Heritage:

Heritage England reports that Shropshire woodland that hid Charles II is to be restored.

Arts Council England (ACE) have announced £160m fund to support culture organisations during COVID-19 Pandemic.

BBC brings art and culture to people’s homes with special festival through TV, radio and online.

 

Parks and country parks:

The National Trust has released a statement announcing the closure of all National Trust parks and gardens to help social distancing.

Parks in parts of London are closing following criticism of large numbers of tourists ignoring social distancing measures.

Visitors urged to stay away from all 15 UK National Parks until further notice with many closing to visitors.

 

Visitor attractions:

Visit England releases 6 ways to explore England while staying at home through virtual tours of popular visitor attractions.

Visit England releases latest advice for businesses in the travel and tourism industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visit England announces winners of Visitor Attraction Accolades for outstanding visitor experience.

The British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions (BALPPA) has postponed its upcoming exposition and tradeshow to November 2020.

 

Visitor accommodation:

A report from the UNWTO states that international tourist arrivals could fall by 20-30% in 2020.

Up to 45,000 accommodation spaces need to be urgently found for the homeless as UK hotels become homeless shelters under coronavirus plan.

 

National Heritage Lottery Fund:

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has released a short survey to help monitor the impact of COVID-19 on heritage organisations and the people working for them.

A £5million investment from the National Lottery for 11 heritage projects across Northern Ireland.

The former iron and steelworks in north Wales is set to be transformed into a visitor attraction, community hub and business space due to a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

 

Other:

New data suggests hope for UK travel industry due to surge in winter bookings for inbound tourism for 2021.

 

Project news

Planning Solutions Consulting Limited has been commissioned to work with NRW and key stakeholders to further develop recreation in Afan Forest Park to enhance and develop the visitor experience to derive more social and economic benefits. Image kindly supported by Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council.