Westwood Lodge Re-opening

We are constantly getting questions about our re-opening date and asking us to definitely confirm summer stays here. Everyone seems to assume that we have privileged information from the Government!  

In short, we don't yet know which hospitality businesses will be allowed to re-open or when

The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, made a statement in early May that hospitality businesses would start to be allowed to re-open from 4th July at the earliest. The date has not been confirmed since, but it's the one that everyone in the hospitality sector is working to.  We have met with our MP and explained how difficult it is to plan without guidance. He has written to the Tourism Minister as well as to the Cabinet Office. Our trade association, The Professional Association of Self-Caterers (PASCUK) has been lobbying several ministers, alongside other trade bodies and tourism groups. We had been told that a statement would be made yesterday (Thursday 18th June) but the day came and went. 

Current thinking suggests that some hospitality businesses will be allowed to reopen in England on Saturday 4th July. This is likely to only include places where there are no shared facilities. So, holiday cottages and apartments plus static caravans and possibly motorhome sites look set to get the go- ahead. Other activities such as camping in tents (including wild camping), camper vans, bed and breakfasts and hotels - anything with shared/ communal facilities - may not be allowed to re-open yet.
In the meantime, we are taking bookings on the basis that we will be allowed to re-open. We know that everyone else needs to plan their summers and we are getting ready behind the scenes ready to re-open.  We have carried out safety risk assessments on our business and have new detailed cleaning protocols and procedures "Good to Go" to ensure guest and staff safety.  If we are not allowed to re-open (because the number of new Covid-19 cases starts to rise) then we will give everyone who has booked a full refund of monies paid, or a transfer of funds to a stay later in the year.  

So, we can only reiterate, that we have active plans and preparations so that we can "go" and we will let you know about our re-opening just as soon as we know!

Kind regards


Tim and Paula