First visitors given exclusive access to Gulliver’s Valley - this is what they thought

The huge resort beside Rother Valley Country Park in Rotherham, just over the border from Sheffield, finally opens to the public this Saturday, July 11.

But a lucky few got the chance to visit this week and try out some of the venue’s 50 rides and other attractions when it hosted an exclusive friends and family day.

Where to find all 50 rides at £37m Gulliver's Valley theme park as it opens Saturday

They were full of praise for the venue, which was forced to delay its planned spring opening due to the coronavirus crisis.

"What a brilliant day we had. The staff were fantastic, friendly and very helpful. There were strict social distancing measures in place but it worked really well. We have two very happy children and we’ll definitely be returning,” said one woman, posting on social media.

Another commented: “What a brilliant day we’ve had at Gulliver’s! Feeling so lucky to have this wonderful experience right on our doorstep.

"The staff were fantastic, there were strict social distancing measures in place (but not so much that you can’t enjoy your day), food was great and the attractions were fab. Kids had a ball, and it felt almost like normal life again!

Do I need to wear a mask? Gulliver's Valley confirms new safety rules ahead of opening

“Thanks to all the hard working staff at Gulliver’s for an amazing day out. Three happy children and two tired out parents.”

A third wrote: “We visited today and had an a amazing day. Fantastic place and it felt very safe with social distancing measures in place. We will definitely be returning.”

Another said: “We had a fab time at the friends and family day today. The staff were brill and super friendly.

“I wasn't sure how my boy would cope with wearing a mask for rides but he really did well with it (only coming up to five).

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

"My only one recommendation would be I found very little bins around hand washing stations and had to carry my hand towels a bit before finding a bin. The toilets were a bit cramped for social distancing by the T-ReX ride. Also maybe (there could have been) a few more hand sanitising stations.

“Otherwise we had an amazing time and definitely will be back.”

Visitors were also able to answer a few questions people had about the resort, with one saying prices at the on-site Costa Coffee were the same as you would pay elsewhere, a kid’s meal cost £4.95 and parking was free.

Tickets for Gulliver’s Valley cost £15 and must be booked in advance.

There are a number of safety measures in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Face coverings will be compulsory on all rides and play attractions, except for children under three. A traffic light system will also be in place alerting people to the different levels of virus transmission risk associated with each attraction.

Most attractions will be open but some, including indoor play areas, will be closed for now, in accordance with government regulations.