What is happening to duel at Alton Towers?

Duel: The Haunted House Strikes Back was originally called the Haunted House. It was the largest ghost train in Europe. Alton Towers' website says: “The ride has been closed and the building repossessed due to unnatural displays in the area.



The classic "Duel: The Haunted House Strikes Back" at Alton Towers has been permanently transformed into a new, more immersive dark ride called "The Curse at Alton Manor," which officially opened in March 2023. The previous iteration, which featured laser guns and a competitive shooting element, was closed in September 2022 to undergo a massive creative overhaul. The new attraction moves away from the "zapping" game and returns to the ride's roots as a traditional, high-quality haunted house experience. It focuses on the sinister story of Emily Alton, a young girl forgotten in the attic of the manor whose bitterness has manifested into dark, supernatural forces. The ride utilizes modern special effects, projection mapping, and physical sets to create a much spookier atmosphere than its predecessor. Fans of the original 1992 "Haunted House" designed by John Wardley have praised the new version for its darker tone and detailed storytelling, making it a centerpiece of the Gloomy Wood area of the park for the 2026 season.

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In reality the Curse is of mixed intensity. It is too intense to be appropriately classed as a family ride, but there are only a couple of real scare-jump moments.

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Although 18 states had outlawed dueling by 1859, it was still often practiced in the South and the West. Dueling became less common in the years following the Civil War, with the collective public opinion perhaps soured by the amount of bloodshed during the conflict.

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During your visit some rides may also be closed or temporarily paused for a number of reasons, including lost property retrieval, to support access requirements for guests with additional needs or during adverse weather conditions. We want everyone to experience our awesome rides as comfortably as possible.

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The dark and mysterious TH13TEEN is the world's first vertical freefall drop rollercoaster. TH13TEEN, Alton Towers' Secret Weapon 6, includes moving track parts that turn brave thrill seekers and family visitors into falling objects within the unstable crypt!

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In January 2022, Alton Towers submitted a successful application proposing that the majority of the roller coaster be retracked for maintenance reasons, including replacing 89 of the 117 support columns. Nemesis closed for the refurbishment on the 6 November 2022, and is scheduled to reopen in March 2024.

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There is real emphasis on a backstory with 'the Curse'. It is based around the deceased Emily Alton, a Victorian-era girl who lacked attention from her parents. She was the famous projection of a girl playing in a dolls house that was visible throughout the Haunted House and Duel eras.

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The wonderful things about Alton Towers is it's suitable for all age groups. A child really needs to be 0.9m tall or over to make it truly worthwhile. But if you are taking a very young child with an older sibling, there are still plenty of attractions for them to enjoy.

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