Alton Towers shuts down World of David Walliams after five years

Alton Towers has permanently closed the World of David Walliams attraction, ending a five-year partnership with the author and his former publisher. The theme park announced that the area, which opened in 2021, will close with immediate effect as the 2026 peak season comes to an end, according to the BBC ^[1]. A spokesperson for Merlin Entertainments confirmed the decision followed a regular review of rides and attractions across the resort, the Mirror reported ^[2].

The section featured rides inspired by the author’s best-selling children’s books, including Gangsta Granny: The Ride, a 360° special effects attraction, and Raj’s Bouncy Bottom Burp, the Daily Star noted ^[4]. The park stated that guests should check the Alton Towers Resort website and app for the latest opening information, as the closure coincides with the end of the main season ^[1]. Plans for the future use of the area have not yet been confirmed, Metro reported ^[3].

The closure arrives shortly after HarperCollins dropped Walliams in December 2025 following an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour, according to the Mirror ^[2]. The publisher stated they would not release any new titles from the author after careful consideration, the Independent reported ^[5]. Walliams, 55, has strongly denied the allegations, saying he was never informed of any investigation by HarperCollins and is taking legal advice.

Walliams rose to fame in the early 2000s through the comedy sketch show Little Britain alongside co-star Matt Lucas, the BBC noted ^[1]. He later became one of the UK’s most successful children’s authors, with his books selling more than 60 million copies worldwide, according to the Independent ^[5]. His titles, including The Boy in the Dress and Gangsta Granny, have been adapted into TV films and specials, the Mirror reported ^[2].

The decision to close the attraction considered various factors related to operations and the guest experience, the Mirror said ^[2]. Alton Towers says it regularly assesses all elements of its attraction offering, the BBC reported ^[1]. It is unclear what will replace the Walliams-themed area in the future, Metro added ^[3].