(Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)
Popular attractions across County Durham, Darlington, North Yorkshire and the wider North East have been forced to close today as Storm Boelo continues to batter the region.
Strong winds are causing widespread disruption on Sunday (October 25), with visitor attractions shutting their doors, travel services disrupted and thousands of properties affected by power cuts.
Beamish Museum, Baydale Farm, East Grange, Lightwater Valley, The Forbidden Corner, Whitby Abbey and Fountains Abbey are among the attractions affected.
The closures come as Storm Boelo brings strong winds across northern England, with disruption to transport and power supplies.
Which attractions are closed due to Storm Boelo?Beamish Museum
Beamish Museum (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)
Beamish Museum in County Durham is closed for the whole of Sunday because of forecast high winds.
The museum said the safety of visitors, staff and volunteers "must always come first".
It currently plans to reopen as usual on Monday (October 26), although visitors have been advised to check for further updates before travelling.
Baydale Farm, on Coniscliffe Road in Darlington, has been forced to close after suffering storm damage overnight.
The popular pumpkin-picking venue said it had made the "difficult decision" to close as today's storm conditions were proving challenging.
It said: "Your safety is our priority and today's storm conditions are proving to be challenging.
"Please do not travel to us, you will be turned away."
The venue plans to reopen on Monday, subject to further updates on its social media channels.
Baydale Farm had originally been scheduled to open for pumpkin picking today.
East Grange, at High Shincliffe near Durham, has also announced it will be closed today.
The farm, which operates a pick-your-own pumpkin patch during October, announced its Sunday closure on Facebook.
East Grange Farm runs a number of seasonal attractions throughout the year.
Lightwater Valley is closed today because of forecast very strong winds and current storm conditions.
The attraction said it had made the "difficult decision" to close to ensure the safety of guests and its team.
Anyone with tickets booked for today has been advised to contact guest services for assistance.
The Forbidden Corner, near Leyburn, is also closed today because of the severe weather.
The mostly outdoor attraction said the decision had been taken for safety reasons.
A spokesperson said: "We apologise for the disappointment and inconvenience, but we want to make sure your visit is memorable for the right reasons, not because you blew away."
They added: "Stay safe, keep dry, and we'll see you back in the labyrinth once the winds die down."
Whitby Abbey is closed throughout Sunday, while today's Illuminated Whitby Abbey event has also been cancelled because of the severe weather.
People who had pre-booked tickets for the Illuminated event are due to receive automatic refunds within ten working days.
The Fountains Abbey estate is also closed today because of high winds.
The closure follows the cancellation of its Fountains by Floodlight event on Saturday evening.
Storm Boelo causes widespread travel disruptionRead more
Storm Boelo LIVE - North East battered by powerful winds and heavy rain
Exact time Storm Boelo bad weather will end in the North East today
North East weather warning brought forward as Storm Boelo threatens 80mph gusts
Rail passengers are among those affected, with LNER operating a reduced service of around one train per hour in each direction between Northallerton/Darlington and Newcastle/Edinburgh.
The operator has warned that trains which do run could be subject to delays, short-notice cancellations or amendments.
People planning days out across the region are being advised to check directly with attractions before setting off as conditions continue to change.