Month: March 2018

Camping Education Boost

Posted on March 20, 2018

Camping Education Boost

ABOVE: Children receive education boost from camping experience.

A recent study for The Camping and Caravanning Club reports four out of five parents believe camping has a positive effect on their children’s education, with 59 percent agreeing it should be added to the national curriculum.
The One Poll Survey revealed one in three adult campers believe children are happier when camping, and 64 percent agreeing camping holidays can improve a child’s social skills and mental health.
Geography, history and science were flagged as the subject areas most likely to be positively affected by nights under canvas, a result of children experiencing time closer to nature.
Encouraging youngsters to experience camping first-hand, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) gives 14 to 24 year olds the chance to explore the great outdoors, learn valuable skills and enjoy life-enhancing experiences.

Argyll Park Hits Golden Half-Century

Posted on March 20, 2018

Argyll Park Hits Golden Half-Century

Resipole’s picture-postcard setting on the banks of Loch Sunart.

Resipole’s picture-postcard setting on the banks of Loch Sunart.

As a West Highlands holiday park prepares to mark its golden anniversary, the family owners have been praised for achieving the gold standard in countryside care. Resipole Farm Holiday Park in Argyll will now be celebrating its 50-year milestone with the David Bellamy Conservation Award at its top gold level. The world-famous botanist said that the Sinclair family have shown themselves to be true friends of wildlife and the natural world with their many green initiatives. Managed today by Rory Sinclair and his partner Karin, it was Rory’s grandfather Archie who first started welcoming camping guests on his farm in the early 1950s.

Deer, red squirrels, badgers, and a myriad of bird species are drawn to the 15-acre grounds which includes an ancient woodland with a nature discovery trail. In addition, the Sinclairs have planted hundreds of native trees and shrubs which provide valuable nesting and breeding habitats as well as food resources.

Motorhome Lifestyle Trend Continues

Posted on March 20, 2018

Motorhome Lifestyle Trend Continues

A Somerset touring park, which saw motorhome visitors leap by almost20 percent last year, predicts the passion for freewheeling lifestyles will continue in 2018.

Bath Chew Valley is making itself even more motorhome friendly.

Bath Chew Valley is making itself even more motorhome friendly.

But Bath Chew Valley Caravan Park, set in the tranquil Mendip Hills, says the on-trend image of motorhomes is not just driving up bookings. It’s also bringing down the average age of guests as younger couples increasingly view them as a way of making holidays more of an adventure at any time of the year.
Now the family-run park has moved to make itself even more motorhome friendly by providing pitch facilities for campervans and motorhomes up to nine metres long.
It’s also introduced its own by-the-hour car hire facility so that guests can explore the countryside in greater comfort, and park more easily in nearby destinations such as Bath and Cheddar Gorge.
Director Keith Betton says that in contrast to when the park first started, almost half of his park’s pitches are now occupied each night by motorhomes:  “Motorhomes enjoy a very chic image, and I’m sure that’s helped by their association with music festivals, film sets, and the spirit of laid-back living,”said Keith.  “Add to this the fact that motorhomes are all about discovery with ever changing horizons to enjoy, and you can see why they appeal especially to younger couples.
“And there’s no need to sacrifice comfort these days, thanks to recent design innovations. Even compact motorhomes now boast home comforts such as full-size beds, luxury shower-rooms, fully-equipped kitchens and central heating.
“We’re seeing an ever-widening range of ages on the park, and motorhome owners are just as keen as our touring caravan guests to enjoy socialising together!” added Keith.
Based in picture-postcard countryside near Bishop Sutton, five-star Bath Chew Valley is an adults-only park which has scooped a raft of awards for its quality standards. They include previous firsts in the adults-only category of the annual “Top 100 Sites” survey, as voted for by readers of Practical Caravan and Practical Motorhome.  World-famous botanist David Bellamy has also praised the park’s care for its abundant wildlife, and honoured Bath Chew with his Conservation Award at its top gold level.  The park’s 45 pitches are spread across more than four acres of landscaped grounds, and has been owned by the Betton family for over 20 years.

Parkdean Resorts Pledge £42 Million

Posted on March 19, 2018
Parkdean Resorts

Parkdean Resorts has invested £130 million in its parks since 2016

Parkdean Resorts Pledge £42 Million

Parkdean Resorts is to invest £42 million across its parks this year with a primary focus on new accommodation.
Following a record £50 million worth of investment last year, the 2018 roll out takes Parkdean Resorts’ investment total to £130 million since 2016. The business now has 72% double glazed and central heated caravans due to an increase of over 1,450 in the last three years. The company is spending £13 million on 800 new caravans to meet higher demand for holidays and ownership opportunities. In response to customer feedback, these models will include the introduction of more one and four-bedroom caravans – and particularly those with a higher specification. Features include en-suite bathrooms, new and upgraded entertainment units, spacious seating and homely touches to ensure a really enjoyable stay.
“This year our £42 million investment plans really show our commitment to continually developing our parks, and creating the best possible holidaymaker and owner experiences,” comments John Waterworth, chief executive at Parkdean Resorts.:“In 2018 we have a focus on bringing in new caravans and lodges to follow the growth in consumer demand. We also regularly collect guest feedback, and from this made the decision to introduce more one and four-bedroom models. “
NEW LODGES
Vauxhall in Great Yarmouth, one of the company’s biggest parks, has enjoyed an extensive replacement programme since its acquisition by Parkdean Resorts in 2016. The park will welcome 60 modern double glazed and centrally-heated models to upgrade the caravan offering on park. New lodges including a range of four-bedroom models are also set to be added to a variety of parks offering wider choice following a£1.3 million investment.
Nodes Point on the Isle of Wight is receiving 11 new lodges in a£0.75 million investment – six for holidaymakers and five for ownership opportunities. Meanwhile £0.52 million will bring four luxury lodges with hot tubs to the popular Fallbarrow Holiday Park in the Lake District. A further £3.9 million has been allocated to refurbishing existing accommodation to enhance holidaymakers’ experience. Additionally,upgrades to retail and leisure facilities will be completed for the 2018season, as well as extensions of touring and camping areas at key parks.
Says John: “As we look ahead to peak season, work is underway at the majority of our parks to boost their offering, making for an even more enjoyable time whilst staying with us. We hope this is well-received by our customers, and look forward to welcoming them throughout the course of the year.”

Carry On Glamping

Posted on March 19, 2018

Carry On Glamping

Visitors can escape to an idyllic glamping retreat in a secluded beachy area of Cornwall courtesy of Melody Farm.

Visitors can escape to an idyllic glamping retreat in a secluded beachy area of Cornwall courtesy of Melody Farm.

Award-winning sites in the annual camping and glamping awards ....

Good work deserves recognition and each of the award winning sites in the 2017 Campsites.co.uk camping and glamping awards has offered something above and beyond to their guests. We bring you the sites that offered guests something extra special in 2017. The judges cherry-picked the very best glamping sites, the campsites that welcome four legged friends with open arms, and much, much more besides.. It’s high time to say thanks and give credit where it’s due, so well done to all the winners - and here’s to more of the same in 2018!

POPULAR CHOICE AWARD

When it comes to camping, the overall experience matters for a boost that will stay with you long after you return to daily life. The chosen sites were not only immensely popular on the website, but also generated a buzz from their happy campers.

WINNER: Park Cliffe, Cumbria Set in gorgeous countryside just a short distance from Lake Windermere’s eastern shore, this park offers gorgeous fell-side pitches and range of quality glamping options. With locally sourced delicious dishes in its restaurant, a dog-friendly bar terrace and the undeniable luxury of private bathrooms for hire, Park Cliffe is the perfect base for a tour of the Lakes!

The National Winner in the Popular Choice award category, Park Cliffe is the perfect base for a tour of the Lakes!

The National Winner in the Popular Choice award category, Park Cliffe is the perfect base for a tour of the Lakes!

 

 

REGIONAL WINNERS
South West Winner: Golden Cap Holiday Park, Dorset Commended: Cofton Country Holidays, Devon
South East Winner: Long Meadow Campsite, Hampshire Commended: Aldridge Hill Campsite, Hampshire
West Midlands Winner: Alton, The Star C&CC Site, Staffordshire Commended: Greenway Touring and Glamping Park, Shropshire
East Midlands Winner: Wolds View Touring Park, Lincolnshire Commended: Crowden C & CC Site, Derbyshire
East of England Winner: Searles Leisure Resort, Norfolk Commended: King’s Lynn Caravan and Camping Park, Norfolk
North West Winner: Baystone Bank Farm Campsite, Cumbria Commended: Waterfoot Park, Cumbria
North East Winner: Buckden Camping and Pods, North Yorkshire Commended: York House Caravan Park, North Yorkshire
Scotland Winner: Highfield Holidays, Argyll Commended: Loch Ness Shores C&CC Site, Highlands
Wales Winner: Penrhyn Bay Caravan Park, Anglesey Commended: Fishguard Bay Resort, Pembrokeshire

BEST GLAMPING SITE AWARDS
It’s time to really put the glam in glamping! When holidaymakers book a glamping break, they’re looking for something extra special - the experience factor, a high standard of service, and those allimportant luxury touches that bring your stay to life. These sites deliver the best of the best, so give them a big hand for understanding exactly what makes you tick!

WINNER: Melody Farm Shepherd’s Huts, Cornwall Escape to an idyllic glamping retreat in a secluded beachy area of Cornwall, with these two heart-warming shepherd’s huts for company. Not only can visitors indulge in their own romantic haven, with a double bed, your own en-suite and a rustic kitchen area, you can also make full use of the site’s boutique facilities. Residents be well entertained with a swimming pool, tennis court, state-of-the-art gym and five luscious acres to wander in.

 

Residents can indulge in their own romantic haven complete with a double bed, en-suite and a rustic kitchen area

Residents can indulge in their own romantic haven complete with a double bed, en-suite and a rustic kitchen area

REGIONAL WINNERS

South West: Winner: Caalm Camp, Dorset Commended: Enchanted Valley Yurts, Cornwall
South East Winner: Plush Tents Glamping, West Sussex Commended: Woodside Spa and Glamping, East Sussex
West Midlands Winner: Woodhall Farm, Worcestershire Commended: Canvas and Clover, Worcestershire
East Midlands Winner: Glamp in Style, Lincolnshire Commended: Country Bumpkin Yurts, Northamptonshire
East of England Winner: Happy Days Retro Vacations, Suffolk Commended: Brambells Glamping, Norfolk
North West Winner: Samlesbury Hall Shepherd’s Hut Hamlet, Lancashire Commended: Lantern & Larks Bleasdale, Lancashire
North East Winner: Yurtshire Fountains, North Yorkshire Commended: Camp Katur, North Yorkshire
Scotland Winner: Craighead Howfs, Perthshire Commended: Harvest Moon Holidays, Edinburgh and the Lothians
Wales Winner: Cosy Under Canvas, Powys Commended: Ceridwen Centre, Carmarthenshire

TOP DOG AWARDS
Not much matters more to us Brits than our four-legged friends, and we need their company on holiday just as much as when we’re snuggled at home. These pooch-pampering sites know that dogs are a part of the family, and make sure that they feel like it! From dedicated dog walks, to on-site groomers and pet friendly pods, man’s best friend has never been made more welcome! When you get peckish and head to the site’s restaurant, your four-legged friend is welcome too. And even if you decide to explore on two wheels, you can rent a doggy trailer locally and bring your pooch along for the ride. Talk about a dog’s life!

WINNER: Sandy Balls Holiday Village Sandy Balls Holiday Village in Hampshire has been running for more than 95 years and in that time tens of thousands of guests have enjoyed its superb customer service, luxury facilities, quality accommodation and an abundance of activities in a breath-taking setting. Five-star Sandy Balls has something for everyone, so whether it’s a long weekend, mid-week break or longer, it offers the perfect holiday destination.

Sandy Balls offers a site where pets are recognised as members of the family.

Sandy Balls offers a site where pets are recognised as members of the family.

REGIONAL WINNERS

South West Winner: Portesham Dairy Farm Campsite, Dorset Commended: Deanwood Caravan and Camping, Gloucestershire
South East Winner: Rye Harbour Holiday Park, East Sussex Commended: Long Acres Caravan and Camping Park, Surrey
West Midlands Winner: Poston Mill Park, Herefordshire Commended: The Green Caravan Par k, Shropshire
East Midlands Winner: Cakes and Ale Holiday Park, Suffolk Commended: Old Brick Kilns, Norfolk
East of England Winner: Billing Aquadrome, Northamptonshire Commended: Grace Park, Lincolnshire
North West Winner: Elm Cottage Touring Park, Cheshire Commended: Dalston Hall Holiday Park, Cumbria
North East Winner: Crows Nest Caravan Park, North Yorkshire Commended: Brenda House Touring Caravan Park, East Yorkshire
Scotland Winner: Barnsoul Caravan Park, Dumfries and Galloway Commended: Castlewigg Holiday Park, Dumfries and Galloway
Wales Winner: Graig Wen, Gwynedd Commended: Bryn Gloch Caravan and Camping Park, Gwynedd

MOST UNIQUE SITE AWARD
These sites offer something truly quirky and unique, allowing the visitor to experience the most unusual accommodation ever dreamed of - for memories that last a lifetime.
WINNER: Blackberry Wood, East Sussex
Situated within the South Downs National Park, only 10 miles from Brighton, Blackberry Wood is a truly unique camping and glamping site with private camping glades in a woodland setting, each with their own fire pitch for the essential campfire. Glamping options include a double-decker London bus, a converted Wessex helicopter, a gypsy caravan, an ‘Eco Perch’ log cabin and two incredible treehouses.

Blackberry Wood, East Sussex, caught the judges eye.

Blackberry Wood, East Sussex, caught the judges eye.

Blackberry Wood, offers a unique camping experience.

Blackberry Wood, offers a unique camping experience.

Commended: Glamping Thorpe, Oxfordshire

Commended: Stonehenge Campsite and Glamping Pods, Wiltshire

GREENER SITE AWARD

These environmentally friendly sites are top of the leaderboard when it comes to working in harmony with nature and finding ways to save the planet and preserve our beautiful countryside without diminishing your holiday experience.

WINNER: Wild Boar Wood Campsite, West Sussex

Get away from it all and discover the freedom of wild glamping with a visit to Eco Camp UK’s Wild Boar Wood Campsite. Set in a private five-acre woodland near Haywards Heath in West Sussex, our small off-grid glamping site offers a fantastic option for those looking for glamping near London. The campsite has just nine bell tents tucked away among the trees and opens from April to October. Here, you can enjoy the simpler things in life as you relax around the campfire, enjoy the natural surroundings and make a hobby of waving at steam trains passing on the nearby Bluebell Railway.

 

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Browsing To Booking

Posted on March 19, 2018

Browsing To Booking

Examine your browse to booking system and remove any barriers. Pic. Potters Resort.

Examine your browse to booking system and remove any barriers. Pic. Potters Resort.

In today’s competitive market, holiday parks must to do everything they can to stand out from the crowd. It’s not enough just to have a website, for example – it has to be well designed, Google-friendly and optimised to drive bookings. An online brochure is so 2008. “A strong online presence is vital to success,” says Pitched Director Andrew Hampton. “It’s essential to have a website that stands out from the crowd; one that ranks well in Google for a park’s key search terms; and one that also offers a slick user experience for those browsing on a mobile phone – which is becoming ever more important.”

MIXED MESSAGES

“The aim is to get people from browsing to booking as quickly and easily as possible,” continues Andrew. “A website needs clear calls to action and a straightforward and simple booking process. Mixed messages and convoluted online booking steps are prohibitive to this – but are so often seen on holiday park websites. “Make the customer’s journey an easy one (especially on a mobile device) and you’ll see far less drop-off in the booking process.” “Don’t create any barriers to booking,” adds SuperControl’s Marketing Executive Jo Blaylock. “Be flexible with your start days and enable short breaks (even if that’s only at certain times during the year). Most people want to book and pay online, so let them, but make sure the booking and management software you choose is established, safe and secure.” Jo also stresses that it’s vital to add your prices as far in advance as possible. “If people are searching for their big holiday for 2019, they can’t book it if you haven’t entered your prices yet, so get them added. “The further away the start date, the higher you can put your prices because guests are less price sensitive when they are planning ahead.”

PRINT MATTERS

In addition to a hassle-free online experience, Andrew stresses that it’s also important not to forget the role of traditional printed material like brochures, mailers and postcards. “Sent out ahead of key booking periods, they still have a vital role to play. Where an email can be deleted, or a social media post ignored, a brochure will be picked up time and again. The key is to let your personality show through in your holiday park marketing.” Relationships are important in the holiday park business and your guests are one of your best resources. Stay in touch. Use their feedback to continuously improve, share photos and testimonials on your social media platforms, engage with them and encourage conversations. A happy guest can be your number one ambassador!

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