THE HEART OF HOLGATES

We visit Silverdale Holiday Park, just outside Carnforth, is Holgates' flagship, blending top facilities with a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere...

Silverdale isn’t just a place to stay – it’s a destination in its own right. At the heart of the park is the impressive leisure complex, where guests can enjoy two swimming pools, a fully equipped gym, steam room, sauna, and spa pool.

Whether you’re after a morning workout, a relaxing soak, or fun with the family, the complex caters to every need. Beyond the pools, the park offers a large restaurant and bar, bowling alley, arcade, soft play area, and an ice cream parlour. Open seven days a week, these facilities make Silverdale an all-weather, all-ages destination where there’s always something to do.

ACCOMMODATION FOR EVERYONE
Silverdale’s accommodation options are designed to suit all types of guests. Luxury lodges, offer a home-from-home experience for holidaymakers or owners looking for a longer stay. Touring pitches provide spacious, well-maintained spots for caravans and motorhomes, while still feeling part of the park’s welcoming community.

This variety makes the park perfect for multi-generational families, couples, or groups of friends. By combining holiday and ownership options, Holgates ensures every visit is tailored to its guests’ needs, providing comfort, convenience, and a touch of indulgence.

AERIAL VIEW OF SILVERDALE Holiday Park’s central leisure facilities set within the beautiful Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape.

STUNNING NATURAL SURROUNDINGS
One of Silverdale’s standout features is its location. Set within the Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape, the park is surrounded by natural beauty and offers guests easy access to scenic walking and cycling routes.

From cliff-top strolls with sweeping views to gentle countryside trails, outdoor enthusiasts have plenty of ways to explore the area. For those in lodges or touring pitches, mornings can start with panoramic vistas across Morecambe Bay, while evenings provide the perfect backdrop for a sunset walk. The combination of top-notch facilities and natural scenery creates a holiday experience that’s both relaxing and energising.

FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY
Silverdale has something for everyone. Children can enjoy soft play, the arcade, and bowling, while adults can unwind in the restaurant, gym, or spa. Communal spaces also encourage families and friends to spend time together, while the park maintains a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere for those who prefer a quieter break.

The team at Silverdale really brings the Holgates ethos to life. Friendly, approachable, and attentive, staff make guests feel genuinely welcome. With around 200 employees across the Holgates group, Silverdale benefits from a mix of experienced full-time and seasonal staff, all committed to delivering that personal, family-run service that Holgates is known for.

DINING AND SOCIALISING at Silverdale’s restaurant and bar, a welcoming hub for meals and evening entertainment.

QUALITY AND SUSTAINABILITY
Silverdale’s five-star AA and VisitEngland ratings are testament to the park’s consistently high standards. Holgates also places a strong emphasis on sustainability, from energy-efficient measures to carefully considered landscaping, ensuring the park respects and enhances its beautiful surroundings.

Recent investments across the group, such as new lodges at Beetham Holiday Park, show Holgates’ commitment to growth and improvement, and while Silverdale already sets the benchmark, ongoing investment keeps the park modern, welcoming, and perfectly suited to today’s holidaymakers. A Holiday to Remember After a full day exploring Silverdale, it’s clear why it’s Holgates’ flagship park.

Whether you’re swimming in the pool, dining in the restaurant, or taking a walk along the cliffs, Silverdale offers a holiday experience that’s fun, relaxing, and memorable. For families, couples, or friends looking for a high-quality destination in the North West, Silverdale Holiday Park perfectly combines excellent facilities with stunning surroundings, making every stay a chance to create lasting memories.

Silverdale Holiday Park
T.01524 701508
www.holgates.co.uk/our-parks/silverdale

Seven Decades of Family Holidays

A Family Legacy Shaping Five-Star Escapes in the North West...

With more than seven decades of heritage behind it, Holgates Holiday Parks stands as one of the North West’s most established and respected holiday park operators.

Still proudly family-owned, the business has grown steadily while remaining rooted in the values that first defined it in 1956: quality, care and a genuine passion for helping guests create lasting holiday memories. Today, Holgates operates a portfolio of 10 parks, predominantly located across the stunning landscapes of Lancashire and Cumbria.

Nine of these parks sit within 10 to 15 minutes of the Carnforth and Silverdale area – a location long admired for its proximity to the Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape, the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. The tenth park extends the brand’s reach into the Ribble Valley, offering a contrasting but equally compelling countryside setting.

A CAREFULLY BALANCED PORTFOLIO
Holgates’ portfolio reflects a deliberate and considered approach to growth. None of the parks are residential, allowing the business to remain focused exclusively on holiday and holiday ownership experiences. Six parks welcome both holiday guests and holiday homeowners, while four parks are dedicated entirely to ownership, offering owners a peaceful, community-focused environment.

Across its six holiday parks, accommodation options are varied and tailored to different guest needs. Five parks offer a combination of holiday caravans, touring pitches and glamping pods, while Hollins Farm stands out as a touring-only park enhanced by two thoughtfully positioned glamping pods.

Complementing the parks is the Holgates Collection of 11 self-catering cottages, all located within easy reach of the core Carnforth and Silverdale area, further strengthening the brand’s appeal to multi-generational families and longer-stay guests. This diversity enables Holgates to attract a wide demographic – from touring enthusiasts and first-time holidaymakers to loyal owners who return year after year.

SILVERDALE HOLIDAY PARK’S flagship leisure complex, featuring indoor swimming pools, spa facilities and a fully equipped gym, open seven days a week.

FLAGSHIP FACILITIES AT SILVERDALE
Silverdale Holiday Park is widely regarded as the flagship of the Holgates portfolio, setting the benchmark for facilities and guest experience across the group. At the heart of the park is a comprehensive leisure complex that rivals many standalone attractions. Open seven days a week, the complex features two swimming pools alongside a fully equipped gym, steam room, sauna and spa pool.

Beyond leisure, guests and owners can enjoy a large restaurant and bar, a bowling alley, arcade, soft play area, pitch & putt, ice cream parlour and on-site shop – creating a true all-weather destination. Silverdale also serves as Holgates’ head office, reinforcing its role as the operational and cultural hub of the business.

INVESTMENT WITH LONG-TERM VISION
Recent years have seen continued investment across the estate, with a strong focus on enhancing quality rather than expanding at pace. A standout project has been the redevelopment at Beetham Holiday Park, where 20 new lodges and caravans have been added across a two-phase development.

The first phase completed in 2023, with the final phase finished in 2025, reflecting Holgates’ long-term commitment to careful, phased growth that respects both guests and surroundings. This approach has allowed the business to future-proof its parks while maintaining the character and tranquillity that its owners and guests value.

SET IN THE HEART OF THE NORTH WEST, Holgates parks offer easy access to beautiful walking routes through coast, countryside, and the Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape.

PEOPLE AT THE HEART OF THE BUSINESS
Holgates employs approximately 200 staff across its parks, a mix of full-time and seasonal roles. As a family-run business, the emphasis on personal service and staff engagement is clear, with many team members developing long-term careers within the group.

This stability not only supports consistent service delivery but also reinforces the welcoming atmosphere that has become synonymous with the Holgates name.

ETHOS, CHALLENGES AND SUSTAINABILITY
Holgates’ ethos is rooted in its family heritage and trusted reputation. The business positions itself as a provider of exceptional coastal and countryside escapes, where quality facilities are matched by genuine personal care.

This philosophy has proven particularly valuable during a period of wider industry challenges, including rising operational costs, changing guest expectations and increased focus on sustainability. In response, Holgates has continued to invest in energy efficiency measures across its parks, alongside thoughtful park layouts and landscaping that minimise environmental impact.

Sustainability is approached as an ongoing commitment rather than a single initiative, aligned with the company’s desire to preserve the landscapes that underpin its success.

GLAMPING PODS NESTLED IN NATURAL surroundings, providing a contemporary holiday option across selected Holgates parks.

RECOGNITION AND COMMUNITY COMMITMENT
Quality and consistency have been recognised through industry accolades, with all Holgates parks holding five-star ratings from both the AA and VisitEngland. Netherbeck Holiday Park has also received the prestigious VisitEngland Rose Award, while the Ribble Valley park was named a winner at the 2025 Stars in Tourism Awards.

Beyond tourism, Holgates places strong emphasis on community and charitable engagement. Each year, the business selects a charity to support across its parks. In 2025, Holgates chose Breast Cancer Now, setting an ambitious fundraising target of £10,000 – a figure the team exceeded, reaching £10,319!

LOOKING AHEAD TO A MILESTONE YEAR
As Holgates approaches its 70th anniversary in 2026, the focus remains firmly on the future while honouring the past.

With a loyal customer base, a well-invested portfolio and a clear sense of purpose, the business is well positioned to continue delivering five-star holiday experiences for generations to come Holgates Holiday Parks is a family-owned holiday park operator with over 70 years of experience in delivering high-quality coastal and countryside escapes across the North West of England.

With a portfolio of 10 five-star parks and a collection of luxury holiday cottages, Holgates is known for its commitment to quality, personal service and long-term investment.

Holgates Holiday Parks
01524 701508
www.holgates.co.uk/our-story

PICTURE PERFECT

Landal GreenParks offer an impressive 18 locations across the UK and Europe with new destinations being steadily added. I was immediately struck by the immaculate grounds and welcoming atmosphere as I arrived at Landal Gwel an Mor holiday resort at Portreath, near Redruth in Cornwall.

Set against the backdrop of rolling hills and overlooking the turquoise shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean, Landal Gwel an Mor presents a postcard-perfect scene that promises relaxation and adventure in equal measure. Boasting 140 lodges, accommodation options at the resort are varied and cater to every taste and preference.

From cozy Scandinavian lodges nestled in woodland settings to contemporary luxury eco-friendly lodges boasting panoramic sea views, there’s something to suit families, couples, and solo travellers alike. The Scandinavian-style lodges with stylish decor feature kitchens, flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, as well as furnished sundecks.

THERE ARE 18 STYLES of accommodation offered with the 140 lodges on site.

Some have hot tubs and barbecue grills.There’s a Mediterranean restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. Other amenities include an indoor pool and a spa, as well as a sauna, a steam room and a gym. Walking paths, tennis courts and rental bikes are also available.

During my stay, I opted for one of the eco-friendly lodges, which seamlessly blended modern amenities with sustainable design, providing a comfortable and guilt-free stay. One of the highlights of Landal Gwel an Mor is its commitment to wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship.

The on-site nature reserve, home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, offers guests the opportunity to reconnect with nature through guided walks and wildlife encounters. Whether observing the wide variety of birds between trees or spotting seals basking by nearby cliffs, the resort’s dedication to preserving Cornwall’s natural beauty is truly commendable.

LANDAL GWEL AN MOR presents a postcard-perfect setting including its fishing lake.

GREAT ESCAPE
For those seeking relaxation, the resort’s leisure facilities are second to none. The luxurious spa, with its range of indulgent treatments and serene ambiance, provided the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Meanwhile, the heated swimming pool and state-of-the-art fitness centre catered to guests looking to maintain their wellness routines while on vacation.

Adventure awaits around every corner at Landal Gwel an Mor, with a plethora of outdoor activities to suit all interests. From surfing and kayaking along the rugged coastline to exploring nearby hiking trails and picturesque fishing villages, there’s no shortage of ways to immerse oneself in Cornwall’s rich natural heritage.

The resort’s dedicated activity centre offers expert guidance and equipment rental, ensuring that guests can make the most of their time outdoors. No visit to Landal Gwel an Mor would be complete without sampling the culinary delights on offer. The on-site restaurant, The Terrace, serves up an array of locally sourced dishes, showcasing the best of Cornwall’s culinary heritage.

From freshly caught seafood to hearty traditional fare, each meal was a culinary journey that delighted the senses and left me eager for more. Landal Gwel an Mor holiday resort offers a truly unforgettable holiday experience in the heart of Cornwall. With its breathtaking surroundings, top-notch amenities, and commitment to sustainability, it’s a destination that caters to the discerning traveller seeking both relaxation and adventure.

ON SITE FACILITIES include an indoor soft play area.

LANDAL LABEL
Landal GreenParks is a market leader in the field of holiday resort management, operation, and rentals. Landal GreenParks has more than 100 resorts in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Great Britain, Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Hungary, offering a total of almost 14.000 holiday accommodation units and campsite pitches.

Taking the portfolio to 18 destinations, Landal GreenParks UK announced the addition of two new resorts into its UK portfolio earlier this year. The new sites, which will benefit from a multimillion-pound investment, will showcase the Landal experience and build on the strong demand for UK holidays in 2024. Landal Whalesborough Resort & Spa in Bude, Cornwall and Landal Twin Lakes in The Lake District.

Each year, more than 3.2 million guests opt for Landal GreenParks, resulting in a total of 15.6 million overnight stays. The resorts and the company’s various offices employ a staff of 3.500 people. A proactive approach to sustainability has resulted in all Landal GreenParks’ resorts obtaining Green Key certification. Landal say they have witnessed a surge in last minute bookings that is driving an increase in summer holiday sales.

ATTENTION TO décor detail makes an immediate impact.

The self-catering holiday specialist has seen summer bookings up 20% YoY, with 30% of its breaks being taken within a month and 10% going within a week of being booked. The south-west continues to be the best-performing region for Landal GreenParks UK, with new and additional accommodation offering at its resorts, helping contribute to a 30% increase in summer bookings compared to last year.

There is also demand in the Midlands, Yorkshire and Scotland due to pet friendly staycations – with bookings up 25% compared to 2022. The company has also noticed a trend for shorter summer breaks, with almost a third of all summer bookings being for four nights. Landal GreenParks UK launched their summer campaign with up to 40% off summer breaks starting from £479.

Landal Resorts
Landal Gwel an Mor
Tel. 01209 842354
www.landal.co.uk/gwel-an-mor

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITIES

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITIES

Verdant Leisure offers an award-winning holiday formula...

VERDANT LEISURE expanded in 2002 with two parks in Devon - Golden Coast Leisure Park and Cleavewood Leisure Park, pictured

Creating the perfect environment for customers to relax, enjoy and experience is an award-winning formula for leading holiday park operator Verdant Leisure. Since its foundation in 2010, Verdant Leisure has gone from strength to strength, and now boasts 13 parks within its growing portfolio.

Offering quality self-catering holidays and holiday home ownership in stunning coastal and countryside locations across Scotland and northern England, the Verdant Leisure story began with Thurston Manor Leisure Park in East Lothian and Pease Bay Leisure Park in Berwickshire. Riverside in Northumberland and Viewfield Manor in Ayrshire soon followed in 2011.

County Durham- based Heather View and Kingfisher were acquired in 2016, Coldingham Bay, Berwickshire in 2017, Scoutscroft in Berwickshire, and Queensberry Bay in Dumfriesshire in 2018. Two parks in Perthshire – Erigmore and Ballintuim – joined the group in 2019 and 2022 respectively. Finally, in 2022, Verdant Leisure expanded further south with two Devon-based acquisitions: Golden Coast Leisure Park and Cleavewood Leisure Park.

“Golden Coast is a fantastic, family friendly park in North Devon,” says Verdant Leisure Communications Director, Stacey Hope. “As the newest addition to the Verdant Leisure family, it offers a wide range of accommodation options and a whole host of fun filled facilities. Golden Coast Leisure Park is a great addition to the Verdant Leisure portfolio.”

A WAVE SURFING SIMULATOR is just one of the activities on offer at Golden Coast Leisure Park.

ACTION-PACKED
Situated amidst picturesque countryside, just a couple of miles to the east of the award-winning golden sands of Woolacombe beach, Golden Coast Leisure Park offers guests an action-packed holiday. A huge range of family friendly activities is on offer including indoor and outdoor swimming pools with flumes, a wave surfing simulator, high ropes course, climbing wall, ten pin bowling, fishing lake, arcade, adventure golf facilities, and plenty of places to eat and drink.

For those seeking something more relaxing, the Waves Ceramic Studio is ideal for creative pottery decorating. Verdant Leisure parks offer a wide range of entertainment options. From packed programmes including kids’ clubs with their resident foxes Vinnie and Violet, to visiting acts offering everything from comedy to live singers, there really is something for everyone.

Accommodation at Golden Coast includes a wide range of apartments, houses and villas (including some with hot tubs) to suit all budgets and requirements. Modern and stylish self- the exceptional location, Cleavewood owners can also use all the facilities at Golden Coast and enjoy delicious food and drink at the historic Old Mill pub and restaurant on-park.”

WATER ZORBING at Thurston Manor Leisure Park.

HOME-OWNERS
Verdant Leisure caters to 2,000 holiday home-owners across its parks, and this is an ever-growing sector. Another new holiday home development was recently completed at Thurston Manor Leisure Park in Dunbar, Scotland. Nestled at the foot of the Lammermuir Hills, near the stunning East Lothian coastline, Thurston Manor Leisure Park is set in 176 acres of breathtaking countryside.

This beautiful holiday park is under an hour’s drive from Edinburgh, making this park a top choice for holiday makers wanting to combine a visit to the Scottish capital with the benefit of a home from home woodland retreat. Once a private estate visited by kings, Thurston Manor now offers a superb range of luxury caravan and lodge holiday accommodation, alongside fantastic facilities for all the family, on the historic site of the original 16th century castle whose scenic ruins still stand today.

The Glade development consisting of six lodge pitches and 34 caravan pitches for holiday home-owners has been built on an exclusive area of Thurston Manor, offering fabulous views and a private gated entrance. Facilities on the park include an indoor heated swimming pool, fishing lake, gym, outdoor play parks, games room, arcade, dedicated family room with seasonal entertainment, as well as Hunter’s Bar & Restaurant and Muir’s Pub.

Verdant Leisure, whose Head Office is in Lancaster, say that their mission is “To create the perfect environment for customers to relax, enjoy precious family time and experience a new lifestyle.” They also place considerable importance on creating a more environmentally aware holiday experience.

GOLDEN COAST is a fantastic, family friendly park in North Devon.

GREEN TOURISM
“We’re committed to promoting sustainable tourism and protecting and enhancing our natural environment,” explains Stacey Hope. “We have a dedicated Green Team in place across the business, and each park has its own Green Champion. All of our parks are members of the Green Tourism scheme, and we aim to make all Verdant Leisure parks more environmentally conscious and help our customers to do more whilst visiting our locations.”

As part of their Green Tourism commitment, Verdant Leisure also champions investment and improvement in local communities. The company nominates a different Charity of the Year each year, and raised over £80,000 for Blood Cancer UK in 2022. Additionally, it supports the Wildlife Trusts close to their parks (Durham, Northumberland, Scottish and Devon Wildlife Trusts) by offering holiday guests the option to donate £1 per holiday booking.

As a team that prides itself on the exceptional standards of their parks and the customer experience for all holiday guests, it’s unsurprising that Verdant Leisure’s success has been recognised by a slew of top awards, including most recently, Silver for Best Company for UK Family Holidays and Bronze for Best Company for UK Parks and Lodges Holidays in the British Travel Awards 2023.

Verdant Leisure has also won several accolades for its employee engagement. The business has been voted one of the Best Companies to work for within the entirety of the UK, in the northern region, and in the leisure and hospitality sector several times over. A superb achievement, based on ratings from their own employees. With guest – and employee – satisfaction top of the agenda, continued success seems assured.

WISH YOU WERE HERE

WISH YOU WERE HERE

Snapshots from The Quiet Site in The Lake District...

The Quiet Site has scooped gold at this year’s VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2023, having been named the top Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year. The Cumbrian destination boasts a stunning location in the fells overlooking Ullswater, first opened its doors to campers and caravanners 60 years ago.

Over the past two decades sustainability has been the site’s focus, with both business and investment choices based on a desire to be fully sustainable which has resulted in the site becoming one of the greenest holiday parks in the UK.

The Quiet Site is a multi-award-winning carbon neutral holiday park, consisting of several accommodation options including a self-catering holiday cottage, luxury Glamping Cabins, timber Camping Pods, underground Glamping Burrows and carbon positive Gingerbread Houses.

In addition, it offers all-weather tent pitches and hard standing pitches for caravans and motorhomes. The site’s facilities include a historic pub, a zero-waste shop, pizzeria and creperie, games room and lots more. Daniel Holder, Managing Director of The Quiet Site said: “We are over the moon to have been awarded this most prestigious recognition by Visit Britain.

“Our team works tirelessly to provide guests with both the best and the most sustainable stay possible, reflected in the fact that 84% of our bookings come from repeat stays or recommendations. “We hope to welcome both returning and new guests for many years to come.”

The Quiet Site
Tel. 01768 486337
Email. info@thequietsite.co.uk
www.thequietsite.co.uk

YOUR ONE STOP PARK HOME SHOP

YOUR ONE STOP PARK HOME SHOP

MORE THAN 60 HOMES will be on display at June’s Stoneleigh event.

Don’t miss the UK’s largest free outdoor show for holiday and residential park homes as the World of Park and Leisure Homes returns in June to the NAEC Stoneleigh Showground in Warwickshire Open from June 9th to 11, park owners and trade are welcome on all days but especially encouraged to make full use of the ‘Trade Preview Day’ on Thursday June 8th where you can discuss your requirements and consider options in comfort and privacy with leading manufacturers.

There will be over 60 homes on display from at least 22 manufacturers including many familiar names and others new to the industry. The show provides a fantastic chance to meet manufacturers with homes to sell, find the best deals and get the best delivery dates in a relaxed yet professional atmosphere.

It is the perfect opportunity to see so many homes all on display together, compare models and see the latest designs and innovations! Open daily from 10am to 4pm, visitors are welcome to bring along family members and even well-behaved dogs are invited.

For those wishing to extend their stay, there are a wide range of hotel, B&B and other accommodation options in the area and motorhomes, caravans and camping facilities are available to book on the NAEC Stoneleigh showground itself. With free parking available, the NAEC Stoneleigh is situated between Leamington Spa, Kenilworth and Coventry and is very well signposted from the many major routes that run close by. Simply plug CV8 2TA into your Satnav.

World of Park & Leisure Homes Show
www.parkhomeandleisure.co.uk

FARMING SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

FARMING SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Beth Connor reports from Adam Henson's Cotswold Farm Park...

THE CHOICE OF ACCOMMODATION includes popular Sunset Lodges.

 

We were delighted when the Holiday Park Scene team were invited to test out the facilities at Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park. Adam Henson is perhaps the best- known farmer in the UK, presenting his own section on BBC’s Countryfile to millions of viewers each Sunday evening.

Farming and conservation are Adam’s first passions and when the camera stops rolling, there is still plenty of work to be done. In 1971, Joe Henson founded Cotswold Farm Park to help protect some of our rare breeds of farm animal. Today, it’s Adam Henson, his business partner Duncan and of course the enthusiastic team, that are proud to be continuing in Joe’s wellington-booted footprints.

“We have passion for all we do here and are dedicated to delivering the best of British farming, through a sustainable and authentic approach,” says Adam.

 

 

The site has some outstanding qualities including:
• Very friendly staff
• Farm Park - free entrance
• Restaurant and Farm Park Shop
• Mapped on-site Wildlife Walk
• Dog Welcome Pack – Bed, Bowls, Long Leash & Peg, Blanket, Treats, Poo Bags
• Hot Tub

 

 

There’s regular excitement on the farm, whether it be lambing season, harvest time or the arrival of new calf; there’s always something new to see at the farm. Visitors have the opportunity to meet more than 50 rare breeds, have a go on pedal-tractors, fly along the zipline and hold little chicks.

Visitors can even book in for a day visit with their own horses to experience the 50-jump riding course in gorgeous woodlands, streams and valleys. The site offers a wide range of accommodation options including Sunset Lodges, Songbird Safari Tents, Camping Pods, Camping and Motorhome pitches and a seasonal Glamping Field.

The on-site facilities were outstanding including The Ox Shed Bar & Café, Farm Park Shop with home reared produce, beautiful, heated shower block, laundry facilities, picnic area, campers’ kitchen and of course the farm which provides a full day out for all the family.

 

Cotswold Farm Park
01451 850307
www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk