Alton Towers closes World of David Walliams attraction after five years
Summarised from 6 outlets · 8 reports · Updated 4 Nov, 11:08 · Archive
Alton Towers has permanently closed the World of David Walliams attraction, which opened in 2021 as a collaboration between the theme park, Walliams and HarperCollins Children's Books. The closure came into effect on 3 November 2026. Merlin Entertainments said the decision followed its regular review of rides and attractions at the end of the main season.
The World of David Walliams featured several rides based on Walliams' children's books. These included Gangsta Granny: The Ride, a 360-degree special effects attraction, as well as Raj's Bouncy Bottom Burp, the Royal Carousel, Flavio's Fabulous Fandango, Raj's Shop and The Burger Kitchen. The attraction required significant investment when it opened, with the Daily Mail reporting the Gangsta Granny ride cost £18 million.
Walliams is best known for starring in the BBC comedy sketch show Little Britain alongside Matt Lucas in the early 2000s. He became an award-winning children's author whose books have sold more than 60 million copies worldwide in 55 languages. HarperCollins published 23 of his children's books, beginning with The Boy in the Dress in 2008. Six of his titles, including Gangsta Granny, Billionaire Boy, Mr Stink and Ratburger, have been adapted into television films.
The permanent closure follows HarperCollins dropping Walliams in December 2025. According to multiple outlets, the publisher made this decision after an internal investigation into allegations that he had behaved inappropriately towards young women. The Independent reported that HarperCollins carried out this inquiry after a junior employee made a complaint in 2023. Walliams has strongly denied all allegations and said at the time he had not been informed about the investigation.
In September 2026, HarperCollins announced it would phase out remaining copies of Walliams' books. The publisher's titles have since disappeared from its website along with his author page. Walliams was also dropped from Waterstone's Children's Book Festival following the allegations, according to Metro.
Merlin Entertainments said the decision to close the attraction was made taking into account a range of operational and guest experience considerations. The park said plans for the future use of the area would be announced once confirmed. Guests were encouraged to check the Alton Towers website and app for the latest information before visiting.
How it is being reported
- David Walliams attraction at Alton Towers shut down permanentlyClosure of attraction comes after HarperCollins announced it would no longer print author’s booksEvening Standard · 4 Nov, 09:54
- World of David Walliams permanently closed at Alton TowersClosure of attraction comes after HarperCollins announced it would no longer print author’s booksThe Independent · 4 Nov, 04:54
- Alton Towers closes World of David Walliams with 'immediate effect' after spending millions on attractionAlton Towers has axed an attraction dedicated to David Walliams' books with immediate effect, just five years after its multimillion-pound launch. Amid Merlin Entertainments' annual review of rides and attractions, the resort's World of David Walliams is set to shut for good in yet another major blow to the Little Britain star. The theme park's creative team worked closely with the children's author, as well as publisher HarperCollins Children's Books for years as part of its development. Now, some of the rides bidding farewell to the Staffordshire park include Gangsta Granny: The Ride, a…GB News · 3 Nov, 12:45
- David Walliams attraction permanently closes at Alton TowersThe area of the resort featured rides inspired by the author’s children’s books.Metro · 3 Nov, 12:01
- World of David Walliams permanently closed at Alton TowersClosure of attraction comes after HarperCollins announced it would no longer print author’s booksThe Independent · 3 Nov, 11:35
- World Of David Walliams attraction permanently closes at Alton TowersThe attraction first opened in 2021.Evening Standard · 3 Nov, 11:34
- Alton Towers closes World of David WalliamsThe closure comes as Alton Towers "regularly assess all elements of our attraction offering".BBC News · 3 Nov, 10:59
- It's the end of Walliams World! Alton Towers axes attraction dedicated to comedian's books just five years after its multimillion-pound launchThe £18 million Gangsta Granny ride was among the star attractions at the theme park - but now the entire world dedicated to the comedian's work is being shut.Daily Mail · 3 Nov, 10:50
In this story: David Walliams · Alton Towers · HarperCollins · Merlin Entertainments · Matt Lucas · Little Britain
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