CLICK HERE TO BOOK FREE TIMED TICKETS
It is such a pleasure to be welcoming you back to the Manor House website and to be finally able to let you know the plans for re-opening the house to the public.
Getting to us
Please go to the VISIT the MANOR HOUSE page
When are we open?
Our doors reopen to the public from Saturday 5 September from 11am – 4pm and we will then open every Saturday and Sunday at these times until the end of the year unless we are required to close due to Covid19 restrictions.
How to book tickets
To manage the numbers coming to the house we are asking that you book free tickets as individuals, couples or your ‘bubble’ group.
To book tickets click here.
You will still be able to come into the house if you haven’t booked but we will give priority to the timed ticket holders. You may be asked to come back to the house when it is quieter if you come at a particularly busy time.
Family groups or bringing younger visitors
We have a page on our site specifically to help families or younger visitors.
Test and Trace
To help with the Test and Trace scheme we will ask you for your name and phone number when you arrive or when you book online. This information will not be shared with anyone other than the Test and Trace team if requested.
What will be different about the house?
We are only opening the ground floor of the house. We are moving the Solar Art Gallery downstairs so that we will have the normal heritage room open telling the story of the Ilkley area and Roman fort and the art gallery selling the lovely work of local and region contemporary artists all on one floor.
We will have a one-way system in place too so that you will come in through the front door and exit from the back door.
Face coverings
It is now mandatory for visitors to the Manor House to wear face covering unless they are exempt from doing so.
If you can’t wear a face covering it helps if you have one of the Government issued exemption cards to show to the stewards when you arrive. Click here is the link to the government website for this information.
What will the house look like inside?
So you can get an idea of what the house will putting together a short film walking you round the new layout. This will be available on the website as soon as it has been produced. In the meantime here’s a diagram of the new layout.
Social distancing
House Guides
We will now have printed versions of the house guide for you to pick up when you come to the house. If you would like one in advance of your visit here is one to download and print off.
If you haven’t already watched it here is a link to a great short film by one of our local historians and Friend of the Manor House, Mike Dixon talking about the history of the house.
Toilets
We are going to open one toilet cubicle but access will need to be requested via a steward. We will have a notice in the toilet saying that the toilets are disinfected regularly and also offering the user the ability to disinfect the toilet before they use the facilities.
The toilet is not fully accessible and the nearest fully accessible toilet is in the main car park. For directions please ask a steward.
If you or anyone in your group need a bit of extra help do just ask and if you didn’t know you can get the special sunflower card and wearable items just to alert stewards that you might need a bit of extra help.
If you are wheelchair user you will still be able to access the house but you will not be able to adhere to the one way system as there is only one ramp available. The stewards will ensure that social distancing can be maintained and this may result in a short delay.
How are we keeping you safe?
There will be:
- Hand sanitiser at the door
- Outdoor handwashing units for adults and children
- Masks will be available for sale if you forget yours
- We have increased our cleaning regime
A full risk assessment has been carried out.
Food and Drink
We are going to trial having our bean to cup coffee machine working and one of our stewards serving tea and coffee from the doorway into the Buttery. You will need to take any drinks outside to be consumed.
If you wanted to bring your own tea and coffee or even a picnic we do have seating in the courtyard for you to use.
Outdoor Space
Throughout July and August we have been focusing on the outdoor space at the Manor House with a project called ‘Inside Out’. This has meant we have
- great new outside interpretation boards
- new outdoor seating
- signage to help you learn about the plants in the garden using QR codes.
Making a donation
We have been lucky enough to be funded to purchase a new contactless card reader and so this will be available in the house for visitors to make donations or pay for any purchases from the Solar Art Gallery.
Solar Gallery
We are delighted that we are able to reopen the Solar Gallery on the ground floor of the manor house selling work from contemporary local and regional artists and makers.
Dogs
Well behaved dogs are allowed on the ground floor of the house but must be kept under close control.
Feedback
If you have any feedback about your visit to the manor house please email admin@ilkleymanorhouse.org
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