This is when campsites and caravan parks could reopen as Boris Johnson prepares to set out lockdown exit plan

Brits desperate for a break are keeping close tabs on the government’s Covid advice around holidays and booking trips away in 2021.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Holidays of all types are currently not possible due to current coronavirus lockdown rules, which includes a domestic travel ban for leisure purposes.

But with the pace of the vaccination process, coupled with falling infection rates and hospital admissions, hope remains of some travel this summer.

Hotspots like Cornwall have already seen a surge in interest, with many looking at camping and caravan breaks - but when will these sites reopen?

Let’s take a look.

Why are campsites closed?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Following a rise in infection rates and hospital admissions over the festive period, the UK government enforced a national lockdown to limit the spread of the deadly virus.

Prime minister Boris Johnson made the decision on Monday 4 January to restrict people’s movements, leading to the temporary closure of campsites, caravan sites and holiday parks.

It is not the first time holidaymakers have had their plans disrupted following lockdowns in 2020 used to control the virus and prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed.

When will campsites reopen?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In 2020, campsites reopened from early July to allow Brits to experience the great outdoors and clear the cobwebs from the first national lockdown.

It is hoped a similar arrangement, which saw reduced capacities, social distancing measures and Covid habits, could be allowed as early as March.

And, if the situation continues to improve, the summer holidays could see many more holidaymakers head to UK staycation locations to pitch up a tent.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to outline his roadmap for the gradual easing of Covid restrictions, as the country is expected to emerge from a third national lockdown.

He will make an announcement on Monday 22 February.

The reopening of schools to all children is the government’s top priority, with a date of Monday 8 March given as the earliest possible date for this to happen.

It means that any reopening of campsites, caravan sites or holiday parks is likely to come on or after this date, with companies braced for an influx of domestic bookings.

What have major campsites and holiday parks said?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Many of the major companies have followed this line of thinking in response to the potential relaxing of Covid rules and the subsequent reopening of its facilities.

National Trust Holidays is keeping sites closed until at least 7 March.

Caravan Club destinations across England will remain closed upto and including 8 March.

Camping and Caravanning Club sites will remain closed upto and including 7 March.

Butlins delayed its reopening from 28 February to 14 March due to lockdown uncertainty.

Haven closed its parks before the end of the 2020 season and will look to reopen in March.

CenterParcs resorts were closed as the country went into a third national lockdown and has stated it plans to reopen from 7 March, though dependent on government updates.

Pontins made a decision on 6 January to delay its reopening until March time.

Parkdean resorts remain closed and has not issued a reopening date as yet.