Yorkshire’s award-winning Himalayan Gardens and Sculpture Park is set to reopen to visitors from Friday 2nd April. Winner of the 'Yorkshire in Bloom' Tourist Attraction Award in both 2018 and 2019, the park is home to over 80 Contemporary Sculptures set within 45 acres of garden, inspired by the Himalayas. And with lockdown restrictions set to ease, visitors will be able to visit the Himalayan Gardens again - albeit with Covid-19 restrictions in place. A spokesperson for Himalayan Gardens said:
"The safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers is always our number one priority. In order to re-open safely, we will be adhering to all Covid-19 restrictions and Government guidelines in place at the time. "The number of visitors per day will be limited and tickets must be purchased online, in advance for a specific day. Season ticket holders may visit at anytime but, must also reserve a place for each visit."https://www.facebook.com/thehuttshimalayangarden/posts/3929983080401187 The gardens feature works by internationally renowned artists, all inspired by nature. It is also home to the North’s largest collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias, with nearly 20,000 plants. The spokesperson added:
"We believe that being outdoors and in beautiful gardens is restorative and important for people’s wellbeing. It can be a source of much-needed tranquillity in these super anxious times, and with 45 acres, the Himalayan Gardens offers the open space needed. "We are however mindful that the safety of visitors and our staff is our number one priority. We’re pleased to welcome visitors, that they may enjoy the blooms of spring in a safe and tranquil environment."Actress Joanna Lumley is a Patron of the gardens, and called them a "slice of paradise":
"My Kashmiri-born heart jumps with joy to think of its existence. Gardens are the greatest healers on earth, and as our stressful anxious lives tie us up in knots we may turn to the sweet silence of the great green earth for solace."Although set outdoors, the gardens have implemented additional staff training and measures to ensure key points such as the visitors’ entrance are safe. The team at the gardens have used natural materials to make its one-way systems and safe distancing signs stress-free and to fit with the landscape. The gardens will also have a plant sale area, and the Tearoom and Refreshment Horsebox will be serving takeaways initially. The gardens in Grewelthorpe near Ripon were donated in 2012 to a Charitable Trust, The Hutts Foundation, by Peter and Caroline Roberts. The charity aims to advance the arts, horticulture and the environment, including the cultivation of rare and endangered plants. Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.
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