Merlin Entertainments has said that it expects to reopen its UK theme parks on 4 July.
Statements posted on its attraction’s websites this afternoon said: “We expect to be able to reopen on the 4 July 2020. We can’t wait to welcome you back.”
The company operates Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures and Legoland Windsor.
The British government has not yet confirmed when theme parks will be allowed to re-open.
Current guidance indicates that the ‘hospitality industry’ will not be permitted to open until 4 July at the earliest, but that it would review and push back any reopenings if the COVID-19 infection rate increases.
The guidance does not explicitly include theme parks, and it is unclear whether or not Merlin has received private indications from the government.
4 July has been the earliest bookable date on Merlin’s websites for several days.
Earlier this week, the company confirmed that it would be taking temperature measurements of all guests, while limiting its parks capacities.