After a sweltering bank holiday weekend, Guardian readers describe how they spent the first public holiday since Covid restrictions on indoor hospitality and visits to tourist spots were eased.
Becky, 49, a nurse from Sheffield, had originally made plans to attend a music festival, but had to make other arrangements when it was cancelled.
“We all love camping but trying to find a campsite to fit us all in over the bank holiday weekend is impossible. We also didn’t want to disturb other campers, so this year we went semi-wild camping in Bradwell in the Peak District with 13 adults and four children.
“We’ve never done this before but had a farmer’s permission to use their field, and the farm workers gave us a portable toilet for essential business. We took our own fresh drinking water with us and had music going, and got woken up by cows mooing and chickens walking around us.
“Saturday night was fancy dress-themed – something beginning with L, U or V. We had glorious weather and had an absolutely wonderful time eating, drinking, dancing and laughing to some disco lights we had brought. We were very fortunate.”
Ben, 29, a digital service provider for a renewable energy company, took himself on a four-day solo trek along the south-west coast over the bank holiday weekend.
“I was walking along the south-west coast path from Exmouth to Abbotsbury, looking for an escape from the city. It was great to be outside again, but the coastal towns and beaches along the way have been super busy, and I have mixed feelings about it all.
“I camped along my route, just by myself in a little tent tucked away from everyone else. Campsites had good Covid measures in place but were still pretty busy with people – perhaps I’m part of the problem!”
David Cross, 59, from Chesham, decided to celebrate the beginning of his early retirement with a trip to Boscombe beach on Sunday.
“The past year has expedited my decision to retire: the death of my father and lockdown isolation reminded me of my own mortality, and Friday was my last day. My wife, Lynne, and I got up early and arrived in Boscombe around eight in the morning on Sunday. We have learnt to avoid travel on Saturday or a Monday on bank holiday weekends, and it pays off.
“My wife is an NHS service manager and needs to get a break now and again. It turned out lovely. We walked to Bournemouth and back, watching all the other walkers, cyclists, skaters, boarders and so on. Then snoozed on the beach in the warm sun and cool breeze.
“We managed to do a tricky Observer speedy crossword in reasonable time, and on paper for a change, which was nice. Ice-cream queues were too long but we had our own picnic and flasks to enjoy. The people on the beach were well-spaced so we didn’t feel unsafe, and are looking forward to the next trip.”
