Public garden sites will remain open through second national lockdown to enhance mental and physical wellbeing.
Following the latest UK government ruling, England has entered a second national lockdown today (January 6) to curb the spread of COVID 19.
Under UK law, all indoor visitor experiences across England have been ordered to close. However, in line with the latest regulations public gardens including English Heritage, Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and National Trust sites are remaining open. Here is what they have to say about the booking processes, safety protocols and visiting the sites:
Whitby Abbey North Yorkshire (English Heritage)
English Heritage
“Following the latest government announcement, we have taken the decision to keep a small selection of our sites open for local people to use for exercise during the lockdown period.
“However, to play our part in slowing the spread of the virus, we are closing the majority of the sites in our care. Public events will be cancelled, and you will be automatically refunded for any tickets you might have bought.
“The sites remaining open are used by their communities for exercise, and they have plenty of outdoor space for local visitors, Members, staff and volunteers to use safely.
“We hope to reopen all our sites for February half term.”
RHS Garden Hyde Hall Essex (RHS)
RHS
“Following the upgrade of the UK’s coronavirus risk to the highest level and the latest Government guidelines announced on 4th January 2021, the RHS is pleased to confirm that the four RHS Gardens, RHS Garden Wisley, RHS Garden Hyde Hall, RHS Garden Rosemoor and RHS Garden Harlow Carr, can remain open for exercise.
“Given the significant rise in cases of coronavirus across the UK, we ask that everyone considering visiting the gardens does not travel outside of their local area, defined in the latest government guidelines as the village, town, or part of the city where they live.
“As large outside spaces, the RHS Gardens can be enjoyed safely by visitors with the safety measures that have been in place since reopening in June, including social distancing and enhanced cleaning.
“Play areas will remain open, but enclosed areas of the gardens, including Glasshouses, Alpine Houses and Bird Hides, will close from Tuesday 5 January in line with the new regulations. Catering venues will also close, but takeaway options will be available at all gardens.
“Mandatory pre-booking remains in place, and those wishing to visit the gardens must book a time slot online at www.rhs.org.uk/gardens. During the new national lockdown, capacity for each garden will be further reduced by 30–40% to limit the numbers of visitors in the gardens at any one time.”
Tatton Park Cheshire (National Trust)
National Trust
“Following the Prime Minister’s announcement of a new lockdown in England, our gardens, parks and countryside will remain open for local people to exercise. The safety of our staff, volunteers and visitors from the nearby community remains our priority.
“Our Director-General Hilary McGrady said: ‘We know how important it will be for people to seek fresh air, space and nature but we urge visitors to stick to the rules and stay local.’
“Our shops in England will close under the new restrictions, but some cafés will be able to offer basic takeaway refreshments.
“The booking system remains in place to restrict capacity and help with social distancing and visitors are asked to look at the property website for information before planning a visit.”
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