As we enter Spring and holiday season is in sight, the desire to get away has kicked in. But with the pandemic going on around us, where does that leave camping season? The answer – we’re nearly there!!
With the news of campsites due to open in coming weeks, summer 2021 could be back on! So it’s time to get your tents ready, your gear packed, and start planning a good old British getaway in one of England’s campsites.
We’ve put together some useful information regarding the reopening of campsites, what to expect and how social distancing will work onsite. This is what we know for now, but don’t forget, things could change. We advise you to ring your local tourist board before booking any holiday.
When are campsites due to open?
The government have announced that campsites will be allowed to open no earlier than Monday 12th April in England – this date is subject to change depending how everything goes with the vaccination programme and Covid-related figures. Some positive news at last and hopefully something to look forward to!
Will toilets and showers be available?
Many campsites have shared toilets and showers and it is areas like these that create further uncertainty. The government have said that shared facilities will not be able to open till at least the 17th May. And even at that point, facilities will have to remain clean and ‘covid secure.’
Once shared facilities are able to open, additional cleaning regimes will be put in place to assure safety. This could include more frequent deep cleaning, staggered visiting times and a limited capacity of people entering the toilets and showers.
What about other facilities?
Another question which everyone will be wondering is whether the onsite entertainment will be available. This includes swimming pools, bars, restaurants, play areas and so on. As part of the government’s plan to ease lockdown, bars and restaurants will be allowed to reopen outdoors from the 12th April, depending on the wider situation at the time and for indoor reservations no earlier than the 17th May. So, this should mean that bars and restaurants on campsites will follow suit.
As for other facilities, such as swimming pools and indoor play areas, they each fall into a different category and therefore have a different guide date of when they can re-open, depending on the wider situation at the time. Here is a list of some popular facilities you would find at campsites and the dates that they can hopefully re-open from.
From 29th March (but remember, campsites can’t open till at least 12th April!)
Outdoor facilities:
- Swimming Pools
- Gyms
- Sport courts (such as tennis and basketball courts)
- Golf courses, including mini golf
- Climbing walls
- Driving and shooting ranges
- Archery venues
People can use these venues in a group of six people, or with members of up to two households.
No earlier than 12th April
Indoor facilities:
- Spas and massage centres (except for steam rooms and saunas)
- Gyms
- Swimming pools
- Climbing wall centres
- Archery venues
No earlier than 17th May
- Adventure playgrounds and activities
- Amusement arcades and adult gaming centres
- Bowling alleys
- Play areas (including soft play centres)
- Trampolining parks
- Water and aqua parks
If you have any doubts we’d recommend you to call the campsite and ask for a clearer idea of the onsite situation, as well as checking the rules and regulations set out by the government at the time.
How can I socially distance when camping?
Social distancing is still in place and, in many ways, camping life fits in with this pretty easily. Sleeping in your own tent is naturally distancing from other guests, and evidence suggests that the virus travels far less efficiently in the open air, meaning that as long as you keep your 2-metre distance, the risk of infection is low.
Many sites will be limiting the capacity of visitors on sites, and spreading pitches will up to 10 metres apart.
Like in many shops currently, camping sites will have floor markings and signs to politely remind guests to stay two metres apart from others. Many sites have also said they will introduce contactless check ins.
Can I book a camping trip now?
Yes, you can! Many campsites are allowing bookings to be made, and a lot of camping holidays have already been booked. Of course, it’s worth noting that rules could change and opening dates could be moved, so it’s best to check with the site that free cancellation or booking transfers can be offered before going ahead.
With camping holidays on the horizon, what better time is there to get your gear ready? Shop our range of tent and camping equipment now and grab a deal before it’s too late!
