National Trust reopen Coleton Fishacre and Arlington Court
In July the National Trust reopened seven properties in England and Northern Ireland as part of a phased reopening of its 200 houses
Ex stable block, Arlington Court (Image : Derek Voller / Geograph)
Two popular Devon houses are set to be reopened by the National Trust this weekend.
Coleton Fishacre, Dartmouth, Devon and Arlington Court, Barnstaple, Devon are part of the latest round of properties to reopen, specifically selected to operate within current government guidelines following the pilot scheme launched on July 13.
In July the National Trust reopened seven properties in England and Northern Ireland as part of a phased reopening of its 200 houses, which were closed as part of the national lockdown in March.
From Saturday, October 31, the National Trust in the South West will see the house at Coleton Fishacre open the doors on Saturdays and Sundays in November and December. Arlington Court will be throwing open the doors of the house shortly afterwards; from Friday, November 6 every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in November and December until Sunday December 20.
This will be the first time these houses will be open in more than seven months – with several new safety measures in place.
One-way systems and limited numbers inside houses will ensure that social distancing is possible, while enhanced cleaning and hand sanitising stations will be made available.
Visits are limited to ensure social distancing and entry to the house is not guaranteed on the day you visit. In line with government guidance, visitors are required to wear a face covering in the houses, unless exempt.
Regular visitors will also notice changes to exhibitions, including the removal of interactive displays and comment cards.
Coleton Fishacre
The house is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 4pm with last admission at 3.30pm. The garden, café and shop are also open. Visitors will need to book their visit in advance through the online booking system.
Arlington Court
The house is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10.30am to 3pm with last admission at 2.30pm. The garden, wider estate and second-hand bookshop is open 10am-4pm. Visitors will need to book their visit in advance through the online booking system.
Full details of the houses that have reopened in the South West can be seen at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/south-west.
Shine a spotlight on your neighbourhood by becoming an Area Ambassador.
