Following the launch of CBeebies Land at Alton Towers Resort in 2014, Merlin Entertainments has unveiled plans to open the first ever CBeebies Land Hotel at the UK theme park.

Designed for young families and pre-schoolers, the fully-themed hotel is due to open its doors to the public in summer 2017. It will incorporate 76 rooms spread over four floors, including its own dedicated entertainment area, restaurant and a reception area.

With a full entertainment programme running throughout the year, the hotel development will feature live shows, hosted activities, character ‘meet and greets’ and play areas.

The announcement follows a number of recent accommodation openings at Merlin’s attractions, including the Knight’s Village at Warwick Castle, Legoland Deutschland’s Holiday Village, Gardaland Adventure Hotel in Italy and Explorer Glamping accommodation at Chessington World of Adventures in the UK.

In February 2016, Merlin outlined its ambition to double the pace of accommodation roll out each year, as it develops its theme parks into short break destinations. The group plans to add 2,000 new rooms by the end of 2020, with a capital investment of over £200m ($260m).

Justin Platt, managing director of Alton Towers’ resort theme parks division, said: “This is another milestone in our broader accommodation strategy as we continue to seek opportunities to transform our theme parks into short break destinations.

“We are delighted to build on our successful partnership with BBC Worldwide in developing this unique product that is specifically designed to appeal to the young family market and extend the CBeebies Land experience at Alton Towers.”