On Monday (14 September), gatherings of more than six people were made illegal.

If you decide to meet up in groups larger than this, you could be dispersed by the police and even face fines of up to £3200 if you a repeat offender.

This rule applies to homes and both private and public outdoor areas.

However, there are exeptions to the rule- places of worship, weddings, funerals and even gym classes still allow for more than six people.

While we still need to be mindful of social distancing and make sure we stick to the new rule and six, it doesn’t mean we have to be stuck at home all day.

Here are five things you can still do in East Lancashire with six people or less.

Escape the room

(Credit: Google Maps)

Escape the room games are a great way to challenge your brain and solve puzzles.

Best of all, you can choose how many people can participate in the escape game.

Lucardo Escape Rooms in Rawtenstall is one place you should definitely consider. A maximum of six people can book an escape room here and they have a variety of room themes to choose from .

Tripadvisor users also have high praise for the escape room, which has a 5/5 rating.

One Tripadvisor user wrote: “Regarding Covid-19 we felt very safe, there was hand sanitizer in the room and the hosts wore face masks.

“We would highly recommend for anyone looking for something fun to despite the pandemic, great little escape.”

Go to the pub

(Facebook/The Butlers Arms)

Pub-goers will be pleased to hear that they can still enjoy a pint down the local with their friends- but this will be restricted to groups of six or less.

If you’re looking for a local place to visit in East Lancashire, have you considered The Butler’s Arms in Blackburn?

They are still participating in the Eat Out to Help out scheme, meaning you and five of your mates can get 20% off your food Monday-Thursday in September.

Alternatively, The Thornton in Burnley has a fantastic beer garden- and they have 25% off all food served Monday-Thursday.

Exercise

(Facebook/@pendlepaddlers.canoe)

Summer might be drawing to a close- but we can still grab some outdoor exercise while the temperature is still mild.

Canoeing and kayaking is one activity exempt from the 'rule of six' as it is organised by a governing body- but you should limit your social interaction with other participants. 

Contact Pendle Paddlers for a taster session if you are interested. Prices range from £3-£40 depending on the type of experience you want and if you want to become a member.

Try your hand at paintballing

(Facebook/ @BedlamPaintball)

Paintballing is one of the licensed outdoor physical activities that you can do in groups of more than six.

Bedlam Paintball in Burnley is one great place to visit if you aren’t afraid to get covered in paint

According to the website, paintballing at this venue is more than just running around and shooting at your friends- it’s “about tactics, planning and strategy”.

Prices range from £14.99- £55 depending on the type of package you are looking for.

Try rock climbing

(Facebook/@Gripandgo1)

According to the government, "organised” indoor and outdoor sports are exempt from the rule- including rock climbing.

However, you must not gather in groups of more than six before and after the activity or use these events as an excuse to meet up in larger groups.

Rock climbing is a unique activity you should definitely try if you haven’t before.

Grip & Go in the Adrenaline Centre, Haslingden, is one place you can go to try out rock climbing.

Grip & Go has 21 walls to scale and the bravest climbers can attempt the ‘leap of faith’

If you are interested in going, tickets cost £11- book online.