What Does The UK Lockdown Extension Mean For Holidays?

With plans for a full exit from lockdown recently postponed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, we find ourselves wondering whether a complete lifting of restrictions will ever be on the cards. Seen by some as a necessary step to allow more people to receive Covid vaccinations and to protect the nation against the rapidly spreading Delta variant, what does this latest course of action mean for our long-awaited holidays, and has anything really changed? 

Holidaying Abroad 

At the moment, very few countries sit on the UK’s “green list” for international travel. Those wishing to visit these destinations, which include Iceland and Singapore, are well within their rights to do so, providing they test negatively for COVID-19 before departure and take a Covid test within two days of re-entering the UK. 

Elsewhere, the Government has largely advised against travel to locations on its “amber” and “red” lists. It is still possible to holiday in some of these countries, but most would suggest that you refrain from doing so until further notice. You can find out more about the UK’s “traffic light” system here. 

Getting Away In The UK 

Conversely, despite recent guidance prompting us to limit travel to and from areas that demonstrate considerable Delta variant case rates, movement throughout the UK is far more relaxed than that between international borders. People can journey between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland without restriction, which is great news for both the hotel industry and those who want to enjoy a quick getaway on home soil. 

Many of the hotels we supply to whom we supply our products are based in the UK, so why not use this time to check out some of these over the coming months? 

  • Future Inns, Cardiff – Future Inns, Cardiff is a 4-star hotel situated in Cardiff Bay and comprises 197 elegant, en-suite bedrooms. Guests who stay here will find themselves with easy access to Mermaid Quay, home to a clutch of retail outlets, bars and restaurants, and a short drive or train ride from Cardiff city centre. This is perfect for those who want to take things at a more leisurely pace and drink in all the wonders that the Welsh capital has to offer. 

Bookings are currently open for those who live in the same household or share the same support bubble. 

  • Hampton Manor Hotel, Solihull – Located in the heart of England, Hampton Manor Hotel, Solihull is a revamped country manor that boasts 15 uniquely designed rooms and an additional 4-bed cottage. It is renowned for the beauty of its 45-acre estate and also offers wine tasting, Michelin star food and reinvigorating massage treatments amongst its luscious array of activities. 

Staycations here will remain socially distanced, with no more than 38 guests permitted at the hotel at any one time and each party designated their own acre of space. 

  • Ten Hill Place, Edinburgh – Sitting proudly at the centre of Scotland’s capital city, Ten Hill Place is notable for the quality of its rooms and the strength of its cuisine. Catering to all manners of traveller, this esteemed four-star hotel possesses a series of lavish sleeping spaces and holds many prestigious Chef of the Year awards. This makes it ideal for those with a love of culture, good food and comfortable accommodation! 

Ten Hill Place is also currently operating extensive COVID-19 protocols, all of which draw on the knowledge of its parent company, The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. You can find out more about these via their website, linked above. 

Where Did You Stay? 

If any of these hotels appeal to you, make sure you book in as soon as you can. With excursions abroad looking like they’ll stay limited for a good few months yet, there’s no better time than now to enjoy some downtime a little closer to home. 

Perhaps you’ve already stayed at one of the hotels we work with. How was it for you? Are you already pining for that perfect mattress? Check out the list of hotels we supply to here and bring one of our mattresses or beds home, today! 

If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to call us on 01926 821036. You can also find us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.