Alton Towers has announced their 2016 opening dates, some teasers about a new ride experience and a 3 year improvement scheme.

Following the previously confirmed return for The Smiler roller coaster, there will be a number of other changes for 2016 at the UK's number 1 theme park.

Alton Towers has announced that its investigation into the incident on The Smiler on 2nd June 2015 has now finished and the world's first 14 looping roller coaster will reopen on 19th March 2016.

The theme park was closed for five days after the crash in which 16 people were injured, four seriously. When The Smiler reopens it will feature new safety systems.

Enjoy a magical day out at Alton Towers this Christmas when the theme park will be open to day visitors for the very first time.

The theme park will be open 10am-5pm on 12th-13th and 18th-23rd December 2015.

Experience the Elves Emporium, a brand new 10 minute experience where you'll meet Santa and his Elves as they prepare for their busiest time of year.

Selected rides and attractions will be open including CBeebies Land, Adventure Land, Cloud Cuckoo Land and Mutiny Bay.

Day visitors will also benefit from free car parking.

Alton Towers is to hold a spectacular fireworks event with what is set to be the biggest and best fireworks display ever at the resort. The extraordinary event celebrates the end of the theme park season over three days, 6th-8th November 2015.

For the first time in recent years, the show will include a new live performance featuring six musicians and an eccentric inventor which will combine illuminated dance, acting and striking special effects. Plus an incredible surprise showpiece brings lights, lasers and sound in a new and memorable way!

With a major revamp of Scarefest at Alton Towers, we couldn't wait to experience the two new scare mazes, two new scare zones and rides in the dark. ThemeParks-UK attended the first night on Saturday 17th October 2015.

SPOILER WARNING: our review does contain spoilers, so if you want your experience to be a complete surprise don't read on...