We are so pleased to be able to re-open Ordsall Hall again following closure of the building due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Respecting the latest government guidelines, from Monday 13 July 2020 the visitor experience will be a little different to what it was before 19 March. Visitor safety will be at the core of our operation. We can summarise these changes as follows:
- Visitors will not be able to freely wander around the Hall. We will be introducing an online system whereby visitors will be able to pre-book a ‘stewarded’ tour around the building. Tours will be stewarded by a member of staff, and last around 1 hour. They will take in most rooms of the Hall apart from the attic space and the upstairs East Wing (the Great Chamber, Privy Chamber and Plaster Ceiling Room). Tours will be exclusive to the booker and their party. Current government guidance is that 2 households of any size can mix, socially distanced, in any setting. It is visitors’ responsibility to ensure that tour parties are composed of either their own household or a ‘bubble’ of their own, plus one other, household.
- A maximum of 8 people per party is permitted. When you book, you will be politely asked for a discretionary £3 per person donation which will go towards the upkeep of Salford’s oldest building. Please book your exclusive tour of the Hall.
- Visitor flow will be different with clearly marked entrance and exit points in order to maintain social distancing.
- 2 metre queuing space will be marked out on the path leading up to the main door.
- There will be on accessible toilet available for visitor use in the reception area.
- Staff will be located behind perspex screens in the reception and cafe areas.
- The cafe will be open, but will operate as a takeaway service only.
- Visitors will be able to touch some of the items in our interactive exhibition about the Hall that is housed in the Frederic Shields Gallery. In all other areas, most items will not be available to handle and dressing up is currently not permitted.
- Hand sanitising stations will be set up in key areas of the Hall.
Throughout lockdown, the gardens at Ordsall Hall have been open to everyone. Anyone wishing to just turn up and enjoy our grounds for free is very welcome. There are socially distanced picnic tables in the orchard where visitors are welcome to sit with their picnics and drinks. We politely ask that, where possible, you take your rubbish home with you.
We can’t wait to welcome visitors, old and new, back to Ordsall Hall.
See you again soon!
Pre-book a ‘stewarded’ tour >
Questions? Check out our useful FAQs guide.
