The UK Government has confirmed that England will proceed with its next stage of relaxations in the coronavirus restrictions on the 12th April.
For visitors the most significant impact will be the ability to stay overnight. Whilst hotels and guest-houses will remain closed, overnight stays will be possible at self-contained accommodation such as Airbnbs (which Bath has numerous).
From the 12th April, restaurants and pubs will be able to serve food via table service in outdoor settings (indoor spaces must remain closed). Bath website, Batheats, has a list of local restaurants, pubs and cafes which will be open in this capacity from the 12th April (click here for details).
Walking tours to see Bath's beautiful buildings and hear about the city's fascinating stories are running. Whilst Bath's museums (e.g. the Roman Baths Museum) will remain closed, outdoor attractions are able to re-open. This includes Stonehenge which is located just 50 minutes from Bath and my favourite non-for-profit falconry on the outskirts of Bath where you can have the unique experience of flying a hawk!
In addition to Bath's beautiful parks, visitors can also enjoy famous gardens in the area e.g. Prior Park Landscape Gardens, American Museum Gardens, Dyrham Park, The Courts Garden, Ilford Manor Gardens, Westonbirt Arboretum. Advance booking is required at these gardens and woodland - please click on the links for more information.
From the 12th April the city's hot springs can once again be enjoyed at the city's spa: Thermae Bath Spa. All spa experiences must be booked in advance.
Non-essential shops will also re-open from the 12th April which is great news for me as I am in much need of a haircut!
The next set of relaxations to England's coronavirus restrictions is, subject to conditions being met, expected to take place from May 17th. This is when the hospitality industry is expected to re-open in full i.e. indoor restaurants, hotels, guest-houses and museums.
International travel: it is hoped that international travel will be able to resume from May 17th although the UK Government is not in a position at this time to confirm this date. When international travel resumes a risk-based traffic-light system will be in place where entry requirements will depend on the "traffic light" your departure country is listed under. The UK's Global Travel Taskforce is reporting its recommendations for international travel on the 12th April so I hope to have more information for you after this date.
For visitors coming to Bath from the 12th April: my tours are running so please see my website for more information. If you would like any advice or suggestions for your time in Bath please do not hesitate to get in touch.
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