It may be a while until international travel picks up again, but in the meantime many of us are feeding our travel bug with staycations. If theme parks are your thing, and you’re a key worker, then Alton Towers has something special for you.

They’re giving 30,000 free tickets to those who have worked tirelessly during the pandemic. Out of the 30,000 tickets, 10,000 will be donated in the UK through the Blue Light Card scheme for key workers. It is hoped that these tickets will be the perfect pick-me-up for workers who have kept the country running over the past few months.

The ticket giveaway is part of the ‘Big Merlin Thank You’ initiative. Chessington World of Adventures, LEGOLAND Windsor, Thorpe Park, The Bear Grylls Adventure and some Madame Tussauds and SEA LIFE Centres will also be giving away tickets to key workers.

The theme park experience will be very different for those who use their tickets. Social distancing is in place across the parks, and visitors must wear face masks on the rides. These measures haven’t dampened the spirits of recent visitors to the parks, many of who are determined to enjoy a day out with the restrictions in place.

Sandra Hazel, Charity Head Merlin’s Magic Wand, said: “We would like to say a Big Merlin Thank You to the emergency and essential frontline workers who have played a vital role in the UK’s response to the pandemic.

“Their dedication and tireless effort is hugely appreciated by the whole nation, and we are delighted to be able to offer them a fun day out through the Blue Light Card scheme.”