The gardens at Kiplin Hall, near Scorton, will reopen to the public this week.
The 400-year-old estate has been closed during the lockdown but is able to welcome visitors onsite again, in-line with newly published government guidelines, from Friday.
Staff are especially keen to welcome key workers to the estate, says director James Etherington.
“During the lockdown we’ve been sending free garden passes to key workers nominated by the public on social media.
“We’ve sent over 80 passes out in the last two weeks. Kiplin has a reputation for tranquillity and a tradition for healing. In 1940 men rescued from the beaches of Dunkrik convalesced at Kiplin.
“The open parkland, calm lake and sheltered walled gardens should provide a peaceful retreat from the stresses key workers have been under in recent times.
“We also hope spending time at Kiplin will be a tonic to many after the confinement of the lockdown. We’ve altered our ticket prices to help people get the most for their money at this difficult time.”
Tickets for the attraction are no longer split between gardens or house.
There is now one ticket for the whole of Kiplin, and it is valid for 12 months, making all repeat visits free.
James added: “We hope this will be of particular interest to local residents in Northallerton, Richmond and Catterick who might not have visited their doorstep attraction before.
“Although keen to welcome visitors back we are of course being cautious and taking extra care to follow government guidelines to be covid secure.
“Our lakeside and woodland paths now operate on a one-way system to allow walkers to stay socially distant, without needing to pass each other on narrow routes.
“We’ve moved our admissions desk and will be taking contactless card payments. As you’d expect we’ve increased our cleaning and have PPE for our staff and volunteers interacting with visitors.”
Kiplin Hall sits in 90 acres of gardens and grounds. The hall and tea room remain closed at the moment.
However, take way refreshments will be available.
Pizzas from an authentic wood-fired pizza oven, breakfast ciabattas, cakes, and pastries will be served by local firm Proper Pizzas in their quirky converted horsebox. The large lawns and lakeside views provide the perfect setting for a pizza picnic!
Kiplin Hall & Gardens begins its phased reopening on Friday, June 5, and will be open 10am to 5pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for the time being.
Toilets are available on site.
Visitors are advised to check social media or www.kiplinhall.co.uk before travelling in case of any future changes to opening hours as the situation develops.
