Real tales of holidays after lockdown
Last updated: November 4, 2020
North Cornwall coast
Clare Willetts went to Cornwall on a family holiday. Clare runs Not only pink and blue, an online marketplace that celebrates children being children and challenges the tradition of dressing girls in pink and boys in blue.
Where did you stay?
Bedruthan Hotel in Cornwall, a multi award-winning hotel and spa, which overlooks a beach on the North Cornwall coast. It’s a child-friendly hotel and we have come here several times so were expecting it to be quite different this year. With no kids’ club, (you normally have two hours per day for your kids if you want it), no evening kids’ entertainment and the indoor soft play closed, we knew it was going to be a bit different!
What Covid-safety provisions did you see where you stayed?
There was hand sanitiser everywhere, and all the staff were wearing masks.
The swimming pool numbers were restricted, you had to book for a swim session, and numbers were restricted for kids’ activities. Parents had to stay with the children and they only allowed a maximum of two families. The shop was restricted to two people at a time as well.
We also saw constant cleaning of corridors and communal areas, which was very reassuring.
What about dining in the hotel and eating out?
It was quite different, as normally it is buffet for breakfast and kids’ tea but this time we had to order from the menu.
In the hotel dining areas, all staff were wearing masks, and the tables in the restaurant were spaced well apart with empty tables in between. There were screens between booths, dinner and breakfast had to be pre-booked and there was no buffet breakfast or kids’ tea. We saw all tables and chairs being sanitised between customers.
It was well managed, although this year due to the face masks and being busier there was less interaction between the kids and the staff.
The local cafes had outside seating, with limited numbers inside, masks had to be worn in shops and take-aways, and there was hand sanitiser on entry and exit.
What places did you visit?
We went to the Camel Trail between Padstow and Wadebridge – all bikes had to be pre-booked and were clean. It was busy but as it was all outside it felt safe and everyone kept their distance.
I also had a massage at the hotel spa, and it was very clean. You had to book ahead, shower beforehand, then both the therapist and I washed hands prior to the treatment. The therapist also used sanitiser.
Did people stick to social distancing/masks etc and did you feel safe?
Most people inside had masks on, and social distancing was adhered to for the most part. We felt very safe. We stayed mostly outside in the open air apart from at mealtimes.
Any recommendations for people who want to keep away from the crowds?
We found the beach at Mawgan Porth fantastic – everyone kept their distance and was very respectful. Make sure you take a mask as it is mandatory in all shops. The Camel Trail was really good. You can hire bikes, but you do need to book ahead.
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