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BEACHY KEEN

What beaches are open and can I visit them this bank holiday?

BRITS are expected to flood to the coastline this bank holiday weekend, despite social distancing restrictions still in place.

Some beaches, however, are still not fully open, or are not allowing people to visit them.

Beaches across the UK are open, but people must still social distance
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Beaches across the UK are open, but people must still social distanceCredit: EPA

Which beaches are open this weekend?

Beaches across England with public access are allowing people to visit.

Communal areas such as toilets or cafes may not be open, and some car parks may also restrict access, however.

Am I allowed to visit the beach?

Visiting any open spaces is allowed, according to the government, after the lockdown measures were eased.

Swimming in the sea is also allowed.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "You can sit in the sun in your local park, you can drive to other destinations, you can even play sports but only with members of your own household."

Social distancing is still enforced however, with threats to reverse the lockdown-easing measures after images showed packed beaches and busy resorts.

Packed beaches could lead to a full lockdown being enforced again
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Packed beaches could lead to a full lockdown being enforced againCredit: ©Graham Hunt

Beach visits also only apply to England - Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland are still enforcing strict lockdown rules.

Lifeboat charity RNLI and the UK’s coastguard service have issued a safety campaign amid fears of emergency situations this weekend.

Claire Hughes, director of HM Coastguard said: "‘The majority of beaches will not be lifeguarded.

"In England, now more than ever, people need to respect the sea and the coast."

Which beaches are not open this weekend?

While beaches are open, many facilities are being forced to close.

Car parks across Devon beaches are being forced to close after an influx in vehicles has resulted in gridlock in the region, according to local media.

Lifeguard services, toilets and cafes may all not be available at beaches across the country
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Lifeguard services, toilets and cafes may all not be available at beaches across the countryCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Camber Sands beach car parks are closed, with Hastings warning it will "remain closed to visitors from outside the town".

Others are urging people to not visit this weekend as they are "not prepared".

Scarborough Council’s deputy leader Cllr Liz Colling told Yorkshire Live: "With the weather expected to warm up again this week, I ask people to continue to play their part in helping to control the spread of coronavirus by only coming back to visit us when we are ready to welcome you properly.

"That time will come, but we’re not there yet."

Richard Leafe, Lake District National Park chief executive, told the Daily Mail: "Please don't travel for the moment to the Lake District because of the impact that you will have on the local communities here."

A holiday in the UK is unlikely to be the same after coronavirus, Cornwall's tourism boss has warned.

Malcom Bell said Brits can expect timed breakfast and lunch slots, a cap on the number of beach visitors and shorter hotel stays when holidaymakers return to the region.

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He told Sun Online Travel: "Buffets you will see disappear, doors will be left open so people don't touch handles, social distancing markers will be seen."

Sunbathers could return lockdown ‘to square one’ by descending on parks and beaches this Bank Holiday weekend

 

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