Drayton Manor theme park confirms reopening date with temperature checks for visitors and 'virtual' queues

Temperature checks for all guests, fewer people, regular ride sanitation and a new virtual queuing system — that’s life after lockdown for Drayton Manor Park when it reopens on July 4.

The family theme park and zoo, just an hour's drive from Northampton, has made comprehensive plans for reopening safely.

And a big feature will be an innovative system allowing guests to queue 'digitally' via the Drayton Manor Park day planner app.

Once they have joined a queue, riders will be able to see how long they have left until their allocated ride time and get a notification with a QR code which can be scanned when it’s their turn to ride.

Following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement this week, the park is planning a phased reopening starting with family-favourite Thomas Land, the Carousel, Jolly Buccaneer, Accelerator, Flying Dutchman and the 15-acre zoo from Saturday 4 to Friday July 17.

The second phase will see the reopening of the rest of the park from Saturday July 18, including popular thrill rides such as Maelstrom, Shockwave, Air Race, Pandemonium and Apocalypse. But a number of other rides will not be opening due to social distancing impracticalities.

Jonathan Hitching, the park's director of health and safety, said: “Over the past few months we have been working hard behind the scenes, developing comprehensive plans to ensure the safety of our guests and team members while still offering the best possible experience for our guests.

“It has been a challenging time for everyone, but we are feeling optimistic about the future and looking forward to welcoming families back to the park to enjoy a day out in a safe environment.”

All guests, including season and ultimate pass holders, will be required to book tickets for the day they wish to attend, in advance of entry,

Some catering outlets will be available for a pre-booked takeaway service, via a dedicated app or website and and only contactless payments will be available throughout the park.

Tickets are now on sale at www.draytonmanor.co.uk