Wakefield museums and attractions to close during national lockdown

Museums, galleries and tourist attractions in the Wakefield district will be affected by the latest national lockdown.
Yorkshire Sculpture ParkYorkshire Sculpture Park
Yorkshire Sculpture Park

The Hepworth, National Coal Mining Museum, Yorkshire Sculputre Park, Nostell, Pontefract Castle and Wakefield Council-run museums are all set to be affected.

The government's guidance states: "To reduce social contact, the Government has ordered certain businesses and venues to close. These include:

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"Entertainment venues such as theatres, concert halls, cinemas, museums and galleries, casinos, adult gaming centres and arcades, bingo halls, bowling alleys, concert halls, zoos and other animal attractions, botanical gardens;

The Hepworth tweeted: "The government has announced that all leisure and entertainment venues, including museums and galleries must close from Thurs until at least 2 Dec to help contain the rapid spread of Covid-19. In line with this, The Hepworth Wakefield will now be closed until further notice."

But the open air areas of Wakefield's Yorkshire Sculpture Park will remain open during the new lockdown.

Indoor galleries and the YSP's restaurant, which we due to reopen this month, will remain closed.

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A YSP spokesman said: "Following the government announcement that England is entering a period of additional restrictions, all indoor galleries, shops and restaurants at YSP will close from Thursday 5 November until further notice.

"We are mindful of the importance of outdoor spaces being available for wellbeing – for people to find solace whilst walking in the open air, connecting with art and nature.

"As we have the necessary safety measures and systems in place across the 500 acres of historic landscape to enable us to remain open, we will continue to welcome visitors to open air areas. We will review this continually.

"Takeaway coffee and snacks will be available from the outdoor coffee bar at YSP Centre. Toilets will be accessible at YSP Centre and the Bothy Garden, and portaloos will remain in place. Capacity reduction, one-way systems and social distancing will apply.

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"You may visit YSP with members of your household or support bubble, or meet one person who is not in your household or support bubble.

"Tickets will be made available one week in advance and released on Mondays. Please check our website for updates before booking.

"If you have booked a ticket for Thursday 5 November onwards, we will be in touch.

"Thank you for your continued support. We hope you all remain safe and well during this difficult time."