I tried Alton Towers' new ride - I had to consciously decide not to vomit on it

Abi with a sausage
-Credit: (Image: Abigail Hunt)


My excitement was at fever pitch for my overnight trip to Alton Towers and when Friday finally rolled around, I was buzzing with anticipation. The moment I stepped into the hotel, I was immediately taken aback by the stunning decor.

The room, thoughtfully prepared by the fantastic Alton Towers press team, was decked out in a steampunk theme and it certainly didn't disappoint.

The walls were adorned with faux pipes, lending an industrial feel to the place, and even the carpet followed the theme with swirling gears and patterns that seemed as though they'd been plucked straight from a Victorian inventor's workshop.

But what truly stole my heart was the gigantic teddy bear perched on the bed, greeting me like a long-lost pal. There's nothing quite like a welcoming teddy to greet you after a lengthy drive.

The evening was relatively peaceful; I simply grabbed a quick Domino's and decided to conserve my energy for the park the next day. Upon rising the next morning, I headed down for breakfast and the buffet was a brilliant way to kickstart the day, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Everything from sausages and bacon to fresh fruit and pastries was available, and I made sure to fill up, knowing I'd need all the energy I could muster for the day ahead.

After a filling breakfast, I made my way towards the entrance of the theme park, which was fully dressed in Oktoberfest gear. The aroma of German street food wafted through the air as people in lederhosen strolled by.

The atmosphere was spot on, and I couldn't help but snap a few pictures before making my way to the rides. My day kicked off with a relaxed ride on Wicker Man, which is one of my personal favourites.

The wooden track adds a slight shakiness that heightens the excitement, and the fiery theme is simply top-notch.

It's fast-paced, enjoyable, and the visuals completely draw you into the narrative. On the flip side, Smiler is an absolute beast.

With its head-spinning inversions, it's impossible not to feel like you've been flipped inside out. By the time I disembarked, I felt a bit wobbly but still exhilarated.

Oktoberfest offered a broad selection of tempting food choices, and I couldn't resist treating myself to a large, succulent German (vegan) sausage accompanied by some crunchy potatoes and cheesy noodles. The food was exceptional, with flavours that could rival any street market in Germany, although perhaps eating that much just before the rides wasn't my smartest move.

I meandered towards Nemesis Reborn, the one ride I was most eager to experience. I'd previously ridden Nemesis Inferno at Thorpe Park, but this one came highly recommended, and I was keen to see if it lived up to the hype.

Well, the short answer is: it exceeded them. Book your family for an unforgettable autumn break at Alton Towers.

The thrill of the ride is unparalleled - the velocity, the twists, and the sheer force that pins you to your seat as your feet swing freely below. Midway through, I realised my error: I hadn't given my lunch enough time to digest.

As we rocketed through another twist, my stomach churned, and I had to consciously decide not to vomit. It wasn't my proudest moment, but the ride was so thrilling that it hardly mattered.

By the conclusion, I was a cocktail of adrenaline and regret (for not delaying my meal) but I couldn't erase the smile from my face. Nothing else that day could quite match up to Nemesis Reborn.

It far outshines Inferno - it's faster, smoother, and the theming is simply top-notch.

Following that, I adopted a more laid-back approach, snapping some photos, immersing myself in Oktoberfest, and eventually calling it a day. All in all, it was a fantastic trip.

However, next time, I'll postpone the sausages until after the rides. Lesson learned!