National Trust homes and other properties in England will reopen their doors to visitors from May 17th after the government eased Covid restrictions.
Staff and volunteers have worked hard behind the scenes to prepare the properties for a safe reopening with social distancing.
Some small objects or rooms that do not allow social distancing will reopen later once the restrictions are lifted or when repair or replay work is complete.
Ascott House
National Trust Director General Hilary McGrady said, “This is a great moment that we have all been looking forward to for months as we are sure to welcome people back to spend quality time together in their favorite properties.
“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 being 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.
“Without the patience and support of our members, visitors, donors and government programs during this pandemic, we would not be able to reopen so many of our locations or implement essential protective measures. 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.”
In the area, Claydon House in Middle Claydon opens on Friday, May 21, Friday, and Saturday from 11am to 3pm. There will be a new visitor route that includes an additional family room and a new take on 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.
Waddesdon Manor, near Aylesbury, opens Wednesday, May 19, Wednesday through Sunday, 11am to 4pm, with last admission 3pm. There will be a gradual reopening of the rooms in the house, with the first floor being opened. From May 29th, the first floor will reopen, including a free exhibition – Collecting Stories: Private Worlds to Public Spaces. A separate photo exhibition, Nick Knight: Roses from My Garden, opens on May 19 in the Coach House gallery. Admission is free.
Ascott House in the Wing near Leighton Buzzard will reopen Tuesday through Sunday from 2pm to 5pm on May 25th and last admission at 4pm. Every Tuesday afternoon there will be a new exhibition on objects in the house and “Conservation in Action”.
Canons Ashby, just across the border in Northamptonshire, opens every day on May 17th from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., last entry 3:30 p.m. The main historical showrooms will be open, including the Salon, a new staircase carpet with a design inspired by one of Clara Dryden’s watercolors and made on a 120 loom similar to the original. Designated route around the house.
Hughenden Manor near High Wycombe is open Monday, May 17, 11am to 5pm daily, 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.
West Wycombe Park will reopen on June 28, Sunday through Thursday, 2pm to 5pm.
Wearing masks is mandatory in all properties (unless exempted) and track and trace details will be requested.
Entry requirements for houses vary. Check this out before visiting nationaltrust.org.uk