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COOPED-up Brits began escaping the lockdown today as they flocked to parks and beaches across England.

It comes as Boris Johnson gave the green light for day-trips in cars this week, with many expected to hit the road over the weekend when the weather heats up.

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 Groups take to the beach in Brighton and Hove as the lock down is relaxed across the UK
Groups take to the beach in Brighton and Hove as the lock down is relaxed across the UKCredit: London News Pictures
 A couple enjoy their beach hut in Broadstairs, Kent
A couple enjoy their beach hut in Broadstairs, KentCredit: PA:Press Association
 A woman exercises on Bournemouth beach, Dorset
A woman exercises on Bournemouth beach, DorsetCredit: Alamy Live News
 Brits sit 2m apart in Hyde Park, London
Brits sit 2m apart in Hyde Park, LondonCredit: �2020 Stephen Lock / i-Images
 A toddler enjoys an ice cream on Scarborough beach with her family
A toddler enjoys an ice cream on Scarborough beach with her familyCredit: PA:Press Association

Families soaked up the sun in Bournemouth, Weymouth and Hyde Park today - and are expected to be out in force over the next two days as temperatures rise.

Traffic also jammed up and and down the country this morning, with heavy queues along the M25 and A102 near Greenwich, London.

Under new Government guidelines, Brits can now travel anywhere in England by car with members of their own household - so long as they return on the same day.

They must also ensure they keep 2m apart from others at all times.

As a result, an estimated 15 million day trips will be made by car in the UK over the next two days.

And almost half (46%) of 1,317 drivers surveyed by the RAC said they planned to hit the road on Saturday and Sunday for a day's break.

The Met Office says temperatures will rise for much of England and Wales tomorrow, meaning parks and beaches are likely to be busy.

Meteorologist Bonnie Diamond said: "We should have seen the last of the overnight frost, and after tonight temperatures are on the rise.

"The settled weather that we have had this week is continuing across the southern half of the UK.

"During the daytime on Saturday and Sunday, we're seeing sunny spells with possibly the odd isolated shower, and average daytime temperatures of 17C to 18C in England."

She added that highs of 20C are forecast in the south-west of England, with cloudier and potentially wet weather in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has urged beach goers to stay safe at sea despite the warm weather.

The RNLI suspended lifeguard provision during lockdown, meaning there are no lifeguards on the 240 beaches it normally patrols.

 Families enjoy a day out by the beach in Weymouth, Dorset
Families enjoy a day out by the beach in Weymouth, DorsetCredit: ©Graham Hunt
 Traffic built up on the A102 in Greenwich south east London this morning
Traffic built up on the A102 in Greenwich south east London this morningCredit: London News Pictures
 Commuters drive along Putney Hill in South West London
Commuters drive along Putney Hill in South West LondonCredit: London News Pictures
 A group enjoys the sunshine on Primrose Hill in North London
A group enjoys the sunshine on Primrose Hill in North LondonCredit: London News Pictures
 Members of the public enjoy the sunshine in Hyde Park next to the Serpentine
Members of the public enjoy the sunshine in Hyde Park next to the SerpentineCredit: London News Pictures
 Excited Brits flocked to beaches in Brighton and Hove on Friday
Excited Brits flocked to beaches in Brighton and Hove on FridayCredit: London News Pictures
 Families enjoy the sunshine in Hyde Park
Families enjoy the sunshine in Hyde ParkCredit: London News Pictures
 A woman soaks up the sun in Bournemouth
A woman soaks up the sun in BournemouthCredit: Alamy Live News
 A mum and son buy ice cream in Weymouth, Dorset
A mum and son buy ice cream in Weymouth, DorsetCredit: ©Graham Hunt

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