Lockdown is officially easing, which means it’s time to get outside, embrace the summer, and let off a little steam with a good old scream.It’s been a rollercoaster of a year already, so we reckon it’s about time to grab the kids and jump on a real rollercoaster. There are loads of theme parks around the UK, and we’ve checked out which ones are open and ready to go. As the summer holidays heat up, we’re also on hand to help you plan other ways of entertaining the kids: perhaps a visit to the zoo or a family-friendly walk might inspire them? In the meantime, you can rest easy knowing that we’ve done the work to help you plan your next day out at one of the UK’s top theme parks.Before You Go: Our TipsIt’s important to keep your family happy and healthy as lockdown eases, so we’ve compiled a handy list of things to remember before you leave the house:- Mask, or other face covering- Hand sanitiser- Card for payment (many places are cashless)- Tissues- Gloves (if you feel you need them)- Water: a lot of theme parks have closed drinking fountains for health and safety, so be sure to bring your ownChessington World of AdventuresBoth the zoo and the theme park will be open from 4th July, meaning you can spend time in the morning with over one thousand animals before soaring through the skies on their many rides in the afternoon.Where? Leatherhead Rd, Chessington KT9 2NEOpening Details: Hours are 10am-4pm from 4th July, with pre-booked tickets only.Covid-19 Measures: Face coverings are mandatory, as are non-contact temperature checks and social distancing measures. The park will benefit from advanced cleaning, with staff wearing PPE.Tickets: Must be booked in advance, available here.Parking: Available in advance for £4 and slightly more on the day.Facilities: Chessington has both baby feeding and changing rooms, and changing places for guests with access needs. There is also an access guide available for download from their website.Cafes/Restaurants: Food and drink will be provided in a ‘Grab & Go’ format in order to minimise contact.Alton TowersWith over 40 rides and attractions, Alton Towers is one of the best-loved theme parks in the UK, and it’s open for business.Where? Farley Ln, Alton, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 4DBOpening Details: From 4th July, with opening hours of 10am-5pm.Covid-19 Measures: Most of Alton Towers’ rides and outdoor attractions are open, with some indoor activities closed. Rides will be socially distanced, and there will be a reduced number of guests in the park. Face masks are a requirement, there will be non-contact temperature checks for guests on entry, and new signage to encourage social distancing.Tickets: Must be booked in advance on their website.Parking: Parking is available, and guests are required to follow signage for social distancing. Standard tickets are £6, and bought onsite.Facilities: Toilets are open with new hygiene measures and extra cleaning in place. The park is wheelchair friendly, but for more information, download an accessibility guide from their website.Cafes/Restaurants: There will be ‘Grab & Go’ areas around the park serving a variety of hot and cold refreshments.Thorpe ParkFamous for the UK’s fastest rollercoaster, Stealth, Thorpe Park is now open and looking forward to welcoming you.Where? Staines Rd, Chertsey KT16 8PNOpening Details: From 4th July, with opening hours of 10am-5pm.Covid-19 Measures: Tickets are available only by pre-booking in order to limit capacity to the park. Masks must be worn, new signage followed, and there will be a non-contact temperature check on entry. Hygiene screens have been newly fitted at necessary points, and social distancing must be observed.Tickets: Must be booked in advance, available here.Parking: Parking is available for £10 on day and £7 online.Facilities: Toilets are open, with changing places also available for guests with access needs. Thorpe Park is committed to accessibility, and Ride Access passes can be booked in advance.Cafes/Restaurants: ‘Grab & Go’ facilities have been newly-installed to ensure more hygienic food and beverage options.Drayton Manor Theme ParkAttractions due to open on the 4th July will include many rides in the park, as well as the fifteen-acre zoo. Thomas the Tank Engine will be raring to go in Thomas Land, or you can pop onto family favourite The Carousel.Where? Drayton Manor Drive, Fazeley, Mile Oak, Tamworth B78 3TWOpening Details: The park will be open from 9.30am on the 4th July, with the rides opening from 10.30am, and the park closing at 6pm.Covid-19 Measures: Staff have undergone full training and will be in PPE where necessary. There is also a virtual queue app for rides and non-contact temperature checks. Masks are optional.Tickets: Tickets must be pre-booked on the website.Parking: Available for £6 on the day.Facilities: Drayton Manor Theme Park has nursing mum and baby changing facilities, and wheelchair and buggy hire options. Their Easy Access Guide is also available to download on their website.Cafes/Restaurants: Takeaway facilities are available in order to minimise contact.LegolandGet ready to build family memories at Legoland, where kids will be able to interact (socially-distanced!) with various characters, enjoy the Lego Studios 4D show, and scream their hearts out on various rides and attractions.Where? Leatherhead Rd, Chessington KT9 2NEOpening Details: The park will be open from 10am-4pm for seven days a week from the 4th July.Covid-19 Measures: There will be a no-touch temperature check for all guests, social distancing measures enforced, and certain rides will require masks.Tickets: Tickets can be pre-booked online from £29.Parking: Parking is available in advance for £7 via Legoland’s website, but can also be purchased on the day.Facilities: Ride Access passes are available, and baby change and toilet facilities will be open across the park.Cafes/Restaurants: Restaurants will be open in socially-distanced configurations, with ‘Grab & Go’ options available.
Lockdown is officially easing, which means it’s time to get outside, embrace the summer, and let off a little steam with a good old scream.
