Alton Towers has permanently closed its World of David Walliams area with immediate effect, shutting a section of the resort featuring rides inspired by the author's children's books.
The area featured 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." It added that as the resort is 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 said: "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, and that 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.
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 has sold more than 60 million copies of his books globally, among them The Boy In The Dress, Fing and Gangsta Granny, which was turned into a one-hour BBC special in 2013.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- Visitors planning trips to Alton Towers can no longer count on the World of David Walliams area, and the resort is directing guests to its website and app for current opening information.
- The closure removes a section of the park branded around a single author's books, five years after it opened.
- Attention now turns to what Merlin Entertainments does with the site; it says plans will be announced once confirmed.
Background
Alton Towers is a theme park in England operated by Merlin Entertainments. The World of David Walliams opened there in 2021, with rides and outlets drawing on his children's books. Walliams is a British comedian and author whose titles include Gangsta Granny and The Boy In The Dress, and who has sold more than 60 million books worldwide, according to STV News. His publisher HarperCollins dropped him in December 2025 following an investigation into allegations he had "harassed" young women, which he strongly denies.
Key Perspectives
Merlin Entertainments spokesperson: says the decision was taken as the 2026 peak season came to an end and following the company's regular review of rides and attractions across the resort.
Walliams' spokesperson: said in December that the author had never been informed of any allegations raised against him by HarperCollins, was not party to any investigation, strongly denies behaving inappropriately and is taking legal advice.
What to Watch
- Merlin Entertainments' announcement on the future use of the area, which it says will come once plans are confirmed.
- Whether the company offers any reason for the closure beyond its review of rides and the end of the peak season.
- Opening information for the resort's next main season as published on its website and app.
Checked
12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 12 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedAlton Towers has permanently closed the World of David Walliams attraction.STV News: “Theme park Alton Towers has permanently closed its World Of David Walliams attraction with immediate effect.”
- SupportedThe closure took effect immediately.STV News: “Theme park Alton Towers has permanently closed its World Of David Walliams attraction with immediate effect.”
- SupportedMerlin Entertainments said the closure decision followed its regular review as the 2026 peak season came to an end.STV News: “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.””
- SupportedThe area featured three rides and Raj's Shop and The Burger Kitchen.STV News: “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.”
- SupportedThe theme park's website said the attraction would be permanently closed from Tuesday, November 3, 2026.STV News: “A statement on the theme park’s website said: “The World Of David Walliams will be permanently closed from Tuesday, November 3, 2026.”
- SupportedA Merlin spokesperson said the resort had decided to permanently close the attraction after its regular review of rides and attractions.STV News: “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.””
- SupportedIt is understood the decision took into account operational and guest experience considerations.STV News: “It is understood the decision was made taking into account a range of operational and guest experience decisions.”
- SupportedThe attraction opened at the theme park in 2021.STV News: “The attraction opened at the theme park in 2021.”
- SupportedHarperCollins dropped Walliams in December 2025 following an investigation into allegations he had “harassed” young women.STV News: “Walliams’ book publisher HarperCollins dropped him in December 2025, following an investigation into allegations he had “harassed” young women.”
- SupportedWalliams's spokesperson said he had not been informed of allegations by HarperCollins, had not been party to an investigation or given a chance to answer questions, denied behaving inappropriately and was taking legal advice.STV News: ““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.””
- SupportedWalliams has sold more than 60 million copies of his books globally.STV News: “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.”
- SupportedGangsta Granny was turned into a one-hour BBC special in 2013.STV News: “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.”