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Have fun, stop Covid: Enjoy summer safely in North Lincolnshire

Tourism, Museums and The Arts
10:52, Thursday, 23rd July 2020

With school holidays underway, residents and visitors have been urged to enjoy the fantastic range of attractions and activities across North Lincolnshire this summer – but to make sure they do so safely.

As more family friendly sites reopen, businesses have worked hard to adapt their facilities and ensure they comply with Government coronavirus guidelines.

New safety measures have been introduced to ensure visitors are protected, giving families piece of mind. Many have already received Visit England’s ‘We’re Good to Go’ accreditation, the industry standard and supporting mark.

Cultural attractions such as the 20-21 Visual Arts Centre and North Lincolnshire Museum in Scunthorpe, as well as Normanby Hall Country Park, have all opened their doors with new processes to ensure social distancing.

The council has brought together a list of safe family friendly days out and activities in the area. Read more on our website.

With people eager to enjoy all that the area has to offer, health officials from the North Lincolnshire Health and Wellbeing board have launched a Stop Covid, Prevent Local Outbreaks campaign, which urges everyone to do their bit to keep the spread under control.

Penny Spring, Director of Public Health for North Lincolnshire, said:

“Of course we want people to enjoy the activities on their doorstep and people should be reassured by the safety measures local businesses have implemented to protect visitors but stopping the spread of Covid-19 is everyone’s responsibility.”

“The sacrifices we have made have ensured that we’ve been able to contain the virus.

“But it is still in circulation and it is vital we keep our guard up and remain vigilant at this crucial time.”

Normanby Hall Country Park has reopened to members, with pass-holders able to unwind in 300 acres of natural beauty.

Younger visitors can meet the friendly farmer and his animals at the family farm and take part in free animal handling sessions, while thrill-seekers can head to Go Ape Normanby Hall for a treetop adventure.

At North Lincolnshire Museum visitors can enjoy the new Medieval Crafts exhibition, which celebrates the skills and artistry of the period. Visitors to the museum are asked to pre-book their tickets online on the Eventbrite website and dedicated time slots for those with accessibility requirements are also available.

The 20-21 Visual Arts Centre has three exhibitions; Our Plastic Ocean by photographer Mandy Barker, The Way of all Flesh by Jamie Frost and Uncertain Spaces: Spirits of Place and Foreshadowing by realist painter, Andy Cropper, which shows paintings of nocturnal cityscapes. A booking system is in place for people who are shielding. Reserve a 3pm to 4pm shielded visitor slot on Eventbrite.

Leisure centres run by North Lincolnshire Council will reopen to the public on a phased programme from 25 July and as guidance changes, many council facilities will also be adding to the positive activities programme.

There will be the chance to take part in active trails, with the chance to win some great prizes, join the ‘Silly Squad’ and complete the Summer Reading Challenge, as well as joining a virtual sports day.

Members of the North Lincolnshire Tourism Partnership Scheme have also welcomed back visitors, including the Pink Pig Farm at Holme, near Bottesford.

The farm attraction has plenty for the whole family to enjoy, including animals to meet, a tractor circuit to ride around, giant pillows to burn off energy, toboggans to race and much more. Pre-booking is essential and can be done at Pink Pig Farm’s website.

Those seeking an adrenaline-filled adventure can swing through the high ropes course at Arial Trail, close to the Pink Pig Farm.

Families can also enjoy the popular animal experiences once more at Messingham Zoo, getting up close to some amazing, rarely seen creatures. New additions to the family-run business include Brid, the baby Emu.

Ms Spring said people should enjoy visiting attractions in the area over the summer but emphasised the importance of sticking to the Covid-19 guidelines while doing so.

She said: “I cannot stress enough the importance of maintaining our resolve. Limiting contact with other people, maintaining social distancing and washing our hands often and thoroughly are absolutely vital and will remain the case.

“Sticking steadfastly to the guidelines will protect us, our families and our communities.”