The gardens and outdoor spaces of Hampton Court Palace will re-open next Thursday (June 18) with strict new safety and booking conditions.

The Historic Royal Palaces CEO John Barnes issued the following statement tonight: "We wrote to you just over a week ago outlining the plans we have been working on to awaken the wonderful palaces we look after.

"Today, we're pleased to be able to share some more information with you.

"From 18 June, we will be re-opening the gardens and outdoor spaces at Hampton Court Palace and Hillsborough Castle for you to enjoy once more.

"In accordance with government guidelines, the palaces, shops and cafes remain closed for now, and we'll open these as soon as it's safe to do so.

"Car parks and some toilet facilities will be open, for more information on how capacity will be safely managed see FAQs here.

"In order to open up our spaces safely, we've had to reduce the number of people we can welcome at any one time, so everyone (including our members and supporters) will need to book in advance.

"You can book tickets now.

"Just visit hrp.org.uk where you will be asked to select an arrival time slot.

"There is no restriction on the duration of your visit. Unfortunately, if you do not have a ticket when you visit, you will not be allowed entry.

"We will be continually monitoring the situation and new timeslots will be released every Monday.

"As a result of the measures we have put in place to keep our staff and visitors safe, your visit may feel different from normal.

"To give you an idea of what to expect, we've created this short video to give you some reassurance about the measures we've put in place.

"We're going to need you to play your part too. However, you can still expect the same warm welcome from our team who are ready and waiting to greet you.

"In our last email, we outlined the uncertainty around our future resulting from the closure of the palaces.

"We are facing a £95 million shortfall in our finances this year – an income reduction of over 85%. We would like to thank those of you who responded with donations and new membership applications.

"Now more than ever, we need your support to sustain the charity through this difficult period. A visit, a donation, a membership or any purchase from our online shop are all ways you can help us to invest in the palaces' future – so that visitors can continue to enjoy them for centuries to come.

"We're looking forward to seeing you very soon."

John Barnes

Hampton Court Palace said:"We're pleased to be re-opening our gardens from Thursday 18 June. We will be offering you a very warm welcome as always, but we have some new ways of doing things. For example, there will be fewer people at the palace at any one time and we're paying extra attention to hygiene. All visitors will also have to book a start time. But we're confident you're going to have a great time."

Health and safety charter - what to expect

Planning your visit

*You must pre-book tickets in advance with a timed entry slot

• New time slots will be released every week on a Monday
• Reduced visitor capacities will allow for 2m social distancing
• Non-contact print at home or mobile tickets
• Please only visit if you are feeling well

A royal welcome awaits you

Tickets will be checked from a 2m distance (we will not be scanning tickets)

Within the palace walls

• Hygiene standards fit for a King or Queen with enhanced cleaning regimes
• Hand washing and hand sanitation facilities available
• Non-contact interactions with staff
• Pre-planned one-way visitor routes
• Contactless till points and payments

Fully trained and confident team