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Can I go on holiday in the UK?

Know Before You Go campaign header

Summer is well underway, your favourite shops (and zoos!) are reopening, and heading outdoors seems more appealing than ever. 

But before you swap your balcony for the beach, your sofa for a safari park, or your dining table for socially distanced picnics, check out our in-depth guide below around domestic travel, along with the latest government advice, so you’re in the know before you go.

Where can I visit now?

VisitEngland, along with the other tourist organisations of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the UK government, has launched a new industry standard mark as a way of supporting tourism businesses and providing reassurance to visitors. The industry standard is a way of letting you know which businesses have made necessary changes to their day-to-day workings, including social distancing measures and staff training.

Keep an eye out for the mark when planning your trip online.

We're good to go mark

What attractions and places are open?

Plenty of visitor attractions in England are beginning to welcome us back in their own unique ways. From pre-booked time slots to one-way routes with your pooch, there are plenty of measures in place to help you enjoy your days out to gardens, safari parks, and historic castle grounds with confidence.

Check out the organisations below for more detailed information on what’s open and how you can explore the country: 

How to respect, protect and enjoy England

Two people cycling on a cycle path in the South Downs national park

When out and about, we need to remember to look after ourselves, one another and the environment around us. So, to make sure we’re all doing our bit to tread lightly and travel responsibly, we’ve put together a few simple steps to help you enjoy your days out as safely as possible. Find out more by following #respectprotectenjoy.

  • When planning your trip, check that important facilities – like toilets and car parks – are open before you travel so you’re not caught short.
  • If you have an attraction in mind, please check online to see if you need to pre-book a time slot. 
  • Some places may be extremely popular, so get off the beaten track and discover a hidden gem that you can brag to friends about. 
  • Keep two metres apart from anyone outside your household (one metre plus from the 4th July) – this not only applies to walking, but running, cycling, sitting and sunbathing too.
  • Wear your face covering at all times when on public transport like buses, trains, taxis, and minicabs. 
  • Make sure you have a bank card; many outlets are currently only accepting cashless payments – and you don’t want to miss out on that ice cream!
  • Take hand sanitiser with you – you don’t know where will be open for you to wash your hands. 
  • Leave the car behind where possible and visit nearby attractions by walking or cycling.

Two people on the path towards the historic Ribblehead Viaduct, a railway viaduct with 24 arches, built in 1870 across the Ribble Valley, at Whernside. The Settle-Carlisle railway line

And here are a few more for you to bear in mind when exploring England’s outdoor spaces:

  • Let's try our best to keep England’s outdoor spaces looking beautiful by putting all rubbish in the nearest bins or taking it home if bins are full. 
  • Whilst enjoying the great outdoors more, you’re likely to come across wildlife (cute!). Try not to disturb them, or any farm animals for that matter. Keep your four-legged friend on a lead and remember to bag and bin any mess they leave behind. 
  • Don't use disposable barbecues as they risk causing wildfires – get a takeaway burger instead.
  • Stick to designated footpaths and follow local signage for restrictions on routes.

See what's happening in different areas of the country

Different locations across England are at different stages of reopening, so it’s best to check out individual websites to see which locations are ready to welcome you before starting your journey. You can find the most up-to-date information on how and when different cities, towns, counties and regions are reopening using the links below.

Central England and the Midlands

A couple, man and woman, walking along the edge of the cliff at Stanage Edge in the Peak District National Park. Bright blue sky

 

East of England

Early morning light on the red and white striped lighthouse at Happisburgh on the north east Norfolk coast. Rape seed flowering crop in the fields

North East England

Hadrian's Wall near Housesteads. A section of the historic Roman stone wall fortification in Northern England started in AD 122. A UNESCO world heritage site.

North West England

Coniston Water, a lake in the Coniston Fells, in the Lake District national park. English Lake District. A boat moored at the wooden jetty.

South East England

The view from Victoria Tower of the Houses of Parliament, the River Thames

South West England

Salcombe Bay is a seaside town and protected mooring on the south coast, in Devon

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