Alton Towers is one of the UK’s most popular theme parks, has a rich themed background story that ties into the park’s history and its attractions. The central theme revolves around the legend of the Towers themselves, a story filled with mystery, curses, and the supernatural.
The story of Alton Towers is rooted in the legend of the “Chained Oak.” According to the tale, the 15th Earl of Shrewsbury was traveling home one night in 1821 when his carriage was stopped by a beggar woman near the Alton estate. She asked for money, and when the Earl cruelly dismissed her, the beggar cursed him, declaring that for every branch that falls from the old oak tree near the estate, a member of his family would die. That night, during a violent storm, a branch from the oak tree broke off, and shortly after, a member of the Earl’s family died. Terrified, the Earl ordered that the tree be chained up to prevent any more branches from falling, hoping to avoid further deaths. The legend of the Chained Oak has become a central element of the park’s identity and inspired the theme of one of its most famous rides, Hex.
Hex: The Legend of the Towers is an indoor dark ride that delves into this very legend. Visitors are taken on a journey through the mysterious Towers, encountering the cursed oak tree and experiencing the eerie effects of the curse firsthand. The ride’s storyline is deeply intertwined with the local folklore, making the experience immersive and adding a layer of narrative depth to the attraction.
Beyond Hex, the entire park incorporates elements of mystery, adventure, and fantasy, all inspired by the legend of Alton Towers and its historic setting. The combination of real history, folklore, and imaginative storytelling helps to create a cohesive and engaging experience for visitors, making Alton Towers not just a theme park but a place where legends influence reality.