how long has alton towers been a theme park
Alton Towers Resort, often shortened to Alton Towers, is a theme park resort located in Staffordshire, England, near the village of Alton. The resort, which is operated by Merlin Entertainments Group, incorporates a water park and hotel complex. The location debuted in 1860 featuring flower shows and garden tours, but was later transformed into a theme park in 1980. Now, it is the largest theme park in the UK and the second most visited after Legoland Windsor.