Hambleton’s World of James Herriot visitor centre has been declared ‘good to go’ following its four-month shutdown.
The Thirsk centre is the first in the district to be awarded Visit Britain’s We’re Good to Go mark after complying with all the processes needed to open safely.
It is the official mark for the tourist industry signalling a business has followed government covid19 guidance and has processes in place to maintain cleanliness and observe social distancing guidelines.
“Getting the centre back up and running is vital to the economy of Thirsk – and the district,” said leader of Hambleton District Council, Councillor Mark Robson.
“It brings in people from across the country – and the world – who want to know more about one of our most famous sons.
“And for the centre to be awarded the ‘Good to Go’ mark seals the hard work put in to get it up and running once more.”
The centre, a tribute to the world’s most famous vet and author Alf Wight – aka James Herriot – will reopen to the public on Wednesday, July 15.
Over the last few weeks several changes have been made to the centre – there is a new one way system meaning that all customers will now enter through the famous red door and leave via the shop.
Timed tickets can be bought on line and will be restricted to 25 an hour – although people can also turn up and pay at the new entrance booth – sited within the museum dining room.
And customers who don’t get the chance to watch the tribute film will be offered a free copy of it as they leave.
“We are doing all we can to make visits to the centre as good as they have always been but there have had to be changes – not least with a new one way system,” said centre managing director, Ian Ashton.
“There will be less volunteers in the building to guide people and we will encourage people to keep on the move as much as possible to observe the social distancing restrictions.
“It is a difficult time for everyone in this industry but we are pleased to be opening up again and hope that with this Visit Britain recognition people will feel confident they can visit us safely.”
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