Haven's post-lockdown reopening plans show how UK holidays could look in the age of coronavirus

The holiday operator Haven has revealed its plans to reopen following the coronavirus lockdown, with a very different kind of staycation on offer.
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The Government has said that accommodation providers, like hotels and holiday homes, could be able to open again from July 4, subject to conditions being met, as the lockdown restrictions are lifted.

Haven, which runs 40 seaside resorts across England, Scotland and Wales, hopes to reopen then and is taking bookings for what it calls its new ‘Haven Hideaway’ offer to ensure holidaymakers can practise social distancing and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

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Haven runs 40 holiday parks around the UK (pic: Haven)Haven runs 40 holiday parks around the UK (pic: Haven)
Haven runs 40 holiday parks around the UK (pic: Haven)

It says that guests will still be able to enjoy ‘all the fun of the great outdoors’ but without the usual activities, restaurants, pools or entertainment for now.

Visitors will still be able to shop at on-park supermarkets, use the launderette and order takeaway food.

Haven says that all new bookings for the 2020 season will be taken on this basis ‘until further notice’, with prices adjusted to reflect the new model, though it hopes normal service can be resumed in 2021.

The operator has previously said all its parks will remain closed until at least July 2 and it has not given a reopening date due to the ongoing uncertainty but believes the changes it has made ‘will allow us to open as soon as the UK government deems it safe to do so’.

“As Government restrictions begin to be lifted, we will open the usual Haven activities, pools, restaurants and entertainment. All guests will be contacted at least four weeks prior to their break and at this point we will provide an update,” it adds.

Fellow holiday giant Center Parcs, meanwhile, has said its sites will remain closed until at least June 11.

But it says it is ‘reviewing the Center Parcs experience’ so that ‘when the time is right’ it can reopen with social distancing measures in place.

“Center Parcs is all about families spending time together and as our lodges are based in acres of forest, we have plenty of space and nature,” it added.