By Chris Littley
It was big news when prime minister Boris Johnson said individuals in England would be allowed to drive as far as they like to take exercise, but overnight stays away from home are still a big no-no. So, when will caravan trips be allowed again?
While nobody can say for certain how the next few weeks and months of coming out of lockdown will go, it’s worth looking towards the caravan sites for an expert opinion. Many of them have started to make tentative plans for reopening and this is what they’re currently saying:
The official line from the Caravan Club is that its UK sites are expected to reopen in July. They won’t all fling their doors open on the same day, however, as a phased approach is expected. As the four nations of the union have now diverged in their approach to coming out of lockdown, it could be that caravan sites in England are opened up before those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Meanwhile, Parkdean Resorts plans to reopen on June 1st and Haven has announced its sites will be closed until July 2nd. Hoseasons hopes to see visitors arriving from July 1st and Away Resorts isn’t taking any new reservations for before July 3rd. The Camping and Caravanning Club has not committed to a date to start welcoming visitors, but is accepting new bookings on a fully flexible basis.
The Caravan and Motorhome Club has warned against getting too excited prematurely. A spokesperson said: “The recent statement by the UK government on the gradual easing of the current lockdown restrictions is welcome news.
“However, the government advice does not currently give the dates that campsites and touring sites are able to reopen and is conditional on further progress being made. At this time we are planning on the assumption that we will be able to introduce a phased reopening of our sites network during July.”
