Earlier in the year the UK Government announced that from certain dates, some businesses were able to reopen to visitors. For your convenience, these have been detailed below. The rules are fully explained on the gov.uk website. This information was correct as of 30th March 2021 and updated 14th September 2021.
Whilst businesses were permitted to open from these dates, it was down to the individual business to decide when they would re-open. If you have a specific visit in mind, it is worth double checking with your accommodation provider, eatery or attraction direct.
We look forward to welcoming you back to our beautiful coast and countryside.
No earlier than 29th March 2021
Outdoor sports facilities were able to reopen. This included:
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Gyms
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swimming pools
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sports courts (such as tennis and basketball courts)
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golf courses, including mini golf
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water sports venues
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climbing walls
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driving and shooting ranges
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riding arenas at riding centres
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archery venues
People could use these venues in a group of six people, or with members of up to two households.
No earlier than 12th April 2021
Non-essential retail was able to reopen. This included:
Indoor sports and leisure facilities reopened. This included:
Self-catering
Self-contained holiday accommodation in which all facilities (including for sleeping, catering, bathing, and indoor lobbies and corridors for entry and exit) were restricted to exclusive use of a single household/support bubble reopened.
Hospitality
Outdoor areas at hospitality venues (cafes, restaurants, bars, pubs, social clubs, including in member’s clubs) reopened, including for takeaway alcohol. These venues may haved allowed customers to use toilets located inside. At any premises serving alcohol, customers were required to order, be served and eat/drink while seated.
Outdoor Attractions
Outdoor attractions reopened at:
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adventure parks and activities
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animal attractions (such as at zoos, safari parks and aquariums)
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drive in events, such as for cinemas, theatres, and other performances.
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film studios
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funfairs and fairgrounds
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model villages
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museums and galleries
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skating rinks
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theme parks
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trampolining parks
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water and aqua parks
Gift Shops at Attractions
Permitted businesses operating in otherwise closed attractions (such as a gift shop or a takeaway kiosk at a museum) only opened where they were a self-contained unit and could be accessed directly from the street.
Outdoor events
Outdoor gatherings or events, organised by a business, charity, public body or similar organisation, could be organised, subject to specific conditions:
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that they complied with COVID-Secure guidance including taking reasonable steps to limit the risk of transmission, complete a related risk assessment
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that they ensured that those attending did not mix beyond what was permitted by the social contact limits (unless another exemption exists, such as for work purposes, or supervised activities for children).
This enabled spectators at a grassroots sports match or a village fete, provided people did not mix beyond groups of 6 people or two households.
No earlier than 17th May 2021
Hospitality
Indoor areas of hospitality venues reopened. As outdoors, table service was required. Venues were prohibited from providing shared smoking equipment such as shisha pipes.
Accommodation
Remaining holiday accommodation reopened including hotels, B&Bs and Hostels
Indoor entertainment and visitor attractions
Businesses reopened included:
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Cinemas/theatres/concert halls
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museums and galleries
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adventure playgrounds and activities
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amusement arcades and adult gaming centres
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bingo halls/casinos
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bowling alleys/skating rinks
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games, recreation and entertainment venues such as escape rooms and laser quest
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play areas (including soft play centres and inflatable parks)
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trampolining parks/water and aqua parks
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indoor visitor areas at outdoor attractions that opened on 12th April 2021
Outdoor Events
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Remaining outdoor entertainment events, such as cinemas, theatres, and other performance events were also permitted.
No earlier than 21st June 2021
Remaining businesses opened including
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
