Campsites in England will finally be able to reopen on July 4th

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.