It’s been a long time since we’ve even been allowed to cross county lines – and it’s going to be a bit of a wait yet.
However, as soon as Boris called it a ‘roadmap’ we sat up and listened. So, if you’re wondering what this latest news means for when you can get out on a road trip – or dare I say holiday – then we’ve got the answers below.
Let’s start with a reminder of the rules for the easing of restrictions though; we only get out of these if everyone works together and continues to follow guidelines. The dates mentioned below are the earliest we can see these restrictions lifted.
We will update this post as rules change though, and at the bottom of this post we’ve added when it was last updated. To confirm you’re reading the most accurate advice please check that and if you’re still not sure, please send us a message using the chatbot or contact page.
Can I go on a road trip now?
Currently you can road trip and travel around the UK. Staying overnight is the sticking point before May 17. There are still options though! Read on to find out more about when different levels open up.
When can I go on a road trip on my own?
Things start to change from March 29 but only very slightly. It’s on this day, if all goes to plan, the stay at home message will end but the government will still advise people to stay local. From this date the rule of six will come back in and you’ll be able to meet other people outside or in private gardens.
That does mean that if you wanted to do a local drive on your own or with some friends you would be within the rules but we’d urge you to keep it small and stay local at this point.
When can I take a road trip to the pub?
Drinking and driving don’t mix, but a Sunday drive that involved a pub lunch is a combination we’ve been dreaming of for a while.
From April 12 you’ll be able to do this sitting outdoors. We can already feel the sun on our face from a pub garden and swatting the wasps away from Yorkshire puddings!
These rules change again from May 17 when you’ll be able to sit inside.
When can I go on a driving holiday?
April 12 is also the date you’ll be able to stay away overnight from (with a fresh haircut). You’ll only be able to do so in self-contained accommodation with members of your own household.
That means holiday cottages or serviced apartments for example, where you won’t share facilities with other households.
On May 17, hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen, making travelling a lot easier and more affordable for small groups. Although with everyone having to stay within the UK this summer we’d urge you to think about this soon!
When can I meet my friends for a drive?
The restrictions progressively allow you to do more things in groups. As mentioned above, from March 29 the ‘rule of six’ comes back in. Before May 17 you’ll only be able to meet other households outdoors.
From May 17, six people or two households will be allowed to meet indoors and up to 30 people can meet outdoors.
The hope is that from June 21 all social distancing will end and there will be no legal limits on the number of people at group events.
When can I go abroad on a road trip?
There is a much bigger question mark over this as, even if the UK government thinks we can leave, it doesn’t mean other countries will let us in.
However, judging by the road map the hope is that ‘international leisure travel’ – or what you’d probably call foreign holidays – will resume no earlier than May 17.
There’s no promise it will happen, but there’s a guarantee it definitely won’t be before May 17.
