1 July 2020
While COVID-19 is having a drastic impact on UK tourism, there is still plenty of news to be found. We’re doing our best to keep you updated, via various means, on some of the best examples of how tourism businesses in the destinations we represent are rising to the challenge.
#newsin30seconds
Hull Maritime Museum strikes gold
An extract from one of the first books to be printed in the English language, William Caxton’s The Golden Legend, has been unearthed at Hull Maritime Museum. Dating back to 1498, it is considered the closest thing to an encyclopaedia of medieval saint lore that survives today. It was found during preparations to move 50,000 objects into temporary storage ahead of major refurbishment at the Museum.
Tudor treat in Lincolnshire
England’s greatest Elizabethan house Burghley, near Stamford, might be closed, but its gardens are welcoming visitors again. Moving to an entirely online booking service to manage capacity, the Tudor-inspired “trick” Garden of Surprises and the lakeside Sculpture Garden are open daily, via two timed sessions (10.30am-1pm and 2-4.30pm). The Parkland remains open and free to enter; but tickets for the pay-to-enter gardens must be pre-booked.
Airbnb reveals Brits’ most wished-for holiday homes of the year
The holiday rental site regularly keeps travellers updated with popular home rentals to give inspiration and keep us all dreaming of lovely trips away. UK Airbnb rentals cannot be booked for trips before July 3: but that doesn’t stop us all from dreaming, planning and favouriting any rentals that take our fancy. Top of the most wished-for homes that Brits are looking to book after lockdown is Alton Forest Lodge, in Staffordshire
The return of Peppa Pig…
Hampshire’s Paultons Park, which boasts over 70 rides and attractions and is home of the UK’s only Peppa Pig World, is planning to re-open on July 4, subject to government guidelines. Set within 140 acres of parkland on the edge of the New Forest, entry to the Park will need to be pre-booked, and there will be a limited amount of tickets available each day.
East Yorkshire garden gems are opening-up
Situated in a dramatic clifftop position with spectacular views over Bridlington, and set in 50 acres of early 19th century parkland, Sewerby Hall and Gardens is to re-open in phases. The zoo, gardens, café (takeaway menu only), shop, and toilets will reopen seven days a week, but the house remains closed until July 4 (). Nearby Burton Constable Hall, set in 300 acres of parkland, will also be re-opening its grounds to the public ().
Bomber Command back in action
The International Bomber Command Centre, a world-class facility for the recognition, remembrance and reconciliation for Bomber Command, plans to reopen on July 21 with limited sessions that must be pre-booked. Overlooking Lincoln, it includes a 31-metres tall memorial spire, the UK’s tallest, and walls that feature the names of all those who lost their lives during the Second World War serving or supporting Bomber Command
Thrilled to see guests soon…
Staffordshire’s Alton Towers has reopened its gardens. Part of the 550-acres site, and steeped in history and hidden gems, the gardens are now open in line with government guidance, with tickets available only by pre-booking in advance. The rides and attractions, and all of the resort’s accommodation, will remain closed for now but the theme park expects to be able to reopen Alton Towers Resort on July 4