Eureka museum named as attraction people want to visit after lockdown

Eureka the national children's museum in Halifax has been named as among the top 40 places people would most like to go when lockdown is lifted.

Over 2,000 British adults responded to the YouGov poll, which also asked them which historic sites they planned to visit.

A total of 74 per cent of people who took part said they intend to explore the UK’s towns, cities and sites of natural beauty this year, and 44 per cent claimed not being able to travel due to Covid 19 restrictions made them feel ‘trapped’.

The lockdown trend for exploring the outdoors appeared to have influenced many of their choices, with over half planning to visit the countryside on their staycations.

Restaurants owned by famous chefs also proved popular destinations.

On Monday April 12 all shops, gyms, hairdressers, beauty salons and other “close contact services” can reopen. Zoos, theme parks and drive-in cinemas can reopen, and children will be allowed to attend indoor play activities.

Unfortunately, Eureka! is not included in the list of venues that can open at this time and will have to wait until at least May 17 when the next stage of the lockdown roadmap starts.

This is when pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues can seat customers indoors. Indoor entertainment such as museums, theatres, cinemas and children’s play areas can open.

A spokesperon for Eureka said: "We’re not actually able to confirm a precise reopening date until the stage 3 dates are confirmed, but we are committed to getting our doors open at the earliest and safest opportunity.

As we’ve all learned, the pandemic can be unpredictable and dates are changeable. We’ll let you know as soon as we’ve got a fixed date and will release available tickets via our website.

"As previously, our visitor numbers will be limited so you’ll need to book in advance.

"For annual pass holders, we’ll confirm any arrangements to extend passes once we’ve set a reopening date and will email you with details."

In October last year Eureka Children's Museum announced plans to cut jobs and to close its nursery.

The museum said at the time with the restrictions and an expectation of social distancing continuing beyond that, it has informed staff that job losses are now inevitable.