Theme parks welcome back families this weekend
igh adventure is on the cards for thrill-seekers this summer as theme parks across England welcome back visitors.
The top day out for families returns from Super Saturday July 4 after the easing of lockdown restrictions.
All the major sites will be back in action, although a few of the rides and attractions will not be open as they don’t comply with the current one metre social distancing rule.
Measures implemented will include:
All guests to pre-book tickets online in advance of their visit to enable capacity control
Employees and guests asked to participate in a temperature check using a nontouch thermometer
Face coverings: Guests over the age of six will be asked to wear face coverings or masks on some rides and rollercoasters
Empty rows and seats left on rollercoasters
Enhanced cleaning, hygiene stations and additional hand sanitiser at key locations
Distance markers: The provision of spatial separation markings and other similar operating adjustments around the theme parks
Additional personal protective equipment and clothing for all staff.
Theme parks that will be re-opening on Saturday include Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Thorpe Park, LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, Pleasurewood Hills, Sundown Adventureland and Twinlakes.
Alton Towers are ready to greet visitors again on July 4. Emma Catterall, divisional director, said: “We’re working hard to make sure that we’re implementing the new hygiene and distancing measures in a way that will still allow our guests to enjoy a memorable, fun visit.”
Gullivers Land at Milton Keynes and Gullivers World at Warrington re-open on July 4 while Gullivers Kingdom at Matlock Bath will welcome back visitors from July 18.
Paultons Park, home of the UK’s only Peppa Pig
HWorld, will be re-opening from Saturday when families can enjoy the Hampshire theme park’s 70-plus rides.
Drayton Manor Park is planning a phased re-opening. The first stage, from July 4 to 17, will start with familyfavourite Thomas Land, the Carousel, Jolly Buccaneer, Accelerator, Flying Dutchman and the 15-acre zoo.
The second phase will see the re-opening of the rest of the park from July 18, including rides such as Maelstrom, Shockwave, Air Race, Pandemonium and Apocalypse.
Several attractions at Drayton Manor Park will not be open due to social distancing impracticalities, including the 4D cinema, dodgems, The Haunting, Discover Thomas Exhibition and Terrence’s Driving School.
The zoo at Flamingo Land is open but an announcement has yet to be made on the theme park.