A HOLIDAY park company is gearing up to offer socially distanced getaways when the government eases lockdown restrictions on tourism.

New Forest-based Shorefield Holidays says it will be possible to allow “staycations” without all the usual facilities.

It is rebranding holidays at its eight sites Hampshire and Dorset sites as “Shorefield Getaways”.

Chairman and managing director Simon Pollock said “For many, having something to look forward to is a haven during the current situation.

“Of course, the safety and wellbeing of our guests and staff is of utmost importance, which is why we have introduced a range of new procedures such as contactless check-in and PPE for all housekeeping staff.

“Our cleaning procedures have had a complete overhaul too, with increased sanitation and a new swab test system, which randomly tests four areas within each holiday home to ensure the utmost standards of cleanliness and give our guests added reassurance.”

He said the company’s self-contained holiday homes are no less than five metres apart, making them ideal for observing social distancing guidelines. Contactless check-in reduces the need for guests to interact with staff or visit reception, allowing them to head straight to their holiday accommodation, where the key will be in a safe location.

Mr Pollock added “As social distancing requirements are likely to stay in place for the foreseeable near future, we don’t anticipate being able to provide all full experience with all the usual facilities our guests have come to love. However, families can still escape to the scenic south coast to enjoy fresh sea air and open landscapes.”

Leisure facilities at all the parks will remain closed until further notice. But the company says it will look to safely reopen facilities such as swimming pools and restaurants as soon as the government says it is safe to do so, with added safety measures.

Headquartered at Milford-on-Sea in the New Forest, Shorefield has its original Shorefield Country Park, Lytton Lawn Touring Park and New Forest Lodge Retreat in Milford. In Dorset, it has Oakdene Forest Park and Forest Edge Holiday Park at St Leonards, Merley Court Holiday Park and Wilksworth Caravan Park at Wimborne and Swanage Coastal Park.