Coach tours are permitted under Covid restrictions in tiers 1 and 2

The Department for Digital Culture Media & Sport has now updated its guidance for tours to operate within tiers 1 and 2. It has advised against coach tours either within, to, or from a tier 3 area because of the increased restrictions.

It states that for coach tours in tier 1 and 2:

If it is possible to accommodate separate groups of a single household/support bubble and they do not mingle on a tour, it can go ahead. However, operators should continue to provide Covid-secure transport services which can accommodate multiple groups of single household/support bubbles to ensure groups do not gather unlawfully.

People must stay in their own group on all parts of the tour and must socially distance from those they do not live with – including whilst in hospitality settings and when visiting attractions as well as whilst on the coach. Passengers should wear face coverings and should wash their hands at the start and the end of their journey. The coach should be well ventilated with fresh air and any other necessary mitigations should be put in place to ensure the coach is Covid-secure.

Travel is permitted between tier 1 and tier 2. Travel into or out of tier 3 is advised against, but a coach could drive through a tier 3 area to reach a tier 1 or tier 2 area. They should not stop in the tier 3 area unless there is an emergency, and passengers must adhere to the tier 3 rules on social contact while they are in the tier 3 area.

FOR GUIDED TOURS:

In tier 1

Tour groups must operate in line with social contact rules. If it is possible to ensure that groups of more than six (or larger if they are from one household) do not mingle on a guided tour, it can go ahead. People must stay in their own group at all times throughout the tour. Tours may take place indoors or outdoors provided businesses undertake risk assessments in line with this guidance document and put any necessary mitigations in place.

In tier 2

Indoors: if it is possible to ensure that groups of a single household/support bubble do not mingle on a guided tour, it can go ahead.
Outdoors: if it is possible to ensure that groups of more than six (or larger if they are from one household) do not mingle on a guided tour, it can go ahead.
People must stay in their own group at all times throughout the tour.
Tours may take place indoors or outdoors provided businesses undertake risk assessments in line with this guidance document and put any necessary mitigations in place.

In tier 3

Indoor venues and attractions will be closed.

Tours may take place outdoors if it is possible to ensure that groups of one household/support bubble do not mingle on a guided tour. If your tour is taking place outdoors at a historic park, public garden or landscape, then the rule of six applies, in line with general visiting restrictions.
People must stay in their own group at all times throughout the tour. Businesses must undertake risk assessments in line with this guidance document and put any necessary mitigations in place.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/the-visitor-economy