Several North East tourist attractions will be off limits next Monday after both the National Trust and English Heritage announced their sites would be closed on the day of the Queen's Funeral.
However, the National Trust's coast and countryside car parks will remain open, as will pre-booked holiday cottages and campsites. Popular sites such as Seaton Delaval Hall, Cragside, Lindisfarne Castle and Wallington will be closed in Northumberland, as will Gibside in Gateshead, Souter Lighthouse in South Tyneside, and Crook Hall Gardens in County Durham.
Attractions affected by the closure of English Heritage sites include Belsay Hall and Gardens, Lindisfarne Priory and Warkworth Castle. The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, which takes place at Westminster Abbey on Monday September 19 at 11am, marks the end of a period of national mourning for the UK, following her death on Thursday September 8.
Read more: The Queen's Funeral: When is it, what will happen and will it be shown on TV?
Many businesses across the country have announced that they will either be running reduced services or closed completely on the day of the funeral itself. Schools and supermarkets will be shut on Monday, while GPs have also been told that they can close, but they must ensure patients have sufficient out-of-hours care.
A statement on the National Trust website said: "On the day of Her Majesty The Queen's funeral, Monday 19 September, National Trust houses, gardens, cafés and shops will be closed. Coast and countryside car parks and pre-booked holiday cottages and campsites will remain open for visitors. Please check property homepages before you travel to avoid disappointment."
National Trust Director-General Hilary McGrady also paid tribute to the Queen, saying: "'It is difficult to put into words how much The Queen has meant to people in this country and around the world. During her reign, Her Majesty's towering leadership and unshakable integrity have been sources of pride and inspiration for generations of people across the globe.
"She selflessly devoted her life to public and voluntary service while championing vitally important issues, from the preservation of wildlife and the environment to opportunities for young people."
English Heritage also announced on its website that its sites would be closed on Monday, with a statement reading: "As a mark of respect, English Heritage is closing all sites on Monday 19 September 2022 for Her Majesty The Queen’s State Funeral. The Union Flag will fly at half-mast at all our sites with flagpoles until the morning after the funeral."
The charity's free-to-enter sites will remain open, though if you are planning a visit to a specific site, it is recommended to check the website ahead of travelling.
For those who are looking to head out on Monday, reserves run by Northumberland Wildlife Trust and Durham Wildlife Trust will be open to the public, though their cafes and visitor centres will remain closed.
A statement on the Northumberland Wildlife Trust website read: "We are extremely saddened by the death of Her Majesty The Queen and send our deepest sympathies to the Royal Family. Our reserves will remain open at this time for anyone wishing to seek solace in nature or to take some time for reflection outdoors."
Full list of National Trust properties that will be closed on Monday September 19
- Lindisfarne Castle
- Cragside
- Wallington
- Seaton Delaval Hall
- Gibside
- Souter Lighthouse
- Washington Old Hall
- Crook Hall Gardens
Full list of English Heritage properties that will be closed on Monday September 19
- Barnard Castle
- Aydon Castle
- Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens
- Berwick-upon-Tweed Barracks
- Dunstanburgh Castle
- Lindisfarne Priory
- Prudhoe Castle
- Warkworth Castle
- Tynemouth Priory
- Birdoswald Roman Fort
- Chesters Roman Fort
- Housesteads Roman Fort
- Corbridge Roman Town
Have you made plans for Monday? Let us know!
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