RESIDENTS of a village right by Alton Towers have revealed the unexpected perks of living so close to the famous theme park.
Those with homes in picturesque Alton have shared how they get to enjoy free tickets to the attraction, as well as a boost in business and property prices.
The peaceful Staffordshire village – which has a population of just 2,500 people – boasts quaint homes and winding lanes, while surrounded by rolling hills and the River Churnet.
It’s a world away from the nearby rollercoaster rides that are sure to get your heart racing at nearby Alton Towers, which opened in 1980 and brings thousands of visitors into the area every year.
Speaking to Derbyshire Live, Chris Rank who lives with his partner Lyndsey and their two-year-old daughter Lucia in the village revealed the locals get to make the most of a surprising benefit.
The 36-year-old – who has lived in the village is whole life – said: “We get free tickets each year to the park, so for our little one it's great and especially with the CBeebies Land they have there now."
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What's more, while there may be an annoying uptick in traffic from time to time, it also means that those in the area don’t have far to travel far themselves to the fun.
Many residents, including Damien Young, 24, insist that they get the best of all worlds.
He explained: “I love living here as we're out in the sticks but also close to the best theme park in the country."
There’s also the fact that the passing tourism brings a welcome boost to local businesses.
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Janette Pickford, general manager of The Bridge House Hotel and Restaurant in the village, added: "The theme park impacts greatly on our business, where we need extra staff in the summer months for all the extra customers.”
Then there’s the fact that property prices have experienced a significant increase in recent years.
Last year, properties in the village were sold for an average of £444,500, according to Rightmove – this was up 31 per cent from 2020.
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The theme park isn't the only attraction in the area – the town was the site of the 1642 Battle of Alton during the English Civil War, with bullet holes still visible in the local St. Lawrence church.
And Jane Austen worked on six of her novels in the nearby village of Chawton, which is now home to the Jane Austen's House Museum.
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