The sun is out, the sky is blue – you can almost imagine yourself pitching the tent and firing up the barbecue!
This year’s camping season will be a little different though, and the rules surrounding the coronavirus pandemic mean sites have had to change some of their procedures to keep in line with Government advice.
But there’s no reason why it should spoil your fun. Here’s what some Yorkshire campsites are doing when they reopen, and some ideas for things you can do yourself too.
All sites featured have been recommended by other Mumblers, who have had wonderful holidays there themselves.
Humblebee Farm (Flixton, Scarborough. 01723 890437)
Camping and glamping on a working farm near the coast, with animals and nature trails
Measures include:
- Contactless arrival and departure
- At least 6 metres distance between each cabin (door to door)
- Cabins will be deep cleaned inside between every visit, and the waterproof mattress cover disinfected. Outdoor areas will also be disinfected.
- Hand gel points around the site
- Communal facilities subject to physical distancing
Catgil Farm (Bolton Abbey, BD23 6HA. 01756 710247)
Camping and glamping with beautiful views over the Yorkshire Dales.
Measures include:
- Keys will be disinfected
- Extra cleaning will be carried out and all staff will wear full PPE while cleaning
- Protective screens in reception and one family allowed in at a time
- Onsite shop will be closed (coffee shop will be open)
- Reduced camping capacity
- Hand sanitiser in reception and soap and hot water in the shower block
- Face masks mandatory in toilet and wash up areas.
- Extra, self contained and individually-accessed toilets onsite
- Reduced capacity in the toilets/showers
- No spitting in the sinks – handwashing only! Brushing teeth to be done at your tent (dispose of the dirty water in a drain, not on the field)
- Outdoor hot taps available instead of visiting wash up areas
- Communal fridge/freezers/microwave/kettle not in use
- For the full coronavirus information page, visit here.
Kettlewell Camping (Conistone Road, Kettlewell, BD23 5RE. 07930 379079)
Family-run campsite in the Yorkshire Dales with beautiful views.
Measures include:
- Reduced number of pitches
- The facilities will be open, but with some distancing measures
Studfold Caravan & Camping Park (Studfold, Lofthouse. 01423 755084)
Camping and glamping in the Yorkshire Dales with an adventure and fairy trail. Studfold will reopen in two stages:
July 4 – Park open to self-contained units (motorhomes, caravans). No facilities will be available at this time.
July 10 – All visitors welcome, with careful management of facilities
Measures include:
- Bring and use your own sanitising products
- Cafe available for takeaways
The Hideaway @ Baxby Manor (Husthwaite, York. 01347 666079)
Small, relaxed camping and glamping in a 6 acre field with trees and a stream in North Yorkshire.
Measures include:
- Social distancing of 2 metres to be observed (markers around the site)
- Reduced booking and empty pitches close to areas of high footfall
- One-way system around reception and shower block
- No inside access to shop/reception (everything will be done outside)
- Contactless payments only
- Pot-wash open but only to fill up a bowl and take away to wash up at your pitch/unit
- Drying room not available
- Red/green light system for the toilets and showers. Not all units will be available. Limits on numbers allowed in the building at any one time
- Facilities cleaned daily
- Heat Recovery Ventilation System in the shower block to expel stale air and bring in fresh air from outside
- All places to visit leaflets removed
- For the full list, please visit here.
Crows Nest Caravan Park (Gristhorpe, Filey. 01723 582206)
Camping and caravans on the Yorkshire coast between Scarborough and Filey.
Open for non-owners from July 17.
Measures include:
- Strict social distancing measures in showers and toilet blocks
- Play area is open but with strict social distancing and hygiene measures. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Please carry hand sanitiser at all times.
- Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- One way system in the shop, with limited capacity and social distancing measures
- Entertainment and swimming pool closed
- Bar – opening date to be announced
- Fish and chip shop – one way system entry and exit and all orders/collections from the door
Rudding Holiday Park (Follifoot, Harrogate. 01423 870439)
Camping, caravans, lodges and holiday homes
Measures include:
- 1m + social distancing to be observed wherever possible
- Contactless check in
- Outdoor swimming pool will be open if Government guidelines permit, but with reduced capacity and pre-booking
- Playground will be open
- Food and drink will be table service or takeaway
- Hand sanitising stations will be available
- Enhanced cleaning stations, including all touch points
- Gloves and wipes available to all guests upon request
Woodhouse Farm Holiday Park (Ripon, 01765 658309)
Camping, timber pods and holiday homes within 50 acres of field and woodland.
Measures include:
- Social distance while on the park
- One way systems on narrow paths
- Limited capacity in shower and toilet blocks
- More frequent cleaning
- Guests asked to bring soap, hand gel, toilet roll, hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes
Vale of Pickering Caravan Park (Allerston, Pickering. 01723 859280)
Camping, glamping and caravans near Dalby Forest.
Measures include:
- Guests asks to bring hand sanitiser, soap and disinfectant wipes
- Reduced facilities in shower block and pot wash
- Shop and reception to have reduced opening times and only one person allowed in at a time
- Children to always be accompanied by an adult
- Running at a reduced capacity
- Adjacent field open for families to play games while social distancing
- Cafe open for takeaway only
Other sites opening soon include
Cropton Forest Holidays, Pickering (opening July 5)
Middlewood Farm Holiday Park, (near Robin Hoods Bay, 01947 880414)
Dalby Forest Caravan & Camping Site, (01751 460294)
Rosedale Abbey Caravan Park, (Pickering, 01751 417272)
How Can I make My Trip Safer?
While sites are doing everything they can to make your visit as safe as possible, there are undoubtedly things you can do to minimise your risks:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds
- Don’t spit in sinks. Brush your teeth at your accommodation with water and a glass, then pour the dirty water down a drain (not onto the grass!)
- Fill a washing up bowl with water then wash up at your unit, so you don’t have to stand in a washing up building for any length of time
- Take your own portable toilet and shower (you can find lots online)
- Antibacterial wipes and spray will be useful for wiping down toilet flushes, etc
- Take and wear a face mask while in the shower/toilet areas
- Wear disposable gloves while in the toilet/shower areas
- Pay by card wherever possible
- Bring groceries with you to avoid extra shopping trips
- Social distance while out and about
Have a great time – and don’t forget to let us know how you get on!
