In England, the "stay at home" restrictions are set to end on 29th March, as long as the transmission rate for Covid-19 remains low. Holidays in the UK won't be allowed until 12th April at the earliest and this is subject to the vaccine rollout continuing to go smoothly, and coronavirus hospital admissions remaining low.
© Inspired By Maps / Shutterstock.com
Ministers in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have remained cautious and haven't yet announced their travel and holiday plans - including when people from other parts of the UK will be permitted to visit again.
In England, once the restrictions are lifted, people will be able to take a holiday away from home with members of their own household or "bubble". Initially, they will be able to stay in self-contained accommodation, including holiday cottages.
Hotels and B&Bs in England will open for holidaymakers on 17th May at the earliest. Guests will still have to maintain social distancing rules, including limiting the number of people staying together to six, or two households. The government hopes to lift all restrictions on mixing on 21st June at the earliest.
With this in mind, people are looking forward to a well-deserved holiday, even if it means staying local. If you're planning a coastal staycation in the UK, read on for some ideas on what you can expect when you visit some of the best holiday destinations in Britain.
Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall
Porthcurno is the cream of Cornwall's beaches, with its sprawling stretch of soft sand overlooked by high cliffs providing wind protection. Just around the corner from Land's End, it's a popular spot for surfers, picking up more swell than other beaches further up the coast. It offers heavy, hollow waves, which are ideal for more experienced surfers who like fast waves with a bit of a barrel.
Kimmeridge Bay, Dorset
Located within a marine Special Area of Conservation, on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, Kimmeridge Bay boasts some of the best rock-pooling and snorkelling sites in the UK. The Wild Seas Centre invites people of all ages to explore the bay and its rock pools. It runs various events for all the family - such as rockpool rambles, eco-friendly crabbing and summer snorkel trails, guiding swimmers through the colourful marine life in the bay's shallow waters.
Scapa Flow, Orkney, Scotland
Scapa Flow is one of the UK's most famous scuba diving sites. The wrecks of 52 World War II German Naval ships attract divers from all over the world. The most popular is Blockship Tabarka, which has been voted one of the best dive sites in Europe. Easily accessible at 14 to 18 metres deep, it is surrounded by crystal clear water, which means divers can see the multitude of sea life that has taken over the former warship.
Skomer Marine Reserve, Pembrokeshire, Wales
When you're looking for spectacular British reefs to explore, the Skomer Marine Reserve, off the coast of Pembrokeshire, fits the bill. Teeming with marine life, the reef is protected from fishing and development. Spectacular wall drops descend more than 50 metres, while there are caves and more than 500 wrecks to explore in the area. Among the most popular is the Lucy, which is perfect for the more experienced diver. You'll spot seahorses, catfish, dolphins, seals, lobsters and colourful sea slugs.
Lindisfarne Beach, Holy Island, Northumberland
The harbour beach on Holy Island is steeped in history, boasting fantastic views of the medieval priory and 16th century Lindisfarne Castle. A tidal island, it has plenty of visitor facilities near the beach. It is known as a good spot for fishing and sailing. At low tide, you can access the island via a paved causeway, which is covered at high tide. Take your four-legged friend for a visit, as responsible dog owners are welcome, as long as your pet doesn't disturb the wild birds and livestock.
When you're planning to explore some of the UK’s incredible marine life, always use a sturdy, waterproof storage container to keep your spare clothes dry, or to carry equipment for fishing, snorkelling, diving, surfing and other seaside activities.