Visitors and businesses criticised for treating Whitby 'like Bondi Beach' during social distancing

Bill Taylor and Julie Galliard, both 72, were shocked to see huge crowds at Whitby, Sleights and Robin Hood's Bay on Saturday, after the government had advised people to avoid large gatherings and to stay indoors during the coronavirus pandemic.

Although cafes, bars and restaurants can no longer open to sit-in customers, many businesses are offering takeaway services and the couple appeared to suggest that some pubs were ignoring official guidelines.

"My partner and I drove through Robin Hood's Bay, Whitby and Sleights at lunchtime and were astonished at the 'Bondi Beach' crowds roaming around as if it was just another lovely spring Saturday by the seaside," said Mr Taylor.

The situation echoes that in Australia, where crowds headed to the world-famous Bondi Beach during social distancing measures, prompting police to disperse them and close the sands.

"We were amazed to see chip shops open as well as many other shops, pubs and hotels. As we drove through Sleights the chip shop had a sign out saying 'Open All Day'.

"It was very obvious to us that it was business as usual and we find the whole attitude of not only the businesses concerned but the general public who were flocking to them very, very worrying.

"I have sent an email to the Prime Minister asking if he can stop this reckless and possibly life-threatening behaviour urgently as I for one would like to be around for a few more years to enjoy my grandchildren."

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority was forced to issue a statement cautioning people against visiting the Dales after the area was inundated with tourists on Saturday.

Dr Meg Crossley, an A&E doctor at Airedale Hospital who lives in Malham, posted on Facebook that she had seen 'hundreds of people' in the village eating and drinking within close proximity of each other.

She urged people needing exercise to 'go for a walk somewhere quiet'.

While a decision by the National Trust to suspend entry fees to its parks, gardens and grounds appeared to backfire when large numbers of visitors descended on the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden estate, near Ripon.

Twitter user Andy Tadd posted a video of cars arriving at the attraction, prompting Jane Redfern to comment that she had never seen the estate as busy before, even on Bank Holidays,

"Some people are treating this as a holiday - this is the reality of free entry to National Trust. We live in Studley and I’ve never seen it like this not even on Bank Holidays."

The National Trust initially promoted free access to their outdoor sites but have now updated their policy and have closed all their parks and gardens, as well as car parks at some coastal sites.