WALTON Hall and Gardens has cancelled events up until the end of April – but is committed to staying open for as long as possible amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Visitors are urged to avoid going to the park in large groups and those in high risk categories such as the elderly are being asked to stay at home to be on the safe side.

The further advice has been issued after the management team met yesterday, Wednesday.

Adventure Golf is currently open but this is subject to further review and some precautionary measures have been made at the Heritage Cafe.

These include reducing the indoor seating, encouraging customers to sit outside on the benches provided and having hand sanitiser available at the till point.

Surfaces, door handles and stands will also be sanitised throughout the day and contactless payment is being encouraged.

A spokesman said: "Walton Estate has made a series of decisions to ensure our park can stay open for as long as possible.

"Firstly we’d ask everyone who is in high-risk categories to stay safe at home. However, we understand that even under current restrictions having access to large public spaces can be beneficial to your wellbeing.

"If you do come to the park, avoid doing so in large groups as per government guidelines concerning large gatherings."

The current list of cancelled events are:

  • Gilbert and Sullivan Opera, March 25
  • Walton Hall Food Festival, April 18 and 19
  • Hayley Parkes, April 24
  • The Mayor's Charity Ghost Hunt, April 26
  • Flashback to the 40s, May 16 and 17
  • All alpaca walks