Lockdown rules: Where can you travel from 12 April?
Domestic travel in England gets the go-ahead
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As the government’s roadmap out of lockdown continues, a key date for those in England has arrived. Lockdown measures were eased on Monday 12 April, which means that holidays within England can go ahead - however, some restrictions still apply.
New plans around international travel have also been announced. International travel was given the official go-ahead by the Global Travel Taskforce on 9 April, subject to a traffic light system. These rules will come into force no earlier than 17 May.
In the meantime, here’s everything you can do from 12 April.
Can I go on holiday within England?
Yes. Holidaying is England is once again on the menu, albeit in a limited capacity. From today, self-contained accommodation, such as holiday cottages and cabins may reopen, as can campsites and caravan parks. However, at the latter, shared indoor facilities, such as shower blocks, must stay shut.
Center Parcs announced that all its sites will reopen from 12 April with restrictions in place. However, you might be surprised at the places that are staying shut – The Independent has heard of at least one holiday at a self-contained apartment being cancelled by the venue as several apartments shared an entrance and entry corridor.
Although you can go away once again, it must only be with those from your household or support bubble – no indoor mixing is permitted yet.
Can I stay at a friend’s house?
Only if they have joined a support bubble with you (this is only permitted for those in specific circumstances). Otherwise, as stated above, staying overnight at a friend’s house would mean the mixing of households indoors, which still isn’t allowed.
Can I go on a day trip?
Yes – aside from parks, gardens and beaches, various other destinations are allowed to reopen. The majority of outdoor settings and attractions, including zoos, theme parks, drive-in cinemas and drive-in performance events can restart.
You can also visit personal care premises such as hairdressers, beauty and nail salons, and indoor leisure facilities such as gyms and spas (excluding saunas and steam rooms).
Hospitality venues, such as pubs and restaurants, can reopen for outdoor service, with no curfew and no requirement to serve a substantial meal with alcohol.
Can I go to Scotland?
No, not yet. But Scotland has now announced that travel to and from the rest of Britain - England and Wales - will be permissible from 26 April. Travel to and from Northern Ireland will be kept “under review”, with no firm date given as yet.
Can I go to Wales?
Yes. Border restrictions have been eased to permit travel again with the rest of the UK and Ireland.
However, journeys to countries outside of the Common Travel area - the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and Ireland - without a reasonable excuse are still banned.
Can I go to Northern Ireland?
No. While Northern Ireland has now relaxed its “stay at home” message in favour of “stay local”, caravan sites, hotels and B&Bs won’t reopen until stage three of the country’s roadmap, a date for which has not yet been given.
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