Travel
Campsites in England will finally be able to reopen on July 4th
Everything you need to know…
The latest update from the government means campsites will be able to reopen from July 4th with good hygiene in communal spaces.
Campsites, caravan parks, hotels and B&Bs were all given the green light in the latest lockdown easing announcement from Boris Johnson on Tuesday June 24th.
Speaking at the House of Commons yesterday he said people would be able ‘to stay overnight in self-contained accommodation’. He added that shared facilities must be kept clean and no more than two households can go away together at a time.
He said: “Provided that no more than two households stay together, people will be free to stay overnight in self-contained accommodation including hotels and bed and breakfasts, as well as campsites, as long as shared facilities are kept clean.”
Campsites and caravan parks in England will have to follow strict COVID guidelines to ensure the safety of both staff and customers. Guests will also have to respect social distancing measures.
Currently, there are different opening dates across England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland, however campsites and caravan parks are expected to reopen across the UK this summer.
In England, tents are required to be pitched at least two metres away from each other and some facilities will remain closed.
Northern Ireland’s campsites, caravan parks and self-contained tourist accommodation can reopen from June 26th. The hospitality industry – restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars – will reopen on July 3rd.
Scotland’s campsites and caravan parks are scheduled to reopen on July 15th but this date could be reviewed.
And finally, in Wales, self-contained accommodation will be allowed from July 13th, subject to a final decision made on July 9th. Any accommodation that requires shared facilities such as toilets will remain closed.
The change comes into affect on July 4th in England, along with a pretty large list of other lockdown restrictions that will be lifted on the same date.
From July 4th, two separate households are permitted to meet up indoors. Boris explained that this means you can meet indoors with one set of grandparents one weekend, and another the next.
Unfortunately, you still can’t hug and you should continue to practise social distancing following the 1m+ guidance (or 2m if you can). You should also practise regular hand washing.
Boris Johnson also added that the government are relying on the public to use their ‘common sense’ regarding the guidance but simultaneously urged them to enjoy the new range of activities now on offer.
Customers at bars and restaurant will be expected to sign guest books with their names and contact details to allow them to be traced if they came into contact with someone infected at the restaurant.
On July 4th, gyms, nail bars, swimming pools, spas, indoor play areas will all remain closed, unfortunately.
Schools will be reopened for all in September, however, it remains that years reception, one and six are allowed to go to school in England fully.
Wedding receptions with up to 30 people will be allowed from July 4th as places of worship reopen. Unfortunately, your reception must follow the same rules followed by the hospitality industry such as pubs.
Trips to indoor hospitality venues should only be with one other household, making wedding receptions nearly impossible. This applies to baptisms, Bar Mitzvahs and any other ‘life cycle events’.
Non-essential overseas travel is still not advised by the Foreign Office and since June 8th, anyone returning to the UK must quarantine for 14 days.
Travel
Shrek’s ‘moss-covered’ swamp home is now available to rent on Airbnb
Fans now have the opportunity to stay in his humble abode free of charge
Shrek fans can now live out their dream and stay in the huge, green ogre’s swamp home – now listed on Airbnb.
The ‘mud-laden, moss-covered’ real-life recreation of Shrek’s Swamp is located within the grounds of Ardverikie Estate, in the Scottish Highlands.
The idea for the cosy forest hideout is inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek film series, released between 2001 and 2010.
Airbnb released the listing on Tuesday, with Shrek enthusiasts able to book overnight stays from Friday, October 27th to Sunday, October 29th.
The live-in tree stump features a studio layout with two beds and one bathroom, where up to three guests at a time can make a reservation for free.
The short and long-term home stays firm said the offer is ‘a nod to the priceless refuge Shrek’s Swamp has provided fairytale creatures of all kinds’.
The murky den features ‘Danger’, ‘Beware Ogre’ and ‘Stay Out’ signs on the path leading up to the quirky property. But once inside, it is delightfully snug and inviting.
The unusual listing is hosted by Shrek’s animated sidekick, Donkey, who has agreed to ‘swamp-sit’ in his absence.
About the charming mossy refuge, Donkey posted on Airbnb: “Shrek’s Swamp is lovely. Just beautiful. The perfect place to entertain guests.
“You know what I like about it? Everything. The overgrown landscaping, the modest interiors, the nice boulders, all of it.
“I can’t wait for guests to experience this muddy slice of paradise for themselves.”
To coincide with the launch, Airbnb will make a donation to HopScotch Children’s Charity, which provides some of Scotland’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged children with respite breaks through nurturing and dynamic holiday trips.
Anyone interested in staying in Shrek’s Swamp can request a reservation from 6pm on Friday, October 13th.
To book a stay, visit the Airbnb website, HERE.
Travel
First look at new Legoland holiday park opening in the UK next year
Young ones can play on climbing frames and rope bridges based on spider’s webs and treehouses
Legoland in Windsor has revealed a first look into its brand-new holiday park, opening in 2024.
The newly built Woodland Village with over 130 lodges and 20 camping barrels will open to the public next May, with overnight stays on sale now. Prices to stay on the 10-acre site start at £295 or a family of four.
While most lodges sleep up to five guests, with 10 premium lodges able to sleep up to seven people.
Features at the Woodland Village include The Clubhouse Restaurant & Bar, which will serve up campfire-inspired grub in a woodland-themed setting.
Youngsters can explore the several woodland-themed play areas equipped with climbing frames and rope bridges based on spider’s webs and treehouses.
The family attraction will also have brick-building activities, nature trails, an entertainment hub, and colourful new Lego characters.
Helen Bull, Division Director at Legoland Windsor Resort, said: “The LEGOLAND Woodland Village has been a long time coming and we’re incredibly excited to now be taking bookings ahead of the official opening in May 2024.
“This moment marks years of planning and unwavering dedication to providing a magical experience for all our guests.
“The LEGOLAND Woodland Village is part of a significant transformation for the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort and we look forward to welcoming families to this new way to stay next year!”
But this isn’t the only exciting new addition to a Legoland-themed attraction, as an adventure golf attraction will be opening this October.
Also next month, the Legoland Discovery Centres in Birmingham and Manchester will be hosting their own Monster Parties, with a series of spooky attractions for Halloween.
Meanwhile, the Legoland theme park is set to close the Viking River Splash – one of its most popular rides – by the end of the month. The park haven’t given a reason as to why, but the ride will become part of Viking history.
Travel
UK holidaymakers face extra charge when travelling to Europe next year
The electronic travel authorisation system is for visitors from countries that are not part of the EU
UK holidaymakers will have to pay a fee when they enter Europe on their travels next year, as post-Brexit rules come into force.
From next year, Brits will need to obtain a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) visa waiver to visit popular holiday destinations, including Spain, France, Italy and Greece.
The system will check the security credentials and charge a fee to travellers visiting EU member countries for business, tourism, medical or transit purposes.
Brits will have to complete an application form and pay a fee of seven euros – which works out at around six pounds.
So far, 30 European countries have been confirmed as requiring ETIAS travel authorisation next year.
Although the EU has not confirmed an exact date for when the ETIAS comes into force, guidance does say it will be ‘operational in 2024’ – pushed back from the original 2020.
The ETIAS travel authorisation is then valid for three years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Travellers will be able to travel to and from the countries whenever they wish, providing the overall limit of the authorised stay is complied with.
According to EU guidance, most applications will be processed within minutes, but could take up to 96 hours.
However, some applications may take longer if additional documents are required, and travellers are advised to not purchase any tickets or book accommodation until they have the ETIAS.
It’s best to apply for one as soon as you start planning your holiday (although applications aren’t open just yet).
To apply for the ETIAS you’ll need to provide your personal details, as well as travel document information and details of any past criminal convictions.
You will also need to state the first country you intend to visit. However, once you’ve received the ETIAS you’ll be able to visit any of the 30 countries it covers, whenever you like.
The 30 European countries where visa-exempt travellers require an ETIAS travel authorisation are:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
The exact date of when ETIAS will come into force is yet to be announced. Visit the ETIAS website for more information by clicking HERE.
Find something to do in Manchester
Powered by 
Aldi brings back heated clothes airer to help with cost-of-living this winter
School bus overturns with motorway closed in both directions
James announce 40th anniversary tour with homecoming gig at Co-op Live
Sample the world’s ‘most unusual’ wines and spirits at special tasting event
Tributes pour in after body of ‘lovely’ missing man found by police
