PRESS RELEASE

24th June 2020 attractions in confirm they will reopen from the 4th July.

MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS, a global leader in location based, family entertainment has confirmed that, following the latest UK Government announcement, it will be reopening all its major theme parks, attractions and accommodation across England from the 4th July for day visits and short breaks.

Merlin’s UK Resort attractions include , , Windsor, and Chessington World of Adventures Resort. Merlin’s indoor attractions including The Tower, Centres and Madame Tussaud’s will also re-open in line with the latest Government guidelines. Alton Towers and Warwick have already been welcoming visitors to their 600+ acres of grounds and gardens since 6th June and Chessington successfully reopened its Zoo area to the public on the 18th June. The Company’s attractions have been busy preparing for reopening and will be offering a reduced number of tickets to ensure limited visitor numbers. The daily allocations will allow for social distancing and the best possible guest experience, with all visitors required to pre-book tickets online. Upon arrival, visitors will see significant and reassuring new safety measures in place such as new routes around the attraction, new queuing formats, staff wearing PPE and enhanced cleaning, in alignment with Government guidelines.

Nick Varney, Merlin Entertainments’ CEO, said:

“We are delighted to be reopening following UK Government guidance. There has been a huge effort from our world- class Health and Safety team, and all our teams across our attractions, to ensure we are ready to safely welcome guests back through our doors. I’m personally very proud of their passion, commitment and hard work over the last few months.

Of the 25 countries Merlin operates in across four continents, the UK is the final country where attractions are still waiting to reopen fully. We welcome the UK Government’s announcement that we can finally reopen our Theme Parks, accommodation and some of our indoor attractions. We look forward to welcoming guests from across the UK back to our sites, just as we have done successfully across Asia, , New Zealand, Europe and North America. In each location, we have seen our guests embrace the ‘new normal’ and actively adhere to the new safety measures we have put in place. After the extended lockdown, we recognise that people need leisure and escapism and to make new happy memories with those they love. We look forward to helping them do just that.”

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For media enquiries Brunswick Fiona Micallef-Eynaud / Elena Georgantzi +44 (0)20 7404 5959 [email protected]

Chloe Couchman Corporate Communications Director +44 (0)7885 827836 [email protected]

About Merlin Entertainments Merlin Entertainments is a global leader in location-based, family entertainment. As Europe's Number 1 and the world's second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin now operates 130 attractions, 20 hotels and 6 holiday villages in 25 countries and across 4 continents. Merlin’s purpose is to deliver memorable experiences to its 67 million guests around the world, through its iconic brands and multiple attraction formats, and the commitment and passion of its c.28,000 employees (peak season).

See www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information and follow on Twitter @MerlinEntsNews