Alton Towers Compound Behind The Scenes Tour
The Compound VIP Behind-the-Scenes Tour, brand-new for 2025, is an absolute treat for fans of immersive attractions and scare mazes. At £60 per person, it not only includes a detailed tour but also a one-time run through the maze later in the day – making it a great way to experience and see all of Compound.
Before we even stepped foot inside, our outstanding guides – Stacey and Rain, who deserve a special shout-out for their knowledge and enthusiasm – gave us an introduction to the backstory and creative development of the maze. They explained how Compound was originally intended to be called NEST (Nemesis Extraction and Symbiosis Testing) before evolving into the current acronym: (Compound) Conversion of Organic Myosinic Pathogens and Observation of Unclassified Nemesis DNA.
The tour began with a look at early concept art, displayed on the walls. While photography of these pieces was strictly forbidden to preserve the mystery, it was fascinating to see the creative concepts that shaped the final attraction.
A particularly memorable part of the experience was the quirky “Guess the Smell” game. Pods containing scent samples from various rooms of the maze were passed around, and we had to identify which room each belonged to. It was a fun and immersive way of connecting with the sensory design of the attraction.
From there, we were treated to a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes facts and Easter eggs, including:
The Nemesis Younglins are the official name for the maze’s creatures.
A cleverly designed rat run allows actors to travel from one end of the maze to the other in just 30 seconds.
The maze contains 12 rooms in total, with an impressive 36 possible routes.
The two largest spaces are Cage and Tanks.
Several props have been recycled from other attractions: pipes from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (still marked from their original use), cages from The Invitation, and lockers from Project 42.
There are also brilliant little touches that reward a keen eye. A filing box marked “Project Ocean” can be spotted inside, while a whiteboard bears the name of legendary designer John Wardley. One of the props even incorporates the signatures of the 2024 actors and hosts – a subtle nod to those who brought the maze to life.
Another surprise is that part of the maze includes a second storey, accessible by ladder. A Phalanx operative is stationed above, though hidden from guests due to show lighting. The Bridge Room, officially named Unstable Life Forms, was where the attraction teased Toxicator back in 2024 – a neat connection to the wider lore.
The level of detail is outstanding. Everyday products within the maze have had their branding carefully blacked out, while operational elements – such as sliding doors that actors must move with both hands while checking their surroundings.
The only minor downside was the photography policy. Photos were only permitted in the preshow / cages area, where guests are placed into containment pods, and not inside the maze itself. While this makes sense to preserve the surprise for future visitors, it would have been lovely to capture more of the theming.
Overall, the Compound VIP Behind-the-Scenes Tour is a fantastic new addition for 2025. At £60 per person, with the bonus of a maze run-through later in the day, it offers excellent value for anyone who wants to go beyond the standard guest experience. With Stacey and Rain guiding us, the tour felt engaging, informative, and full of surprises – a must-do for any true scare maze enthusiast.
