On the first Sunday of the October half term, we packed the car, told the kids we were going on a “mini holiday”, and set off for a two-hour drive.

What they didn’t know was that I’d secretly booked a surprise stay at the brand new CBeebies Land Hotel at Alton Towers. I’d made the booking months earlier, around June, and somehow managed to keep it quiet.

We’d never surprised the kids before, so I was really looking forward to seeing Bella and Reuben’s reactions when they realised where we were going.

The arrival surprise (and a few unexpected tears)

We left before 8am and reached Alton Towers a couple of hours later. As we drove towards the car park, Bella spotted the first few CBeebies signs and began to squeal with excitement.

But the moment we actually pulled up to the hotel itself, everything changed — she burst into tears and said she wanted to go home!

I don’t think she really wanted to leave. She was just overwhelmed and didn’t quite know how to process the surprise. Of course, this set Reuben off too. Cue two crying kids and two slightly panicked parents in the car park.

“Oh, brilliant,” I remember thinking. “Last time we surprise you with a £500+ treat!”

Because yes, our stay wasn’t cheap. It cost just under £550 for one night in the Octonauts room, which included a two-day pass to both the waterpark and the main park.

To be fair, it was half-term and Scarefest was running, so prices were bound to be higher. But still — a big splurge for one night away.

Luckily the tears didn't last long as we entered the hotel...

First impressions: childlike wonder everywhere

From the outside, the CBeebies Land Hotel looks magical. Bright, colourful signage and cartoon-style designs make it instantly appealing for children.

The moment we stepped through the doors, the kids’ tears stopped and were replaced by pure amazement. The hotel is totally designed for children — vibrant, interactive, and full of playful details. Even Reuben, who was only two and not entirely sure what CBeebies was, started shouting “CBeebies! CBeebies!” over and over.

It’s not just family-friendly. It’s child-first in every way.

The reception area had steps leading up to the check-in desk so children could see and interact. The staff spoke directly to the kids, making them feel included and welcome straight away. Interactive walls in the entrance kept them entertained while we checked in.

After staying in plenty of “grown-up” hotels that barely accommodate children, it was such a relief to be somewhere that actually celebrates them.

Entertainment from morning to night

The absolute best part of our stay at the CBeebies Land Hotel was the entertainment.

While Alton Towers has a few other hotels nearby, the CBeebies Hotel is exclusive to its own guests. This means it isn’t overcrowded, which makes a huge difference when you’re travelling with young children.

From 7am until 9pm, there’s non-stop live entertainment with all the CBeebies characters.

We loved that we could dip in and out whenever we wanted. If we had an hour spare between the theme park and dinner, there was always something going on — dancing, singing, character shows, crafts, or storytelling.

The staff were brilliant too. Their enthusiasm never dropped, and you could tell they genuinely enjoyed making the children happy. That warmth really added to the whole experience.

We took lots of photos with the CBeebies characters, and no one rushed us. The entertainers encouraged the kids, posed for pictures, and seemed genuinely delighted to see how much fun everyone was having.

Staying in the Octonauts room

We stayed in the Octonauts room, which was a huge hit with the children.

They were probably most excited about having bunk beds and their very own TV. The room itself was colourful, themed perfectly, and full of little details that made it feel special.

Next time, I’d probably book one of the Buggies rooms instead. They’re slightly cheaper, and I think the kids would be just as thrilled.

If your children have a favourite character, though, it’s worth paying a bit extra for that theme — it really makes the stay more memorable. If there had been a Peppa Pig room, for instance, we’d have booked that in a heartbeat!

Exploring CBeebies Land at Alton Towers

I’ve been to Alton Towers several times before for the rollercoasters, but this was my first time exploring the CBeebies Land section.

My personal favourites were the Furchester Hotel live experience and Mr Bloom’s interactive show. Both felt like stepping into an actual episode, and the kids were completely captivated.

The Go Jetters ride was great fun, and Bella especially loved the Buggies ride, while Reuben couldn’t get enough of Postman Pat.

The only downside was the queue times. Some rides had waits of up to 50 minutes, which is far too long for toddlers. A few of the rides also looked a bit tired and could do with a repaint and refresh — especially the Numtums and In the Night Garden attractions.

If we’d only come for the theme park itself, I might have been disappointed. But the hotel entertainment completely made up for it.

There’s definitely room for Alton Towers to expand the CBeebies area with more rides and attractions, which would also help reduce queue times.

Splashing about in the waterpark

We spent a couple of hours in the Alton Towers waterpark, which was great fun but definitely something to revisit when the kids are older.

There’s a good mix of slides, splash zones, and play areas, but the bigger slides were off-limits due to age and height restrictions. The smaller pool was ideal though — Bella and Reuben spent ages filling buckets and tipping water through funnels and over wheels.

The only disappointment was the food. The waterpark café only served fast food, which wasn’t great, especially for families looking for healthier options. Ben wasn’t impressed at all. Next time, we’ll dry off and eat at Flambo’s Jambo upstairs in the hotel instead.

Dinner at The Crooked Spoon and The Secret Garden

During our stay, we dined at both The Crooked Spoon (inside the CBeebies Hotel) and The Secret Garden (at Alton Towers Hotel).

The Crooked Spoon portions were huge! I had the halloumi salad, which came with three massive slabs of halloumi — delicious but far too filling.

The Secret Garden was lovely too, especially for vegetarians. There were plenty of fresh, creative options instead of the usual token veggie dish. Ben wasn’t as keen on the menu, but mainly because he had a craving for pizza that evening!

Both restaurants offered good service, clean spaces, and a relaxing atmosphere after a busy day.

Was it worth the money?

Yes — for us, it was.

The CBeebies Land Hotel truly made our trip special. The all-day entertainment, themed rooms, and family-friendly environment made it one of the most enjoyable short breaks we’ve had with the kids.

As parents, it’s lovely being able to relax in the evening with a drink while the children play, sing, and dance just a few feet away.

Even Bella, who’s usually quite shy in new places, was running to the front and joining in the activities without hesitation — which says it all.

When it came time to leave, both kids cried and begged to stay longer. The irony wasn’t lost on us — they arrived in tears and left in tears, but for completely different reasons!

For a one-night stay, that’s a pretty glowing review.

Final thoughts

If you’re considering a stay at the CBeebies Land Hotel, I’d say go for it — especially if your children are between two and six years old. It’s expensive, yes, but the experience is magical and the memories are priceless.

The hotel is beautifully designed, the staff are outstanding, and the entertainment makes it worth every penny.

We’ll definitely go back when the kids are a bit older to make the most of the waterpark and maybe explore the main Alton Towers park again too.

It’s one of those rare places where kids can be kids, and parents can relax without worrying.