A new Stockport to Alton Towers bus service is starting this weekend

Key services to and from the popular Stoke-on-Trent theme park will be extended this weekend, bus bosses have announced.

Before now, thrill seekers without a car have had to travel to Alton Towers via train to Uttoxeter, the closest train station which sits around ten miles away.

From there, guests can catch a shuttle bus service directly to the park.

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But now, those living in Stockport can travel directly to Alton Towers on one extended bus service.

High Peak Buses will now run its Sunday and Bank Holiday 199 and 199X service through to Hartington, Peak Wildlife Park and Alton Towers Resort – as well as introducing a new early-evening return journey.

The services will now run from Manchester Airport to the theme park, stopping in Stockport, Disley, Chapel-en-le-Frith, and Buxton along the way.

Alton Towers

Nikos Ntalampiras, Operations Manager at Buxton depot, said: “We are very pleased to welcome customers to this brand-new direct bus service between Manchester Airport, Stockport, Buxton, Peak Wildlife Park and Alton Towers Resort which Skyline 199/X99 provides.

“The introduction of the brand new bus service shows we have listened to feedback from our customers and we would encourage as many people as possible to use Skyline 199/X99, to ensure its long-term viability along with helping to free-up the roads through the local countryside to Alton Towers Resort.”

Nature lovers will also benefit from the new route, as those with a valid 199/X99 bus ticket will receive 25% off the cost of an entrance ticket to the Peak Wildlife Park, near Leek.

The new timetable comes into effect from this weekend, Sunday May 30th, and will be in place until August 30th.