A UK theme park has confirmed the permanent closure of The World of David Walliams, bringing an end to a themed area inspired by the best-selling children’s books of the British author after just five years at the Staffordshire theme park.
The closure took effect immediately on Tuesday 3 November 2026, with all three rides in the themed area now permanently closed. The announcement comes amid wider developments surrounding Walliams’ publishing career, although Alton Towers has not suggested that these are connected to its decision.
In an update, Alton Towers said: “UPDATE: The World of David Walliams will be permanently closed from Tuesday 3 November 2026. As we are 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.”
No further explanation has been provided regarding the decision, and the resort has not yet detailed what will happen to the former themed area or whether a replacement attraction or land is planned.
Three attractions close
The headline attraction was officially revealed in January 2020, with Alton Towers describing Gangsta Granny: The Ride as a new 4D experience based on the 2011 children’s novel. Completing The World of David Walliams were two other family attractions: Raj’s Bouncy Bottom Burp, a junior drop tower, and The Royal Carousel. The area also included Raj’s Corner Shop, where visitors could purchase themed merchandise and books from Walliams’ children’s collection.
The main ride’s story follows Ben, who discovers that his apparently ordinary grandmother is secretly an international jewel thief. Together, they embark on an ambitious mission to steal the Crown Jewels.
The Alton Towers attraction placed visitors inside the story, with guests boarding a Royal Carriage for what initially appeared to be a tour of the Crown Jewels. The journey then developed into an adventure alongside Ben and Granny, featuring twists, turns and 360-degree movements.
The ride combined physical movement with 3D projection mapping, animation inspired by illustrator Tony Ross and a range of sensory effects designed to make visitors feel part of the story.
John Burton, Creative Lead at Alton Towers Resort, explained the creative challenge at the time: “David’s stories are full of witty characters, intrigue and exhilaration, so it’s been a fantastic challenge to build all that into a new ride experience. It’s the first time we’ve attempted such a complex combination of a physical ride experience, high-tech special effects and brilliant storytelling to ensure guests feel they are with Granny and Ben on every step of their adventure.”
The development was part of Alton Towers’ wider investment in family attractions during its 40th anniversary year, adding a recognisable literary property to its collection of themed areas.
With the closure of the land, all three rides are now permanently unavailable at Alton Towers.
Immersive storytelling
Alton Towers first announced its partnership with David Walliams on 17 October 2019, revealing plans to transform its existing Cloud Cuckoo Land area into an environment inspired by characters from his books.
The project was developed by the resort’s Merlin Magic Making creative team in collaboration with Walliams and HarperCollins Children’s Books.
At the time, the resort described the development as a major creative project, with construction already underway and nearly 100 specialists from Alton Towers and external theme park technology companies working towards an anticipated Spring 2020 opening.
Walliams, who first became widely known through the BBC comedy series Little Britain alongside Matt Lucas, began publishing children’s books in 2008. His titles include The Boy in the Dress, Mr Stink, Billionaire Boy and Gangsta Granny.
Speaking when the Alton Towers partnership was announced, Walliams said: “It’s a huge thrill for some of my favourite characters to be getting their own attractions at Alton Towers. I can’t wait to experience them for myself, and from all the work that has gone in, I think people are going to love it.”
James Walker, then Marketing Director at Alton Towers Resort, added: “David’s books have really captured the imagination of Britain’s children and their families. So it’s a huge honour to be working with David on this fabulous collaboration.”
Originally scheduled to open in Spring 2020, The World of David Walliams eventually welcomed visitors in 2021, a year later than planned.
Closure follows HarperCollins decision to drop Walliams’ books
The permanent closure comes several weeks after HarperCollins confirmed it would stop publishing David Walliams’ back catalogue of children’s books. The September 2026 decision means remaining physical copies, e-books and audiobooks will gradually be phased out. This followed its December 2025 decision not to publish any new titles by the author.
While the timing of the developments has attracted attention, Alton Towers and Merlin Entertainments have not indicated that the publishing decision played any part in the closure of the theme park land. Instead, Merlin has described the closure as the result of its regular review of rides and attractions as the 2026 peak season comes to an end.
The future of the former themed area remains to be seen, with Alton Towers yet to reveal what will replace The World of David Walliams. The resort is expected to announce its plans for the space at a later date.
