England ends its second national lockdown tomorrow, December 2, with just hours to go until restaurants, non-essential shops and entertainment venues can open their doors again in certain areas.
The Government has set out new restrictions ahead of the change, which will see cities placed once again into a tiered system, though measures are tougher this time.
Liverpool has been placed into Tier 2, the high alert level, which allows for the reopening of shops and restaurants, but limits bars and pubs to only those able to serve a ‘substantial meal’.
Also among the new measures are rules for travelling to other areas, particularly those in different tiers to your hometown.
With things about to change again, many have been left wondering if their Christmas holiday and staycations can go head.
While details are subject to change as the coronavirus situation develops, these are the latest updates from the UK’s major holiday parks such as Center Parcs, Pontins, Haven and more.
Center Parcs
Center Parcs has issued an update for visitors on its website, announcing that all UK villages will reopen from December 4. This excludes Sherwood Forest, which will remain closed until at least December 17 due to its Tier 3 status.
(Image: Publicity Picture)
All other villages are based in Tier 2 areas, so can therefore open.
According to government guidance you can travel between tiers, but only with people in your household or support bubble. Travel to Tier 3 areas is to be avoided unless necessary, such as for work or education.
Pontins
Pontins in Southport confirmed to the ECHO that the site would close on Friday, October 16 and would not reopen its doors until at least February 2021.
The company announced via Facebook that the rest of its site, including Brean Sands, Camber Sands, Pakefield and Sand Bay holiday villages are now closed “for the remaining dates throughout 2020”.
Haven
Haven Holiday parks shared the news on its website that it had made “the difficult decision” to close all English and Welsh parks for the rest of 2020.
In a statement on its website, Haven said: “Unfortunately, due to the national lockdown put in place across England, we have made the very difficult decision to close all our English parks to holidaymakers from 10am on Monday, November 2 until 2021.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
“Whilst we’d love to be able to welcome you for the remainder of the 2020 season, we will continue to support the legislation set out by the UK Government to ensure the safety and security of our guests, owners and team remains the number one priority.
“Please bear with us during this time as we contact all affected guests as quickly as possible. We’re sorry for the disappointment caused for those guests who were due to stay with us and look forward to welcoming you back in 2021.”
Butlin’s
Butlin’s has updated its website with information for each of its resorts and their individual tiers.
For sites in Tier 2 – Bognor Regis and Minehead – these will reopen from December 11 with entertainment, pool and activities running as planned.
There will be some changes to how the bars operate, which you find out more about here.
Sites in Tier 3 – Skegness – will remain closed until the end of December.
Ribby Hall Village
In an update on its website, Ribby Hall Village has confirmed that it has entered Tier 3, meaning that it cannot open on December 2.
Its website says: “Further to the Government announcement on 26th November, Ribby Hall Village will enter the new Tier 3. This unfortunately means that we will not be able to welcome holiday guests back to The Village on 2nd December and we believe this will be reviewed by the Government on 16th December.
“Bookings remain open for holidays from 18th December and you can now secure your 2021 break with only a £50 deposit and our Covid Confidence Guarantee.
“As you can imagine our phone lines are incredibly busy right now. Our Reservations Team will be contacting guests with imminent bookings in order of arrival date. Therefore, we kindly ask that if you have a booking with us that you do not phone the team at this time.”
Hoseasons
Hoseasons has updated its website with its latest guidance, it says: “If you live in a Tier 1 area and have a booking in a Tier 1 area, you must follow the ’Rule of 6’.
“If you are unable to use your booking due to the ‘Rule of 6’ restrictions, please contact us to discuss your options, which will include the choice between a refund and a voucher of the amount paid for your booking.
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“If you live in a Tier 1 area, and have a booking in a Tier 2 area or you live in a Tier 2 area, and have a booking in a Tier 1 or Tier 2 area, you can still make use of your booking provided that you travel with your household (which may include your support bubble) only.
“If the party mix for your booking is such that you cannot comply with the one household restriction, please contact us to discuss your options, which will include the choice between a refund and a voucher of the amount paid for your booking.
“If you live in a Tier 3 area, we will contact you if you have a booking in England on or before 15 December 2020 with your options, which will include the choice between a refund and a voucher of the amount paid for your booking.”
