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Caravan holidays in the UK optimistic for this summer – but camping trips may not be able to return

CARAVAN holidays could be back on the cards for Brits this summer, thanks to them being "naturally social distancing".

Overnight stays are not currently allowed by the government, although there is hope that this could be eased from July.

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Camping holidays may not be back for Brits until 2021
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Camping holidays may not be back for Brits until 2021Credit: Alamy

Jon Boston, spokesperson for the British Holiday & Home Parks Association (BH&HPA) told Sun Online Travel that holidays could be back on the menu by July if government targets are met, according to the latest advice from Boris Johnson.

The latest lockdown measure being eased now lets Brits see up to six people in their back garden, as long as social distancing is maintained, but domestic holidays are still not on the cards.

Mr Boston explained: "There is no definite date, but we hope for July.

"We are looking at parks opening in a phased way, so it won't be a free-for-all.

"It is likely that parks will start opening by having back people who own caravans, with a second phase seeing rented caravans and lodges opening, followed by a third phase of touring caravans."

He said that while communal areas such as cafes, swimming pools and bars will remain closed, the parks can reopen due to the self-contained nature of the facilities, as they all have their own kitchens and bathrooms.

I would be very surprised if we saw camping introduced this year

Jon Boston, BH&HPA spokesperson

They are also "naturally social distancing" with 5-6m between homes.

Camping and holiday park website Pitchup.com has reported a 135 per cent increase in bookings since the PM's speech last month, with trips both from July and also for next summer.

Caravan park Haven plans to open from next month, with new social distancing guidelines, while Pontins will reopen from July 6.

Thomas Marshall, who owns Riverside Holiday Homes and Touring in Lancashire, added: "My message to the Government is that we are 100 per cent ready to open safely. Let’s get the caravan holiday home owners back."

Yet Mr Boston warns camping is unlikely to return any time soon, and could even be next year for camping sites.

He continued: "If camping comes back at all this year, it will be much later as it requires communal areas."

"I would be very surprised if we saw camping introduced this year, but if it does, it will be in the distance and in the last phases of lockdown."

A trip with the family at a caravan park in the UK is optimistic for the summer
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A trip with the family at a caravan park in the UK is optimistic for the summerCredit: Alamy

Martin Smith, who owns Campsites.co.uk, warned that they have not been told what measures will need to be followed, such as closed communal bathrooms and entertainment areas.

Mr Smith explained: "Campsite owners don’t know if shower facilities are safe to open and what provisions they must put in place to protect their customers.

"They need clear and definitive Government advice to open safely this summer."

There is some good news - the holiday season could potentially last into late autumn and winter, with new proposals being put forward to allow the caravan parks to stay open later in the year.

Mr Boston added: "Some parks close in late autumn, around October or November, and don't reopen until spring.

"Some are going to ask if they can open longer this year, which is why the association is asking for the government to support them through the winter.

"I don't think it will be like a normal summer, but parks are receiving enquiries - not the usual amount - and some are taking bookings.

"However, it is all dependent on when they can reopen. No matter how sunny this summer is, it is going to be pretty gloomy."

Along with caravan and holiday parks, the favourable pub garden could be back in business soon.

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Pete Waters, Chief Executive of Visit East added: "Some businesses like self catering agencies and camping and caravanning could get running very quickly."

Pubs could even use farms and streets to open up larger outdoor areas when punters are allowed back.

Rhyd y Galen Caravan and Camping Park is a family camp site situated near Snowdonia and the North Wales coastline

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