BBC captures countdown to opening at top Somerset holiday park
Viewers of BBC’s The One Show were given a sneak preview in July of how a major Somerset holiday park was getting ready to welcome back its much-missed guests.
The popular magazine show went behind the scenes at Holiday Resort Unity in Brean Sands as it put the finishing touches to re-opening preparations.
Alan House, director of the family-run business, showed the programme’s reporter how social distancing and other safety measures would help give peace of mind to guests.
Family holiday staycations are back
He said that bookings had gone “absolutely crackers” in the weeks running up to today, and that staff couldn’t wait to see the park bustling with smiling faces again:
“At last the great British seaside holiday is back, and people can finally enjoy the type of relaxing carefree break they need and deserve,” said Alan.
“Our job now is to provide some truly memorable experiences, and for our business to start salvaging what it can from the rest of the holiday year.”
The BBC audience heard how Holiday Resort Unity has been family-run for over 70 years, and began as a camping field shared with a 100-strong herd of dairy cattle.
Today, Holiday Resort Unity has more than 1,000 pitches with holiday caravans and lodges to buy and rent, glamping accommodation, and facilities for tents, tourers and motorhomes.
On offer are not just first-class surroundings and leisure facilities, but also Brean Leisure Park with its range of funfair rides, attractions and family entertainment.
The One Show’s cameras zoomed in on the long line of vehicles waiting outside the grounds for Holiday Resort Unity to finally open its gates again.
The reporter talked to a number of the park’s guests as they prepared to start their long-awaited holiday, and many spoke of their joy at being able to return.
Welcoming holiday visitors back with a smile
“We received so many messages of support from our customers during the closure, so it’s fantastic to be able to welcome them back in person,” said Alan.
“It’s also been a relief to be able to take most of our staff off furlough, and the team is raring to go for what is going to be a very busy time for the foreseeable future.
“I also know that many local businesses are also breathing a sigh of relief as our visitors spend literally millions of pounds in the area throughout the year,” he added.
Up to 5 million people view The One Show which broadcasts nightly throughout the week.
There is more information about Holiday Resort Unity, and the different accommodation options it offers, on the park’s website at www.hru.co.uk.
