The Government’s roadmap gives the green light for heritage sites to reopen their grounds for recreational purposes.
It is also the date when the ‘Stay at Home’ message is set to be lifted, allowing people to meet outside in groups up to a maximum of six, or with one other household.
Here are 10 places which will be open but please check their websites before visiting as many require pre-booking.
1. Bamburgh Castle
Visitors exploring Bamburgh Castle’s grounds will be able to discover why this coastal fortress has been the ultimate defensive stronghold for thousands of years with guides and outdoor re-enactors narrating its past. Covid secure protocols include enhanced cleaning operations, social distancing and one-way routes, restricted visitor numbers and the installation of additional WC facilities and hand sanitiser stations. Takeaway hot and cold refreshments available.
Visitors are advised to pre-book advance ground tickets which includes fast track entry. Grounds tickets priced at £6.00 for adults / £3.00 children / £16 family (two adults and up to three dependants aged up to 18) are available at www.bamburghcastle.com
Picture by Charlotte Graham Photo: Charlotte Graham
2. The Alnwick Garden
The team at The Alnwick Garden is looking forward to welcoming visitors back from March 29.
All social distancing measures will be in place with sanitising stations galore.
Pre-booking is essential via its website www.alnwickgarden.com
Opening hours will be 9am-6pm every day throughout the English school holidays and 10am-5pm thereafter.
Please note the woodland walk is currently closed. Photo: JPI
3. Dunstanburgh Castle
Dunstanburgh Castle, reached via a beautiful walk from the nearby village of Craster, will open on March 29 for local visits. Safety measures will be in place to keep everyone safe.
Booking with English Heritage is essential, please visit https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/dunstanburgh-castle/ for details. Photo: Google
4. Cragside
Cragside, the magnificent Victorian property near Rothbury, sat within a spectacular 1000 acre landscape with beautiful gardens, woodland and tranquil lakes, is open but tickets must be pre-booked. The play area will be closed over the Easter holidays due to refurbishment but there's still lots to see and do.
Tickets are released early on Friday morning for the following week and are available to purchase online here: https://bit.ly/2IykhNy Photo: Jane Coltman