I have decided not to update my popular post what is open again in the East Midlands with toilets open. Instead, now restrictions have eased a little more I thought it would be easier to start a new post. This one is for all attractions that are open or will be opening this summer 2020 in the East Midlands.
This list will comprise of places across the East Midlands – Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. I am only including attractions which have an entrance price. If you are looking for free days out with a family-friendly walk involved then this is the post for you – 70+ Family Walks in East Midlands.
Covid 19 Safety Measures At East Midlands Attractions
In these worrying times of Covid 19 I think it’s essential that attractions put in place strict measures to keep us safe. By me including these places in this list, I am not in any way saying that this is or isn’t a safe place to visit. I will, however, outline what they are doing to try and keep their customers safe. All the sites below do have toilets open.
Hopefully, as you lovely readers visit more places (myself included) I can include updated information about how safe people felt when visiting. If you have any comments to add please do so. My Best Days Out in the East Midlands group on Facebook is a great place to share where you have visited. Toilets are open at all of the following attractions.
Please check their website for opening times, dates of opening and admission prices. My advice would be to carry face masks around with you all summer. You never know when you may be asked to wear one.
In alphabetical order for each area of the East midlands.
PLEASE NOTE: Leicestershire has currently returned to lockdown. People are being told not to make any non essential journeys out of or into Leicestershire. I’m unsure which attractions should or shouldn’t be visited because of this. Please ring before you attempt to visit.
DERBYSHIRE – Attractions that are open Summer 2020
Bluebells Dairy
When do they Open? – They are open again
Safety Measures – They will be operating on a pre-booking basis only. There will be a one-way system in place, increased handwashing facilities as well as sanitiser points across the site. More toilets have been provided, social distance markers are in place as well as reduced numbers and staggered entry time slots to ease the flow across the site.
What is or isn’t Open – There is a new scenic farm trail around their land which is not normally accessible. In addition to this, they are opening up one of our large fields so that there is an area for families to enjoy space to play! Play facilities will be open to use as well as their Sheep Race.
Address: Locko Rd, Derby DE21 7AR
Bolsover Castle – English Heritage
When do they Open? – They are open again
Safety Measures – They have introduced limits on visitor numbers to help keep everyone safe, and you won’t be able to visit without your booking confirmation. If you’re a Member, your ticket will be free but you still need to book in advance. There will be other new steps in place to ensure everyone’s safety, so your visit will be a little different.
What is or isn’t Open – The Little Castle, the Riding House and the upper Terrace Range will remain open as usual with a one way system in place. Access may be restricted to certain areas. The cafe is open for take-away food and drinks.
The playground will remain closed for now.
Address: Castle St, Bolsover, Chesterfield S44 6PR
Calke Abbey – National Trust
When do they Open? – For now their grounds and gardens have already reopened.
Safety Measures – To open safely, we’re limiting visitor numbers and you’ll need to book your visit in advance. Sadly, if you don’t book, you’ll be turned away, even if you’re a member. Please arrive within your 30-minute timeslot. You’re then welcome to stay until closing time. Toilets are open but only one household is allowed in at a time.
What is or isn’t Open – Calke Park and Garden are open. A limited range of takeaway drinks and light snacks will be on sale.
House, Restaurant, Retail and Calke Explore are closed.
Address: Ticknall, Derby DE73 7JF
Chatsworth House
When do they Open? – The grounds have already reopened again.
Safety Measures – They have fitted a number of new hand washing stations and portaloos. Created safe queuing areas and introduced limits to the number of visitors. Created ‘one way systems’ to reduce congestion. Switched to accept contactless and card payments only to avoid the handling of cash and more.
What is or isn’t Open – Their parks, garden, take away food outlets, and most recently our gift shop are all now open, with strict control measures in place.
In line with government guidelines, the house, and farmyard remain closed, as do their restaurants. They are however working on robust plans, so that they can reopen them gradually, as soon as it is safe to do so.
Address: Bakewell DE45 1PP
Crich Tramway Village
When do they Open? – They are open again
Safety Measures – They recommend that you pre-purchase your tickets via their website. You will need to bring a suitable face mask / covering for your visit. These will be required for riding on the tramcars. Plus many other safety measures which can be seen on their website.
What is or isn’t Open – Almost everything will be open again with different measures in place to keep you safe.
Address: Crich, Matlock DE4 5DP
More about Crich Tramway Village
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
When do they Open? – Trains will be running again from the 25th July.
Safety Measures – Tickets are sold per compartment at a fare of £30.00 for one return journey at the time you select on booking. Up to 6 passengers of any age may visit per compartment booked. Tickets must be purchased in advance online or over the telephone.
What is or isn’t Open – All journeys START AT WIRKSWORTH and return to Wirksworth. The Station Café will be open for a limited take away service. They also have some brand new toilets.
The Museum at Wirksworth, Miniature Railway and Model Railway may open subject to staffing.
Address: Wirksworth Station, Station Road, Coldwell Street, Wirksworth, DE4 4FB.
Gullivers Kingdom
When do they Open? – The rides and attractions will be reopening on the 18th July.
Safety Measures – Capacity will be reduced so you must prebook online. There will be staggered arrival times, contactless payments, temperature checks, enhanced cleaning and more. You may be required to wear a mask in some areas.
What is or isn’t Open – Outdoor rides and attractions will be open. Indoor areas are limited in numbers and the indoor play areas will be closed.
Address: Temple Walk, Matlock Bath DE4 3PG
Hardwick Hall – National Trust
When do they Open? – The grounds and the gardens have already reopened.
Safety Measures – To open safely, they’re limiting visitor numbers and you’ll need to book your visit in advance. Sadly, if you don’t book, you’ll be turned away, even if you’re a member. Please arrive within your 30-minute timeslot.
What is or isn’t Open – The main car park, Stableyard and Garden are open. Stableyard toilets are open with only one household allowed in at a time. A limited range of takeaway drinks and light snacks will be on sale.
The play area and house remain closed for now.
Address: Doe Lea, Chesterfield S44 5QT
Heights of Abraham
When are they reopening – They are reopening on the 18th July
Safety measures – Tickets are restricted each day and must be purchased online in advance. Face coverings must be worn in the cable car and on the cave tour. More than 20 hand sanitisers have been installed throughout the estate.
What is or isn’t open? From what I can see everything is reopening
Address: Dale Rd, Matlock Bath, Matlock DE4 3NT
Matlock Farm Park
When are they reopening? – They are open again
Safety Measures – Visit England has awarded them the COVID-19 Industry standard. Acknowledging that they are following government and industry guidelines to incorporate important procedures at the farm park which promote social distancing and maintain cleanliness.
Having reviewed their capacity levels and in carrying out thorough Risk Assessments, visitors are able to arrive on the day and pay on entry. They have a one-way system and increased hygiene.
What is or isn’t open? Outdoor areas are open again. The indoor soft play has to remain closed for now. Some of their extra activities are still taking place with limited numbers.
Address: Jaggers Ln, Matlock DE4 5LH
Midland Railway Butterley – There is no update as yet on their reopening
Sudbury Hall and Museum of Childhood – They remain closed but hope to reopen
LEICESTERSHIRE – Attractions that are open Summer 2020
Battlefield Line – They have not as yet announced their reopening
Belvoir Castle
When do they Open? – They have already reopened their gardens.
Safety Measures – Welcoming visitors at a distance and behind perspex screens. Operating social distancing throughout the estate. Limiting the number of visitors within the Castle and grounds at any given time. Providing hand sanitiser at all entry points. Implementing enhanced cleaning procedures & regularly disinfecting all public areas. Providing safe contactless payment options and many more measures.
What is or isn’t Open – Their gardens have reopened and they also have take away food and drink. They are not open all well.
The castle is remaining closed for now.
Address: Grantham NG32 1PE
Conkers
When do they Open? – They are open again
Safety Measures – They are limiting the number of tickets sold each day. There will be enhanced cleaning, hand sanitiser plus a one way system and other measures.
What is or isn’t Open – I believe their outdoor play areas will be open again , the train and the cinema. I am unsure whether some of these require you to wear a mask.
Address: Rawdon Rd, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Swadlincote DE12 6GA
Great Central Railway – They have made no announcement as yet regarding their reopening
Manor Farm Park and Woodlands
When do they Open? – They are open again
Safety Measures – Everyone including members must pre-book their tickets online. I have found no further information on what safety measures they are putting in place.
What is or isn’t Open – All outdoor areas will be open again apart from the following:
Animal petting, donkey rides, owl holding, indoor play barn and rides on Ernie the milk float will not be reopening.
Address: Castle Hill, East Leake, Loughborough LE12 6LU
National Space Centre
When do they Open? – They will be reopening on the 18th July
Safety Measures – TBC
What is or isn’t Open – TBC
Address: Exploration Dr, Leicester LE4 5NS
More about the Naional Space Centre
Stonehurst Family Farm
When do they Open? – They are open again
Safety Measures – They are asking people to purchase tickets in advance so that they can control numbers. There is a one-way system around the farm and increased cleaning and sanitising on the farm. Our front line staff will be wearing face masks.
What is or isn’t Open – Customers will have access to all farm animals, this includes being able to feed the animals and handle animals in the cuddle corner. There is a new adventure play trail open. The Farmer’s Den Teashop will be open for takeaways only. The Farm shop and “Farmer’s Den” Tearooms will be Open serving hot and cold food and drinks to take out.
Currently tractor rides and part of the Motor museum are temporarily suspended.
Address: Bond Ln, Mountsorrel, Loughborough LE12 7AA
Tropical Birdland
When do they Open? – They have already reopened
Safety Measures – They are limiting visitor numbers so in order to do this it will be essential that visitors pre-book their tickets online. This will include strict allocated time slots. They are now operating a one-way system. Social distancing signage and marker flags will be placed around the gardens plus hand sanitising stations.
What is or isn’t Open – Walk-in aviaries will be closed at this time, however their walk-through aviary will be open. Parrot Path section is open. The restaurant is open for take-away.
The playground is closed for now.
Address: Lindridge Ln, Desford, Leicester LE9 9GN
Twinlakes
When do they Open? – Selected theme park attractions are open again
Safety Measures – Visitor numbers capped each day, via the online booking of all tickets. Extra hygiene and cleaning measures throughout the site. Socially distanced queue lines and hand sanitisers throughout the park.
What is or isn’t Open – Farm park, falconry, outdoor attractions and ride will be open.
Indoor play areas and the water park will be closed for now.
Address: Melton Spinney Rd, Melton Mowbray LE14 4FF
Twycross Zoo
When do they Open? – The zoo has already reopened
Safety Measures – There is a restricted number of tickets and you must book online in advance. Tickets are booked via an allocated time slot. There is a one-way route around the zoo.
What is or isn’t Open – Most outdoor areas have reopened. Take-away food and drink is available.
All indoor areas are closed including the soft play.
Address: East Midland Zoological Society, Burton Rd, Atherstone CV9 3PX
Wistow Maze will not be reopening this year
LINCOLNSHIRE – Attractions that are open Summer 2020
Belton House
When do they Open? – They have already reopened their grounds. Play areas and the house are yet to be reopened.
Safety Measures – To open safely, they’re limiting visitor numbers and you’ll need to book your visit in advance. Sadly, if you don’t book, you’ll be turned away, even if you’re a member. Please arrive within your 30-minute timeslot. You’re then welcome to stay until closing time. Their toilets are open with only one household in at a time.
What is or isn’t Open – Parkland & Gardens will be open. Dogs on leads are welcome but not allowed in the formal gardens. A limited range of takeaway drinks and light snacks will be on sale.
Please note that the Outdoor Adventure playground will be closed.
Address: High Road Belton, Grantham NG32 2LW
Burghley House
When do they Open? – The gardens and parkland have already reopened
Safety Measures – The Gardens are open with pre-booking essential to keep our visitors and staff safe. The toilets will be cleaned and maintained regularly.
What is or isn’t Open – The gardens and parkland are open. The Garden Shed is open providing hot and cold drinks, ice creams and cakes. The Garden of Surprises will be open, although there will be limited access to certain areas and no contact with water features. To maintain your safety, the children’s paddling area, maze and viewing mound will be closed. The Sculpture Garden will be fully open including new areas of herbaceous planting and a selection of new sculpture.
The house will not be opening this year.
Address: Peterborough, Stamford PE9 3JY
Claythorpe Watermill
When do they Open? – They are open again
Safety Measures – Their online booking system will soon be live, so you’ll be able to easily – and safely – book your visit, whether you’re buying a ticket to the grounds or just booking a table in the café. (The cafe is open to all, not just to ticket holders).
What is or isn’t Open – There is no information on their website with regards to what isn’t or open.
Address: Claythorpe, Alford LN13 0DU
More about Claythorpe Watermill
Elsham Hall and Gardens
When do they Open? – Their gardens and play area are open again.
Safety Measures – They have signs and designated routes in place to keep their visitors safe. They are not requiring people to prebook a ticket.
What is or isn’t Open – The gardens and play area will all be open by the 4th July.
There is no further information available regarding food and drinks.
Address: Elsham, Brigg DN20 0QZ
Fantasy Island
When do they Open? – They are open again
Safety Measures – They have been accredited the good to go tick meaning they are following industry and Government COVID-19 guidance on cleanliness and social distancing. They’ve been working extremely hard to ensure their park is safe for your return! There will be a limited capacity.
What is or isn’t Open – They are hoping to reopen all areas including indoor and outdoor rides plus the amusement arcade. The outdoor market is also open.
Address: Sea Ln, Ingoldmells, Skegness PE25 1RH
Hall Farm Park
When do they Open? – They are reopening on the 17th July
Safety Measures – On your visit you will find some things done a little differently to in the past to ensure the safety of staff and visitors and in guidance with government regulations.
What is or isn’t Open – I can find no information with regards to what is or isn’t open.
Address: Caistor Rd, South Kelsey, Market Rasen LN7 6PR
Hardys Animal Farm
When do they Open? – They are open again
Safety Measures – Tickets can not be purchased on the gate, they must be purchased online. This is to keep numbers down. Additional hand sanitiser points and one way systems have been put in place throughout the park.
What is or isn’t Open – Their outdoor areas will be open. Food will be pre-packaged and there will be no hot menu. Payment by contactless card is preferred. Pitchfork and Putt is open with limited numbers each day due to single use clubs, on a first come first served basis. Their 3 outdoor play areas, pony cycles and electric tractors will be open. Please use the hand washing or sanitiser points before use.
Haystacks Playbarn is closed under the current guidance
Address: Anchor Ln, Ingoldmells, Skegness PE25 1LZ
Lincoln Castle
When are they opening? They are open again
Safety Measures – They have one way systems in place around the site. They are limiting daily numbers. There will be no activities in the prison.
What is or isn’t open? – Everything appears to be open again
Address: Castle Hill, Lincoln LN1 3AA
Lincolnshire Wildlife Park – They have no news as yet regarding their reopening
Lincolnshire Wolds Railway – They have no news as yet regarding their reopening
Normanby Hall Country Park
When do they Open? – They are open again
Safety Measures – To protect our visitors and staff, a variety of social distancing measures have been introduced, including one way systems and hand sanitising stations. Please follow the signage on display.
What is or isn’t open – Everything but the splash pad, gift shop and campsite are closed for now.
Address: Normanby, Scunthorpe DN15 9HU
More about Normanby Country Park
Pink Pig Farm
When do they Open? – They are open again
Safety Measures – Booking will be online only to control the number of visitors. There will be staggered opening hours. Hand sanitiser throughout the farm. Regular cleaning, card payments only and more.
What is or isn’t Open – There has been no official confirmation but the outdoors areas should be open. The indoor soft play will be closed. I would assume indoor role play area will be closed.
They have food and drinks available to take-away
Address: Holme Hall, Holme Ln, Scunthorpe DN16 3RE
Rand Farm
When do they Open? – They are open again
Safety Measures – To visit and to minimise people arriving at the same time you must pre book an allocated time slot on their website. Tickets will be limited. There will be perspex screens, hand sanitisation points, one-way systems and floor markers to maintain a social distance.
What is or isn’t Open – The Skyrider, Archery and the Play Barn will be closed. There will be food and drinks available to buy. All outdoor play areas will be open and the indoor animal barn will also be open.
Address: Rand, Market Rasen LN8 5NJ
Rushmoor Country Park will not be reopening this year
Springfields Adventureland
When do they Open? – They are open again
Safety Measures – Admission is by online booking only. They will have enhanced cleaning routines. Social distancing measures will be in place plus handwashing stations and more.
What is or isn’t Open – All outdoor play areas will be reopening. Take-away food is available.
Address: Springfields Outlet Shopping & Leisure, Camel Gate, Spalding, Lincoln PE12 6EU
Tattershall Farm
When do they Open? – They are open again
Safety Measures – They have made the decision to not require people to pre-book. Hopefully, if this is the wrong decision they will adapt. They will be encouraging people to use hand sanitiser throughout their visit.
What is or isn’t Open – All outdoor play areas and all animal areas woll be open. All indoor areas will be closed including the soft play and cafe. The cafe will be open for take-away.
Address: Marsh Ln, Tattershall, Lincoln LN4 4JR
More about Tattershall Farm Park
Trolleybus museum remains closed for now
Woodside Wildlife Park
When do they Open? – They are open again
Safety Measures – To limit visitor numbers, so you can stay safe and have an enjoyable experience, please book your tickets online through their website. All areas of the park will be regularly sanitised throughout the day to ensure a clean environment. They will be encouraging visitors to use the hand sanitisers provided around the park and more.
What is or isn’t Open – There is no information on what will or won’t be open or running. Any updates appreciated thank you.
Address: Newball, Lincoln LN3 5DQ
More about Woodside Wildlife park
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE – Attractions that are open Summer 2020
Clumber Park
When do they Open? – The grounds at Clumber park have already reopened
Safety Measures – They are selling a limited number of tickets, you must pre-book a time slot in advance. You are only allowed in the toilets one household at a time.
What is or isn’t Open – The grounds are open again. They are also open for take-away drink and limited food.
The Chapel, Woodland Play Area, Cycle Hub & Retail are closed for now.
Address: Worksop S80 3AZ
Creswell Crags
When are they opening? – They are reopening on the 1st August
Safety Measures – I can’t see any information on their website
What will or won’t be open – This will be the start of a phased reopening: their outdoor spaces and car park will be open. The cafe will be available for food and drink to take away or eat indoors. The museum will also be open for ticketed entry. Cave tours will not be available immediately. Please see the website and social media for further updates, as they are available.
Address: Crags Rd, Creswell, Worksop S80 3LH, Nottinghamshire
Ferry Farm Park – They have made the decision not to reopen this year
Floralands Farm Park
When do they Open? – They have already reopened
Safety Measures – Advance booking is advised to secure your place. They are open for two sessions a day. Due to cleaning and disinfecting procedures which must take place, the farm will be closed from 12.30pm to 1.30pm for this to be carried out safely and effectively. Your admission will be valid for either the morning or the afternoon session, but not both.
What is or isn’t Open – The farm is open again to walk around. They have not as yet announced the reopening of their play area or animal handling sessions.
Address: 169 Catfoot Ln, Lambley, Nottingham NG4 4QG
Robin Hoods Wheelgate
When do they Open? – They are open again
Safety Measures – Visitor numbers capped each day, via the online booking of all tickets ongoing. Pay contactlessly if asked. There will be extra hygiene and cleaning measures throughout the site. High touch contact points sanitised more frequently. Socially distanced queue lines. Temperature checks in place for team members and visitors to the Theme Park, prior to entry.
What is or isn’t Open – The farm park, outdoor attractions and rides will be open.
Indoor play areas, water park, falconry Centre and carousel remain closed.
Address: Mansfield Rd, Farnsfield, Newark NG22 8HX
Sundown Adventureland
When do they Open? – They are open again
Safety Measures – They will be reopening with greatly reduced numbers and adjust accordingly. Tickets must be pre-booked online in advance. They are asking visitors to pay contactless wherever possible. There will be additional hand sanitising stations throughout the park. They will also be cleaning surfaces throughout the park even more regularly than normal.
What is or isn’t Open – Outdoor rides and play areas will be open. There will be food and drink available.
Address: Treswell Rd, Rampton, Retford DN22 0HX
More about Sundown Adventureland
White Post Farm
When do they Open? – They are open again
Safety Measures – Bookings must be made online in advance so that they can restrict numbers. This will be in the form of time slots. There will be one-way routes around the far,.
What is or isn’t Open – I’m struggling to find any information if anyone can report back that would be greatly appreciated thank you.
Address: Mansfield Rd, Farnsfield, Newark NG22 8HL
For more ideas for things to do this summer during a pandemic please see – 70+ Family Walks in East Midlands. Or why not join my Facebook group Best Days Out in East Midlands.
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