MONDAY marks a major easing of lockdown and lots of venues are looking forward to welcoming people indoors once again.

They have all been working hard to ensure their premises are safe.

Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery will be opening its buildings on Tuesday.

The popular attraction will be hosting new exhibitions and a programme of activities for the summer months.

It will be reopening with Driggsby, A Whale’s Tale, a fantastical new exhibition curated by school children of West Cumbria.

It tells the imaginary story of Driggsby the fin whale in its quest to save the seas. Visitors are asked to book in advance.

Anna Smalley, head of collections and engagement at Tullie House, said: “We have been working on the ‘Whale Tales’ project for over two years now, and we are so pleased that the wonderful work of the pupils, teachers, and family members who participated in this special project is finally going to be displayed pride of place in our Art Gallery.

"This exhibition is a journey of discovery, a celebration of creativity and an exciting exploration of our marine heritage.”

The cafe will also be open once more.

Gill Hewgill, visitor experience manager at Tullie House, said: “We can’t wait to welcome visitors back to Tullie House, it’s been great to receive so many supportive messages from our visitors during lockdown.”

At Wordsworth House and Gardens in Cockermouth, manager Zoe Gilbert and her team have been preparing for opening on Monday, when they will welcome pre-booked guests.

“Visiting groups will have a very special, exclusive experience," she said.

“All visitors will have a personal talk, tour or encounter with a costumed servant and can really experience the house on a personal basis.

“The garden is blooming and full of tulips and the apple and pear blossom is just coming out.

"Amanda and her garden team have tamed it again after a year of wildness, but it's still a great haven for bees and birds.”

The special exhibition to celebrate 250 years since William was born (April 7, 1770) and his sister Dorothy (December 25, 1771) has been extended until November and is free with admission.

In the downstairs discovery room, there is a permanent exhibition about William’s Lakeland legacy and his key role in the founding of the National Trust. Souvenirs and second-hand books are also available.

The beautiful riverside garden that gave William lifelong inspiration is packed with 18th-century varieties of vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers.

It’s full steam ahead at Keswick Museum where Rails, Trails and Steamy Tales: The history of the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith Railway opens on June 5.

The exhibition, which was delayed from 2020, tells the story of the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith Railway.

It was originally planned to coincide with the opening of the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail, which the museum supported with material for the interpretation boards along the line.

The exhibition explores the impact of the railway on the people of Keswick and will be the perfect starting or finishing point for the 5km walk.

It will be supported by a learning and events programme that will expand the museum beyond its walls.

The museum will open on Monday when visitors can see the Afloat exhibition by the pupils of St Herbert’s School which uses the metaphor of a storm to explore the children’s feelings about Covid-19.

The team has been working hard putting in extra measures to ensure that the museum remains Covid-secure and have been able to safely return the popular ‘Three Bears’ puppet theatre and other visitor favourites.

“We’re good to go and excited to be having people back,” said museum manager Eilidh Young.

Carlisle Castle will also be re-opening on Monday.

A popular Carlisle pub has made the most of lockdown and created a fantastic outside space. Mike Grierson, of the Royal Scot, in Morton, said: "We're really looking forward to welcoming everyone again.

"Through lockdown we've spent quite a bit of time and money redeveloping the outside space. We have a covered area, lots of decking, an outside fireplace and screen. We've just finished it and it looks absolutely brilliant."