The National Trust has announced that from June 3 it will begin a phased reopening of some of its gardens and parklands in Northern Ireland, including Castle Coole and Florence Court, with advance bookings needed to limit visitor numbers and maintain public safety.

This announcement from the National Trust comes following the Northern Ireland Executive's permitting of the reopening of outdoor spaces as part of step one in its 'Pathway to Recovery Plan'.

From Wednesday, June 3, the National Trust will begin a phased and gradual reopening of a small number of its gardens and parklands in England and Northern Ireland where social distancing can be observed, and will open to around a third of their normal capacity at any one time. This includes the gardens and parklands of Castle Coole and Florence Court in Co. Fermanagh. It is not yet clear when Crom will be reopened to the public but the National Trust have stated that over the coming weeks more places will begin reopening. People will be able to book their tickets in advance on property web pages from today (May 29). They will be free for Trust members, and other visitors will pay an admission fee.

All the National Trust’s houses, shops, holiday cottages and campsites remain closed in line with government guidelines.

Visitors arriving at reopening properties by car will be asked to show pre-booked tickets through their vehicle window before parking. Those arriving on foot will have bookings checked by a small team of staff who will adhere to social distancing.

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.”

The booking system will be available on individual property web pages via www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

The charity is also urging visitors to limit how many visits they book, to stay local if they can and to avoid busy hot-spots.

Signs at properties and information ahead of visits will advise visitors how to stay safe during their visit and routes will be marked out.

Hilary McGrady said: “I am so thankful that our members and supporters have stood by us as we work through these unprecedented times. We know they desperately want to return to our places, and we need their support to do our vital conservation work to look after the coastline, countryside, rivers and properties in our care.

“Like so many other organisations, the Trust has been badly affected by the coronavirus lockdown, not least our vital conservation work and our finances. Reopening is the first phase of our recovery, and we need our members and supporters to help us make this gradual transition a success so we can get back to offering nature, beauty and history for everyone.”

The latest information and updates on which places and facilities are opened can be found on individual property web pages, and all visitors are urged to check online before planning a visit. The ticket booking system is also available at www.nationaltrust.org.uk from today (May 29)