Super Saturday sizzling holiday fun as camping and holiday parks open
ne area most affected by the UK’s coronavirus-battling lockdown has been holidays.
Not just travel abroad either with those wishing to stay closer to home also encountering travel restrictions.
Recent data shows a huge hike in outdoor staycation bookings for those Brits who have decided staying at home for family hols is best option from Super Saturday.
With summer months now upon us and temperatures starting to rise, many had wondered if they would be able to get away to holiday parks, caravan sites and campsites in England.
As Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced an array of lockdown restrictions to be eased from July 4, here’s what you need to know if you’re hoping to enjoy a home holiday.
All campsites and caravan parks, including those with shared facilities, will be legally allowed to reopen.
Opening will be subject to businesses being able to stick to ‘COVID-secure’ guidelines.
Campsites and caravan parks with shared facilities such as washing areas and communal showers will be able to open provided these areas can be kept to a high standard of cleanliness.
What might a ‘COVID-secure’ campsite look like?
According to The Camping and Caravanning Club, a number of measures can be brought in to make campsites and caravan parks safer during the continued coronavirus crisis.
Contactless check-in, signs and floor markings, increased cleaning frequencies in shared facilities, limited bookings to prevent large groups assembling at sites and a ban on day visitors to pitches are all among measures.
When might holiday parks open again?
Butlins say: “We’re preparing
Oand redesigning elements of the experience,” they say, “ready to welcome people back when we’re allowed to do so.” Haven holiday parks intend to open to holidaymakers.
All Center Parcs villages open from July 13.
Hoseasons are accepting bookings with arrival dates from July 4.
Pontins’ holiday parks are taking bookings from July 17.
Despite their reopening, holiday parks will be subject to stringent social distancing options.
Most can only offer selfcatering accommodation for the foreseeable future.
At many parks, there will be no entertainment, and the activities on park will be limited in line with government guidelines.
Hostels with shared bedrooms and bathroom facilities are not yet deemed safe enough to reopen.
Holiday bookings in the UK soared following the PM’s announcement accommodation will be allowed to reopen on July 4 under COVID-19 lockdown regulations.
Caravanning and camping in the UK attracts the greatest proportion of domestic visitors throughout Europe.
The online outdoor accommodation search engine Pitchup.com reported UK bookings surged by 135 per cent after the Prime Minister addressed the nation compared to the previous week.
The company recorded 23 times more bookings than this time last year.
Pitchup.com founder Dan Yates said: “Although the total number of holidays is likely to be significantly down, there is the potential for an 81 per cent increase in domestic trips if holidaying fully shifts to domestic.
“Many campsites and holiday parks are spread over tens or hundreds of acres in remote, rural locations.
Pitches are often generously sized, for example, ten metres by ten metres, which is unsurprisingly appealing at the moment.
“We expect greater interest in low-cost travel given the economic impact that the coronavirus has inflicted on so many.”
He added: “One of the few silver linings of this episode may be millions permanently refocusing on what really matters, an ethos holiday parks and campsites have espoused for decades.
“Brits are favouring lodges and cabins and, while historically tent camping has always been a popular choice with our customers, touring and motorhomes prove more popular for 2021.
“Structured accommodation offers a layer of protection and security which is important to holidaymakers who understandably feel a bit wary at the moment.
“However, this uptick could also be representative of families who haven’t traditionally holidayed out