World Of David Walliams attraction permanently closes at Alton Towers

Gangsta Granny ride at Alton Towersplaceholder image
Gangsta Granny ride at Alton Towers

The attraction first opened in 2021.

Theme park Alton Towers has permanently closed its World Of David Walliams attraction with immediate effect.

The area of the resort featured rides inspired by the author’s children’s books.

These included Gangsta Granny: The Ride, Raj’s Bouncy Bottom Burp and The Royal Carousel – as well as Raj’s Shop and The Burger Kitchen.

A statement on the theme park’s website said: “The World Of David Walliams will be permanently closed from Tuesday November 3 2026.

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“As we are no longer in the main season, guests are encouraged to check the Alton Towers Resort website and app for the latest attraction opening information ahead of their visit.”

A spokesperson for Merlin Entertainments added: “As the 2026 peak season at Alton Towers Resort comes to an end and following our regular review of rides and attractions across the resort, we have taken the decision to permanently close the World Of David Walliams.”

It is understood the decision was made taking into account a range of operational and guest experience decisions.

Plans for the future use of the area will be announced once they have been confirmed.

The attraction opened at the theme park in 2021.

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Walliams’ book publisher HarperCollins dropped him in December 2025, following an investigation into allegations he had “harassed” young women.

Walliams strongly denies allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

A statement from a spokesperson in December said: “David has never been informed of any allegations raised against him by HarperCollins.

“He was not party to any investigation or given any opportunity to answer questions. David strongly denies that he has behaved inappropriately and is taking legal advice.”

The former Britain’s Got Talent judge, known for appearing in comedy shows including Come Fly With Me and Little Britain alongside Matt Lucas, has sold more than 60 million copies of his books globally.

They include The Boy In The Dress, Fing, and Gangsta Granny, the latter of which was turned into a one-hour BBC special in 2013, followed by a sequel starring Sheridan Smith in 2022.

He left Britain’s Got Talent in 2022 after he apologised for making “disrespectful comments” about auditioning contestants during filming breaks in January 2020 at the London Palladium.

In 2023, Britain’s Got Talent producer Fremantle apologised and reached an “amicable resolution” with Walliams after the remarks he made while on the show were leaked.

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