Yorkshire gardens and sculpture park reopens - with social distancing measures in place

Naomi Hutchinson, operations manager at the gardens, said: “We believe that being outdoors and in beautiful gardens is restorative and important for people’s wellbeing.

"It can be a source of much-needed tranquillity in these super anxious times, and with 45 acres, the Himalayan Gardens offers the open space needed.

"We are however mindful that the safety of visitors and our staff is our number one priority. We’re pleased to welcome visitors and that they won’t miss out on the final blooms of spring, but our re-opening depends on all following the social distancing rules.”

More than 80 outdoor sculptures are set in the open-air gallery that sits in a tranquil valley. The gardens feature works by internationally renowned artists, all inspired by nature. It is also home to the North’s largest collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias, with nearly 20,000 plants.

Science has proven a simple walk in the outdoors can help minimise stress, improve your mood, and your mental and physical wellbeing.

Actress Joanna Lumley is a patron of the gardens, and called them a ‘slice of paradise’: “My Kashmiri-born heart jumps with joy to think of its existence,” Joanna said. “Gardens are the greatest healers on earth, and as our stressful anxious lives tie us up in knots we may turn to the sweet silence of the great green earth for solace.”