FOLLOWING the Government statement that museums and galleries could reopen from the start of July 2020 the Manor House team in Ilkley have been working hard to look at options for reopening safely for visitors, volunteers and staff.

“After much thought we have decided to reopen the Manor House from Saturday 5 September,” said Sarah Thomas, chair of the Trust.

“We will then open Saturdays and Sundays from 11am – 4pm. We have had to rearrange the house to make it possible to put in a one-way system and to avoid ‘pinch points’ like the stairs.

“This will mean that only the ground floor of the house will be open for the time being.”

The Solar Art Gallery is being installed in a new temporary home in the housebody downstairs so the museum and art gallery have been distilled on to the ground floor.

Sarah added: “We have updated our website pages with information about what the space will look like, what measures we have taken to ensure everyone is as safe as they can be. So have a look at these before you come

“We are also asking visitors to book a free timed ticket online so that we have an idea of numbers coming to the house. It is very quick and easy to do.

“If you haven’t booked a ticket that is fine, it is just you might have to wait a little before you can be let into the house. This is just so we can manage the numbers of people in the space at any one time.”

Visitors can also enjoy the courtyard which has been refreshed as part of the Inside Out project, developed in partnership with Ilkley Complementary Therapies, LS29 Group and Arup, using generous funding from Ilkley Town Council, Museum Development Yorkshire and the Coop Community Fund.

“Our first event in the courtyard is on Sunday 30 and Monday 31 August when we are working in partnership with the Ilkley Playhouse to put on some Shakespearean Monologues,” said Sarah.

“It is a first come first served event and spaces will be limited so come early if you want to bag a space’s.

“Further details are on the Manro House website – www.ilkleymanorhouse.org”

The mid-14th century stone Ilkley Manor House and courtyard sits within the footprint of the Roman fort, Olicana and was opened by patron, Alan Titchmarsh in April 2018.

The Trust’s vision is to create an ambitious heritage and creative quarter for the town.

Ilkley Manor House always welcomes new volunteers. Anybody interested in getting involved should email volunteer@ilkleymanorhouse.org