UK revels in Easter weekend of freedom – in pictures

People head for green spaces as England's lockdown rules are eased

A person cycles through Hyde Park in sunny weather in London. Reuters

Families enjoy a boating lake in Finsbury Park, London. AP Photo

Players from Hangleton First hold a team meeting before their match in the Brighton, Worthing & District Football League in Brighton, after restrictions on outdoor sports were lifted. AFP

Women draw hearts on the National Covid Memorial Wall on the south bank of the Thames in London. AP Photo

People enjoy a fine spring day in Stratford-upon-Avon. AP Photo

People enjoy the sunny weather in Sefton Park, Liverpool. AP Photo

A woman roller skates through Hyde Park in London. Reuters

People relax in sunny weather in Hyde Park. Reuters

The UK enjoyed an Easter weekend out of lockdown as people made use of the sunny weather to meet outdoors in small groups.

Revellers flocked to local parks and outdoor beauty spots across the country as temperatures reached up to 18°C in some parts.

On March 29, some of England's Covid-19 restrictions were relaxed, ending the government's official stay-at-home policy.

Groups of up to six people from two different households are allowed to meet under the so-called 'rule of six'.

However, indoor activities and foreign holidays are still banned.

On April 12, restrictions will be further relaxed, allowing pubs to serve alcohol in outside areas,  and friends and family members to meet in private gardens.

The weekend's celebrations were marred by a number of arrests for antisocial behaviour.

Police Scotland said an officer received a facial injury after he intervened in a mass brawl at a park in Edinburgh's city centre.

“We are aware of the extent of the disorder seen in The Meadows this weekend and we absolutely condemn this,” Chief Insp Sarah Taylor said.

In London, 107 people were arrested during another 'kill the bill' protest against government plans to increase policing powers.

Thousands marched in towns and cities across the country on Saturday in response to the proposed Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, defying coronavirus restrictions.

In Northern Ireland, protestors hurled 30 petrol bombs at officers and torched cars during a night of disorder in a suburb of northern Belfast.