SKIPTON Castle is due to reopen again from Thursday (December 3) following the ending of the second national coronavirus lockdown and after Craven was put into tier 2 restrictions.

The castle, one of the most well preserved medieval fortresses in the country, and which appeared on television news last week, will be open seven days a week, but with people asked to book online beforehand, for a guaranteed time slot.

Booking ahead of time will also help manage visitor numbers, limit queuing and reduce the possibility of contact with others.

A spokesperson said: “Skipton Castle has received the new Visit Britain Kitemark ‘Good to Go’ in recognition of our continuing work to make the castle as safe as we can for all our visitors and staff. We will continue to follow UK industry and government updates based on the latest advice.”

Visitors are asked to clean their hands regularly at sanitising stations, and a self-guiding, one way route has been organised around the castle and grounds. There is no time limit for visitors in the grounds.

People are asked to wear face coverings at all times in the indoor areas, and although toilets will be open, only one person at a time will be allowed in.

Contactless payments only will be accepted in the shop, tearooms and car park.