This is when the Bolton Abbey estate in Wharfedale will re-open to visitors

The managers of the Bolton Abbey estate have confirmed plans to re-open with social distancing measures in place.
Bolton AbbeyBolton Abbey
Bolton Abbey

The visitor attraction will re-open its gates tomorrow (Thursday May 28).

Visitors will be able to explore the grounds, including Strid Wood, the heather moors and the River Wharfe, but indoor facilities will be out of bounds.

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Anyone wishing to visit must book a slot in advance via the estate's website. Numbers will be carefully manage and admission will be refused for anyone without a ticket.

Parking on roadside verges is forbidden and additional toilets have been provided.

A one-way system will be in place along the nature trails from the priory ruins to Barden Bridge.

Picnics are allowed by barbecues are banned. Dogs must be kept on a lead and ball games/swimming in the river are not allowed.

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Estate director Benedict Heyes said: “The health, safety and welfare of our colleagues, local communities and visitors is paramount in the decisions we make. We have been working hard on these measures so we can make the estate accessible again without putting people at unnecessary risk.

"We’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support through this unprecedented time. Although we welcome the government’s roadmap to recovery, we need to remain cautious at all times and would like to reassure our local communities that their safety remains a top priority as we re-open.

“Many of the people who live on the estate, as well as many of our staff, are over 70, so restricting visitor numbers not only protects people visiting Bolton Abbey but those working and living here too."

Cafes will be offering a takeaway service of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and ice cream.

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“We will be keeping everything under constant review and be flexible in the way we operate but we hope our new pre-booking system will reassure visitors it is safe to return to Bolton Abbey,” added Mr Heyes.

Booking is now open at www.boltonabbey.com.