COVID-19 update: as at 18 June 2021
We are currently experiencing extremely high call volumes. So that we can assist customers effectively and efficiently, we are trying to prioritise customers with imminent bookings. Please help us in this effort by NOT getting in touch unless your booking is on or before 18 July (in England), 18 July 2021 (in Wales) or 20 June 2021 (in Scotland).
Government regulations on COVID-19 change frequently. Before you travel, you need to ensure you have checked and understood the relevant regulations applicable to you, your location, your destination and the make-up of your party as it is your responsibility to comply.
Please note that the below is not legal advice and you must make sure you familiarise yourself with the relevant government regulations.
England
On 22 February 2021, the government announced its roadmap out of lockdown and what will be permitted in each step. From Monday 17 May, all of England will move to Step 3. Find out more here.
From 17 May – 18 July 2021: In Step 3, domestic overnight stays will be permitted
provided that the party size is no greater than six people (from up to six
households) or is no more than two households (of any size, which can include a support bubble if eligible). We have emailed all customers that we believe are affected by this rule with the option to reduce party size or cancel for a refund or voucher. If you have not received an email from us, and you are unable to use your booking in compliance with the
household/party size restrictions or updated government guidance, please contact us to discuss your options, which will include the choice between a refund and a voucher of the amount paid for your booking.
Wales
On 12 March 2021, the Welsh government announced its roadmap out of lockdown and what will be permitted in each step.
From 7 June 2021 up to and including 18 July 2021: All holiday accommodation is open for use by single households or extended households. An extended household is one that has formed an exclusive bubble with two other households. Three households can holiday together as an extended household, provided that 10 days has passed since any of the households were part of a different extended household. Find out more here. We are contacting all customers that we believe do not comply with the rule on household mixing, with the option to reduce party size or cancel for a refund or voucher. Please refer to that email to make your choice.
Scotland
From 5 June 2021 up to and including 27 June 2021 (all areas of Scotland
except those listed below): All of Scotland (except those listed below) is currently in Protection Levels 1 or 2. This means that single households or up to six people from a maximum of three households are permitted to stay overnight in self-catering accommodation, in line with rules on social gatherings. Children under 12 years old will not count towards the limit of six people, but do count towards the limit of three households if from a separate household to the adults. Find out more here. We have contacted all customers that we believe are affected by this rule with the option to reduce party size or cancel for a refund or voucher. Please refer to that email to make your choice.
Orkney, Shetlan, Na h-Eileanan Siar, all islands in Highland
(except Skye), Argyll and Bute islands of Coll, Colonsay, Erraid, Gometra,
Iona, Islay, Jura, Mull, Oronsay, Tiree and Ulvaare: From 5 June up to and
including 27 June 2021, these areas are in Protection Level 0. This means that
single households or up to eight people from a maximum of four households are
permitted to stay overnight in self-catering accommodation, in line with rules
on social gatherings. Children under 12 years old will not count towards the
limit of six. Find out more here. We have contacted all customers that we
believe are affected by this rule with the option to reduce party size or
cancel for a refund or voucher. Please refer to that email to make your choice.
Travel between Scotland and Bedford, Bolton, and Blackburn and Darwen in England: From 24 May 2021, the Scottish government has banned travel between
Scotland and Bedford, Bolton, and Blackburn
and Darwen in England. Find out more here. We have contacted all
customers that we believe are affected by this rule with a booking on or before
27 June 2021 with the option to reduce party size or cancel for a refund or
voucher. There is currently no end date to this travel ban, but we will update
this page as soon further information is released by the Scottish government.
Facilities
England: The government has released guidance on the venues that are permitted to open in each step of the roadmap. Find out more here. In Step 3 (expected to be 17 May – 21 July 2021) government guidance states that indoor entertainment and areas of hospitality venues, as well as swimming pools, are permitted to be open, subject to social distancing rules.
Wales: The latest Welsh government guidance states that from 17 May indoor hospitality can reopen for six people from up to six households (not including children under 11). Indoor entertainment venues, visitor attractions and leisure and fitness facilities (including swimming pools) can also reopen.
NHS Track and Trace
Venues in the tourism industry must now ask every visitor over the age of 16 to provide their name and contact details. We will be emailing all customers requesting this information in advance of the booking start date. Please refer to that email to submit the information for each guest. Information collected will be kept securely for 21 days and will be provided to NHS Track and Trace on request, in line with legislation. In addition, all of our holiday
accommodation will display an official NHS QR code poster so that customers and
visitors can ‘check in’ using the NHS COVID-19 app as an alternative to providing contact details. The regulations across the UK are largely the same, however if the accommodation you have booked is in England – you can read the government guidance here, if it is in Wales
- you can read the guidance here and if it is in Scotland - you can read the guidance here.
Your options
In a lot of cases, there are currently no end dates to these government imposed measures. The above options are currently only available if your booking is due to take place in the time frames listed. If your booking is beyond those dates, it is too early to tell what restrictions will be in place at the time of your booking. If measures continue to be in place closer to the time of your booking, which would put you in breach of government regulations
if you were to make use of your booking, rest assured that these options will be available to you then.
Where can I find the latest guidance from the government?
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
