You are here: Know Before You Go - Covid-19 information > Know before you go town centres
Across Dorset our town centres, highstreets and shopping centres continue to follow Government guidelines. Essential shops are open and others may be offering a delivery or click and collect service.
England is still in a national lockdown with overnight stays in self catering accommodation allowed from 12th April, subject to advice and guidance from the Government.
Things will be a little different when you visit us later in the year, including measures in place to support social distancing and the new processes which our businesses are using to help keep customers safe during the pandemic
Social distancing
Some shops and food and drink businesses will have staff members ready to greet you to explain the social distancing measures inside. Please look out for external and internal signage about distancing measures and procedures including: hand sanitising, compulsory wearing of face coverings, payment methods and queueing, which will vary depending on the space and type of businesses.
Stay safe
We want you to be as safe as possible when visiting Dorset. Be aware that local authorities have no legal powers to enforce social distancing, so do not put yourself at risk if the business or outdoor space you are visiting starts to get very busy. The government has released some guidance about social distancing in public places to help you.
Facilities such as toilets and car parks have now reopened and normal parking charges apply. Read more information from Dorset Council about Dorset town centres.
If you are visiting Poole, Bournemouth or Christchurch town centres, you can read more about parking and public toilets.
Read further Covid-secure information from town and parish councils about the town or village you are visiting by selecting the town from the list below.
Shop Local, Love Local
Please support the small, independent businesses of Dorset, they make our high streets so unique. Your custom is important to them and helps support our local economy. When you visit, seek out and try locally produced items and you'll also be helping Dorset artisans too.
Dorset is Good To Go
'We’re Good To Go' is the new official UK mark to signal that a tourism and hospitality business has worked hard to follow Government and industry COVID-19 guidelines and has processes in place to maintain cleanliness, aid social distancing and for training staff. The businesses will be alerted if guidelines change, so you can be confident that the business is up to date and following the very latest guidance.
These businesses have gone the extra mile, and sometimes above and beyond what the guidelines state for their visitors wellbeing and enjoyment of their day trip or holiday to Dorset.
We are really looking forward to welcoming you back to Dorset later in the year, but please make sure that you #PlanAhead and #RespectProtectEnjoy our beautiful county.
