A short TikTok video has racked up over a million views this week, and it’s letting people into one of Alton Towers’ best-kept secrets: The Staffordshire-based theme park has a ‘tree top’ rule.
If you’re unsure of what that rule actually means at first glance, then you’re definitely not the only one. Judging by the rising number of views, it doesn’t appear to have been something on the radar of many thrill-seekers until it was brought to our attention thanks to Theme Park Faulk on TikTok.
The short clip posted to the video sharing platform briefly explains the rule specifically applies to the designing and building process of roller coasters.
Some of the theme park’s largest and most popular rides have had to take the rule into account over the years, and it’s one that requires consultation when any new attractions are built.
“Did you know that Alton Towers can’t build any attractions that are taller than the tree height?” the video explains.
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“This is why rides such as Oblivion and Nemesis are built into the ground.”
Explaining why this is the case and what the reasoning is behind the rule, Theme Park Faulk then goes on to say that it’s so “local residents are unable to see track from the roller coasters”.
The rule has been confirmed as true by the designer of some of the park’s most famous roller coasters.
Speaking to Birmingham Live back in 2015 about the build process for Nemesis – which was completed and opened in 1994 – John Wardley explained his vision of what a theme park should be like, and how that led to him revamping and re-theming existing areas within the Alton Towers grounds for “big thrill” rides in an attempt to make it world famous.
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But when phase one of the planning was complete, John encountered a new challenge: “We were instructed to keep everything below the height of the existing tree levels to keep in with the surroundings.
“We quickly realised that we couldn’t go up [and] we needed to be creative due to the planning restrictions, so we built down instead.”
Nemesis was the first roller coaster in the world to suspended riders underneath the track / Credit: Alton Towers
When a huge hole had been dug into the ground, that’s when John designed Nemesis – a rollercoaster that suspended riders underneath the track, rather than riding on top.
It was the first roller coaster in the world to do so, and now many others have followed.
The so-called ‘tree top’ rule is required to be adhered to each time Alton Towers adds a new ride to the attraction, but it isn’t one that’s been widely welcomed by theme park fans over the years.
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A poll on the Attraction Source Forum all the way back in 2008 revealed 39% of voters were unsatisfied with the restrictions and felt the rule would hold the park back from its UK competitors.
35% were on board.
What’s your take on it all?
Featured Image – Alton Towers
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Academy graduate Oscar Bobb is leaving Manchester City on a permanent transfer
Danny Jones
Manchester City youth academy graduate Oscar Bobb is leaving the club after sealing a move to Fulham FC.
Despite plenty of loan interest throughout the January transfer window, the Man City attacker has secured a switch to the in-form West London team on a permanent basis.
Bobb looked increasingly likely to leave in some capacity following the arrival of another winger in the form of instant hit, Antoine Semenyo, but it now looks as though his departure is all but confirmed, bar an imminent official announcement.
As reported by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the agreement has now been reached between the two clubs pending a full medical today (Thursday, 29 January).
According to Romano, Fulham will pay Man City approximately £27 million for Bobb’s services, who becomes the latest addition in what has already been a fairly busy period of recruitment.
He goes on to add that “City also mantain [a] 20% sell-on clause, matching rights and future control on the player based on his decision.”
There is no suggestion of a buy-back clause at this time, but given his age and having already made a fair few appearances for Pep Guardiola‘s first team, it wouldn’t be beyond the realms of possibility to see him return to the club one day.
Bobb also arrives at Craven Cottage following the exit of multiple wingers and offensive options, including Adama Traore, ex-Man United product Andreas Pereira and Arsenal youngster, Reiss Nelson, whose loan deal has expired and has signed another temporary deal at local rivals, Brentford.
Had it not been for that injury I know he would’ve been class for City for a long time, and let’s not forget that goal v Newcastle pic.twitter.com/inGxi5UjPM
The young Norwegian winger joined the Etihad Campus back in 2023 and went on to contribute a handful of goals and assists, despite limited appearances and some very unfortunate injury issues.
Only seven months ago, his soon-to-be former parent club released a short video charting his return from the sidelines after fracturing his leg – a setback which kept him out for roughly five months.
Plenty of fans have quickly placed him in the so-called ‘what if?’ category of players, and given that he’s still just 22 years old and has already impressed on a number of ocassions for such a big club, we wouldn’t be surprised if he goes on to have a very exciting career.
Can you see the Blues bringing in or letting anyone else go before deadline day?
McDonald’s is set to axe 80% of its vegan and vegetarian options in the UK
Emily Sergeant
McDonald’s is set to remove nearly all of its vegan and vegetarian options from the UK menu, according to reports.
We may be in what is known to some as Veganuary, but one of the world’s leading fast food chains has reportedly made the decision to drastically cut back on the selection of plant-based and meat-free options on its UK menu, appearing to align with the trends that show a decline in veganism overall.
McDonald’s is known for offering those who choose not to eat meat a choice of different options – from its Veggie Dippers to the popular McPlant burger.
But from the start of next month, only one options is apparently set to remain on the menu.
In a decision that seems to already be making fans on social media ‘furious’, McDonald’s has revealed that it will stop selling Veggie Dippers, Veggie Dipper Happy Meals, Spicy Veggie Wraps, and Vegetable Deluxe sandwiches.
McDonald’s is set to axe 80% of its vegan and vegetarian options in the UK / Credit: McDonald’s UK
All that remains will be the vegan McPlant Burger – which McDonald’s says still remains popular with steady sales.
According to reports in various outlets like the Daily Mail and Sky News, McDonald’s says it had reviewed feedback and sales data in order to make the decision.
A spokesperson for McDonald’s UK told the Daily Mail: “We’re always listening to our customers to help inform and evolve our menu. After reviewing feedback, alongside the sales data of our Veggie Dippers, it’s clear this product does not match the appeal of McPlant for our vegetarian customers.
“That’s why we’ve made the decision to remove them from the menu, as we focus on developing better vegetarian options that meet our high standards.
The fast food chain has released a statement as to why it is reducing options / Credit: Road Ahead (via Unsplash)
“While McPlant remains a firm fan favourite and will continue to be the go-to choice for our vegetarian and vegan customers, we recognise these changes may be disappointing for some.”
If this statement is anything to go by though, it does appear that the McPlant won’t stay the only vegan option on the menu forever, as the fast food chain has indicated that it is looking at introduction others in the future.
“We are actively learning from other markets to understand which vegetarian and vegan options are proving most popular and exploring exciting new offerings that we know customers will love,” the spokesperson’s statement concluded.
The Veggie Dippers, Veggie Dipper Happy Meals, Spicy Veggie Wraps, and Vegetable Deluxe sandwiches will be removed from the McDonald’s menu in the UK on 3 February.
Emily Sergeant -
16th June 2021 
