CUMBRIA’S Living Heritage is cautiously preparing for the return of visitors to attractions as the lockdown restrictions ease for tourist destinations.

The group is putting precautions in place to museums, galleries, historic homes and castles, monuments and religious sites across the county.

Although some have already been open to the public, other sites are only now able to open.

Peter Frost-Pennington, chairman of Cumbria’s Living Heritage, said: “We hope it is not too long before we can say that all of our members are open to at least some degree.

“Some of our venues with outdoor spaces are welcoming visitors and dog walkers already.

“Some venues will take a little longer to work out what they can and can’t do.

“We just ask for visitors to be a little patient, as we need time to make sure we can keep everyone safe.”

Each venue has different guidelines on how to safely visit so it is advised to check the website beforehand as well as to pre-book.

There will also be an adherence to rules such as contactless payment and maintaining social distancing whilst at the venue.

Holker Hall, Hutton-in-the-Forest, Mirehouse, Muncaster and Dalemain Mansion and Gardens are among some of the attractions already open to the public.

For more information about the venues, visit www.cumbriaslivingheritage.co.uk