Calderdale Council is pleased to be able to welcome visitors back to Shibden Hall from Monday 3 August 2020.
The historic hall has been closed since Friday 20 March due to COVID-19 restrictions. The museum and shop will now reopen with tickets only available to book in advance online at museums.calderdale.gov.uk from Monday 27 July.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services, Cllr Susan Press, said:
“We’re delighted that Shibden Hall can reopen in August. We’ve really missed having visitors at the popular attraction and can’t wait to welcome them back.
“Although the visitor experience may feel a little different, the measures in place are essential to ensure everyone can have a safe and enjoyable visit. We ask for people’s cooperation and patience to help us maintain the safety for all visitors, staff and volunteers.
“2020 is the 600th anniversary of Shibden and although we haven’t been able to celebrate the occasion in the way we’d have liked, it’s wonderful that we’re now able to welcome people back to the home of Anne Lister.”
All visitors must pre-book tickets which will be available in half hourly time slots. New tickets will then be released every Monday for the following week. Numbers will be restricted and high demand is expected for these limited tickets, so people are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.
A number of safety measures will be in place for visitors and timing of visits will be strictly adhered to for everyone’s safety. Hand sanitiser will be supplied at various points around the Hall, but it’s also recommended that visitors bring their own supplies. Enhanced cleaning will also take place around the site throughout the day in line with government guidance.
The Shibden gift shop will be open to visitors and refreshments will be available to take away or consume on site. Payments should be made by contactless card wherever possible.
It’s recommended that visitors allow plenty of time to find parking and walk to Shibden to arrive during allocated time slots. Late arrivals will not be allowed entry.
To help keep everyone safe, it’s important that visitors follow social distancing and government guidance. In line with national guidance it’s also recommended that visitors wear a face covering or mask when in indoor spaces with people outside of their household or bubble. If anyone is showing symptoms of coronavirus or has been in contact with anyone with the virus within the last 14 days, they should not visit.
Other museum sites across Calderdale will remain closed until further notice. During the closure period, the Council’s museums team has adapted creatively by offering online exhibitions and innovative digital content during lockdown. Visit https://museums.calderdale.gov.uk to discover more.
For the latest on individual service updates and up to date guidance, visit www.calderdale.gov.uk/coronavirus