Bridgnorth holiday cottages welcome reopening after 'frustrating' 12 months
It has been a "frustrating" 12 months for those in the tourism industry, but holidaymakers will soon be revisiting their favourite locations and adventuring to pastures new.
One of the many destinations ready to open its doors in Shropshire is Hurst Farm Holiday Cottages, which has been based in Aldenham near Morville since 1998.
The family-run business nestled in rural Bridgnorth will be welcoming back visitors from Monday, with owners saying they feel the time is right having implemented various measures including a virtual check-in.
"We're certainly looking forward to returning to some form of normality," said Philip Brick, who helps run his family's fishing, farming and accommodation business.
"A lot of our guests are, now more than ever, emailing us to say how excited they are to be coming.
"It's such a positive and I think people are ready – they desperately want to take a break."
The six cottages had been opening and closing in line with government restrictions throughout the pandemic and saw major inconvenience over the Christmas period.
Philip, 48, said: "When we first went into lockdown there were lots of concerns and cancellations from worried guests who had questions when there wasn't always answers.
"We were in limbo for a while, which was tough as we didn't know how things were going to turn out.
"The most frustrating time was at Christmas – we were full but thought we would have to close so we cancelled everyone's stay.
"Then it was all back on so we phoned everyone up, rearranged the plans and organised the appropriate cleaning staff, only for it to have to close once again."
Philip said he felt the rurality of the cottages, which provide visitors with their own outdoor area, lent itself to working in a post-pandemic environment.
"We have a big open area so social distancing really takes care of itself," he said.
"You can park privately and have your own patio, plus the free fishing lakes for guests and farmyard animals on site provide a great reason to get outside in the fresh air."
He added: "I think it is safe for the industry to reopen. With the vaccine I think we've reached the point now where as long as people take care and exercise caution there is no need to be worried.
"When our guests leave we now ask them if they can strip their bed and leave all the doors and windows open and touch point such as door knobs, surfaces and light switches are sanitised twice between each use."
