We’re open for business

From seeing the crown jewels in all their glory at the Tower of London, to pottering through the colourful gardens at Hampton Court Palace, there’s so much to see at London’s royal houses.

While the outdoor spaces at Hampton Court Palace are now open, the palace interiors won’t be opening until 17th July. The Tower of London is lowering its drawbridge on 10th July, and Kensington Palace will reopen on 30th July. Tickets must be pre-booked with a timed entry slot and remember to either have them on your phone or print them out at home.

Escape to this idyllic gem on the County Durham-North Yorkshire border for a luxury weekend break – complete with a five-star golf course and an array of restaurants.

Online check-in is available now, and all guests will have their temperature checked before entering the building. Tables in restaurants have been spaced out to ensure social distancing – or, if you prefer, you can have your meal al fresco on one of the terraces.

Step into a sea of purple hues at Surrey’s much-loved lavender farm this July and August.

You don’t have to pre-book tickets to enjoy the lavender fields, but do avoid weekends if possible and opt for a mid-week trip instead. Social distancing is in place but remember to respect each other’s space when walking in the fields.

See Bristol from a different perspective with an award-winning stand-up paddleboarding adventure.

Taster sessions for solo boarders, families and small groups of up to five people are available to book now. Social distancing will be enforced and all kit is washed thoroughly between sessions.

Get in touch with your outdoorsy side with a stay under the stars at this East Sussex campsite, close to the towns of Eastbourne and Tunbridge Wells.

The campsite has already introduced a contactless check-in process, as well as social distancing and hygiene measures – more details are included in a ‘Welcome’ email when you book.

Uncover 300 years of fascinating and diverse history at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The palace, park and gardens will all be open from 4th July, though the Pleasure Gardens, maze and adventure playground will remain closed. Tickets must be bought in advance, hand sanitiser dispensers will be dotted around the grounds and one-way systems will be in place.

Home to an abundance of exquisite paintings and historical artefacts, this Derby institution is sure to satisfy hungry minds.

Derby Museum and Art Gallery is reopening on Tuesday 7th July, and will admit small groups of visitors every 15 minutes. Visitors will have their temperature checked on arrival, and contact details will be taken. There will also be a one-way route through the galleries. 

Get your fill of furry friends at Dudley Zoo, home to more than 1,300 animals, or step back in time at the ruins of the 11th-century Dudley Castle – two fun-filled adventures packed into one day out!

The zoo is already open but is limiting the amount of people they allow in each day, and tickets must be pre-booked online. The land train, chairlift and funfair will remain closed for the time being, and indoor walk-through areas will stay shut too.

Tuck into award-winning pan-Asian cuisine at Woky Ko’s four Bristol city-centre branches, who are serving up everything from chicken katsu curry to made-to-order bao. Yes purr-lease.

Woky Ko is currently only open for takeaway, with all food being prepared at the highest hygiene standard – the chefs are even masked up!

Hidden away in Highgate in North London, this independent family-run brewery makes a selection of eccentric, delicious craft beers, all of which are on tap for you to savour in the beer garden of The Bull Pub from 4th July.

Tables at the pub must be booked over the phone (020 8341 0510) and social distancing measures will be in place – the staff even have a few tricks up their sleeves!

See the world through mini lego cities at Legoland Windsor; get your adrenaline fix at Chessington World of Adventures; discover a whole new way of life under the water at Sea Life centres across the country; or transform into a princess at Warwick Castle – all open from the 4th July.

Tickets to all attractions need to be pre-booked online. Temperature checks are in place on arrival and social distancing measures will be in place throughout. Some rides at Legoland, Chessington, Thorpe Park and Alton Towers also require face coverings to be worn, so do remember to take one with you.