How many people can I have in my garden? Rules for outside gatherings explained - and date of next update

Lockdown restrictions are continuing to ease across the UK, and with temperatures rising during the summer months it’s the perfect time to sit out in the garden with family and friends.

But what are the rules for gatherings outside and how many people can meet in a garden?

Here’s what you need to know.

How many people can meet in a garden?

England

In England, up to 30 people can gather outdoors in private gardens.

Six people (or two households of any size) can also meet indoors.

It’s worth keeping in mind that children are included in headcounts, but professional carers are not. Support bubbles count as one household.

Scotland

In Scotland, how many people can meet both outside and inside depends on the level your area is currently in.

In level two areas, eight people from eight households can meet outdoors, with six people from three households able to meet indoors.

Meanwhile, in level one areas, 12 people from 12 households can meet outdoors, with six people from three households able to meet in private homes, and eight people from three households in indoor public places.

In level zero areas, 15 people from 15 households can meet outdoors, eight people from four households can meet in private homes, and 10 people from four households in indoor public places.

It’s worth noting that in all areas, under-12s do not count towards the total number of people/households meeting outside, but they do count towards household numbers indoors.

Wales

In Wales, 30 people can meet outdoors, including private gardens, with six people from six households able to meet in an indoor public place.

However, household mixing inside private homes is not allowed, except for support bubbles/extended households.

It’s worth noting that children under 11 are not included in headcounts.

Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, up to 15 people - including children - from three households can meet outdoors in a private garden.

Six people from two households can meet in private homes - under-13s are not counted in this - and if a household has more than six members, the number of adults indoors can be up to 10.

Six people - or larger single households - can also meet at pubs and restaurants indoors and outdoors. Again, under-13s are not counted in this.

When could lockdown restrictions be lifted across the UK?

In England, the final stage of lifting lockdown restriction is due to take place no earlier than 21 June, with a decision expected on 14 June.

The Government hopes to "remove all legal limits on social contact", which would mean no limit on how many people you can invite to your home, nightclubs would be able to open again, and pubs, clubs, theatres and cinemas would be able to operate without capacity limits.

In Scotland the country is hoping to move all areas to its lowest level of restrictions - which is zero - on 28 June.

Lockdown measures in Wales will be reviewed on 21 June, and the next review in Northern Ireland is due on or before 8 July.