Five tips for safe holidays in London

London is heading into tier three before Christmas, with the higher level of restrictions in the UK’s coronavirus crisis likely to have a major impact on holiday plans in the capital.

People are advised not to travel outside of tier three apart from for essential reasons, though with Christmas just around the corner the restrictions may yet be changed again.

Those who want to take safe holidays in London will have to make sure they do not break any of the UK’s COVID-19 rules, with these five tips helping them to do so at this challenging time.

Visit a heritage site

London moving into tier three means a lot of the capital’s main leisure options are off limits. Pubs and restaurants have to pivot to providing takeaways or deliveries only, while indoor entertainment venues have to close and sports venues can no longer admit supporters.

But some outdoor venues will still be able to stay open, with heritage sites among them. Eltham Palace and Gardens in Greenwich is well worth a visit at this time of the year, for example.

Visitor numbers have been capped, so it is necessary to book a slot, but families can get into the festive spirit by joining the Christmas Adventure Quest at the site from 26^th December to 3^rd January. English Heritage members can even attend for free.

Enjoy London’s parks

London is home to some of the best parks in the world and they are permitted to stay open even under tier three of the UK’s coronavirus crisis rules.

Hyde Park is a great place to visit at this time of the year and a lot of its kiosks are still open and serving food and drink to visitors. There are limits on the number of people who can attend and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain is off, but there is a lot to explore within the park’s 350 acres.

London has eight amazing Royal Parks in total with the Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill highly recommended for people who want to enjoy some of the capital’s most stunning views.

Animal lovers can still go to London Zoo, which is staying open under tier three restrictions. While some indoor areas of the zoo have had to close, Christmas activities are ongoing at London Zoo despite the recent announcement made by the UK’s government.

Avoid risky activities

Of course, there is always going to be some risk in taking holidays in the current situation, but there are certain activities that are riskier than others.

Brick and mortar gaming halls in London have imposed a range of safety restrictions to try to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Not only will it protect everyone’s health but switching to online gaming can also save money, using no deposit codes which can easily be obtained. Many online games these days allow players to sign up for free, giving them a chance to try out new sites and different games.

Stay safe when shopping

London was recently revealed to be the country’s most visited staycation spot for 2020 and the city’s shopping is one of the top reasons why this is the case.

Harrods, for example, is arguably the most famous store in the UK and it will still be able to remain open throughout tier three restrictions as a result of it being COVID-secure.

After all, Harrods has stood in central London for more than 170 years so it was never going to be shut down because of the pandemic. The luxury department store is known for its personal shopping service, which could be the ideal way to buy some last-minute Christmas gifts.

Visitors to Harrods over the Christmas period are reminded that face coverings are mandatory.

Go old-school with outdoor cinema

London’s indoor cinemas have to close their doors again because of the move to tier three, but this does not mean a holiday in the city this Christmas cannot include catching a festive movie.

The Luna Drive In Cinema is located at Copthall Stadium – where the Saracens rugby team plays – and the venue has been made fully COVID-secure. Guests can make the most of the outdoor cinema’s contactless food and drink service or grab a takeaway from one of London’s top restaurants before heading to the site for a film.

Screenings for movies like Frozen and Love Actually are taking place until 22^nd December at the Luna Drive in Cinema but tickets are selling fast.

Alternative outdoor cinema venues that are open in London include the Drive In at Troubadour Meridian Water, which is showing Elf, Die Hard, Home Alone, The Holiday and many more.

The editorial unit