17th May 2021 – Covid update- Devon’s Top Attractions are now open!
Following the 17th May Devon’s Top Attractions are now open
As we all hope expectantly for the long-awaited ‘Step 3’ of planned easing of the Government’s Covid recovery ‘Roadmap’, the excitement and anticipation is also growing at all members of Devon’s Top Attractions who are getting ready to expand their operations or to simply re-open for business.
The Covid rule changes from Monday 17 May and further lifting of restrictions will allow those visitor attractions who were unable to open earlier on to now finally re-open their doors and start welcoming visitors back in force.
Trading as ‘Devon’s Top Attractions’, the Devon Association of Tourist Attractions (DATA) says its members are in rude health and ready to go again for the truncated 2021 season. All of Devon’s indoor attractions will be able to re-open for the first time and those attractions who were already partially open can fully re-open their indoor facilities too.
13th May 2021 – Covid update
As Restrictions Lift – Devon Set for a Marvellous May Half Term
Mega May-Cation predicted for Devon
Covid Update 21.04.21
Positive Re-opening for Devon’s Top Attractions in First Week!
‘Devon’s Top Attractions’ announce re-opening dates
Finally, there is light at the end of the proverbial tunnel for Devon’s leading visitor attractions as they announce their re-opening dates and plans.
This announcement will come as welcome news for everyone in the Devon tourism sector as it starts to come out of the third National lockdown in the last 12 months and our nation makes its way forward towards life on a more normal footing.
The Chairman of ‘Devon’s Top Attractions’ and South Devon Railway PR manager, Dick Wood, said: “It’s obviously been the toughest and most challenging year for everyone in living memory, but our member visitor attractions and tourism in Devon has been one of the hardest-hit business sectors through the long, enforced closures.
“This third lockdown has been another blow for our 36 member attractions, some of whom are unable to open their doors again until May 17th, although some are starting limited operations from 12 April under the current recovery roadmap. But it means that many of our members have now missed both the February Half Term and Easter holidays trade, plus the May Day Bank Holiday weekend too.
“As some attractions take 20% of their total annual income at Easter, Covid restrictions will inevitably now impact on their businesses both this year and last. But our member attractions have shown remarkable strength and adaptability over the last 12 months, and innovation has become their forte to overcome the obstacles faced and we are all gearing up fast now for re-opening and surviving a year without income.
“So, we are all looking forward to a good Summer and — with the considerable uncertainty of overseas travel remaining — we hope to ‘make hay’ in what’s being dubbed the ‘Great Staycation Year’. I hope this will give a much needed boost to the region’s tourism industry and so help our Devon attractions bounce back.”
Who’s Opening and when?
There are a small number of Devon’s Top Attractions who are already open for ‘locals’ for daily exercise and we’ll see a few more open their doors ahead of the Easter weekend. There will be a few low-key Easter activities to enjoy made of up of outdoor Easter trails, walks and animal encounters.
Re-opening on 12th April
A good number of Devon’s Top Attractions with outdoor facilities have now partially re-opened their doors on 12th April and some have outdoor dining, take-away food and drink facilities available. These attractions include some of the animal and farm parks, plus zoo attractions, as well as a number of theme parks with outdoor facilities. Several heritage and transport attractions have also re-opened but, in some cases, this might be for the outside site only. Some of the attractions that offer self-catering accommodation re-opened from 12th April.
Re-opening 17th May
The rest of Devon’s Top Attractions will then re-open their doors from 17th May hopefully when the indoor attractions can legally do so. There may still be some restrictions, limited capacity and changed opening times and facilities, but the attractions hope to fully open by May Half-Term week with expected further lifting of Government restrictions by the Summer. The wearing of masks is expected to continue in line with Government guidance.
There are a couple of attractions who are still to release their re-opening dates.
Your Safety is our Concern – Covid Safe Attractions
Our member attractions have gone to great lengths to make sure that they keep both their visitors and staff safe. Attractions displaying the Covid Safety accreditation marks can demonstrate that they are following Government and Public Health guidelines and have the required safely measures in place.
Advance, on-line booking is highly recommended for many attractions and, in some cases, it’s essential. Attractions may well have changed their previous opening times and procedures, so visitors are urged to check on-line before venturing out for certainty and to avoid possible disappointment.
Full List of ‘Devon’s Top Attractions’ and their planned re-opening dates
Babbacombe Model Village – Re-opening 12th April, outdoor.
Becky Falls – Re-opening 17th April, outdoor.
Bicton Park – Grounds already open for daily exercise for local members. Partially open to all from 12th April. Awaiting Government guidelines for indoor areas to open fully from 17th May.
Blackpool Sands – Already open for daily exercise. Re-opening from 12th April, Venus Take-Away available.
Canonteign Falls – Re-opening 31st March – For walks, Easter trails and takeaway refreshments. Restricted entry to locals only. From 12th April, all can visit outdoors.
Clovelly – Village, gardens and pub at the Red Lion (takeaways only) re-opens 12th April. The Red Lion Hotel opens its doors for overnight stays on May 17th.
Crealy Theme Park & Resort – Outdoor re-opens 12th April, then partially open for weekends. Fully re-open from 22nd May.
Dartington Crystal – Factory shop only re-opens on 12th April – fully re-open 17th May.
Diggerland – Re-opening 12th April – outdoor.
Exmoor Zoo – Re-opening 12th April – outdoor.
Lundy Island – Re-opening Self Catering accommodation from 12th April – Week by week review for trips – Camp site from 17th May – full capacity hopefully from June.
Pennywell Farm – Re-opening 12th April – outdoor.
Powderham Castle – Re-opening of grounds and Secret Garden on 2nd April for the Easter Holidays, and on weekends throughout April and May. Closed again for a time and reopening of the Castle/Grounds on 25th July.
Quince Honey Farm – Shop and gardens re-opening on 15th April, attraction re-opening 17th May.
RHS Rosemoor – Currently open to locals only – re-opening up wider 29th March for an Easter trail. Restricted capacities and online booking. Accommodation re-opens 12th April.
River Dart Country Park – Park re-opens 1st May for day visitors and campsite opens 17th May.
Seaton Tramway – Re-opening 12th April with limitations.
South Devon Railway – Re-opening of site only on 12th April and steam trains running from 17th May.
Stuart Line Cruises – Re-opening 1st May with limited timetable. Full sailing schedule from 17th May.
Watermouth Castle – Accommodation is open from 12th April and Theme Park open 18th May.
Wildwood Escot – Re-opening 12th April – outdoor.
Woodlands Family Theme Park – Reopening 12th April outdoor only. Looking towards fully open for May Half Term from 29th May. Indoor situation still under review.
Re-opening 17th May onwards
Buckfast Abbey – May 17th – subject to clarification.
Bygones – Re-opening 17th May with secure restrictions in place.
Coldharbour Mill – Re-opening 31st May 2021 check website.
Devon Railway Centre – Re-opening 22nd May, subject to change.
Exeter Cathedral – Re-opening on 17th May but subject to change.
Kents Cavern – Re-opening 17th May – Advance online booking only 16 people per tour. Hopefully this will be relaxed from 21st June, await Government guidelines.
Morwellham Quay – Re-opening 17th May.
Pecorama – Re-opening 18th May, Tuesday –Saturday 10am until 4pm. (Except Bank Holiday weekends) Pre-booking strongly advised as entry numbers will be limited.
Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) – Still reviewing a re-opening date.
The Big Sheep – Re-opening 17th May Subject to guidelines.
The Donkey Sanctuary – Planning to re-open on 17th May, subject to change.
The Milky Way Adventure Park – Re-opening 22nd May – subject to guidelines.
World of Country Life – Re-opening on 17th May.
Destination Plymouth – Events will be after 21st June – still to be confirmed.
Seaton Jurassic – Will remain closed.
Covid-19 Advice
All attractions are being vigilant and following Government, NHS England and Public Health England advice.
To help prevent further spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) we ask all visitors to follow these guidelines:
- Wear face coverings inside and where required.
- Keep a 2 metre distance where you can.
- Do not attend with more than 2 people from different bubbles to an outdoor space.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and use hand sanitiser.
- Avoid contact with people who are unwell.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
- If you feel unwell during your visit to an attraction, please contact a member of staff immediately, while maintaining a safe distance of two metres where possible.
- If you are feeling unwell, DO NOT venture out and visit any of our attractions and we recommend you contact the NHS 111 service for further information.
COVID UPDATE 05.01.21
Devon’s Top Attractions are following the new Government guidelines for National Lockdown 3.
Keep checking for any updates
COVID UPDATE 30.12.20
CLOSURES – DUE TO NEW RESTRICTIONS
Unfortunately Devon moves into tier 3 tonight following the announcement made by the Government today. Most of our attractions that were open will be closing their doors until further notice.
This is another devastating blow for Devon’s Top Attractions at the end of an already difficult year for us all.
We would like to thank everyone for their incredible support throughout 2020 and would like to wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year.
We look forward to welcoming you through our doors in 2021.
Best wishes from all of Devon’s Top Attractions.
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Important Covid Update 3rd December 2020
Following lockdown 2 and Devon going into ‘Tier 2’. Devon’s Top Attractions continue to follow Government guidelines.
Some of Devon’s Top Attractions have re-opened their doors and are offering a selection of low key Christmas themed days out and experiences.
Please find out who is open with the run up for Christmas here
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Important Covid Update 05.11.20
Following the Government announcement for the 2nd National ‘lockdown’ we are sorry to say but the attractions have now had to close.
As Devon’s Top Attractions temporarily close their doors we wanted to take the opportunity to say a big thank you to all our visitors that have supported us through the pandemic.
We hope we can welcome you all back in December when restrictions may be lifted.
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens – The gardens and takeaway remain open see details here.
Blackpool Sands – The beach and Venue Takeaway remain open, see details here.
Please visit this page again for an update on the situation.
Thank you
Press Release 29.06.20 – Attractions re-opening dates regularly updated.
More of Devon’s leading visitor attractions announce their re-opening dates
As if in a complete reversal of the situation in March this year when Devon’s Top Attractions went into sudden lockdown and all of the attractions closed their doors one by one, we now see them emerging out of lockdown and starting to announce their opening dates and re-opening plans.
Much like the proverbial ‘Phoenix rising from the ashes’ we see Devon’s Top Attractions strength and resilience, and see how they are remodelling and adapting their visitor experiences and businesses to a whole new ‘normal’ day out!
Devon’s Top Attractions are pleased to announce that ‘We’re Good to Go’.
Many of Devon’s attractions are solidly supporting Visit England’s new ‘We’re Good to Go’ industry standard which was only launched last week, and many of Devon’s Top Attractions are already proud holders of the UK-wide industry standard and consumer mark.
Many are also getting accredited for the AA’s new ‘COVID Confident’ scheme which also launched recently. Both quality mark schemes give great confidence to visitors and locals alike to demonstrate how the health, safety and hygiene of visitors is at the forefront of attractions and is being incorporated into the visitor experience.
Devon’s Top Attractions Chairman Dick Wood said: “The safety of our visitors and staff remains our major concern. All member attractions are following Government guidelines and have been working incredibly hard behind the scenes to make the re-openings as easy as possible.
“There will be new safety procedures and measures in place, which may make the visitor experience slightly different to what it was previously, but it will still be good quality.
“Member attractions are endeavouring to get accreditation for both of the UK’s Covid visitor standards schemes which will undoubtedly give further confidence to people.
“It’s important visitors become fully aware of any new operating procedures and of the new safety measures in place before visiting any of Devon’s Top Attractions members.
“That can be achieved easily by checking on the attractions’ own websites before visiting as pre-booking is now nearly always essential.”
There may be changes in the following areas:
Your safety is our concern
All of our attractions continue to follow Government guidelines and will all have the strict safety measures in place and will all be using the essential PPE equipment. Attractions are being accredited with the Visit England ‘We’re Good to Go’ and the ‘Covid Confident’ quality marks so look out for the above safety marks.
The attractions may have new protocols and procedures in place and it is important that before visiting any of the attractions that you are fully aware of the new operating and booking procedures and know of any changed opening times. Please check at the attractions own websites below before making your visit.
New procedures may include:
Limiting visitor numbers – Due to social distancing, some attractions will have to limit the amount of visitors. Please pre-book your visit to reserve your place.
Opening Times – There may be changed opening times and timed sessions, some attraction may be open later into the evening.
Members/Season ticket holders – There may be temporary changes, please check before visiting.
Pre-booking and Contactless payments – pre-booking is advisable and some attractions may not be accepting cash.
Inside spaces – Due to Government guidelines and social distancing some inside spaces will remain closed.
Face coverings – From 24th Sept. – You must now wear a face covering in the following indoor settings (from 5 November, see the guidance on national restrictions And includes the following indoor settings at visitor attractions and entertainment venues (museums, galleries, cinemas, theatres, concert halls, cultural and heritage sites, aquariums, indoor zoos and visitor farms, adventure activity centres, indoor sports stadiums, funfairs, theme parks, and indoor play areas including soft-play areas). Customers in hospitality venues must wear face coverings, except when seated at a table to eat or drink. Staff in hospitality and retail will now also be required to wear face coverings
Stay 2m apart – Please keep your distance from other visitors.
Follow the signs – Please follow the signs at the attraction, there might be a one way system in place.
Hand Sanitising – Please regularly make use of the hand sanitising stations and hand washing facilities at the attractions.
Temperature’s Taken – Please be aware that at some attractions your temperature will be taken before entry is allowed.
Please don’t touch – Attractions will be cleaning much more regularly but please try to avoid touching any surfaces.
Please do not visit – If you have any symptoms, you are in a high risk category, self-isolating or you or anyone you’ve been in contact with has symptoms of Coronavirus. Please do not visit any of our attractions.
Staying safe is everyone’s responsibility – Please help by following Government guidelines.
Attractions now open are as follows, please refer to websites and book online before venturing out.
Babbacombe Model Village -Pre-book an arrival slot online and pay at the gate.
Buckfast Abbey – The Abbey Church, restaurant and shop are now open to the public 12 – 3.30pm on Sundays and 10.30am – 3.30pm Monday to Saturday. Mass at 9am and 10.30am can be booked via the link below. The car park and grounds are closed after 3.30pm
Castle Drogo NT– The garden and toilets are open, the Castle remains closed until further notice.
Kents Cavern – pre-booking only.
Killerton House NT – The House , car park, garden, parkland, chapel, shop and food and drink are all open. Pre-booked visits only,
Quince Honey Farm – The restaurant, shop and gardens are currently open daily and the Play Hive is now open.
South Devon Railway – Planning on re-opening on 20th March 2021.
The Donkey Sanctuary – Has now reopened
Reopening dates not confirmed
Morwellham Quay – Open for camping but no confirmed date for the attraction re-opening.
Pecorama – Sadly the attraction won’t be opening this season
Watermouth Castle – Sadly the Castle and Theme Park won’t be opening this season.
Press release 23.06.20
Devon’s Top Attractions Gives Cautious Welcome to Government Lifting On Lockdown Restrictions
The Chairman of the Devon Association of Tourist Attractions (DATA) Dick Wood gave a “cautious welcome” to the announcement of the easing of Covid 19 regulations, in particular the reduction in social distancing to one metre which will see many Devon tourism businesses re-open from 4 July.
DATA, which trades as ‘Devon’s Top Attractions’, has 35 member attractions around Devon which are all quality assured and inspected regularly to maintain high standards and ensure good quality visitor experiences. It is estimated that some five million people visit DATA member attractions each year, all of which helps make Devon the most visited county in Britain.
Since mid-March, all of Devon’s Top Attractions have been closed leaving them without any income and facing growing uncertainty and fears of job losses and even business failures as has happened in recent weeks sadly.
As things stand today, half of DATA’s members are still waiting to see the detail of the lockdown restrictions being amended, whilst others are partly open or opening in early July.
A list of the re-opening plans as known on 23/6/20 of Devon’s Top Attraction members is found here
Devon’s Top Attractions Chairman Dick Wood, who also represents the South Devon Railway at Buckfastleigh, comments: “We have all been hanging around waiting for weeks now for some good news from the Government as to when we might be able to re-open and today’s news will be very welcome by many of our members who have had a torrid time with many wondering if they might even have a future.
“But, like so many Government announcements, the devil will be in the detail for us and so we will all be studying the revised guidance and regulations very carefully now to check how these affect our businesses, and what we can do.
“There are three key ‘C’ words for us that we all desperately need at present. We need CERTAINTY, with continuity and consistency in Government policy and financial help as key parts of that going forward; we need CONFIDENCE by people to want to visit and to show common-sense at all times, and we need CAUTION by visitors and staff in properly following the revised social distancing rules, but also being ready in case CV19 spikes again and we then get another lockdown.”
Whilst a number of attractions are hoping to re-open soon, others have come to the reluctant conclusion that it simply is too difficult and risky financially to undertake normal operations until a much later date given all of the restrictions involved, and whether running a very limited operation could actually make any money, or be operated safely.
The principal concerns and restrictions are: social distancing; costly additional PPE and cleaning requirements; concerns over the enforced reduced capacity of attractions; question marks over the ability to make any money doing so; the potential health and safety risks to both staff and visitors; the ability to staff the attraction properly; and low consumer confidence in the market about whether visitors will want to return to Devon anyway, especially given that travel by national rail and coaches is still severely restricted too at present.
The point does need to be made clear that NOT all attractions are in the same boat at all in terms of possibly being able to re-open, but all of them have been dependent on receiving further, updated Government advice and guidance ASAP on a number of issues that have prevented them opening.
The decision about an attraction possibly re-opening is, therefore, down to individual circumstances and based upon a number of big issues to consider, such as the care, welfare and feed for animals for some attractions.
Every attraction’s decision is their own to make since it’s going to be determined by many factors and not just one, and there is not one single common solution to the problem of course. Here are just some of the key issues being faced and addressed:
* the individual circumstances in terms of proximity to your market and target customers, type and nature of your business; and the likelihood of visitors returning given expected low consumer confidence other than at open air attractions;
* the ease or difficulty of actually opening, either partly or in full, including getting everything checked over, and ready and safe to use after a six month break, and all necessary staffing in place, and having infrastructure works teams back at work;
* how much money is in the bank or held in reserves, or available via commercial or Government borrowing (if it’s felt appropriate to even borrow money bearing in mind loans have to be repaid) and maintaining confidence by the banks in the attraction by avoiding financial risks;
* what further cash might be raised by boosting any donations appeals (that’s not possible for all attractions of course), and how high the monthly ‘burn’ rate of cash and fixed costs incurred is irrespective of whether the attraction is running or not. Some will have monthly ‘burn’ figures of £50,000-60,000, others much higher or lower, but it is assisted currently by Furlough payments to staff, although those rules change soon with any deferred bills paid;
* satisfying ALL of the regulatory requirements, especially for rides etc, which they are usually set out in detailed guidance papers in industry sectors requiring a raft of Risk Assessments for virtually every activity, including grass cutting, garden maintenance and weed killing etc;
* availability of staff and volunteers to man the attractions safely, including safety critical staff’s competence in both theory & practical work, and whether those using ageing volunteers (who invariably make up a large part of the workforce but are in ‘at risk’ categories), will want or feel able to return to their former duties;
* the attraction’s ability to crank up the marketing and PR function to draw visitors back in quickly as staff are furloughed;
* variable and flexible business plans and funding models with costed options to deal with different scenarios as they develop post lockdown;
* a proper competition & competitor analysis of the current marketplace, including market segments and known key sectors, such as groups and Christmas trade;
* how easily the attractions might be shut down again quickly if there is a further CV19 spike and a second lockdown, or if the operation delivered proves to be uneconomic.
There will be other factors at play too, but the above list should help show what has to be considered by all of Devon’s Top Attractions members who all provide non-essential leisure in either indoor and outdoor locations.
Some attractions have already run limited trial operations for ‘members only’ to try out their readiness to re-open which have tested their safety systems and staff competences. Others are just starting to gear up to possible re-opening in July after the Government delayed making the announcement today more than once, and it will take many attractions up to three weeks to get everything back in place to re-open safely
Devon’s Top Attractions Chairman Dick Wood added:
“Every DATA member desperately wants to get their attraction open and running again as soon as possible and that’s the clear aim. But not if that means putting additional further risk on your business in terms of health & safety issues and further pressurising your already strained finances.
“Re-opening with all of the restrictions in place will still be a brave decision for many of us to make, but it could be foolhardy too given all of the issues we face. It is perhaps down to not letting one’s heart rule your head! We have to be cautious.
“Some attractions will decide that they are unable to re-open for normal daily operations this year unless circumstances change significantly and quickly, and focus instead on 2021. But most will be looking into trying a limited if not full operation this Summer and also for Christmas if possible.
“We all want to protect our valued and dedicated staff as best we can, some of whom are sadly at risk of redundancy, but know we are potentially facing three Winters in a row in terms of a massive loss of income. It’s been a very tough and unforgettable year for the country.
“In the case of the South Devon Railway, whom I represent as an attraction, we still desperately need more people to help us raise the target figure of £500,000 in our SOS funding appeal.
“We are so grateful to everyone who has donated to us already and helped us reach well over a third of that figure with £210,000 raised so far.
If the railway is not able to re-open, we’ll need to try and raise around £32,000 a month for the next nine months from now until March next year. A tall order, but we have a plan!”
23.03.20 Announcement
Due to the current COVID-19 situation and following Government advice, all of Devon’s Top Attractions have now closed their doors for the foreseeable future.
PLEASE NOTE – All Easter events and other ongoing events have been temporarily postponed or cancelled.
We apologise for any inconvenience but we are adhering strictly to Government guidelines and all restrictions.
We look forward to a time when the attractions can re-open their doors and welcome visitors back and can start operating again.
Please see below our ongoing press release information.
Best wishes
Dick Wood – Chairman
PRESS RELEASE – DATE 23.03.20
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Last few of Devon’s Top Attractions who remained open now told to close after latest Government intervention to control Covid 19 virus outbreak
With growing worries over the spread of Coronavirus across the county, the last few members of ‘Devon’s Top Attractions’ (the Devon Association of Tourist Attractions – DATA) who remained open have effectively been told to close for business from tonight (Monday 23 March) by the Prime Minister.
The members concerned were all employing special measures to welcome visitors safely, most of whom simply wanted to get outside into the great outdoors and enjoy themselves in some rare sunshine this week whilst also obeying the Government latest ‘two-metre proximity rule’ to other people.
Those few still open for business were largely open-air attractions and had made special arrangements for visitors by restricting access to closed-in areas as listed in Government guidance, such as pubs and cafes etc, and they were employing detailed risk assessments, plus special hygiene and enhanced cleaning measures and washing stations around their sites to help tackle the risk of possible infection.
All of these members were still not considered to be subject to the Government’s current guidance on social distancing until tonight’s announcement limiting movement and gatherings to only essential travel.
Devon’s Top Attractions Chairman Dick Wood said: “We have all been expecting this announcement from the Government in the light of recent events and it should create absolute certainty for both the public and our members for the time being at least about what everyone can do now.
“With schools now closed until further notice, many parents, grandparents and carers might have been looking for safe places to take children and get them out of the house rather than looking at TVs and computers, so the attractions felt they were well placed to provide that ‘safety-valve’ during the Covid 19 crisis.
“But DATA members are naturally all keen to look to the future for the good of Devon’s economy and we are not easily beaten. We are all trying to remain positive about what will happen to our businesses and helping loyal staff and armies of volunteers who underpin it all. Members have received several detailed advice briefing papers from DATA’s Exec team in the last week on the help and guidance available to them, and many will be relieved by tonight’s news, but the devil is always in the detail of course!
“Things changed so very quickly for everyone and on what now seems to have been a daily basis. So, with all DATA members now effectively being told to close, and who welcome some five million visitors annually, there will probably be an adverse effect in time for many local people despite the financial help on offer from the Government.
“Devon’s Top Attractions plans to keep its members and the local media regularly updated so that we have a complete picture for everyone’s benefit, but the information should also be readily available from individual member websites too of course.”
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PRESS RELEASE – DATE 19.03.20
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Two thirds of Devon’s Top Attractions remain open for business despite Covid 19 virus outbreak
Despite ongoing Coronavirus concerns, two thirds of the 35 members of ‘Devon’s Top Attractions’ (the Devon Association of Tourist Attractions) are still open for business this coming weekend, or plan to open by the end of the month and the start of the main season, by employing special measures to welcome visitors safely, most of whom will want to get outside into the great outdoors and enjoy themselves.
All those 23 attractions which are open for business have made special arrangements for visitors by restricting access to some closed-in areas, such as buildings and cafes etc, and are employing detailed risk assessments, plus special hygiene and enhanced cleaning measures and washing stations around their sites to help tackle the risk of possible infection.
Many of these attractions have bigger, open sites and so are not considered to be subject to some of the Government’s current guidance on social distancing. With schools closing tomorrow until further notice, many parents, grandparents and carers will probably be looking for safe places to take children and get them out of the house rather than looking at TVs and computers, and many of Devon’s Top Attractions feel they are well placed to provide that ‘safety-valve’ during the Covid 19 crisis.
Please find attached a ‘round-robin’ spreadsheet which shows which DATA members are open and closed, plus some information about restrictions and their current thinking in dealing with this crisis. This list has already been shared with all our members which we hope will help them all going forward, along with us issuing two detailed advice briefing papers on the help and guidance available to our members.
We realise that things may change for our members quickly on a daily basis, but it’s a snap-shot picture and list of what all DATA member’s situations are at this time. It shows that more member attractions will be open than closed currently with twelve (12) members either closed, part-closed or with restricted opening days, representing one third of the total membership of 35.
DATA plans to keep this spread-sheet regularly updated so that we have a complete picture for everyone’s benefit, but the information should also be readily available from individual member websites too of course.
Easter is traditionally one of the strongest times for Devon tourism and for our members with the real start of the main season, so we are planning to issue another update early next week to all local media listing what Easter events are going on around the county.
ENDS
Notes to News Desk
If you wish to discuss the situation across Devon’s top Attractions or make contact with any of our DATA members about this press statement and attachments, please contact DATA Marketing Manager Anne Blackham or DATA Chairman Dick Wood as listed below.
The Devon Association of Tourist Attractions operates as ‘Devon’s Top Attractions’ and represents the majority of major tourist attractions in Devon.
Members are regularly inspected to make sure they meet the rigorous criteria and quality standards. Ensuring that visitors experience quality in terms of venue, facilities, content, service and value for money. Members continue to work together to raise and maintain the standard of tourist attractions across Devon.
Many members have obtained awards from the Devon Tourism Awards, South West Tourism Awards, Visit England, Green Tourism Business Awards Scheme, Travel Awards, Trip Advisor and many more.
Their website is www.devonstopattractions.co.uk
Like and follow them on Facebook @Devon’s Top Attractions and Twitter @DevonTopDaysOut
Their Complete Guide to Devon leaflet comes with free road map, beach guide and tide table 1 million distributed each year.
For further information,
please contact: Anne Blackham –Marketing & PR – mobile 07905 291567
Email: [email protected]
or Dick Wood – Chairman [email protected] mobile 07711 552947
