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:
Limiting visitor numbers, changes to opening times, changes to Members/Season ticket holders, mandatory pre-booking, contactless payments, and cash may not be accepted. Inside spaces may remain closed. Social distancing at ‘1 metre plus’ apart. Regular hand sanitising required; temperature’s may be taken on entry.
Staying safe is everyone’s responsibility and the general public are asked to not visit if they have any symptoms, are in a high-risk category, self-isolating or if anyone you have been in contact with has symptoms of Covid-19.
Attractions already open
Bicton Park – Is now open – Only the grounds opened in May just for members only but now day tickets available to all.
Blackpool Sands – Reopened 24th May car parks, takeaway counter and toilets all reopen.
Wildwood Escot – Is now open – Opened 15th June for members and from 16th June open to all.
Exeter Cathedral – Exeter Cathedral is once again OPEN TO ALL VISITORS! All admission fees reduced. Free for worship, private prayer & reflection. Free passes available for Exeter residents.
Killerton House NT – The car park, garden, parkland, chapel, shop and food and drink are all open. Pre-booked visits only, the house to re-open soon.
Big Sheep – Reopening w/c 29th June and then slowly roll out the new remodelled attraction from the 4th July.
Castle Drogo NT– The garden and toilets reopen on 29th June, pre-booking only in advance. No other details.
Opening from 4th July
Babbacombe Model Village – Re-opening 4th July. Pre-book an arrival slot online and pay at the gate.
Becky Falls – Re-opening 4th July.
Clovelly – Re-opening of village and Red Lion for takeaway, visitor centre, café and gift shop open from 4th July subject to Government guidelines.
Pennywell Farm – Re-opening on 4th July. Initially offering morning and afternoon sessions, booking online only to control numbers.
Seaton Tramway –Re-opening on 4th July.
Stuart Line Cruises – Re-opening 4th July – with all measures in place.
River Dart Country Park – Re-opening 4th July now confirmed
Lundy Island – Opening for staying visitors on the 4th July and anticipate day trips starting on the 14th July but waiting for this to be confirmed.
Canonteign Falls – Re-opening 4th July now confirmed
Opening after 4th July
Exmoor Zoo – Re-opening 5th July. We will be doing talks but not encounter sessions and only takeaway food. Please note that you need to book allocated space online – this is essential
Crealy Theme Park & Resort – Re-opening on 6th July.
Woodland Family Theme Park – Confirmed now Re-opening on the 6th July.
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
Bygones – Reopening 11th July, usual opening times, Café will remain closed, reduced capacity and one-way system.
Kents Cavern – Re-opening 11th July limiting to 10 people per tour, pre-booking only.
Diggerland – Re-opening 11th July now confirmed
The Milky Way Adventure Park – Reopening 11th and 12th July and going forward (based on demand) will decide on open every day again which is likely to be from 15th – 16th July
World of Country Life – Phased re-opening from 13th July Mon-Thurs.
Dartington Crystal – The Visitor Centre, Factory Experience, shop and cafe will to re-open on Monday July 13th.
Devon Railway Centre – Re-opening 15th July now confirmed
Reopening dates not confirmed
Seaton Jurassic – Re-opening on Friday 24th July. At this time there will be certain elements in the centre not available.
The Donkey Sanctuary – No date yet confirmed.
Morwellham Quay – No reopening details confirmed.
Pecorama – Now confirmed – sadly won’t be opening this year.
Quince Honey Farm – The Shop and Restaurant will be open weekends from 4th July between 11-3pm, awaiting confirmation on the rest of the attraction.
South Devon Railway – Looking at re-opening the 13 acre Buckfastleigh site in late July with a number of facilities available, including the Dartmoor Otters & Buckfast Butterflies centre. And a return to possible railway operations in August but still have to resolve a number of issues first to see if it can be done and is financially viable.
Watermouth Castle – Now confirmed the Castle and Theme Park won’t be opening this season.
Read more here from our Chairman – Devon’s Top Attractions Gives Cautious Welcome to Government Lifting On Lockdown Restrictions
