KIELDER Water and Forest Park has revealed plans to reopen car parks and public toilets from Wednesday.

A statement asked the public to respect local communities and to stay away from village and residential centers, and strictly observe Government guidelines on social distancing in the Park.

A spokesman said: "We know people want to start visiting the area again, but hope you understand that any measures we take need to be done in a way that is safe for you, local communities, and fellow visitors, and is in line with Government guidance."

The following car parks will reopen:

• Hawkhope

• Tower Knowe

• Elf Kirk

• Matthew’s Linn

• Bakethin Nature Reserve

• Kielder Skyspace lower car park

• Kielder Castle

Normal car parking charges apply. Parking at all car parks except Kielder Castle, Elf Kirk and Kielder Skyspace lower car park must be pre-booked online at www.bookwhen.com/car-parking.

Despite the reopening of car parks, Kielder Waterside and the Forest Drive remain closed to visitors.

Overnight stays in motorhomes or wild camping are not permitted.

The public toilets opposite Kielder Castle and at Tower Knowe will be open, but all wildlife hides in the park remain closed, alongside the Kielder Art and Architecture installations and Kielder Castle grounds.

Elsewhere, the National Trust said it is opening some of its larger car parks in England to visitors who have pre-booked spaces on Thursday, May 21. Details about which car parks are bookable will appear on property web pages on the National Trust website.