Bewl Water near Lamberhurst reopens as lockdown measures are eased

An 800-acre site in Kent is reopening to the public following the government's ease on lockdown exercise rules

Bewl Water, in Lamberhurst, near Tunbridge Wells, will now let people into the site to walk, cycle on their own bikes, fish and allow current members in for water sports.

The park, which is home to the largest stretch of water in the south east - has been closed since March 22 due to the coronavirus outbreak and says it is taking "robust measures" to ensure the safety of guests and employees.

Chief operating officer Andrew Daniells said: “We are delighted to once again be able to welcome visitors although there are still some restrictions in force on how you can use the venue.

“There are also strict guidelines that will be enforced to protect both our staff and others.

“Even so, the opening is a fantastic chance for families and others to enjoy some outdoor exercise and a breath of fresh air."

Mr Daniells said staff have taken additional measures to their cleaning and hygiene protocols such as cleaning surfaces with high-grade disinfectant, increasing the parking capacity to allow more space between vehicles and one-way routes in areas of the park to encourage social distancing.

Bewl Water's aqua park is also scheduled to reopen from June 19, and more activities including sports fishing, laser challenge, cycle hire and pedalos will be reintroudced when the government relaxes lockdown and social distancing measures.

Hole Park Gardens near Tenterden also announced on Wednesday that it too would now be reopening to the public.

Elsewhere, car parks at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Jeskyns in Gravesend still remain closed although Forestry England has said they will begin to look at re-opening them in stages.

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