Travel bans and national restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic have put a temporary halt to global tourism. In fact, February 2020 saw the first drop in global air travel since the 2008 financial crisis, and despite an easing of restrictions last summer, still two-thirds of Brits said they still wouldn’t be planning to travel overseas.
Instead, UK holidays are making a comeback. From January to July 2020, online searches for the term ‘staycation’ skyrocketed by 517% and searches for ‘UK travel’ have increased by 2500% year-on-year.
Now, with the rollout of a mass vaccination programme giving way to hope that the current national lockdown measures will be eased later this year, 2021 is set to bring another boost for the popularity of the ‘staycation’.
Last year, holiday parks saw occupancy rates of 99% throughout July and August, with this trend continuing long into September and October – usually a time when operators would see a decline in bookings.
From avoiding flying to being able to maintain social distancing measures, the UK park holiday is fast become a firm favorite.
With one national operator already reporting a 66% rise in 2021 bookings, we take a look at five of our favorite UK holiday parks.
Center Parcs
No list of UK holiday parks would be complete without a mention of Center Parcs. With over 400 acres of natural landscape to explore over five different locations across the UK, the operator has become a leader in the UK holiday market.
Whether you are interested in soaking up the sun at the watersport’s lake, prefer to relax in an award-wining spa or enjoy time testing out new indoor sports, there really is something for everyone.
Now their ‘Book with confidence guarantee’ also gives you the peace of mind that if your holiday is impacted by Covid-19, your money and plans are protected.
Haven
Part of Bourne Leisure Ltd, Haven is part of the largest privately-owned holiday operator in the UK with 37 parks located up and down the UKs beautiful coast.
Over the past ten years, the operator has committed to a sustained investment programme, so whether you are interested in touring & camping or are after the self-catered experience, Haven can cater for holidays to suit every taste.
Last May, it also launched ‘Haven Hideaway’. This offering provides guests with self-contained, self-catered accommodation at its costal parks, with a reduction in access to core facilities, so that Brits up and down the country can holiday safely amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hoseasons
If you are looking to book a ‘staycation’ at a holiday park this summer, then look no further than Hoseasons. The operator has been providing fantastic UK family holidays for over half a century, and today they are the leading UK holiday company.
From pet-friendly parks to tailor made family holidays or luxury weekends away, Hoseasons have the widest choice of holiday park breaks. In 2020, year-on-year sales were up 270% and 2021 is expected to follow on a similar trajectory so you better get in there quick!
Beach View Holiday Park
Beach View Holiday Park offers the ultimate relaxing ‘staycation’ along the Suffolk Coast, providing the perfect escape to get away from it all and spend some quality time together.
From camping pods and touring caravans to self-catered holiday rentals including luxury lodges with sea views, this family owned holiday park is a real hidden gem and offers an affordable way to enjoy some of the UKs most spectacular beaches.
Is there really anything better than spending your mornings waking up to the sounds of the ocean and enjoying a cup of tea walking along the beach?
Forest Holidays
Are you looking for a slightly more unique experience? Then Forest Holidays may be the answer.
Over the past 45 years, the operator has sustainably created eleven cabin locations across the UK, offering families and individuals alike the opportunity to escape to the real world of nature and hunker down in the heart of the wilderness.
Forest Holidays aim to connect people, nature and local communities, whilst ensuring all visitors can relax, have fun and explore some of our countries amazing forests.
Is your UK Holiday brand looking to drive bookings or for support managing your Social Media following a surge in traffic? Why not get in touch with us today to find out how we could help.
