Many of Devon’s top attractions are reopening their doors to visitors after the easing of coronavirus restrictions and the introduction of new safety measures
As the restrictions across Devon imposed due to coronavirus are gradually lifted, many of the county’s tourist attractions are starting to reopen, ready to welcome family visits with new safety measures.
The Devon Association of Tourism Attractions represents many of the top attractions in the county.
It says: “The safety of our visitors and the attractions staff is our main concern and all of the attractions will continue to adhere to Government guidelines and will all have the strict safety measures in place and will be using the appropriate essential safety equipment.
“The attractions are implementing new protocols and procedures and it is important that before visiting any of the attractions that visitors will be fully aware of their new operating procedures and of the safety measures in place. It is highly advisable to check on the attractions own websites before venturing out.”
The attractions may have implemented new changes and the visitor experience may be slightly different. DATA says visitors should be aware 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 apart. Regular hand sanitising required; temperature may be taken on entry.
Attractions already open
Bicton Park Now open. The grounds opened in May for members only but now day tickets are available to all.
Blackpool Sands - reopened 24 May. Car parks, takeaway counter and toilets all reopen.
Wildwood Escot - reopened 15 June for members and from 16 June open to all.
Exeter Cathedral - open for private prayer and reflection only. Monday – Saturday 10.00 – 16.00, Sunday 11.30 – 16.00
Killerton House - the car park, garden and parkland is open, prebooking and timed slots.
The BIG Sheep - reopening w/c 29 June and then slowly rolling out the new remodelled attraction from 4 July.
Castle Drogo - the garden and toilets reopened on 29 June, pre-booking only in advance.
Opening from 4 July
Babbacombe Model Village - pre-book an arrival slot online and pay at the gate.
Becky Falls - working towards re-opening on 4 July.
Clovelly - reopening village and Red Lion for takeaway, visitor centre, café and gift shop open from 4 July subject to Government guidelines.
Pennywell Farm - reopening on 4 July. Initially offering morning and afternoon sessions, booking online only to control numbers.
Seaton Tramway - reopening on 4 July.
Stuart Line Cruises - reopening 4 July – with all measures in place.
Canonteign Falls - reopens on 4 July. Visitors will be asked to follow a one way system to ensure social distancing, the Canonteign Kitchen will offer a good selection of pre-packed take-away food and refreshments
Lundy Island - opening for staying visitors on 4 July and anticipates day trips starting on the 14 July
Opening after 4 July
Exmoor Zoo - reopening 5 July. Will not be able to do talks or encounter sessions and only takeaway food. Subject to change if restrictions lift further.
Crealy Theme Park & Resort - partial re-open 6 July of the Resort, the theme park will reopen from 6 July to day visitors.
Buckfast Abbey - Abbey Church open for private prayer at reduced times, no groups or services.
Bygones - reopening 11 July, usual opening times, Café will remain closed, reduced capacity and one way system.
Kents Cavern - reopening 11 July limiting to 10 people per tour, pre-booking only.
The Milky Way Adventure Park - reopening 11 and 12 July and going forward (based on demand) will decide on open every day again which is likely to be from 15 – 16 July
Diggerland - reopening 11 July.
World of Country Life - phased reopening from 13 July
Devon Railway Centre - reopening 15 July
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