As we gradually come out of lockdown and restrictions on our daily lives are eased, you can start to look forward to visiting some of your favourite places again.
As the town of Dartmouth re-opens we’re all looking forward to welcoming you back, as much as you are looking forward to visiting, but anyone looking to come to the area should be aware that a day trip or holiday won’t be quite as it was before. A number of government guidelines are still in place and must be followed to protect the Dartmouth community, local people and fellow visitors as well as yourselves.
To help you visit Dartmouth safety we’re sharing a range of advice on how to:
#RespectDartmouth
#ProtectDartmouth
#EnjoyDartmouth
Below we’ve covered a few things which you should keep in mind when planning a visit to Dartmouth, as we emerge further from lockdown.
#KnowBeforeYouGo
The best way to help us all out and ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable visit to Dartmouth is to plan, plan, plan! Even if you’ve visited Dartmouth many times before, a lot has likely changed since your previous visits so make sure to check up on anything new before you set off. It might be helpful to take a few moments and make sure you know the current guidelines as some facilities might not be open and you might have to follow certain advice when arriving or visiting places.
Know the Guidelines
Guidelines might not be the same in different parts of the country. Before visiting anywhere it’s important to make sure you understand and know the current guidelines and it’s vital that you follow them. The latest guidelines can be found here.
Changes to Road Layouts
As we think more about the environment and as the government encourages us all to cycle and walk more, you may find some roads have been closed to make it safer for walks and that pop up cycle lanes have appeared.
Plan Your Day
All businesses have their busy times and to help people social distance, manage their footfall and space out during their visits, many have extended their opening times. To help avoid the crowds plan your day to try and make the most of these extra opening hours.
Check What Businesses are Open
There’s nothing worse than arriving to find that your favourite restaurant or bar for example is shut. As restrictions are lifted businesses around Dartmouth are putting safety measures in place, some will be opening up sooner than others, so check in advance what to expect and you can be prepared.
#RespectDartmouth
To make sure you keep yourself and the people who live and work in Dartmouth safe, it’s important that we all respect each other, the area around us and the current government guidelines.
Park Considerately
In some areas parking facilities are limited so if the car park is full please don’t park in residential streets or on yellow lines, fines are being issued and you will create an obstruction.
Don’t Leave Litter
With increased visitor numbers and more of us enjoying take aways and picnics you might find bins getting full quickly, so please take your rubbish home and recycle it properly, don’t leave it lying around. Even with the current restrictions on life we still need to make sure we look after the planet and our surroundings.
Follow Advice and Be Respectful
Whatever type of business you are visiting, or even if you’re just walking around the town, there’ll be measures and guidelines in place to be Covid secure, so please be respectful and follow any advice given to you by members of staff or by signage.
#ProtectDartmouth
We’re all doing everything we can to help protect ourselves and each other whilst restrictions are changing and we’re all trying to get used to a new normal. Please help us continue to keep the people of Dartmouth, businesses, our beautiful town, environment and visitors safe by keeping in mind the points below.
Visit the Countryside and Coast Responsibly
As well as Covid guidelines there are many other guidelines and codes that are still relevant when heading out for a day trip. The Countryside Code sets out how visitors to rural areas can behave responsibly and the RNLI have details on how to visit the coast safely.
Find the Countryside Code here.
Find the RNLI’s beach safety information here.
Good Hand Hygiene
Good hand hygiene is so crucial. After a nice walk or once you’ve enjoyed a take away or picnic you might not be able to find hand washing facilities so make sure you pack some hand sanitising gel.
Stay Away From Busy Places
If you arrive somewhere and it’s busy, or it starts to get busy whilst you’re there, making it impossible to safely socially distance, be prepared to go somewhere else. This could be a great chance to find a new favourite spot in or near Dartmouth.
Go Green
Before the current situation we were all thinking more of the environment and considering it when making travel choices. As we come out of lockdown it’s important we think of the environment too. You can help protect the environment by travelling sustainably and if you can try to travel by bike or foot and stay local.
Protect Each Other
As well as your help to protect Dartmouth, the local businesses have made their premises’ Covid secure to protect you. When you get to visit this means that things might look different, some of the changes you might see include; one way systems, allocated time slot for breakfasts and check in, online tickets and remote check in. PPE, extra cleaning and sanitiser stations, some facilities might remain closed while others are open, social distancing in place and masks might be mandatory.
#EnjoyDartmouth
We’re all excited about being able to visit our favourite places again, and we’re excited about welcoming you back so that you can discover all the great things that Dartmouth has to share with you.
Find New Places
The main beauty spots and most of the places we think of when thinking of Dartmouth are likely to be quite busy. This could be the perfect opportunity to find a new favourite spot around the town and discover exciting and wonderful new places.
Support Local
We’re all used to big brand names, but right now the independent, local businesses need your support as much as ever. Dartmouth has many wonderful local take aways, galleries and shops, so when visiting Dartmouth for your day trip, help support the local economy and shop local.
Keep up to date with all things Dartmouth by signing up to our e-newsletter here.
Some restrictions and rules may still be in place. Check the latest Government guidance here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do
