Center Parcs, Butlin's, Haven and Pontins updates on reopening

UK holiday parks have been forced to delay even further due to coronavirus

Center Parcs, Butlin's, Haven and Pontins latest updates on reopening after lockdown

With lockdown continuing longer than we expected, many will be worrying about their upcoming summer holidays.

UK holiday parks have been forced to delay even further due to the outbreak, so anyone planning a staycation should be aware of the latest updates.

Last week the Government released a 50-page lockdown plan which, while not providing any specific dates for the reopening of holiday parks, suggested that they could be open by July 4.

The latest announcements to holiday makers include pushed-back opening dates and new offers for social distancing holidays.

While the dates are subject to change as the coronavirus situation develops, these are the latest updates from the UK's major holiday parks.

Center Parcs

All Center Parcs sites in the UK will remain closed until July 5, while Longford Forest will stay closed until July 19.

In an update on the holiday park’s website, it says: “We have made the decision to extend the closure period of all UK villages until 5th July and Longford Forest 19th July.

“This decision continues to support government advice and our priority to keep our staff and guests as safe as possible.

“We recognise the importance of treading cautiously away from lockdown in order to control the pandemic and we know that the closure period may well extend further.

“We are taking small extension steps to ensure we can manage service to our guests and respond quickly to any changes in government advice.”

If your holiday is due to take place before July 5, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.

Parkdean

Parkdean Resorts, which offers caravan breaks and self catering holidays in Preston and dozens of other sites around the country, has issued new advice to its customers over the coronavirus pandemic.

In an email sent to those who holiday with them and keep their caravans at the parks, Parkdean said the company would not be in a position to offer any refunds or partial credit.

It did however say that it fully intended to restart their summer season on July 6, all being well.

In a statement on its website, Parkdean Resorts wrote: “Our parks are currently closed and we plan to reopen on the 6th July.

“This will be kept under constant review in line with government policy.”

Pontins

Pontins resorts were closed eight weeks ago when the government announced the lockdown of business to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Despite initially announcing it would not reopen until 2021, the chain has decided to reopen its parks and villages for limited dates between July 6 and August 30, 2020.

Pontins is offering customers a free coronavirus guarantee, which provides a Guarantee Change Window between 28 and 3 days prior to arrival.

For more information, visit the Pontins website.

Haven

Due to the “uncertainty around the ongoing situation” with coronavirus, Haven has extended the closure of its parks until July 2.

In it’s latest update, the holiday favourite also revealed plans to offer a new type of break - the ‘Haven Hideaway’, which would allow guests to visit while still social distancing.

‘Haven Hideaway' breaks will offer guests a holiday home, takeaway food options and open beaches - but without access to the pool, restaurants and entertainment.

Those facilities could potentially still be open to a reduced number of holidaymakers but those on 'Hideaway' trips would have a quieter experience.

Butlin’s

Butlin’s has now further extended its closures, with all resorts closed until July 2.

The company’s current statement to customers says: “In line with current Government advice, we've taken the decision to extend the closure of our resorts until July 2.

“This includes our May half term breaks, which we know will be disappointing, but these are unprecedented times for everyone. We’ll get through this and back to providing great breaks for you all when the time is right.

“In the meantime, we want to give you as much reassurance as possible. We’ve introduced our new Coronavirus Book With Confidence Guarantee to give you extra peace of mind, and our wonderful Contact Centre team are on hand ready to help re-plan your break.

“Thank you for your patience and support. We’re really pleased so many of you have chosen to move your dates to later this year or next – we look forward to welcoming you back to Butlin's soon.”

Ribby Hall Village

Ribby Hall closed its gates for the first time in 25 years on March 24 due to coronavirus.

The latest update from the park said: “Earlier this week the Government announced the first phase of their plans to ease the lockdown, in a way that is safe and continues to protect our outstanding NHS. We learned that the Government has extended travel in England for exercise purposes but understandably this does not yet apply to visiting Holiday Villages.

“It is disappointing that we are currently unable to welcome back our loyal customers but behind our temporarily closed gates we are now even further forward with our plans to ensure that when we are able to phase our reopening, we are Covid-secure and comply with all Government guidelines. The safety of our customers and employees always has been and shall remain our top priority.”

Ribby Hall staff are now working to refund and reschedule holidays and spa breaks, and will continue to update customers via email, on its website and via Facebook.

Hoseasons

Hoseasons is temporarily not accepting new bookings for holidays arriving on or before July 4.

Holidays already booked before this period can be transferred to new dates, free of charge.