Staff and volunteers have worked hard behind the scenes to prepare the properties for a safe reopening with social distancing.
Hilary McGrady, Director General of the National Trust, said, “This is a great moment that we have all been looking forward to for months as we safely welcome people back to spend quality time together in their favorite properties.
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“Hundreds of our parks, gardens and landscapes have already reopened, but we know how much our members and supporters have looked forward to coming back to see our homes and collections again.
“Our places are nothing without our visitors to enjoy, and our staff and volunteers have worked hard behind the scenes, cleaning chandeliers, polishing floors and dusting books to get it all ready. It is a great relief, a great pride and a great gratitude that the places in our care can be reopened after they have closed due to the pandemic. Not a single place will be lost to the public. The cultural treasures that are our common heritage await everyone. “
Andy Beer, Director of Operations at National Trust, said, “Our homes have been closed and valuable collections have not been seen in a while. But there was a lot of work behind the scenes. Due to some changes we had to make over the last year, we looked for new ways to present and share places and their individual stories, for example by introducing guided tours to bring them to life. “
Hilary McGrady sums it up, “Without the patience and support of our members, visitors, donors and government programs during this pandemic, we could not reopen so many of our sites or implement essential safeguards. And we are very grateful to our volunteers for the roles they played and will play them again when they return to our properties.
“The support we have received has helped the National Trust go ahead and make sure our spots stay here for everyone to enjoy.”
Entry requirements for houses vary. So please check the property websites before visiting nationaltrust.org.ukHouses, which are open the week of May 17th
Masks are mandatory in all properties (unless excluded) and track and trace details will be requested. Bookings during busy times such as weekends, bank holidays and school vacations are recommended to guarantee entry. However, booking is usually not required for midweek visits.
Buckinghamshire National Trust Features:
Hughenden Manor will be open Monday, May 17, daily from 11am to 5pm, with last admission 4.15pm
Entry to the house is based on availability, and a valid visitor ticket or membership card does not guarantee entry to the house. The number is limited for security reasons and initially only the rooms on the ground floor will be opened. There is a one-way street around the five Disraeli rooms and Hillside exhibition rooms. (Reasons already open)
Guide to rooms that are open: Tour of Hughenden Manor | National trust
Waddesdon Manor opens Wednesday, May 19, Wed-Sun 11 am-4pm, last admission 3pm.
There will be a gradual reopening of the rooms in the house, with the first floor being opened. From May 29, the first floor will reopen, including a free exhibition: Gathering Stories: Private Worlds to Public Spaces. Nick Knight: Roses from my garden will open in the Coach House gallery on May 19th. Admission is free. (Reasons already open)
Claydon opens Friday, May 21st, Friday, and Saturday from 11am to 3pm.
There is a new visitor route with an additional family room and a new interpretation by Florence Nightingale and the Verney family. When the house is open, the south-facing terrace and lawns with a view of the parkland are available for picnics.
Canons Ashby, just across the border from Bucks in Northamptonshire, opens every day on May 17th from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm, with last entry 3:30 pm.
The main historical showrooms will be open, including the Salon, a new stair carpet with a design inspired by one of Clara Dryden’s watercolors and made on a 120 loom similar to that of the original. Designated route around the house. (The site is already open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)