Merlin Entertainments has confirmed that their attractions will reopen from July 4 across England. This includes theme parks, SEA LIFE centres and other visitor attractions.
Following months of closure because of the coronavirus pandemic, Merlin attractions will be able to open in July.
This follows the UK government’s announcement on Tuesday 23 June that eased restrictions in England. Museums, cinemas, theme parks and other attractions will all now be able to open, as long as safety measures are put into place.
Theme parks and indoor attractions will reopen
We're delighted to confirm that the Resort will re-open on 4th July. We can’t wait to welcome you back!
We'll be updating our website this afternoon with info on ticket bookings, short breaks and our latest FAQs on the new safety measures: https://t.co/MPONNaIIG6 pic.twitter.com/gFQ3P2Fr7K— Alton Towers Resort (@altontowers) June 23, 2020
Alton Towers and Warwick Castle were able to reopen their grounds and gardens on June 6. Chessington World of Adventures also reopened its zoo on June 18. Now, these attractions will be able to reopen all areas.
Merlin theme parks, including Legoland Windsor, Thorpe Park and Alton Towers will also be able to reopen. New guidance from the government allows some of Merlin’s indoor attractions, such as their SEA LIFE Centres and Madame Tussaud’s to reopen.
Guess what sea explorers..
National SEA LIFE Birmingham is excited to announce our re-opening date as Saturday 4th July and our team and sea creatures are preparing for your next visit!
Tickets and reservations go on sale at Midday 24th June 2020
We look forward to seeing you pic.twitter.com/TcAb6IRRha
— SEA LIFE Birmingham (@sealifebham) June 23, 2020
Pre-booked tickets are essential
All Merlin attractions will have a limited number of tickets available each day to reduce capacity. This allows for social distancing within the attraction to take place. Visitors must pre-book their tickets online in advance.
Once at the attractions, Merlin assures visitors that they will see reassuring safety measures in place. These include new queueing formats, enhanced cleaning and new routes.
Nick Varney, Merlin Entertainment’s CEO said that “We are delighted to be reopening following UK Government guidance. There has been a huge effort from our world-class Health and Safety team, and all our teams across our attractions, to ensure we are ready to safely welcome guests back through our doors.”
Attractions industry is necessary after prolonged lockdown
Merlin operates in 25 countries, and the UK is the last country to allow attractions to reopen fully. Varney explains that they have seen a successful reopening in the other 24 countries. He has “seen our guests embrace the ‘new normal’ and actively adhere to the new safety measures we have put in place.”
After months of lockdown, Varney recognises the importance of the leisure industry going forward. “After the extended lockdown, we recognise that people need leisure and escapism and to make new happy memories with those they love. We look forward to helping them do just that.”
Whilst its attractions were closed, Merlin continued to connect with visitors through ‘Making Magic with Merlin’. This initiative helped educate and entertain children at home with behind-the-scenes videos of SEA LIFE attractions and theme parks.
Images: Merlin Entertainments
