Lockdown rules: Where can you travel from 12 April?

As the government’s roadmap out of lockdown continues, a key date for those in England is fast approaching.

Following the loosening of restrictions on 29 March, which meant nearby day trips were possible as the “stay at home” order was replaced with “stay local”, the next big milestone is 12 April.

From this date, restrictions across society will be further eased – some of which apply to travel.

Here’s everything you can do from 12 April.

Can I go on holiday within England?

Yes. From 12 April, holidaying is England is once again on the menu, albeit in a limited capacity. From this date, 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.

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Center Parcs has 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 open from 12 April. 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, will be allowed to 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. There are no firm dates on reopening Scotland to the rest of the UK currently, but it’s hoped this will be possible on 26 April or shortly after.

Can I go to Wales?

Probably. Under Wales’s roadmap out of lockdown, restrictions on travelling in and out of Wales from elsewhere in the UK should be lifted on 12 April, but the date has yet to be officially confirmed. Welsh residents are already permitted to stay at self-contained accommodation within Wales.

Can I go to Northern Ireland?

It’s unlikely. While Northern Ireland is planning to relax its “stay at home” message in favour of “stay local” on 12 April, 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.