Stays, fun days, spas and experiences open in April
As the government’s re-opening strategy gets underway, there is still some confusion about where will be open and what consumers are and aren’t allowed to do from April 12.
Some ‘Step Two’ options ranging from family days out, outdoor breaks and weekend activities for all the family are listed below.
And for stress relief there are relaxing spa days for a wellness boost.
Of 4,746 camping and glamping sites across England currently listed on Pitchup.com, the first ones to open will be those with self-contained loos and washrooms, generally those with ready-made accommodation such as camping pods and lodges.
You could look out over woodland and grazing ponies with a stay in camping pods at Sweetings Wood Glamping in Hertfordshire.
Each pod has its own ensuite toilet and shower, with a kitchenette, king-sized bed, indoor and outdoor dining furniture. This adults-only site is great for couples. From £180 for two nights (based on two sharing, two-night minimum stay).
Chrisdee’s Suffolk Pods are large enough to fit the family, sleeping four in two doubles. Each pod has all you need for a self-contained holiday with its own shower and loo, kitchenette, barbecue and patio.
There’s an outdoor play area, and free-range eggs that kids are welcome to collect. A rural site, but only an hour from the iconic pier and beach at Southwold. From £270 (based on four sharing, two night minimum stay).
Soothe away lockdown stress with spa sessions. Many spas across the UK will reopen on April 12 for day visits and treatments. Head to Spabreaks.com to explore the range. Choices include Mottram Hall, reopening from April 12 but excluding thermal facilities such as saunas and steam rooms as per government guidelines. Outdoor pools will be open.
Peaceful Mottram Hall is perfect for a wellness boost. The morning or afternoon Spa Experience includes one
50-minute treatment from a choice of Revitalising Facial, Body Radiance, Luxury Manicure, Luxury Pedicure or Champneys Face and Body Ritual. Guests have use of spa facilities between 9am1pm or 2pm-6pm, with robe, towel and slippers provided. From £89 per person.
Take the family on a medieval adventure at Warwick Castle. Children around the world love Zog, created by author Julia Donaldson and brought to life by Axel Scheffler’s illustrations. From April 12, the young dragon will star on a new 3D interactive trail at Warwick Castle, where guests can sleep over in the castle grounds within medieval themed lodges.
Zog will help children of all ages learn new skills, and the trail will open every day until September. Test the Roar-o-meter to find the loudest dragon and put out Zog’s dragon-breath steam, with stamps for every task completed. There’s the Sir Gadabout Knight Training School, then meet Zog and pose for photos.
For more information, head to www.warwick-castle. com. Single household stays only. Each lodge sleeps five to seven with a self-contained bathroom and toilets.
Try have-a-go archery. There are few sports as inclusive and diverse as archery. Find local centres at www.archerygb.org - outdoor ranges are to reopen from March 29 with archery at leisure sites from April 12.
At Adventure Pirate, Lytchett Minster, you learn to draw, aim and shoot with Archery GB qualified instructors. Sessions take place in the covered 25m archery and air rifle range, priced £85 for a family session - two adults and two children or one adult and three children.