21 May 2020
Temporary closure of Whitemead Forest Park extended
The safety and well-being of our guests and staff is our priority and, and while monitoring government updates closely, we have made the decision to extend the closure period of Whitemead Forest Park (including for arrivals, residents and day guests) to 6 July 2020 (subject to review).
We feel this decision is in line with current government recommendations. If you have booked to stay with us between these dates, we’ll be in contact with you shortly and hope that we can rearrange your break for you. You have two options:
1. You can rearrange your break for a future date within the next 12 months.
There will be no fee for changing your booking and we will be giving you 25% discount on the price of your new break. If, after the discount is applied, the new price is lower than you paid before, we’ll also refund you the difference. If, after applying the discount, the new price is higher, you will need to pay the difference.
We understand that it might not be possible to commit to a new date at the moment, so we can hold your booking value as credit on your account until you are ready to choose your new dates (plus you’ll still receive the 25 per cent discount).
2. If you are unable to rearrange your booking for a future date, we will provide you with a full refund.
We will be contacting people by email in order of their upcoming bookings to arrange either a change of date or a refund, and ask guests in the first instance to wait to hear from us, and then respond to the email with the option you’d like to take, we’ll then contact you to confirm your request.
Due to the large volume of bookings impacted by our extended closure we will be contacting people in two batches, with the first focusing on bookings up until 18 June, and the second following shortly after this, focusing on bookings between 19 June – 6 July. For those with bookings in the second batch please bear with us and we thank you for your patience during this time.
We will update this page should our policy on this change, so please keep your eye on the website for any updates.
20 March 2020
Following the government announcement on Friday 20 March we are needing to close our bar, restaurant and leisure facilities from tonight. The site however remains open for those in self-catering accommodation and those within caravans and motorhomes. The shop & our Guest Services desk will still be operating for those who are on-site, and need any assistance. Please note the hours for Guest Services & the shop is now 8am – 10pm.
As mentioned previously, for new and existing bookings with an arrival date on or before 21st May 2020*, customers may request a change to the start date of their booking by up to 12 months, subject to availability. Depending on the cost of the accommodation of the new booking, you may have to make a further payment or may receive a partial refund with respect to the cost of accommodation. *Customers will need to contact us at least 48 hours before their scheduled arrival date.
Our customers’ well-being is our top priority and, given the current situation, we ask that you check the gov.uk and NHS websites for the most up-to-date information and advice on COVID-19 (Coronavirus) before visiting the park:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
18 March 2020
Services and facilities on site
Following the advice from the government on Monday 16 March to avoid all non-essential travel and to avoid bars, restaurants and theatres, we will need to reduce the service we can provide for the safety of our guests and our team on site. Please see the current changes we have made.
Bar, Restaurant and Entertainment
Following the guidelines and restrictions on public spacing around bars, restaurants and theatres, we will be removing a number of tables and chairs in order to increase the personal space of our guests, and will be catering for fewer people than normal. We will also be offering an increased option of take-away meals so that guests have the option of eating in their own accommodation or caravan. There will be restrictions in place on guests congregating at the bar and guests will be asked to drink at a table. All evening entertainment has been cancelled and the Venue Bar will remain closed. This includes all live entertainment, children’s discos and bingo.
Sunday Carvery
As you will appreciate, things are changing very quickly, but currently our Mother’s Day carvery (Sunday 22 March) is due to go ahead, but with the following changes; additional spacing will be added between tables and only one table at a time will be allowed at the carvery servery at one time. We are taking additional hygiene measures during service and hand sanitiser will be available. No further bookings will be taken at this stage. We ask you to regularly monitor our websites for any updates on this.
20th March - This has now been cancelled.
Swimming Pool
The swimming pool will be open however, for everyone’s benefit, we will be reducing the capacity by over half and therefore have a maximum capacity of 40 guests using the pool at any one time.
Sauna, Steam Room & 2 Spa Pools are CLOSED.
Gymnasium
Due to the size of the gym, this facility will be closed.
Health and Beauty Salon
The salon will remain open as usual.
Activities
We will not be running any activities for the time being.
Guest Services / Shop
We will maintain normal operations in these areas of our park, however guests are encouraged to respect personal spacing around the desk.
17 March 2020
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Temporary amendment to our booking conditions
As of 17 March 2020: Changes to your booking due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Our customers' wellbeing is our top priority. Based on the UK government's latest advice, the ever changing circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and the uncertainties that come with it, we understand that our customers may need to make changes to their travel plans.
For new and existing bookings with an arrival date on or before 21st May 2020*, customers may request a change to the start date of their booking by up to 12 months, subject to availability. Depending on the cost of the accommodation of the new booking, you may have to make a further payment or may receive a partial refund with respect to the cost of accommodation. *Customers will need to contact us at least 48 hours before their scheduled arrival date.
We will update this page should our policy on this change.
FAQs
I’m due to arrive at a property in the next few weeks, can I get a refund?
You can move your holiday dates to a later date free of charge if your arrival date is on or before the 21st May 2020. For bookings starting after that date, our standard terms and conditions apply.
Can I speak to somebody about my holiday?
We are currently experiencing high call volumes into our customer service teams. If you are travelling after 21st May 2020 we would ask you to refrain from calling us until closer to the date of arrival.
Are you cancelling bookings?
No, we are not cancelling bookings. As there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) at any of our properties, we are continuing to follow the advice of the UK government to ensure you can continue to enjoy your break safely.
Where can I receive more information about COVID-19 (Coronavirus)?
We would advise you to check the GOV.UK website for the most up to date information. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
