The county council’s heritage attractions and cafes will be fully back in business, re-opening their doors to visitors from today (17 May), with libraries also resuming normal hours.
The next step in the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic marks a significant milestone, particularly for the Century Theatre at Coalville, which first closed its doors back in March 2020.
Although improvement work is continuing in the theatre, the team is once again able to offer performing arts classes and studio workshops to people of all ages
Showpiece heritage sites, including the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, the 1620s House and Garden at Donington-le-Heath, as well as Harborough and Melton museums, are also welcoming visitors on a pre-booked basis from this week.
Also resuming services will be the cafes at Beacon Hill Country Park and Snibston Colliery Park and the 1485 Tithe Barn at Bosworth as they welcome their first visitors inside the facilities for the first time in more than six months.
All the council-run heritage sites, including Charnwood Museum run by the district council, and cafes have been awarded the national ‘We’re Good to Go’ safety mark, a guarantee that visitors can return with confidence knowing that Covid measures are being followed
Visitors are reminded, however, they need to wear face coverings at all times while using the indoor spaces, unless they have an exemption.
We’re delighted to be able to welcome visitors back in person – we have really missed you!
Some things will be different as we need to ensure that the attractions are safe for visitors and staff. What remains the same is that we want people to come along and have an enjoyable time with us – as well as staying safe.
Person:Franne Wills, Head of Service for Heritage and Libraries at Leicestershire County Council
Beaumanor Hall will resume educational visits and residentials from 19 May and plan to start events from 20 June.
Today's easing of restrictions also means that people can meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors and six people or two households can meet indoors with overnight stays allowed.
The easing will also allow the county council’s adult social care teams to continue activities with the people who they have supported - along with their families - throughout the pandemic.
Some activities will resume and the easing will also allow more face-to-face visits to take place, however, the council is aware that many people have benefited from more ‘virtual’ contact, such as Zoom calls and phone chats, and that will continue now and in the future.
SERVICE UPDATES:
Waste
- Waste sites will continue to operate a booking system.
Find out more about visiting our waste sites
Registrars
- 30 people will now be allowed to attend weddings, civil partnerships and funerals as long as venue capacity allows.
- Social distancing, face coverings and track and trace participation will still be required by attendees
Record Office
- The Record Office and search room is open for pre-booked visitors. For opening times, booking arrangements and FAQs please visit: recordoffice.org.uk or call 0116 257 1080.
Libraries
- Council-run libraries will resume normal hours from 17 May – Find your local library
- Users will be able to now book two two-hour slots for use of computers in libraries - Book a computer
Cafes
- Visitors to council-run cafes can now experience table service, as well as taking away food and drink, during their stay at popular beauty spots in Leicestershire
- Beacon Hill café - Visit their Facebook page
- Colliery café at Snibston - Visit their Facebook page
- 1485 Tithe Barn at Bosworth - Visit their Facebook page
Century Theatre
- Find out more at on the Century Theatre website
Beaumanor Hall
- Beaumanor Hall will resume educational visits and residentials from 19 May and plan to resume events from 20 June with the first event of the season being Father’s Day Afternoon Tea – visit beaumanorhall.co.uk
Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre
- Reopening Monday 17 May – for opening times, booking and FAQs visit the Bosworth Battlefield website or call 01455 290429
The 1620s House and Garden
- Reopening Thursday 20 May – for opening times, booking and FAQs visit the 1620s House and Garden website or call 01455 290429
Melton Carnegie Museum
- Reopening Tuesday 18 May – for opening times, booking and FAQs visit Melton Museum's website or call 0116 305 3860
Harborough Museum
- Reopening Tuesday 18 May – for opening times, booking and FAQs visit Harborough Museum's website or call 0116 305 3627
Charnwood Museum
- Reopening Wednesday 19 May – for opening times and FAQs visit Charnwood Museum's website or call 01509 233754