The outdoors, particularly parks, paths, woodlands, rivers, lakes, canals, the coast and beaches, can provide great places to improve your physical health and your mental wellbeing. The airborne risk of COVID-19 transmission is much lower outdoors than inside, particularly if you maintain 2m distancing and regularly wash your hands.
Public parks and paths do not need to be booked in advance but many sites, particularly those with car parks, have booking systems in place so you should check before you travel. You should check if facilities, such as toilets, are open to visitors. Make a plan for where to go if the place you intended to go is too busy, or the car park is full.
You must not go out if you are experiencing any coronavirus symptoms, are self-isolating as a result of coronavirus symptoms, are sharing a household or support bubble with somebody with symptoms, or have been told to self-isolate after being contacted by NHS Test and Trace.
The government has set out steps in the easing of restrictions, please note that the dates set out below may change.
From the 29th March you can meet up in groups of 6 people outdoors, or two households. You may travel, but travel should be minimised, and you may not stay overnight. Adults and children may also participate in organised outdoor sport, in larger groups or teams but only where this is run in line with guidance issued by the relevant National Governing Body.
From the 12th April you may stay overnight away from home, but only with people in your household in self-contained accommodation. Outdoor hospitality may open
From the 17th May up to 30 people may meet outdoors and 6 people or two households may meet indoors and stay in accommodation.
From the 21st June there are no limits to the number of people or households who can meet outdoors or indoors.
Stay safe
- Keep at least two metres apart from anyone outside your household (except your support bubble) or at least 1 metre with a face covering
- Wear a face covering in enclosed spaces
- Take hand sanitiser with you when you set off in case there are no handwashing facilities
- Only do activities you know you can do safely and have done safely before
- Wash your hands as soon as you are back indoors.
- Take the time to read signage. Respect the measures that local authorities and site management have put in place to help ensure social distancing
When visiting the countryside remember to follow the countryside code and act responsibly at all times.
Respect everyone
- be considerate to those living in, working in and enjoying the countryside
- leave gates and property as you find them
- do not block access to gateways or driveways when parking
- be nice, say hello, share the space
- follow local signs and keep to marked paths unless wider access is available
Protect the environment
- take your litter home – leave no trace of your visit
- take care with BBQs and do not light fires
- always keep dogs under control and in sight
- dog poo – bag it and bin it – any public waste bin will do
- care for nature – do not cause damage or disturbance
Enjoy the outdoors
- check your route and local conditions
- plan your adventure – know what to expect and what you can do
- enjoy your visit, have fun, make a memory
Last updated on 26/03/2021 17:16