Covid-19: Visitor Information

REOPENING VISITOR INFORMATION

To ensure all our visitor’s safety, we’ve reviewed how we operate every part of our attraction. A lot of the measures, such as social distancing, our team wearing protective clothing, and using cards rather than cash, will already be familiar to you from visiting supermarkets and other shops. In compliance with the Government’s COVID-19 Secure Guidelines and the requirements of local health authorities, we have also introduced further measures to ensure your safety, which we have detailed below.

Many of these measures will be visible from the moment you arrive, and others require consideration and cooperation from you to help ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable visit.

The following information was updated on Friday 18^th December 2020.

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BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

Compulsory Track and Trace - Visitors must submit their details for track and trace purposes using mobile phones before entering the pier. This is a completely contactless process and takes less than 30 seconds to complete using the NHS COVID-19 App. This rule is effective from Thursday 24 September 2020.

Limited Capacity – To allow for social distancing and the best possible visitor experience, we are monitoring the number of people on the pier at any one time and limiting visitor numbers. At busy times, this may result in the need to queue; a queuing system, with social distancing, will be introduced should the pier capacity be reached.

Pre-booking Entry Tickets - We highly recommend that visitors pre-book entry tickets in advance. Pre-booking guarantees entry, even at the busiest times. The price is the same - just £1 per person (for everyone over 80cm) and will guarantee entry for your whole group when everyone books online. Click here to pre-book your entry tickets.

Cashless Payment – Please be ready to pay for items with a contactless payment card whenever possible. Cash will be accepted, but card payment is strongly recommended. The following rides have contactless payment options: Ghost Train, Free Fall, Sidewinder, Robo Coaster, F1 Simulators, Go-Karts.

Opening Times - The pier opens daily at 10am, however rides and attractions now open from 12pm each day. Closing time varies and is announced daily one hour before the pier is due to close.

Check for Updates – Before leaving home, please check our website and social media pages for the latest information and opening hours, as these are subject to change.

If you are displaying any symptoms associated with Covid-19, please refrain from visiting us.

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DURING YOUR VISIT – SOCIAL DISTANCING

Compulsory Face Coverings or Masks - In line with industry and government guidance, all visitors aged 11 and over must wear a suitable face mask or covering when visiting the pier, unless you have a legitimate reason not to wear one. This rule is effective from Saturday 1 August 2020.

Groups of six – No groups over six will be permitted access to the Pier.

Signage – Visitors are asked to pay close attention to the signage and markers displaying key messages and instructions for social distancing throughout the pier. Signage is in place at the entrance, along the boardwalk and inside the building and facilities.

Reduced Turnstiles – The number of admission turnstiles have been reduced to ensure a safe distance between visitors as they enter the pier. We will continue to operate a dedicated wheelchair accessible entry area.

One-Way System – A one-way system is in place to manage the flow of visitors on and off the pier. The covered walkway remains closed unless we experience inclement weather. If the walkway is in use, additional signage will be in position to instruct visitors on social distancing requirements.

Rearranged Seating Areas – Indoor and outdoor dining areas have been rearranged and reconfigured to ensure there is a safe distance between diners and in some dining outlets, seats have been removed and/or are out of use.

Reconfigured Amusements – The amusements within the main pavilion have been reconfigured to ensure there is a safe distance between arcade machines as well as safe space for visitors to pass. Some amusements have been removed and/or are out of use.

Ride Seating – We have developed new, customised plans for social distancing on our rides and attractions to minimise contact between visitors. This includes leaving empty rows and empty seats on rides.

Reduced Staff/Visitor Proximity – We have revised some of our standard operating protocols in order to reduce the proximity of our staff to visitors, this includes the process for admission, operating rides and carrying out height checks. Additional revisions have been made for all food, drink and retail outlets.

Hygiene Screens – Hygiene screens have been installed at service points to help reduce contact between visitors and staff members.

Limited Indoor Capacity – In addition to monitoring the number of visitors on the pier at any one time, we have introduced new capacity limits for our indoor experiences and facilities to further ensure social distancing is maintained.

Lift Usage – Only one family or social group should use the lifts at any one time, and we request that visitors give priority to wheelchair users and visitors with pushchairs and young children.

Ride Closures – We have suspended some experiences and facilities for the safety of our visitors. This includes: Adventure Cove Soft Play (which will remain closed for the foreseeable future), Galaxy Explorer, FX Simulator and Rainbow Catcha.

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DURING YOUR VISIT – HYGIENE AND DISINFECTION

Staff Training – All staff members have completed a COVID-19 training programme instructing them on how to stay safe at work and how to keep visitors safe.

Staff Temperature Checks – Non-invasive temperature checks are mandatory for all staff members and any staff member displaying a high temperature associated with a fever will not be permitted to work.

Enhanced Cleaning – Enhanced cleaning takes place throughout the day, including disinfecting high-frequency touch points, such as turnstiles, ride restraints and seats, amusement buttons, lift buttons, tables and chairs, handles and taps.

Hygiene Stations – A large number of hygiene stations and hand sanitiser dispensers are readily available on the pier for all visitors and employees.

Staff PPE – Our staff have been provided with PPE suitable to the tasks they are carrying out, to protect them and our visitors. This includes face masks/shields, gloves and pocket hand sanitisers for all staff members and shall be worn at all times.

Removal of Self-Service Items – Self-service arrangements in food and drink outlets have been revised with food trays, cutlery and condiments now being served by a staff member on request rather than being available in open areas.

Visitor Hygiene – As with our staff, we ask all visitors to uphold the highest possible hygiene standards – washing hands regularly, use of hand sanitiser and catching a cough or sneeze with a tissue or in your sleeve.

Deep Cleaning – We have introduced deep cleaning measures in the event that a visitor presents themselves with symptoms associated with COVID-19.

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We hope these new health and safety measures provide you with all the information you need prior to your visit, and leaves you feeling confident that we are making every effort to ensure your safety.

These are unprecedented times for everyone, but we know we can count on you to work with us, maintain good hygiene practices and follow the new social distancing guidelines to make sure that everyone has a fun, safe day out at the Grand Pier.

And remember, please postpone your visit if you or any family member displays any symptoms of COVID-19 – we’ll be ready to welcome you when you’re feeling better.

See you soon!

Team GP.

Directions & Parking

By Car Exit M5 at junction 21, take the third exit towards Weston-super-Mare and follow signs to 'seafront' and Grand Pier (approximately three miles).

By Train A7 minute walk from the station, walk west towards the town and sea front, the Grand Pier is half a mile away.

For train timetables, prices and tickets, visit: gwr.co.uk

By Coach Coaches are welcome to drop off passengers in the bus stop at the entrance to the Grand Pier. Coach parties are welcome to book in advance for reserved seating in our food outlets, just call 01934 646155. Coach parking is provided further south along the seafront or at Locking Road.

Parking

Sovereign Shopping Centre

Salisbury Terrace, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1AH

Carlton Street Car Park 12 Carlton St, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1UA

Seafront Parking Marine Parade, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1BE