Arboretum Cafe Reopens - Attains 'We're Good to Go' Industry Standard Mark

The Yorkshire Arboretum reopened its popular café on Friday 17th July. The Arboretum Café is now open 11am-4pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday with a revised menu and processes in place to maintain cleanliness and social distancing. Earlier this month the arboretum applied to The National Tourism Organisations of Great Britain & Ireland and, following a risk assessment review, was granted the ‘We’re Good to Go’ COVID-19 Industry Standard mark. The mark is recognition of the arboretum’s adherence to government and industry COVID-19 guidelines – a one-way flow system is in place with clear, easy-to-follow signposting. Hand sanitiser stations are in place at the arboretum entrance, in the Visitor Centre and at the café counter.

Arboretum Director Dr John Grimshaw said: “We know how much the Arboretum Café is valued and enjoyed by so many people, and it gives us great pleasure to see it open again. We hope the ‘We’re Good to Go’ mark and cleanliness measures ensure visitors feel confident in visiting again. The arboretum looks particularly spectacular this summer, and the café terrace is still the place to take in the views while indulging your taste buds. Our revised menu sees a great many of your old favourites returning, and our delectable homemade cakes are as good as ever!”

The Arboretum Café is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11am-4pm, extending to include Mondays and Thursdays from August.

The Yorkshire Arboretum reopens – offers spacious, safe days out for the whole family

The Yorkshire Arboretum reopened on 8th June, offering 120 acres of peace and tranquillity on the historic Castle Howard estate. With COVID-19 lockdown restrictions easing, the arboretum is a perfect place to escape to and experience outstanding natural beauty safely. With sweeping vistas, wildflower meadows and peace hidden glades to explore, the Yorkshire Arboretum offers visitors a taste of the natural world away from these uncertain and troubling times.

The arboretum has adapted to the necessity of restricting the spread of Covid-19 by introducing new visiting times and an online booking system, as well as a new reception cabin and a one-way flow system to ensure social distancing; sadly the Visitor Centre and Arboretum Café are still closed.  General admission is from 12-4pm daily; exclusive entry for arboretum members is 10am-12pm. Booking visits in advance is easy using the arboretum’s new online booking facility, which is available at: www.yorkshirearboretum.org/admission-booking

Yorkshire Arboretum Director, Dr John Grimshaw, said: “I am delighted to see the arboretum open and full of life again after the strange quiet of the past few months. It’s lovely to chat to returning visitors and members, and to hear how much they’re enjoying being here in such a safe and secure environment. Our vast lawns are perfect for picnicking with your family, and at the moment the wildflower meadows are at their peak, full of flowers including lots of wild orchids – or look for the huge numbers of tiny baby toads emerging from the lake. There’s something to inspire everyone here- and plenty of space to explore.”

CHANGING CHAIRS

After nine years, Professor Alastair Fitter CBE, FRS, has stood down as Chair of the Castle Howard Arboretum Trust at a recent board meeting held by Zoom. Following tributes and thanks for his dedicated service to the Trust Alastair was presented with a painting of an arboretum scene by artist-in-residence Meg Huby. Following an advertising and application process, the Trust has appointed Greville Worthington as new Chair. Until recently Greville was Chair of the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, but he has a keen interest in trees, growing many maples and bamboos at his home near Catterick

Spring Walk Bingo

With the weather improving, and our collective need to experience nature and get fresh air and exercise greater than ever, Spring Walk Bingo is the perfect accompaniment to your strolls!

See how many things you can tick off, and let us know how you get on by hashtagging #yorarb on social media! Download your Spring Walk Bingo sheet below: