Coronavirus: How South West beauty spots fared after the first weekend of eased lockdown restrictions

People across the South West have adapted to the new lockdown rules, which saw an easing of restrictions.

Those in England can now travel unlimited distances to exercise - with many choosing to make their way to the region across the weekend, 16-17 May.

Day-trippers headed to Somerset beaches where saw car parks at Dunster and Minehead quickly filled with people.

Caravans and camper vans are both visible in pictures taken in the car park leading to Dunster beach.

However, there is no suggestion that anyone broke any of the lockdown rules, but more people were seen in the area in comparison to the previous eight weeks of lockdown.

Car parks in the county were full as people drove to the hills for exercise. Credit: Somerset Live/ Mendip Hills AONB

Beaches were not the only place where large numbers of visitors were seen in the region since rules relaxed.

Pictures taken of people at the Mendip Hills show car parks crammed full with vehicles stopped on roads leading up to the hills.

The Mendip hills attracted a number of visitors this weekend. Credit: Somerset Live

Despite pleas from authorities crowds also made their way to Dartmoor.

It eventually lead to action being taken by the Dartmoor ranger team, who say they had no choice but to close some car parks, explaining the crowds of visitors were making social distancing impossible.

The Burrator Reservoir also attracted numerous visitors this weekend. Credit: Devon Live

However, there were places in the South West that did not experience an influx of visitors over the course of the weekend.

In Bath many places remained quiet despite the easing of restrictions.

Parade Gardens remained fairly quiet over the weekend. Credit: ITV News West Country
Open spaces near Bath Abbey were sparsely populated over the weekend. Credit: ITV News West Country