Rides and Attractions
In the late 70s, rides began to be added to the slope below the Springfield Cafeteria, replacing what had formerly been one of the coach parks. The area became known as the Springfield Centre, and today we know it as X-Sector.
A short-lived Skate Park was added in 1978, though this was quickly swapped out with an Alpine Bobsleigh Run and later the Pirate Ship and Cine2000.
A large portion of the Springfield Centre was dedicated to Dinosaur Land, which was removed after a few years to be replaced by Blackhole, when the Springfield Centre transitioned into Fantasy World in 1984.
Alpine Bobsleigh
1979 - 1986
One of the first rides in the Springfield Centre, the Alpine Bobsleigh made use of the natural slope, snaking down to a station at the bottom of the area.
The all-weather run boasted dual tracks, allowing friends and family to race their simple plastic bobsleigh, powered entirely by gravity.
Dinosaur Land
1980 - 1983
In a land before time, also known as the early 80s, dinosaurs once roamed the Staffordshire Moorlands. A large enclosure next to the entrance of the Springfield Centre was home to a herd of fibreglass dinosaurs along with a selection of other prehistoric beasts, including dinosaurs, mammoths and sabre-toothed tigers.
Miniature Golf
1974 - 1993
Fancy a leisurely round of golf during your day out? Once upon a time you could putt your way around the world at the bottom of the Springfield Centre.
Pirate Ship
1980 - 2024
The Pirate Ship was the longest operating ride in the park's history and first arrived at Alton Towers in 1980. It was the park's first major thrill ride and, whilst the ride is considered to be rather tame by today's standards, at the time it offered thrills unlike many guests had experienced before.
It late became known as The Blade when it was relocated to Forbidden Valley in 1997.
Vintage Car Ride
1983 - 2005
Your Model T Ford awaits, as young guests were invited to hit the road and experience what it's like to 'drive' a real car on this classic attraction.
The Vintage Car Ride originally opened as part of Springfield Centre, where they operated for 10 years, on the hill just above Black Hole. When Land of Make Believe opened in 1993, the cars moved to the new area, gaining a new storybook theme.