Following the Prime Minister’s announcement of a map out of lockdown, many people have been understandably asking ‘when can I visit Filey once again?’ We’ve been scratching our heads, trying to find an answer to that question and, whilst the following cannot be taken as gospel, we think it is as close as we can get to a definitive guide.

Day Trips

At the moment no one should travel outside their local area. That remains in force and the North Yorkshire Police have been issuing fines in the area in recent weeks. The ‘stay at home’ order under which these fines have been issued ends on 29 March. However, the advice from that date is that non-essential travel should be avoided.  Essentially, that means that although day trips might not be illegal from March 29, people are still being actively discouraged from taking them.

The big change comes with the introduction of ‘Step 2’ from 12 April. From that date, given that overnight stays and many businesses will reopen, from then on day trips will certainly be allowed within England. But bear in mind that this date is subject to change if things don’t go as planned.

Overnight Stays

The big change here is 12 April. From that date people can visit and stay overnight in second homes and accommodation that is self-contained. We understand that most caravan sites will reopen on 12 April. However, you cannot mix with another household, even within your accommodation. Hotel’s, due to their public areas, will not reopen until 17 May.

Pubs!

Imagine being able to go into a pub? It’s the stuff of dreams. Pubs and restaurants with outside areas will be able to begin serving on 12 April. How people will visit the toilets, we’ve no idea. But, weather permitting it is possible that you might be able to get a drink and something to eat in Filey from 12 April.

The big date is 17 May, when pubs and restaurants will reopen indoors. However, social distancing will remain a factor until all restrictions are scheduled to end on 21 June. That said, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see some restrictions on numbers to persist for at least this summer.

To Conclude

Of course, all this is subject to change and doubtless some elements will be challenged and reviewed. What we do know about this pandemic is that nothing is set in stone. Current estimates are that a quarter of Filey’s population has received a vaccination. Covid rates have recovered from a high in the wake of the October half-term and are now among the lowest in the country.