Alton Towers Closes World of David Walliams Attraction
Theme park attraction, opened in 2021, shutters permanently amid author's professional setbacks.
Sarah Connor
The World of David Walliams attraction at Alton Towers is set to close permanently.
The park's annual review of rides and attractions across the resort led to the decision. A Merlin Entertainments spokesperson confirmed the permanent closure of the World of David Walliams, stating it followed their regular review as the 2026 peak season at Alton Towers Resort concluded.
The attraction first opened in May 2021. It featured rides such as Gangsta Granny, Flavio's Fabulous Fandango, and Royal Carousel, alongside a gift shop known as Raj's Shop.
The park's creative team collaborated with David Walliams and HarperCollins Children's Books to develop the area. Visitors reported the attraction appeared to disappear in recent months, often closed for much of the week, with rides looking unloved.
The closure follows HarperCollins dropping David Walliams as a publisher in December 2025. HarperCollins will also phase out existing bookshop stock of his titles.
HarperCollins never informed him of any allegations.
Walliams, who rose to fame in the comedy sketch show Little Britain, has faced allegations of inappropriate behaviour. HarperCollins cited accusations that Walliams behaved inappropriately towards young women.
Former employees said they had received advice to work in pairs when dealing with the author. They also received warnings against visiting his home because of his behaviour. David Walliams strongly denies these allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
A spokesperson for David Walliams stated that HarperCollins never informed him of any allegations. The spokesperson added that Walliams was not party to any investigation or given any opportunity to answer questions, and he is taking legal advice.
In 2023, Britain's Got Talent producer Fremantle apologised and reached an amicable resolution with Walliams regarding remarks made on the show.