As people welcome the lifting of lockdown restrictions this week, BCP Council has announced the timetable of the re-opening of indoor attractions.

Poole Museum opens today (17 May) with the Russell-Cotes Museum & Art Gallery opening on Tuesday 18 May, Highcliffe Castle from 19 May and The Gallery Upstairs at Upton Country Park from 21 May.

In addition, from today Bournemouth Land Train services will recommence (a reduced service is in place this summer from 10am to 5pm with an express route from Bournemouth Pier to Boscombe Pier); Hengistbury Head Land Train services will recommence, running daily with card payments only; Bournemouth Pier Amusements will reopen and Stanpit Marsh, Hengistbury Head, Kingfisher Barn and Steamer Point Visitor Centres will fully reopen (opening at Stanpit Marsh & Steamer Point may be subject to volunteer availability).

Group exercise sessions can now take place at Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre.

Local wedding venues such as Scaplen’s Court in Poole and Highcliffe Castle will also be able to offer wedding ceremonies again in line with restrictions (currently a maximum of 30 guests) and limits on social distancing.

COVID-secure rules, including social distancing requirements, continue to apply in businesses and public venues and there will be specific guidance in some settings that need to be followed even when with friends and family.

Visitors to many venues will also be required to check in, with new rules in place that mean every person over 16 must register their details – not just one person for the group. The NHS Test and Trace check in requirement applies to sectors including hospitality, tourism and leisure, and close contact services.

Cllr Nicola Greene, portfolio holder for COVID-19 Resilience and Public Health at BCP Council, said: “As we begin to enjoy access to more local attractions, it’s vital that we all continue to follow the guidance in each venue to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading.

“Our community has sacrificed a huge amount over recent months and local rates of COVID-19 are currently very low, but we need to do all we can to make sure we keep it that way. As we move out of lockdown and begin mixing more again, vaccination alone won’t prevent further COVID-19 spikes, so I would urge everyone to take advantage of the access to free twice-weekly testing and act with caution when you’re out and about.