A market leader in holiday resort management and operations since their inauguration in 1954, the Landal GreenParks portfolio comprises more than 200 resorts in the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, France and Denmark.
20 of these parks are spread across England, Scotland and Wales - from five parks in Cornwall, to the furthest north in Dundee. It’s an impressive portfolio, but one with a common ethos. Getting back to nature is at the heart of the Landal GreenParks business.
Despite its size, there is a priority across the entire organisation towards what they refer to as “sustainable and engaged entrepreneurship.” Each of the parks is located at the “heart of nature” in stunning, natural locations.
And a holiday at a Landal GreenParks resort is one that focuses on offering guests the enjoyment of immersive outdoor adventures from the comfort of top-tier accommodation. Their aim: to deliver “unforgettable holidays in nature.”
All parks are Green Key accredited, and parks employs an interdepartmental “Green Team” to ensure global sustainability standards are met. At grassroots level this involves everything from using fewer chemicals to installing LED park lighting, from implementing sustainable procurement to accessible accommodation.
Each step is one closer to Landal GreenParks overall goal of being CO2 neutral by 2030. Landal GreenParks UK, with its Head Office in Norwich, offers a diverse range of resorts. From luxury spas like Landal Dylan Coastal Resort and Landal Laceby Manor Resort & Spa, to resorts that focus purely on accommodation in beautiful natural settings, such as Landal North Lakes and Landal Rockingham Forest.
The resorts primarily feature lodge accommodations, but they also provide a wide selection of cottages and apartments. Recently, the brand has expanded its offerings with more innovative options, such as treehouses, domes, and pods, all centred around high quality and luxury. Many accommodations also feature outdoor hot tubs for added relaxation.
Landal GreenParks operate a pure holiday rental model. Some park owners retain ownership of all the accommodation, whilst others sell lodges to lifestyle investors who want a mix of return and some holiday usage. There is plenty to keep guests entertained.
Cornish Parks Landal Gwel an Mor and Landal Whalesborough Resort & Spa both feature onsite ‘farms’, giving holidaymakers the chance to interact with animals and explore local wildlife. “At Feadon Wildlife Centre in Landal Gwel an Mor, guests can enjoy a variety of unique experiences,” explains Paul Hardingham, Managing Director of Landal GreenParks UK.
“These include activities such as a night-time Badger Watch, woodland picnic breakfasts, reindeer walks, becoming a ‘keeper for the day,’ owl encounters, and even fox feeding, making Landal Gwel an Mor an ideal choice for family getaways.”
Additionally, the same park has introduced a Wild Kitchen concept, where guests can enjoy a variety of cooking styles under a retractable canvas and hardwood tent, providing an al-fresco dining experience in any weather. Careful expansion is always on the agenda as Landal GreenParks UK seeks to maximise the experience of their guests and capitalise on the continuing demand for staycations.
“Landal GreenParks UK is always seeking new partnerships to help us innovate and introduce the next generation of holiday resorts,” explains Paul Hardingham, Managing Director of Landal GreenParks UK. Landal Whalesborough Resort & Spa and Landal Twin Lakes were added to the Landal GreenParks portfolio in 2024, alongside Scotland’s Landal Whitekirk Hill.
Landal Whalesborough Resort & Spa is set in 450 acres of secluded Cornish countryside close to Bude. The park offers a range of 24-character cottages, barn conversions and a refurbished farmhouse dating back to the 14th century. Currently undergoing a multi-million-pound investment, the resort will see 50-60 new, luxury self-catering units developed over the next two years.
Landal Twin Lakes, which makes the most of its superb setting in Carnforth between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, will also see significant expansion plans over the coming years with 60 units available for rental. Earlier this year, Markus Deutsch, Chairman of Landal Twin Lakes, said: “We’re delighted about the partnership with Landal GreenParks - it’s clear our values align on various levels.
All our lodges are made from timber harvested from sustainable forests and classified as contributing towards UK’s ‘Net Zero’ goal.” Another exciting new development opened in Scotland in late Autumn 2023. Landal Barnsoul, set amongst ancient woodland in Dumfries & Galloway, is believed to be the first architect-led holiday resort in the region.
The accommodation is not only extremely innovative in design, but also underpinned by strong environmental credentials. Paul Hardingham, Managing Director of Landal GreenParks UK, said that the organisation had wanted to create a concept holiday resort since launching in the UK and believed that “this site will act as a blueprint for the future of the sector.”
He continued: “To help us achieve this objective we have worked with different architects and interior designers to create new lodge styles to offer the very best of modern and innovative living in a wonderful part of the UK countryside. Landal Barnsoul aims to be one of the greenest and most technologically advanced parks in Europe”
The lodges at Barnsoul are designed to combine the outdoor experience of modern glamping, with the interior look and feel of a boutique hotel. Each Landal GreenParks resort is firmly rooted in its local community but with some 6,000 employees across the wider company, the organisation also recognises that having an enthusiastic and motivated team is essential to the success of the business.
Potential challenges affecting all organisations within the sector include rising operating costs and staffing difficulties, especially in rural and remote locations. Paul Hardingham, Managing Director of Landal GreenParks UK says: “We are committed to creating an environment that attracts and retains talented staff while leveraging innovation and automation to eliminate repetitive administrative tasks.”
Key initiatives that have been introduced to this end include keyless check-in, digital food ordering and automated facility cleaning. These measures free up staff to focus on what they do best, providing excellent service to Landal GreenParks UK’s guests.
Landal GreenParks Resort
www.landal.co.uk
01603 367 066