Popular Lancashire stately home offers family fun as it reopens following coronavirus lockdown

A Lancashire stately home is throwing open its doors after four months in lockdown.
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Leighton Hall, the award-winning seat of the Gillow furniture-making dynasty, will reopen on Thursday, July 16.

Safeguarding measures have been put in place – such as distancing guidelines and hand sanitiser stations, while the Hall, near Carnforth, has achieved the new national “Good To Go” kitemark in recognition of their efforts.

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Estate manager and Gillow descendent Lucy Arthurs said; “Like many other attractions, it’s been an extremely difficult and worrying time. For the first time in 61 years, we couldn’t open the doors on May 1, and the estate has been eerily quiet.”

Leighton Hall, near Carnforth, which is to reopen following the Covid-19 lockdown on July 16Leighton Hall, near Carnforth, which is to reopen following the Covid-19 lockdown on July 16
Leighton Hall, near Carnforth, which is to reopen following the Covid-19 lockdown on July 16

“We’re very excited about reopening, but we’re not rushing; the safety and comfort of our visitors and staff is our number one priority, so to begin with we are opening just Thursday and Sunday afternoons. Visitors will be required to pre-book their choice of visit online via our website, ensuring comfortable natural distancing and smaller, staggered house tours.”

Outdoors, while birds of prey displays are on hold for now, the rambling gardens, woodland walk, children’s play areas, maze and new educational Bee Corner will be fully open, including the parkland footpath to the benches at the top of the estate, to enjoy spectacular views over Morecambe Bay, Grange-over-Sands and the Lakes.

There are also more childrens’ activities on offer. On entry, every child will be given an activity pack with paper and a pencil, allowing them to complete the sheets for the tree face trail, brass rubbings and a Teddy Bear Hunt competition for people who have booked a tour of the hall.

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The tearoom has also been redesigned to offer safe distancing, table service and take-outs.

Lucy said; “People have been fantastically supportive, and keen to know when we’re reopening. Hopefully, this is just the first step to safeguarding Leighton’s survival, and we are thrilled to be welcoming our many friends back.”

For reopening updates, information and bookings, see www.leightonhall.co.uk, call 01524 734474 or email [email protected]