THE National Trust has announced that from June 3 it will begin a phased reopening of some of its gardens and parklands in England and Northern Ireland with advance bookings needed to limit visitor numbers and maintain public safety.

All the Trust’s houses, shops, holiday cottages and campsites remain closed in line with government guidelines.All car parks and properties in Wales remain closed in line with Welsh Government guidance.

Most of the Trust’s countryside and coastal car parks are now open, but car parks with a risk of high demand may need to be closed, and some may need to be booked in advance. For more information, go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk

All admission to gardens and parklands will be by pre-booked ticket only.

Director General Hilary McGrady said: “We want to provide safe, local, welcoming spaces for people, and wherever possible we will open our gardens and parks, and coast and countryside car parks.

“The fresh air, bird song, big skies and open spaces people have missed will be there, but things will be very different, particularly at first. We want to thank people for their patience and support while we gradually begin reopening and welcoming our visitors.”