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Eerie pictures show UK tourists attractions before and after coronavirus hit

ICONIC landmarks and tourist attractions in the UK have been left empty as the government warns against all but essential travel.

Theatres, beaches and busy beaches are now almost devoid of people.

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A busy Tower Bridge just ten days ago is now empty of cars
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A busy Tower Bridge just ten days ago is now empty of carsCredit: PA:Press Association

Many famous locations which often attract tourists all year round are now struggling to see any visitors.

Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square and all of the London theatres are now empty, while beaches in Bournemouth and streets in Bath are also eerily quiet.

The empty attractions follow the announcement from Boris Johnson on March 23 for Brits to stay indoors unless absolutely essential.

He warned earlier this week: "It’s vital to slow the spread of the disease. And that’s why we have been asking people to stay at home during this pandemic.

"From this evening I must give the British people a very simple instruction - you must stay at home."

The PM has ordered the closure of all non-essential shops, with food stores, pharmacies and hardware stores the only ones to remain open.

Bournemouth beach on June 28 last year compared to this week
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Bournemouth beach on June 28 last year compared to this weekCredit: PA:Press Association
The centre of Bath, Somerset, is left deserted as Brits heed advice to stay home
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The centre of Bath, Somerset, is left deserted as Brits heed advice to stay homeCredit: PA:Press Association
Trafalgar Square, often full of tourists, pictured here in January, has no-one left, pictured here on Tuesday
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Trafalgar Square, often full of tourists, pictured here in January, has no-one left, pictured here on TuesdayCredit: PA:Press Association
Theatre shows have been cancelled, with queues pictured earlier this month compared to now
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Theatre shows have been cancelled, with queues pictured earlier this month compared to nowCredit: PA:Press Association
The Criterion Theatre in London has closed its doors, with busy queues in March 12 and no-one outside on March 24
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The Criterion Theatre in London has closed its doors, with busy queues in March 12 and no-one outside on March 24Credit: PA:Press Association

Since then, only essential travel is allowed which is for food, medical purposes or for daily exercise, with police issuing fines for people ignoring it.

Parks and open spaces have still seen people in large groups, with sunbathers and BBQs warned by authorities.

However, attractions in London have closed their doors following the lockdown, with the centre of London a ghost town.

The lockdown is to be reviewed on April 13, with a potential extension.

People are now avoiding busy areas, with the Millennium Bridge in London pictured just two weeks apart
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People are now avoiding busy areas, with the Millennium Bridge in London pictured just two weeks apartCredit: PA:Press Association
Edinburgh's Royal Mile pictured just one week apart after bars and pubs were forced to closed
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Edinburgh's Royal Mile pictured just one week apart after bars and pubs were forced to closedCredit: PA:Press Association
Bath's city centre is busy all year round with visitors and tourists, pictured here earlier this month, and is now empty
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Bath's city centre is usually busy all year round with visitors and tourists, pictured here earlier this month, but is now emptyCredit: PA:Press Association

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The length of the lockdown will depend on how the UK responds to the measures.

If coronavirus cases and deaths drop, the lockdown could be lifted when it's next reviewed.

The virus has caused 465 deaths in the UK, up by 28 since yesterday.

Even London Bridge was void of commuters
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Even London Bridge was void of commutersCredit: PA:Press Association
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