COVID-19: FAQs
9 July, 2020
Questions & Answers…If you’ve got a question about the new measures we have introduced at Oakwood Theme Park in response to COVID-19, chances are you’ll find the answer here. If not, contact us and we’ll do our best to help.
(Updated: 11/08/2021)
Opening Times | Back To Normal | Ride Availability | Capacity | Tickets | COVID-19 Measures | PPE | Face Masks | Ride Access Pass | Discounts | Schools & Groups | Updates | Useful Links
What days and times are you open?
A: We will announce our opening days and times, along with releasing tickets on a phased basis, which allows us to react to the latest Welsh Government guidance, and ensure we are complying with the latest advice. Opening days and times are displayed on our opening calendar, which can be viewed here. The dates we expect to release tickets are also shown in the calendar key.
Is everything back to normal?
A: From Saturday 7th August, a number of COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted by Welsh Government. We, like many, welcome the continued lifting of restrictions and hope that Wales reaching ‘Alert Level Zero’ is a significant step to life returning to normality.
As we have done throughout the pandemic, Oakwood Theme Park will continue to take a cautious and measured approach to the latest easing of COVID-19 restrictions. Many of our team, and indeed many of our guests, have not yet been able to obtain both their protective vaccines, and as such we will ease measures on-site at Oakwood Theme Park in a continued cautious and phased manner, whilst the vaccination programme continues.
Please continue to read our COVID-19 FAQs for more information.
Will any rides, attractions or facilities be closed?
A: We continue to ask guests to walk down from the Admissions area rather than using our mainline railway. This is to help prevent congestion in the Admissions area, which is a busy area, particularly in the morning as guests enter the park.
We also continue to ask guests to book a 30 minute time slot during their visit at the attraction entrance, should they wish to visit Hooks House of Havoc (indoor soft play).
Our Catering outlets will continue to operate on a takeaway basis only. There is plenty of outdoor seating available throughout the park & we have opened up a limited amount of indoor seating at our Catering outlets; The Oak Tree, The Haunt and Woodys Burger Bar.
On ride photos will remain available for purchase; however we may sell these from alternative outlets each day.
All requirements and guidance is under constant review, and we’ll adjust our ride, attraction and facility offering as guidance is updated.
Have you limited capacity in the park?
A: Yes, we continue to have a limited number of tickets available each day as part of our COVID-19 measures. Tickets must be purchased online, to aide the management of our guests numbers each day.
Do I need to book online?
A: Yes! Tickets must be purchased online from either the Oakwood Theme Park website, or one of our partner websites. Guests wishing to use Tesco Reward vouchers must also purchase their tickets from our website (Check out our handy “How to guide” for booking with Tescos Reward Vouchers here.)
Ticket confirmation can either be printed, or shown on your phone upon arrival at Oakwood Theme Park (please take a screenshot as signal can be poor in the park).
We continue to use dated tickets to aide the management of guest numbers each day we are open.
We have allowed sufficient space in our capacity for Season and Annual Pass holders to visit as often as they wish, without having to book dated tickets.
Please be aware that it will not be possible to change the date of your visit once booked and tickets are non-refundable.
What measures are you taking to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
A: We have completed a thorough Risk Assessment process in response to COVID-19 and implemented a number of additional safety measures based on Welsh Government guidance. As a result we are pleased to be park of the “We’re Good To Go” Scheme. You can view are certification here.
Our staff and contractor teams are undergoing daily temperature testing, along with utilising PPE and hand washing/sanitising facilities. Our staff are working in small ‘bubble’ groups, to limit contact & have undertaken specific COVID-19 training.
Our Visitor Charter outlines the requirements on guests visiting Oakwood Theme Park and should be followed at all times. Guests will be asked to sanitise upon arrival at Oakwood Theme Park and may be subject to temperature testing. Additional sanitising points have been installed throughout the park, enabling guests to sanitise regularly during their visit.
We require guests to remain in their family groups and in the interest of protecting our team, and for the comfort of your fellow visitors, some of whom may be very apprehensive about the lifting of outdoor social distancing measures, the 2 metre social distancing marker & signage in queues and around the park will remain as a subtle reminder to respect each other’s personal space.
On our rides, used rows, seats and restraints will be sanitised at regular intervals, whilst we have increased the cleaning frequency of communal facilities such as toilet blocks, seating areas and outlets.
We kindly request that guests use contactless or card payment where possible.
Who will be wearing PPE?
A: You will see the majority of our staff wearing PPE although it will differ between staff members, based on the task or role that they are completing.
Guests are welcome to wear their own PPE throughout the park.
We are closely monitoring Welsh Government guidance relating to the use of PPE, and will implement any changes required should guidance change.
Do I need to wear a face mask?
A: Guests are welcome to wear a face mask in all areas of Oakwood Theme Park, including on our rides and attractions, provided they are securely fitted. You will be required to wear masks in some of our indoor areas, including; Retail shops, Hooks House of Havoc, Go Sport shooting range and the Park Reception. You will also be required to wear a face covering in our Spooktacular scare attractions.
Guests under the age of 11 and those with health conditions preventing them from wearing a mask are exempt.
We’re asking our guests to bring their own face masks but we do have them available for purchase should you arrive without one.
All requirements and guidance is under constant review, and we’ll implement any changes required should Welsh Government guidance change.
Will you be offering Fast Pass or Ride Access Pass?
A: We are currently not offering Fast Pass at the moment, although this remains under review.
Our Ride Access Pass system will remain available to guests who struggle to stand for long periods of time either because of physical or learning/emotional impairment, or requiring a ‘step free’ means of access to some of our rides and attractions. We have implemented an updated Ride Access Pass Scheme for 2021 which remains available from Whistlestop Shop. Use of the Ride Access Pass is subject to proof of eligibility. Further details can be found within our Terms & Conditions here.
Are you still taking bookings for Groups and Schools?
A: Yes, of course! Our group rates remain available for groups of 15 or more paying guests, whilst our education rates remain available for schools. Please email us at [email protected] or call us on 01834 815170 to make your booking.
What happens if COVID-19 guidance changes?
A: Based in Wales, we are following Welsh Government guidance. We are in daily conversation with Welsh Government, industry bodies, and similar attractions, and will make any changes necessary to our operation should guidance change.
Useful Links & Information…
Latest COVID-19: Visitor Charter
Latest COVID-19: 2021 Ticketing Update