Gulliver's Valley reveals opening date - everything we know about £37m theme park

Gulliver’s Valley, beside Rother Valley Country Park in Rotherham, just over the border from Sheffield, will finally throw its gates open for the first time on Saturday, July 11.

The 250-acre resort – where the planned spring opening was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic – boasts 26 rides, designed for children aged between two and 13, and 50 family attractions in total.

Water slides, dinosaurs and 26 rides: Inside £37 million Gulliver’s Valley theme park

Huge, lifelike dinosaurs, a giant water slide and climbing walls are among the attractions awaiting visitors.

Outside, youngsters will be able to enjoy the animal petting farm, Digger Land and Western World, as well as the T-Rex water slides, Dinosaur Rodeo and the park’s biggest ride – the Apache Falls.

The ten best rides at £37 million Gulliver's Valley theme park

Indoors, there are climbing walls, a giant bouncy castle and caving downstairs, while upstairs there are interactive play areas for younger children, a mini driving school and a refurbished vintage carousel.

There is also accommodation available on site for anyone wanting a longer stay.

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Some attractions may initially be closed as a precaution or have restrictions in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning to be one of the first guests.

How do I book and how much are tickets?

All tickets must be booked in advance and are available now at gulliversvalleyresort.co.uk.

Tickets are priced £15 for adults and for children, with little ones under 90cm tall going free, senior citizens charged £14 and £11 concessions available.

You can also purchase an annual pass, providing unlimited entry to all Gulliver’s theme parks and a host of other benefits, for £89 per person.

What are the opening hours?

The resort is open seven days a week, from 10.30am to 5pm each day

What special measures will be in place on rides?

Families will be spaced apart on rides, with staff helping ensure guests keep a safe distance on the day. Face coverings will be mandatory on some rides, and they will be available to buy on site if you do not bring your own.

Will any attractions be closed?

Play attractions and a small number of ‘close-contact rides’ may be restricted or temporarily unavailable, says the park’s operator.

Some theatre and stage shows will be temporarily suspended but the park’s mascot Gully Mouse and friends will still be around for ‘air-hugs’ and safely distanced photo opportunities.

Space in the indoor areas is stricly limited and people are advised to bring coats, ponchos or brollies in case of rain.

Will refreshments be on sale?

Snack kiosks and gift shops will be available with controlled access.

What other COVID-19 safety measures are in place?

The capacity has been reduced to help people keep their distance inside and prevent the spread of coronavirus, and everyone – including annual pass holders – must book online, with different time slots available to stagger arrival times.

Anyone displaying any signs of coronavirus, including a fever or persistent cough, is asked not to visit. Temperature checks will be carried out on guests – excluding babies and toddlers – as a condition of entry.

Contactless entry will be in place, with guests asked to present the booking barcode on their confirmation email – either printed out or on their phones – to be scanned on arrival.

Contactless payment is encouraged throughout the resort.

An enhanced cleaning regime will be in place and markers will remind visitors to keep their distance.

Hand sanitiser units have been installed around the park, and guests are asked to wash their hands regularly.

Staff may be wearing protective face coverings, eyewear or gloves, and there will be screens at some service counters.