Merlin Entertainments, a world leader in family, location-based entertainment, has confirmed that its major theme parks, attractions, and accommodation across England, will reopen from July 4.

The sites include Alton Towers, Legoland Windsor, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures, and Warwick Castle. The company’s indoor attractions due to reopen imminently are Sea Life Centres, The Blackpool Tower, and Madame Tussaud’s.

Since June 6, Alton Towers has been welcoming visitors into its 600-plus acres of gardens and grounds. On June 18, Chessington opened its zoo to the public.

In line with government guidelines and prioritising the health and safety of guests and employees, Merlin Entertainments’ resorts are offering a reduced number of tickets to ensure a limited number of visitors enter the sites. Visitors are required to book tickets online before travelling to the sites.

Additional safety measures at Merlin Entertainments’ resorts including new queuing formats, employees wearing PPE and enhancing cleaning procedures.

Talking about the reopening of its theme parks and attractions, Nick Varney, CEO of Merlin Entertainments said: “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.  I’m personally very proud of their passion, commitment and hard work over the last few months.

“Of the 25 countries Merlin operates in across four continents, the UK is the final country where attractions are still waiting to reopen fully. We welcome the UK government’s announcement that we can finally reopen our Theme Parks, accommodation, and some of our indoor attractions.

“We look forward to welcoming guests from across the UK back to our sites, just as we have done successfully across Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and North America. In each location, we have seen our guests embrace the ‘new normal’ and actively adhere to the new safety measures we have put in place.

“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,” Varney continued.