When will campsites reopen? Which caravan and holiday parks have reopened as England lockdown restrictions ease

One area affected by the UK’s coronavirus-battling lockdown has been holidays.

Not just travel abroad either; those wishing to stay closer to home have had trouble doing so under travel restrictions.

With the summer months upon us, many are wondering if they’ll be able to get away to holiday parks, caravan sites and campsites in the UK.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re hoping to get a holiday to Butlin’s or somewhere similar this year:

When will campsites and holiday parks open?

The Government’s latest stage of lockdown-easing took place on 4 July, step three of the proposed ‘road-map’, which sees the opening of leisure businesses.

Speaking in the Commons on 23 June, Boris Johnson confirmed that many of the Government’s proposals for easing lockdown will go ahead on that date, including those that relate to holiday accommodation.

All campsites and caravan parks, including those with shared facilities, were allowed to reopen in England on from Saturday 4 July; opening was subject to businesses being able to stick to ‘Covid-secure’ guidelines.

In his speech, Mr. Johnson acknowledge that 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.

However, in a statement made before the Prime Minister’s latest announcements, The Camping and Caravanning Club said some campsites will have to “open without toilets and showers”.

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 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 could all be implemented.

Government guidelines on the safe reopening of campsites and caravan parks are expected to be published shortly.

When might Butlin’s be open again?

One of the biggest holiday parks in the Portsmouth area is Butlin’s Bognor Regis resort, just a 30-minute drive out of the city.

In line with current Government advice, Butlin’s have taken the decision to extend the closure of their resorts until 16 July.

“We're preparing and redesigning elements of the experience,” they say, “ready to welcome you back when we're allowed to do so.”

What about other holiday parks?

Haven holiday parks reopened on Sunday 5 July 2020.

All Center Parcs resorts have now reopened, though each village’s Subtropical Swimming Paradise and Aqua Sana Spas will remain off limits until 27 July, when they will reopen with strict measures in place.

Hoseasons began accepting bookings from 4 July onwards

Pontins’ holiday parks are taking booking from 17 July onwards.

Despite their reopening, holiday parks will be subject to stringent social distancing options; most can only offer self-catering accommodation for the forseeable 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.