From 6 January 2021, England is set to go into another national lockdown. There aren’t many changes to the restrictions we’d already put in place, following the government’s tier 4 implementation last week.

However, to clarify what the new measures mean for Walton Hall and Gardens, we’ll run through exactly what remains closed and what is open.

Closed for now

Following tier 4 restrictions, we closed the Children’s Zoo, glasshouses and all activities, including the games hut and fairground attractions. These will remain closed. We also stopped offering viewings and appointments to see Walton Hall – this remains the case under lockdown. We did say that Walton Hall Golf Course would remain open under tier 4. However, that too is now closed as we enter full lockdown.

Remaining open

Our park and gardens remain open for exercise as it did under previous iterations of national lockdown. However, following government advice, we advise that you only visit as part of your daily exercise routine – it is against the law to meet socially with family or friends unless they’re part of your household or support bubble.

Government guidance states the following:

You should minimise time spent outside your home. It is against the law to meet socially with family or friends unless they are part of your household or support bubble. You can only leave your home to exercise, and not for the purpose of recreation or leisure (e.g. a picnic or a social meeting). This should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.

For more information please visit GOV.UK.

Adventure playground

Our adventure playground remains open despite the new restrictions.

Café

The Heritage Café is to offer a takeaway service only.

Car park

To support social distancing and avoid queues, you can now also pay online and at our machines. Plan your visit by downloading the Ringo App to pay for your car parking. If you have difficulty in doing this, you can call 01925950080, siting location number 18157. 

Toilets

Our toilets will remain open throughout the lockdown.