After months of limited travel, many people across the UK are planning holidays to make the most of lockdown restrictions easing.
Tentative plans for summer music festivals and large events are back, and as the culture sector reopens, a UK staycation is extremely tempting.
Whether it’s a walking trip to the Lake District or a night out in the capital, getting out of our local areas has never been more appealing.
So, read on to find out where you can stay in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Can I go on holiday with friends?
You can currently travel anywhere in England, Wales, Scotland (and Northern Ireland from May 24).
B&Bs, hotels and hostels are now open in England, and six people from multiple households (or unlimited from two households) can stay together.
In Wales, all holiday lets are fully open, including campsites, hotels and self-catering accommodation.
For most of Scotland, staying in self-catering accommodation is permitted, but only with groups of up to six people from three households. You won’t be able to share a hotel room with people not in your bubble, however.
Restrictions are easing further on Scottish islands (with the exception of Skye), so it may be possible to visit somewhere more remote.
Anyone planning to travel to Scotland is advised to take two lateral flow tests before doing so, and people are advised to avoid travelling in or out of Moray and Glasgow.
In Northern Ireland, all accommodation has reopened, but only for residents – and different households cannot stay together.
This will change on May 24, when the country opens up to visitors, and shared facilities can resume.
If you’re looking to travel abroad, you’ll need to check the government’s green list of countries.
It’s quite limited – tourist hotspots like Spain haven’t made the cut – and you’ll be subject to the restrictions within that country, too.
You can find out the entry requirements of each specific country on the FCO’s website.
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