Gulliver's Valley issues major update over Christmas to visitors after Tier 3 announcement

But the owners of the £37 million attraction in Rotherham say the tough new restrictions mean there will be changes to how it operates over the festive season.

Julie Dalton, managing director of Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts, said: “Following the announcement of South Yorkshire entering Tier 3 next week we can confirm that Gulliver's Valley will still be opening for selected Christmas days out.

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"Guests who have purchased our Smasher Package will be able to attend to enjoy a winter wonderland, elf workshop experience, appearances from Santa as well as even more outdoor rides and attractions than previously planned.

“However, we are really sad to say that we can no longer deliver our other festive experiences including our short breaks.

“For those customers who already have a booking for this Christmas that isn't a Smasher Package we will be in touch shortly with information on what options are available. They will have full flexibility to transfer or cancel their booking. Please be reassured that we are working our way through contacting a number of people and we will reach everyone as soon as possible.

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“Although we did expect our first Christmas event at Gulliver's Valley to look a little different, we are still determined to deliver safe, fun and festive days out, especially after such a challenging year and we would like to thank all our customers for their patience. We hope people will still join us in December.

“Smasher Theme Park Packages are still available for selected dates in December. Please visit www.gulliversvalleyresort.co.uk/christmas-at-gullivers for more information or to book.”

The theme park’s opening was delayed earlier this year due to the coronavirus pandemic but it eventually welcomed its first paying visitors in July, with social distancing measures in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

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The park is set in 250 acres of countryside a stone’s throw from the popular Rother Valley Country Park, minutes from the Sheffield border, and it boasts some 50 rides and other attractions for families to enjoy.

Gulliver’s Kingdom in Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, is closed as normal until March so it is not affected by the new restrictions.