Merlin Entertainments is temporarily shutting attractions in response to the global coronavirus pandemic, including Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures, Legoland Windsor, and Thorpe Park.
The opening of Alton Towers Resort has been postponed from March 20, with all hotels closed as a precautionary measure.
“While we have been looking forward to welcoming visitors this weekend, we believe that this decision is the right thing to protect the health and wellbeing of our employees and guests,” reads a statement.
“Alton Towers Resort will remain closed until further notice.”
Legoland Windsor closed on March 20
Legoland Windsor closed on March 20 “further to recent updates from the government on the response to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak”.
“The health and wellbeing of our employees and guests is always our priority and we believe that this is the right decision to continue to protect everyone,” says a statement.
However, the Legoland Windsor Resort Hotel remains open for now.
Chessington World of Adventures Resort shut its doors on March 21, stating “we believe that this is the right decision to protect the health and wellbeing of our guests and staff”.
Alton Towers opening postponed over COVID-19
Chessington will remain closed until further notice, and “will work to reopen the resort to guests as soon as it’s appropriate to do so”.
The opening of Thorpe Park Resort has also been postponed from March 21. The hotel has been temporarily closed.
In addition, Warwick Castle and Knight’s Village closed on March 20. As for Merlin’s other attractions, Madame Tussauds London temporarily closed on March 20. The Dungeons and SEA LIFE are closing across the UK.
Last week, the British Museum, Science Museum, Natural History Museum, Tate and V&A temporarily closed in London.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed that one million jobs are being lost every day in the travel and tourism sector, in light of COVID-19.
