redesigned track, updated station experience and new visual effects, while keeping the intense layout that made it one of the UK’s best-known rollercoasters.
Its reopening has helped place Alton Towers back at the centre of conversations around major UK thrill rides this season. Visitors planning a rollercoaster-focused trip can check Alton Towers ride availability and booking details before travelling.
Twilight at the Towers expands evening riding Another major feature returning in 2026 is Twilight at the Towers, running from May 22 to May 31.
The event extends park opening hours until 8pm, allowing visitors to experience rides after dark and making it easier to fit more attractions into a single day.
Late riding sessions on major coasters like Nemesis Reborn, The Smiler and Wicker Man are expected to be a major draw during the half-term period. You can view Twilight at the Towers ticket options and availability online.
More focus on short breaks and themed stays
Alton Towers continues to expand its positioning as more than just a day-trip destination, with themed hotels, lodges and Stargazing Pods forming a bigger part of the overall resort experience.
That includes the CBeebies Land Hotel for younger families alongside themed accommodation linked to the wider park experience.
For visitors travelling longer distances, overnight stays can make it easier to split major rides across two days rather than trying to fit everything into one visit. You can compare Alton Towers short break packages and accommodation availability before booking.
Sharkbait Reef and non-ride attractions remain included
Away from the rollercoasters, Sharkbait Reef by SEA LIFE remains included within the standard ticket price.
The indoor attraction includes sharks, rays and interactive displays, giving visitors an alternative during busy periods or poor weather.
Combined with the gardens and family-focused areas of the park, it reflects how Alton Towers increasingly caters for mixed-age groups rather than purely thrill-seekers. Full Alton Towers visitor information and ticket details are available online.
For 2026, the resort’s biggest changes are not focused on a single headline launch but on broadening the overall experience. Between Bluey, Nemesis Reborn and extended evening openings, the park is targeting families, thrill ride fans and short-break visitors all at once.
Spring is the perfect time for a fresh start 🌼✨ and that includes your smile. After months of tea and coffee stains ☕, MySweetSmile offers an easy, affordable way to brighten things up at home 🏡. From whitening powder to targeted strips, you can tackle both surface and deeper stains for under £2 per use 💸. With bundle deals and seasonal discounts available, it’s a simple switch that delivers real results 😁
Love books but struggle to find time to sit down and read? Amazon Audible is currently offering a 30-day free trial that could be the perfect way to work through that ever-growing reading list.
The Audible Standard plan includes one audiobook from a catalogue of more than 900,000 titles, plus unlimited access to a wide selection of podcasts and audio series. Popular titles currently available include Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, London Falling by Patrick Keeffe and Enough by Dawn French.
The free trial lasts for 30 days. After that, the Standard membership renews at £5.99 per month unless cancelled. Audible Premium Plus is also available for listeners who want monthly credits and access to an even larger collection of audiobooks and podcasts.