This drone footage shows Alton Towers eerily empty as operators test the rides before the park reopens

Ever wondered what Alton Towers looks like completely empty? Now you know (Photo: SWNS)

The above incredible drone footage shows an eerily empty Alton Towers as operators work on the rides at dizzying heights before thrill seekers are allowed to return.

The stunning video gives a unique birds-eye view over the popular theme park - but without a single visitor in sight on what would traditionally be one of its busiest days.

The Staffordshire attraction has been closed since the coronavirus outbreak but is planning to reopen on 4 July, with strict guidelines in place.

Drone cameras capture theme park engineers working on top of rides such as Oblivion while conducting safety checks as part of the preparations.

Pathways, cafes and shops - usually packed with excited thrill-seekers - sit empty in spooky footage filmed by Alton Towers' engineers, Ben Allsopp and Andy Walker.

Their video begins panning across the great lake which greets visitors as they enter the park and also shows the splendor of the historic towers and the surrounding countryside.

Other rollercoasters, such as The Smiler, sit eerily empty while carriages can be seen going around tracks on other rides - but with no passengers on board.

Andy can be seen waving to the camera in the clip as he precariously works 65 feet (20 metres) in the air on the vertical drop rollercoaster, Oblivion.

New safety measures

The theme park, which opened its gardens to visitors last weekend, is looking to be fully up and running by the start of next month, subject to government approval.

When it does, access will be limited, with restricted capacity to reduce the number of people on rides and dining in restaurants.

Temperature checks will be conducted at the gates on both staff and guests. Anyone who has a temperature that is too high will be turned away but will be able to rebook.

Spacing markers are being installed at queue lines and communal areas and one-way systems will be enforced inside shops and cafes.

Teams on site will be issued with protective clothing including face masks and gloves to keep them and guests safe.

Dozens of hand sanitiser dispensers will also be installed around the resort including at entry and exit points for most rides and attractions.

Riders will only be able to go on rollercoasters and rides within their groups, with a row of seats between each family - which could result in longer queues.