Alton Towers has announced the permanent closure of The World of David Walliams, a themed area that opened at the Staffordshire resort in 2021. According to BBC News, the park's creative team had worked with author David Walliams and HarperCollins Children's Books over several years to develop the section before its launch.
The theme park stated that the decision followed its annual review of rides and attractions as the 2026 peak season concluded. Merlin, the park's operator, cited guest experience and operational considerations in its assessment of the attraction offering, though it provided no specific reason for the permanent removal.
The World of David Walliams featured several rides based on the author's popular children's books. Gangsta Granny: The Ride, a 360-degree special effects attraction that reportedly cost £18 million to develop, was among the main draws. The area also included Raj's Bouncy Bottom Burp, Royal Carousel, Flavio's Fabulous Fandango, and Raj's Shop.
The site had previously hosted other themed attractions. Before becoming the World of David Walliams, the location was known as Cloud Cuckoo Land and had featured a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory attraction.
Walliams has established himself as one of the United Kingdom's most prolific and commercially successful children's authors. He first gained prominence through the comedy sketch series Little Britain in the early 2000s, which he created and starred in alongside Matt Lucas. His transition to children's literature began when HarperCollins published his debut book, The Boy in the Dress, in 2008.
Since then, Walliams has published more than 40 books that have collectively sold over 60 million copies worldwide across 55 languages. Several of his works, including Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy, have been adapted into television films, extending his reach beyond the page.
The park encouraged guests to consult the Alton Towers Resort website and mobile application for current information about attraction opening times and availability, particularly as the resort operates outside its main season.
What happens next for the site?
Merlin indicated that it would reveal future plans for the area in due course, though no timeline or date has been announced for when those details will be made public. The company's statement suggests the space may be repurposed for a different attraction or experience, continuing the site's history of hosting themed areas based on popular intellectual properties.
Reports from September 2026 had already noted that the area appeared worn and carried speculation about potential removal or significant changes following the end of the season, suggesting the closure may have been under consideration for some time before the official announcement.
