We’ve been in lockdown for what feels like YEARS and with restrictions gradually lifting, the British public are desperate to embrace the great outdoors.
With trips abroad being cancelled due to travel restrictions and 14-day quarantine windows, a break in the UK seems like the perfect solution. But can we actually travel around the UK freely? Are Airbnbs and hotels accepting guests? Can we holiday in the UK with members of other households? We’ve answered all those questions in this handy guide; but the next question we’re posing is ‘can we go wild camping in the UK during lockdown?’
Can I go camping in the UK?
Sadly, all campsites and caravan parks are to remain closed in accordance with Public Health advice and wild camping isn’t technically allowed.
As Tourism Minister, Nigel Huddlestone, tweeted: “You and your household can head outdoors for your physical and mental wellbeing in England.
“But be respectful to local people and communities. You must adopt social distancing at all times.
“Then return to your primary home – no overnight stays, including second homes and holiday homes.”
These regulations extend to free camping as well, which is the practice of pitching your tent on public land. If you’re caught breaching the rules and go wild camping, you’ll receive a large fine.
So when will campsites reopen?
Firstly, it’s important to clarify that travel in the UK isn’t currently allowed and whilst no concrete date for UK hotel openings has been set by the government, Boris Johnson stated that he hopes “to reopen at least some of the hospitality industry and other public places provided they’re safe and enforce social distancing” in phase three of the lockdown exit plan, which would be July 4 at the earliest. On the back of this information, plenty of hotels and Airbnb owners are preparing to reopen on July 4 (and beyond) and making the necessary preparations to ensure they reopen to guests safely.
While there’s been no mention of camp sites specifically, their reopening is likely to fall under step three of the exit plan, opening from July 4 onwards. This is, however, under constant review.
The National Caravan Council (NCC) has reported a spike in interest in tourers and motorhomes since caravan dealers re-opened their doors on June 1, but is urging the government to give ‘clarity on a date.’
As Jenny Summers, director of marketing for the NCC said: “We are seeing a really promising trend emerging, which after a hard few months for the industry, is welcome news to the UK caravan and motorhome business.
“However, we still do not have a date from the UK Government for when caravan parks in England can reopen, despite preparations being well underway by the park owners and protocols being implemented.
“We have issued our own guidance to holiday and touring parks to ensure strict social distancing and hygiene protocols are in place for when visitors with holiday caravans, motorhomes and touring caravans can return to parks.
“It is vital that the government gives us clarity on a date for us to work towards and consumers to begin to book their trips.”
We will keep you updated as and when the Government gives more clarity.
Keen to get booking your UK break? We’ve rounded up the best weekend breaks, most in-demand Airbnb properties and the best cottages.