Rides & Attractions
The Lakes on the front lawns are one of the oldest features of Alton Towers, having been laid out in the 1820s to enhance the setting of the house.
As Alton Towers transitioned to become a leisure park, the lakes naturally became a focal point for the fledgling enterprise, with many rides and attractions added on or around both the lakes, between the house and the Ingestre courtyard. As well as the more or less obligatory rowing boats, this included the park's Miniature Railway and Cable Cars.
When the theme park opened, initially the Lakes were considered their own area, though were closely linked to the neighbouring Ingestre Centre. In 1984 the two areas were combined to become Aqualand, a home to most of the park's water-based attractions.
Motor Boat
1955 - 1971
In the park's early post-war years a 20-seat motor boat plied the waters of the main lake.
For a small fee, guests could climb aboard for a tour around the lake, navigating around the rowing boats. The Motor Boat seems to have been discontinued around 1971
Paddling Pool
1954 - 1992
One of the first attractions added to Alton Towers after the war was a paddling pool.
Originally guests were invited to paddle in the lake itself, but in 1962 the park added a purpose-built paddling pool on the south side of the lake, which offered a refreshing treat on summer days for the next 30 years.
Red Indian Canoes
1981 - 1986
The Red Indian Canoes were the final type of watercraft to be added on the boating lake, arriving in 1981.
It was a rather short-lived attraction and the canoes only operated on the lake for around five years before they were discontinued in 1986.
Rowing Boats
1924 - 1996
One of the earliest rides at Alton Towers, a fleet of rowing boats once graced the main lake.
They were one of the few added attractions that operated before the war, and one of the first to return after. The boats were a familiar sight on the lake until 1996, when they were finally retired.
Sea Lions
1967 - 1990
For almost 25 years one of the star attractions of the park were the Sea Lions that lived in a purpose built pool at the end of Towers Street...
Self Drive Motor Boats
1966 - 1978
In the 60s and 70s a fleet of twelve colourful motorboats were available for hire on the Ingestre Lake.
Each boat could hold between 4 and 5 guests and featured car-like steering.
Splash Cats
1979 - 1996
The Splash Cats were a fleet of around 25 two-seater paddle boats for children that operated on the Ingestre Lake.
At least two type of peddle boats were used over the years and the original blue Flipper Boats were quickly replaced by the familiar yellow boats. After the Swan Boats were added in 1987, the Splash Cats were relocated to a corner of the main lake outside the entrance to Kiddies Kingdom.