The theme park has shut down one of its attractions for good (Picture: SWNS)

A popular attraction at Alton Towers has been closed down 21 years after it opened.

The theme park has confirmed it will not reopen its spa, located at Alton Towers Resort in Staffordshire after it shut its doors for good on December 31.

A resort spokesperson described the decision to close as ‘difficult’ but said it was ‘essential for the future growth and development of the resort’.

The facility featured a pool, whirlpool, jacuzzi, Edwardian sauna, outdoor log sauna, steam room and multi-sensory showers and offered massages and beauty treatments.

The resort said there were a ‘limited number’ of guest bookings for 2024 and all guests would be contacted and offered a refund or alternative options.

Up to ten members of staff are affected by the closure, with managers looking to re-assign as many people as possible within the resort.

The building originally opened as the themed Pirate’s Lagoon in 1996, before being transformed into a spa in 2003 when Alton Tower’s waterpark opened.

The swimming pool (Picture: Facebook)

The resort spokesperson said: ‘After careful consideration, we have taken the difficult decision to close the spa located on-site.

‘Our top priority has been supporting our employees at the Spa during this time, including with advice on career opportunities available across the resort.

‘We are also in the process of contacting guests with bookings in 2024 to discuss alternative options.

‘We sincerely appreciate the loyalty and support of our valued guests and dedicated colleagues throughout the years.’

The spa opened in 2003(Picture: Martin Elliott)

The spa has lots of glowing reviews on Trip Advisor. One reviewer, who posted in November, said: ‘It was a fantastic day really lovely and clean and the facilities were brilliant.

‘I would also like to mention how professional Sarah and Lucy were who did mine and me partners massage. They were really amazing and we will definitely back thanks to how great the staff.’

Another person wrote in August: ‘We had an amazing day for my daughters hen party, booked last minute after her original trip was cancelled.

There were two saunas (Picture: Facebook)

‘Emily and Martha on reception, and Janet in the restaurant went above and beyond to make an amazing day for everyone. Thankyou so much to everyone.’

Alton Towers permanently closed its three Retro Squad rides at the end of last year’s season.

The fairground-style rides, called Funk ‘n’ Fly, Spinjam and Twistatron, will not be there when the park opens again this spring.

But fans of the theme park will be pleased to learn one of its most popular ride’s, Nemesis, is set to reopen after being closed for around a year for refurbishment and improvements.

The spa has lots of glowing reviews on Trip Advisor (Picture: Facebook)

Meanwhile, it recently emerged Bedfordshire could have a new theme park.

Universal Studios has written to residents near Bedford about its ‘potential’ plans to build a park and resort there.

With locations across the US, in Japan, China, and Singapore, the conglomerate is now considering adding a European destination to its portfolio.

A 480-acre parcel of land in the area was purchased by the Hollywood giant in August for $271 million, but it will take several months before a decision is made.

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The theme park said it was a ‘difficult decision’.