Brits flock to beauty spots despite tourist bosses begging them to stay away
BRITS have been flocking to beauty spots today despite some tourist bosses urging them to stay away during the coronavirus lockdown.
Tourists were seen heading to scenic areas and beaches across the country after the Government gave the green light for travel for unlimited exercise.
Tourists and nature lovers were spotted heading to iconic spots across the country, such as the Lake District and Ilkley Moor near Bradford.
While some areas, such as Dorset's Durdle Door, are welcoming visitors, many have said they won't be welcoming tourists despite the easing of restrictions.
Cornwall, Cumbria and the Cotswolds were among some of the regions which have said they wouldn't be welcoming tourists yet despite the lockdown easing.
And Blackpool has even begged tourists to stay away, using its Twitter page to spread the message: 'Do Not Visit Blackpool'.
The Lake District, too, is also warning tourists not to return just yet to help Cumbria overcome the spread of the virus.
National Park Authority chief executive Richard Leafe said: "For now, we're asking people not to rush back to the Lake District - help protect our communities, the fells will still be here when this passes."
Boris Johnson outlined his "first sketch of a roadmap" for the gradual lifting of coronavirus lockdown measures on Sunday night.
From today, the PM said people would be allowed to drive to the countryside and beaches, as long as they maintain a safe social distance from others.
It's huge news for Brits who will now be able to travel to exercise – no matter how far.
It will mean Brits can take day trips to the beach, parks and lakes that are not nearby.
But they must stay within England and cannot cross the border into Wales or Scotland.
Nicola Sturgeon warned anyone crossing over could face arrest, too.
But shortly after the address, Cumbria's tourism board tweeted: "We are shocked by the timing and short notice of tonight's announcement.
"We are awaiting further details but the safety of residents must come first.
"We believe this could have severe implications for Cumbria, for our NHS and for those who live in the county.
"Cumbria has one of the highest infection rates for coronavirus in the UK.
"The arrival of many day visitors could easily compromise all the really good work that has been done to date to manage the current situation.
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South Lakes police took to Twitter and told would-be travellers to "take a long hard look" at their conscious before heading to the Lake District.
Sharing a map which showed the North West as the worst affected area of the UK, they said: "Before considering travelling to #Cumbria #LakeDistrict please grab a brew, examine this map, and take a long hard look at your own conscience.
"We urge you to use common sense and to continue to exercise close to your own home. We need to break the cycle of infection #lockdown"
Travelling to Wales and Scotland for leisure trips is still not allowed, with the 'stay home' message remaining in place outside of England.
Ministers recently revealed their strategy for exiting the coronavirus lockdown which has kept much of the country indoors for the past 49 days.
Brits are now able to go on walks in the countryside, sunbathe outside, and travel longer distances if they stay two metres apart from those from other households.
Garden centres, golf clubs and tennis courts are also reopening this week - provided social distancing is enforced.
The National Trust also confirmed today that officials are seeing if they are able to reopen any of their closed sites, but warned there were no immediate plans.
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