Holidays: Travel expert says Brits can still book summer breaks
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If Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s “roadmap” out of lockdown moves forward as planned, Britons could be enjoying self-contained camping, caravan or holiday park stays as soon as April 12. Ahead of this, a number of staycation providers have set dates for reopening, though some will remain closed for a little while longer. Centre Parcs, Butlins, ParkDean and Haven are some of the most popular holiday park providers in the UK – when are they opening and what are their latest updates?
Center Parcs
Center Parcs has announced plans to reopen all of its holiday parks from April 12.
This includes Sherwood Forest, Elveden Forest, Longleat Forest, Whinfell Forest and Woburn Forest.
However, it notes this will be confirmed by the Government on April 5.
“All guests due to visit on breaks prior to April 12 should have already received an email from us with instructions on how to cancel activities and restaurants and how to reschedule or cancel,” reads a statement on the Center Parcs website.
“All guests impacted by a closure will have the option to change dates with £100 discount or cancel and claim a full refund.”
For guests who are able to travel from April 12, the holiday park has warned some amenities and services will not be available due to Government guidelines.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming guests to our lodges but hotel rooms and apartments will be unavailable,” explains Center Parcs.
“Only one household will be permitted per lodge.
“Our restaurants will operate a collection and delivery service, we also hope to have our terraces open.”
Some indoor and outdoor activities will be available to book, and the holiday park says its spa will be open.
However, the Subtropical Swimming Paradise will not be open during this time.
“As the Subtropical Swimming Paradise will be closed during your break, you will receive a discount based on the size of your booked accommodation if you wish to continue with your break,” states Center Parcs.
Butlins
Butlins has outlined plans to reopen its resorts from May 17.
“Following the government announcement on the roadmap out of lockdown, we’re excited to announce that we plan to reopen our resorts on May 17,” said Butlins.
“We understand that you need more flexibility during these uncertain times, so if your break has been affected we’d like to offer you the following options.
“Of course we hope you’ll still join us on the resort, but if not, there are options to rebook, bank your funds or request a refund.
“We’re asking you to complete a form to give us an indication of how you would like to manage your break.”
Guests who are booked on trips due to take place prior to the reopening date will be contacted by the company to discuss their options.
These will include rescheduling holidays to a later date in 2021 or 2022, or alliteratively opting for a full refund.
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Parkdean
Parkdean has outlined plans to reopen its English parks from April 12, though notes some facilities will remain closed until May 17.
Facilities that will operate include indoor pools, outdoor sports and activities, click and collect services for restaurants and outdoor dining.
From May 17, indoor dining will open up, as well as outdoor pools and onsite entertainment.
Resorts in Scotland are expected to reopen from April 26, meanwhile Welsh parks will reopen to holidaymakers on April 12 subject to guidelines set out by the devolved government.
In a statement on the Parkdean website, the company explains: “If you are due to travel to one of our holiday parks within the dates highlighted above, you don’t need to contact us.
“Regardless if you booked with us directly or via a third party operator, we’ll send you an email about what to do next.
“We are working through contacting customers in priority order against booked arrival dates, offering at least one of the following options 100 percent no-quibble refund if your park has to close when you’re due to be on holiday with us.
“A voucher for a future holiday with up to 20 percent extra on top of what you’ve paid towards your booking.
“Flexibility to move your booking free of charge. You’ll only need to pay the difference if your new dates cost more.”
Haven
Haven has detailed plans to reopen its English parks from April 12.
“We’re super excited to be able to open the doors to all our English parks this April and as it stands, we’re planning to get you back from Monday 12th should Government advice at the time allow,” said Haven.
It added: “The Government is set to provide confirmation on the start date for each step in the week before (April 5) and we’ll provide guests with an update as soon as we’re able to.”
However, it notes some restrictions measures will remain in place for breaks going ahead between April 12 and May 16.
“All our accommodation will be open, however, we’ll only be able to welcome one household per unit ,” explained Haven.
“Restaurants and bars will be open but limited to outdoor areas only.”
Further facilities and services will resume from May 17 and then June 21.
Haven states its Scottish parks will reopen from April 26, meanwhile its Welsh parks from April 2.
Pontins
Pontins has announced plans to reopen all of its parks from May 17.
In a statement, the holiday provider said: “Following the government’s recent announcement on the road map out of lockdown we are planning to reopen all our Parks from Monday, May 17 2021.
“We will keep making arrangements and working towards welcoming you back to our restaurants, bars and entertainment venues for our full Pontins Holiday experience.
“For reservations booked prior to our reopening, we will be able to offer you a change of date for this year or offer to move your holiday to the same date next year.
“We are still experiencing a high volume of enquiries with limited resources; we will be in touch with anyone affected as soon as we can so please bear with us.”
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