One of the North West’s leading heritage attractions has re-opened its doors - just in time to mark the 10 year anniversary on its current South Lakeland site.

After successfully applying for VisitEngland’s “We’re Good To Go” industry standard stamp of approval, the Lakeland Motor Museum in Backbarrow, reopened to visitors on Saturday.

The museum celebrated its Ruby Anniversary in 2018 and marks ten years at its current Backbarrow site in 2020.

Since opening its doors at its initial Holker Hall site on April 1 1978, the museum has welcomed more than 1.5 million visitors.

In-line with attractions across Cumbria and the rest of England, the museum is following government guidance by introducing a series of changes to ensure the wellbeing of each and every visitor.

Individuals, or their “bubble” groups, are asked to book their visit in advance, with entry times staggered at 15 minute intervals to ensure social distancing can be respected. While businesses are permitted to operate with a one metre social distancing rule in place, the museum will continue to operate under the previous two-metre distance as a precaution.

‘Hands-on’ interactive exhibits such as vintage games will be kept off-limits until further notice.

All wellbeing measures are in place, including increased cleaning regimes, reception screens and floor signage with designated ‘passing places’. Staff have even brought genuine traffic lights into operation to give the green-light to each group when their turn comes to move between the two floors of the museum. Café Ambio, which is on the same site as the museum, also reopened.

Group Chairman Bill Bewley said: “We’re really pleased to be re-opening just in time to mark the museum’s tenth anniversary here in Backbarrow. While it’s not the anniversary celebration we had planned, we’re certainly delighted to be able to share our collection of more than 150 cars and motorbikes with our visitors once again, not to mention the thousands of other fascinating exhibits that are sure to unlock nostalgic memories for everyone.

“We’re also pleased to have the seal of approval from VisitEngland and hope the ‘We’re Good To Go’ message gives our visitors that extra touch of confidence in all the hard work we’ve been doing behind closed doors to prepare for our big re-opening. We have been working very hard to adapt our business to ensure that we are following the latest UK Government guidance on how to re-open in a Covid-19 Secure manner. The safety and comfort of our visitors and staff is our top priority,

“Obviously, this is a continually evolving situation and we will continue to monitor changes in requirements and will vary our policies, procedures and operations to ensure continued compliance. While we have to ask visitors to book a slot in advance for the time being, we like to think it will enhance the experience and almost feel like a private tour of the museum.

"We can’t wait to pick-up where we left-off in March and the whole team will be thrilled to see our cars enjoyed once again.”