Numbers at Durdle Door and Studland Beach were manageable and normal for this time of year and coastal towns were also busy but not overwhelmed.

Cllr Spencer Flower, Leader of Dorset Council, said, “We’ve been planning for our first warm weekend since hospitality businesses re-opened, for several weeks alongside our partners.

“Plans were ready to launch into action should numbers of visitors have become a hazard, like our travel plan for Durdle Door and additional waste collections and Civil Enforcement Officers for coastal towns, but thankfully these were not needed.

“I’d like to thank residents and visitors for playing their part in helping businesses get back on their feet, and for doing it in a way that keeps others safe. I’d also like to say particular thank you to the Dorset Council employees right across the county for their part in helping the weekend run smoothly.”

Weymouth Harbour, Durdle Door, Lyme Regis and Swanage are popular destinations for visitors and are being closely monitored for excessive numbers.  The council is continuing to encourage people to ‘Shop Local’ and ‘Enjoy Summer Safely’ alongside messages reminding people to respect social distancing advice when out and about, as well as keeping up with regular hand washing.

Dorset still has one of the lowest rates of COVID-19 in the country and Public Health Dorset will continue to monitor the situation closely as the county opens up further to visitors.