National Trust is set to reopen seven of its stately homes

National Trust is set to reopen seven of its stately homes after lockdown forced them to close – including Kingston Lacy in Dorset and Petworth in Sussex

• National Trust is reopening a small number of its houses to visitors 
• By the end of the week, seven properties will be open in England & N. Ireland 
• All visitors – including members – must book their day out in advance 

The National Trust has reopened a small number of its houses to visitors for the first time since they all closed due to lockdown. 

By the end of the week, a total of seven properties will be open in England and Northern Ireland.

All visitors – including members – must book their day out in advance to restrict numbers and ensure social distancing guidelines are followed, the charity said.

Barrington Court in Ilminster, Suffolk reopened on Monday. The National Trust has reopened a small number of its houses to visitors for the first time since they all closed due to lockdown

All visitors – including members – must book their day out in advance to restrict numbers and ensure social distancing guidelines are followed, the charity said. Above, Kingston Lacy in Dorset 

On Monday, Barrington Court in Somerset, Kingston Lacy in Dorset, Lyme in Cheshire, Oxburgh in Norfolk and Petworth in West Sussex all reopened. Above, Lyme in Cheshire 

On Monday, Barrington Court in Somerset, Kingston Lacy in Dorset, Lyme in Cheshire, Oxburgh in Norfolk and Petworth in West Sussex all reopened.

The Argory in County Armagh will welcome visitors from Wednesday and Packwood in Warwickshire will follow on Friday.

Limited tickets for the following week will go on sale every Friday, according to the charity’s website.

More than 130 gardens and parklands have been gradually opened by National Trust since last month. Above, Oxburgh Hall in Norfolk 

The Argory in County Armagh, Ireland, pictured above,  will welcome visitors from Wednesday

National Trust director general, Hilary McGrady, said: ‘The fresh air, bird song, big skies and open spaces people have missed will be there, but things will be very different, particularly at first. Above, Petworth House in West Sussex 

More than 130 gardens and parklands have been gradually opened by National Trust since last month.

National Trust director general, Hilary McGrady, said: ‘The fresh air, bird song, big skies and open spaces people have missed will be there, but things will be very different, particularly at first. 

‘We want to thank people for their patience and support while we gradually begin reopening and welcoming our visitors.’ 

The facilities were originally shut in March as the Government implemented strict social distancing measures. 

The facilities were originally shut in March as the Government implemented strict social distancing measures. Above, Packwood House in Warwickshire 

Which National Trust properties are reopening?  

Houses open from Monday, July 13: 

• Barrington Court in Somerset
• Kingston Lacy in Dorset
• Lyme in Cheshire
• Oxburgh in Norfolk
• Petworth in West Sussex

Houses open from Wednesday, July 15: 

• The Argory in County Armagh     

Houses open from Friday, July 17: 

•  Packwood in Warwickshire

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