Alton Towers reopening plans show what to expect at theme parks across the UK

But bosses have been busy ensuring they are ready to welcome back visitors as soon as the Government announces it is safe to do so.

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Alton Towers says it hopes to confirm its reopening date soon and has revealed some of the measures it is planning to prevent the spread of coronavirus and ensure families can enjoy a safe day out.

“In the era of COVID-19, there is no doubt the guest experience will be different. But what we do have is lots and lots of space, a culture that has safety at its very core and a team this is absolutely obsessed with delivering fantastic experiences for our guests,” it states in its latest update.

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Here are some of the measures it says will be in place:

Restricted numbers and advance booking

Strict limits will be placed on the number of daily visitors and how many people can use individual rides and other attractions and facilities. Online booking, similar to that in place for its fireworks events, could be introduced.

Temperature Checks and Health Monitoring

Staff and guests will be asked to monitor their own health and not travel to the resort if they feel unwell, have a temperature or a cough. Everyone arriving at the resort will also have their temperature checked on arrival and will be turned away and invited to rebook, at no extra cost, if they have a fever.

Social distancing

Alton Towers says it is focusing its attention on so-called ‘pinch points’ where people tend to gather. Markers will be installed at these spots, which include the admissions plaza, queues for rides, cafes and shops, to help people keep their distance.

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On the rides themselves, visitors will be put in family groups separated by empty seats or rows from different groups. By limiting guest numbers, it says it hopes to still be able to operate the ‘vast majority’ of its attractions.

Enhanced hygiene

Hand-washing advice will be part of the COVID-19 training employees are required to complete before reopening, and guests will also be encouraged to wash their hands regularly during their trip.

Dozens of hand sanitiser dispensers will be installed around the resort, including at entry and exit points for most rides, staff will regularly wiped down surfaces which are touched frequently and communal areas included toilets will be given a deep clean every night.

Protective clothing

Staff will be issued with protective clothing including face masks and gloves, and it will be up to guests to decide whether they want to wear masks, which will be on sale at the resort.