The Isle of Wight Council’s heritage service is looking forward to welcoming back visitors from Monday (17th May).
Dinosaur Isle, The Museum of Island History, Cowes Maritime Museum and Newport Roman Villa will start to re-open from next week, alongside the Isle of Wight Record Office.
The heritage service has tried and tested measures in place to allow visitors to use the museums safely, including additional cleaning and hand sanitiser stations at regular intervals at each site.
People will have to wear masks, unless exempt, sanitise their hands and maintain social distancing. One-way routes will be in place and not everything will be open. For instance, many ‘hands on’ activities and exhibits will not be available. Many of the attractions also require visitors to book in advance.
However, it is hoped that social distancing and face masks will be largely scrapped by the Government on 21st June.
Richard Smout, heritage service manager, said:
“We’re delighted we are able to open our doors to our local communities so they can once again enjoy our fantastic collections and exhibitions.
“The Island’s museums are a vital part of our heritage and visitor economy and so it is welcome news that all our sites are reopening to the general public.
Article continues below this advertisement “Our museums have tried and tested measures in place to allow customers to use the museums safely and visit with confidence.”
Isle of Wight Record Office
The record office will be reopening on Monday 17th May but booking is essential due to the limited numbers that can be safely accommodated in the building at 26 Hillside, Newport.
The office is open 4 days a week — Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday — from 09:30 until 16:30 (the office is closed between 12:30 and 13:30 for lunch).
Bookings can be made by phone between 09:00 and 17;00, Monday to Friday on 01983 823820 or by email to [email protected]. Do not set off until you have had confirmation there is space at your preferred time.
Dinosaur Isle
Dinosaur Isle is open Tuesday (from 18th May) to Saturday, from 10:00 until 16:00, except for July and August when the seafront attraction is open every day, from 09:00 until 17:00. Visitors must book in advance by emailing [email protected] or calling 01983 404344.
The museum anticipates running its popular field trips during the school holidays.
For more information, visit www.dinosaurisle.com.
Museum of Island History
Located within Newport’s historic Guildhall in the High Street, the museum will be open from 25th May on Tuesdays and Thursdays, between 10:00 and 13:00. Admission is just £1 per person.
The museum provides a fascinating exploration of Island history from the time of the dinosaurs to the present day.
Newport Roman Villa
The villa will welcome visitors on Mondays (from 17th May), Wednesdays and Fridays, between 10:00 and 14:30. Call 01983 529720 on the day of your visit to book your slot.
Explore the incredible remains of a third century Roman farmhouse — said to be the ‘best example of a Roman bath suite in southern Britain’.
Cowes Maritime Museum
Cowes Maritime Museum will reopen on Monday (17th May). The museum is situated within Cowes Library and admission is free. The museum provides an introduction to the important maritime history of Cowes.
The museum will open Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from 10:00 until 12:30 and 14:00 until 16:30.
