Month: May 2026

A NEW CENTER PARCS BREAKS GROUND

Posted on May 5, 2026

£450 million village to create 1,200 jobs, new forest, and a landmark destination...

Work has officially begun on Center Parcs’ £450 million Scottish Borders development, marking a major milestone for one of the UK holiday park sector’s most significant upcoming investments. The project, located between Hawick and Selkirk, was formally launched with a ceremonial tree planting attended by John Swinney, alongside local schoolchildren and Center Parcs CEO Colin McKinlay.

The new village is expected to create around 1,200 jobs and contribute £75 million annually to the regional economy, underlining the growing role of large-scale leisure developments in driving rural growth. The Scottish Government has also committed up to £30 million in infrastructure funding to support the scheme.

A defining feature of the project is the creation of an entirely new forest— marking the first time Center Parcs has established woodland from scratch. Hundreds of thousands of trees will be planted, with more than 30 species, forming the natural environment that underpins the brand’s short-break offering.

SCHOOL CHILDREN HELP KICKSTART the creation of Center Parcs Scottish Borders’ brand- new forest, by planting the very first saplings.

For operators, the development highlights the increasing importance of environmental integration and long-term sustainability in new park schemes. Alongside up to 700 lodges, plans include signature Center Parcs amenities such as the Subtropical Swimming Paradise and Aqua Sana Forest Spa, as well as nature-led features including wetlands, wildflower meadows and activity trails.

The scheme also reflects a broader trend towards destination-led experiences, with two new lochs, a nature and heritage centre, and a strong emphasis on outdoor recreation designed to diversify appeal and extend dwell time.

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the investment, with regional development agency South of Scotland Enterprise highlighting the potential for supply chain opportunities and SME growth. Set to open in 2029, the Scottish Borders village will be Center Parcs’ first new UK development since 2019— offering a clear signal of confidence in the long-term strength of the domestic holiday market.

For more information log on to: www.centerparcsscotland.co.uk

THE NEW VILLAGE WILL FEATURE Woodland, lochs, meadows, and nature trails, blending recreation with biodiversity.

HOLME VALLEY CROWNED CAMPSITE OF THE YEAR 2026 AT PRESTIGIOUS INDUSTRY AWARDS

Posted on May 5, 2026

NAOMI HUMPHREYS and her husband Ben receive their award from Out & About Live.

Holme Valley Caravan and Camping Park in West Yorkshire has been voted Campsite of the Year 2026 by readers of Out & About Live, beating hundreds of UK parks in a national poll. The family-run park, on the edge of the Peak District near Holmfirth, was praised for its high-quality facilities, welcoming atmosphere, and tranquil setting.

Visitors highlighted the park’s abundant wildlife, including resident and visiting birds around its scenic lake. Sustainability has long been a priority for the Peaker family, with habitats created throughout the 16- acre grounds and successive top-level David Bellamy Conservation Awards.

Naomi Humphreys, who runs the park with her husband Ben, said the accolade was “both proud and humbling,” noting the key role of the park team in delivering excellent guest experiences. Holme Valley offers a mix of camping pitches and glamping accommodation, adventure golf, play areas, and a convenience store with local produce, attracting visitors from across the UK and Europe.

www.holmevalleycamping.com

PARK HOLIDAYS UK ROLLS OUT THE RED CARPET FOR DOGS

Posted on May 5, 2026

Park Holidays UK is proving to be the top choice for dog-owning families this year, as bookings soar for staycations closer to home. With many Brits opting to avoid scorching overseas destinations, families can now enjoy a UK break without leaving their four-legged friends behind.

The group is responding to this “pooch power” trend by introducing more Fido-friendly facilities across its 50+ parks, including dog-washing stations, dedicated walking areas, and pet-welcoming cafes and restaurants.

Selected Silver, Gold, and Platinum lodges and caravans now allow pets, some even featuring decking for extra outdoor space. Brad May, Chief Marketing Officer at Park Holidays UK, said: “Dogs are part of the family, and our parks offer plenty of room, safe grounds, and easy access to countryside and coastal footpaths. It’s a healthy, fun holiday for humans and hounds alike.”

COMPASS ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY!

Posted on May 5, 2026

COMPASS ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY!

Celebrate 50 years of Compass Insurance with our anniversary giveaway! Share your park photos or memories—from classic caravans to team moments—for a chance to win one of five luxury hampers.

Your stories are part of our journey, and we’d love to feature them. Scan the QR code to enter and view full terms.

Entries close 30th November 2026. Join us in celebrating five decades of parks, people, and progress!

Compass Insurance
0344 274 0276
www.compassparks.co.uk

 

CARRY ON CAMPING… WITH THE DYERS

Posted on May 1, 2026

Danny and Dani Dyer’s new TV series offers UK park operators a candid look at community, commercial pressures and the challenge of modernising traditional caravan parks.

A new television series featuring Danny Dyer and Dani Dyer is set to shine a spotlight on the realities—and opportunities—of running a UK holiday park. The Dyers’ Caravan Park, launched in February’26 on Sky and NOW, follows the father-daughter duo as they invest in a long-established caravan park in Kent, aiming to restore its former appeal while navigating the operational challenges familiar to many park owners.

Across six episodes, the series explores core industry themes— from resident relations and sales performance to entertainment programming and capital investment. Early episodes highlight the importance of clear communication and brand positioning, as a marketing misstep sparks tension among residents.

Subsequent initiatives, including a community sports day and themed entertainment nights, demonstrate the value of events in driving engagement and strengthening on-site culture. The series also reflects the commercial pressures facing park operators. Efforts to boost caravan sales through open days and targeted promotions underline ongoing challenges in converting interest into bookings.

DANNY DYER AND DANI DYER get hands-on as they tackle the day-to-day realities of running a UK caravan park.

Meanwhile, attempts to upgrade facilities—such as new playgrounds and sports pitches— illustrate the financial realities and planning constraints many sites encounter. Crucially, the programme emphasises the role of community. Long-standing residents, some with decades of loyalty to the park, are shown to be both its greatest asset and its most vocal stakeholders.

Their expectations around tradition, from bingo nights to park layout, highlight the delicate balance between innovation and heritage. Environmental concerns are also touched upon, with later episodes examining coastal water quality—an issue increasingly relevant for seaside destinations.

For owners and managers, The Dyers’ Caravan Park offers a high-profile, and at times candid, portrayal of the sector. While entertainment-led, it reinforces key industry lessons: the importance of authenticity, hands-on leadership, and creating experiences that foster lasting guest loyalty.

ROLLING UP THEIR SLEEVES—both Dyers take on frontline tasks to win over staff and residents.

HOW HARPA SUPPORTS A STRONG PARK SECTOR

Posted on May 1, 2026

The Holiday and Residential Parks Association (HARPA) represents 3,000 park businesses across the UK, helping them respond to a complex and evolving operating environment. We work alongside our members to promote good practice, share expertise and address the practical challenges that affect parks day to day.

A key part of our role is engaging with policymakers on issues that directly impact the sector, including taxation, planning and regulation. We create opportunities for decision-makers to hear firsthand from park owners and operators about the contribution parks make to local economies and communities. At our Westminster conference in January, more than 20 MPs met with members to discuss these issues and the realities of running parks.

This work is supported by our Parks Make Places campaign, launched in 2025. The campaign highlights the social and economic value parks deliver all year round, from supporting local employment and tourism to providing much-needed accommodation and community spaces.

Following this campaign, a YouGov poll of MPs found that 76% now agree that the holiday parks sector delivers social value, an increase from 67% the previous year, highlighting growing recognition among policymakers of the tangible contribution parks make to the communities in which they are based. Alongside our policy work, we provide members with practical support to help them operate successfully.

This includes access to training programmes, webinars, conferences, a telephone helpline and specialist advice. Members also benefit from opportunities to connect with peers, share experiences and learn from one another. Our Next Generation Network continues to grow, bringing members together through meetings, online forums and park visits.

It is open to anyone working in the sector, regardless of age, experience or role. Now in our 76th year, our Association remains as committed as ever to championing the industry and supporting our members to thrive.

HARPA
01452 526911
www.harpa.org.uk

BOOST GUEST EXPERIENCE. INCREASE POOL REVENUE.

Posted on May 1, 2026

BOOST GUEST EXPERIENCE. INCREASE POOL REVENUE.

Fin2Fit Monofin CPD enables holiday parks to deliver exciting, sell-out Mermaid & Shark sessions that families love.

Train your team in just one day and launch premium activities or 3–5 day holiday crash courses.

With the RLSS-endorsed Aquatic Activity Activator (AAA), lifeguards and activity staff can deliver sessions without a full teaching qualification, giving you a flexible workforce solution that drives engagement, retention, and on-site spend.

Get your team trained ahead of peak season.

Triton Training
info@tritontraining.co.uk
tritontraining.co.uk

HIGH-QUALITY TIMBER ACCOMMODATION & WELLNESS SOLUTIONS

Posted on May 1, 2026

HIGH-QUALITY TIMBER ACCOMMODATION & WELLNESS SOLUTIONS

Palmako, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of timber structures, helps holiday parks increase revenue per guest through high-quality accommodation and wellness solutions.

From saunas, hot tubs and cold plunges to pergolas, BBQ huts and modern timber cabins, Palmako enables parks to create premium experiences — from wellness zones to flexible “daytime living” spaces — that extend the season and maximise on-site spend.

Built for durability and long-term performance.

Palmako
01698 426444
www.palmako.co.uk

PARKDEAN ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH COCA-COLA

Posted on May 1, 2026

PARKDEAN RESORTS ANNOUNCES major partnership with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners

Parkdean Resorts, the UK’s leading holiday park operator, has announced a new partnership with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), the world’s largest independent Coca-Cola bottler. An immediate rollout is underway to introduce CCEP’s soft drinks portfolio across all Parkdean Resorts parks in the UK that feature bars or restaurants.

As part of the partnership, CCEP will invest £1.5 million in new, state-of-the-art equipment for Parkdean Resorts’ bars. Guests will soon be able to enjoy a full range of CCEP products, including Coca-Cola Classic, Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Dr Pepper, Appletiser, and the Schweppes range.

David Morrison, Retail Director at Parkdean Resorts, said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to enhancing guest experience across its parks, welcoming over three million holidaymakers each year. He added that the investment will improve both product choice and service quality ahead of the busy holiday season.

Pat Humphries, Associate Director – On Premise at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, said the collaboration is focused on elevating guest experiences and ensuring teams are equipped with high-quality equipment to deliver excellent service. In addition, select parks will relaunch with Parkdean Resorts’ new all-inclusive offering, with prices starting from £25 per adult and £10 per child per day, including three meals and unlimited soft drinks.