British holidaymakers

Bare Essentials

Posted on May 11, 2016

Bare Essentials

Green Hill Farm Holiday Park in the New Forest is officially the best place to ‘go’ in Britain, according to judges of the annual Loo of the Year awards. The business was recently named as the overall 2016 Loo of the Year winner in the holiday parks category of the competition, beating more than 3,000 other UK parks to the title.

woodhill park 357 (2)

Pic: Woodhill Park

The prestigious accolade was awarded to the family-run park after its washroom facilities were mystery shopped by inspectors. The spacious new washroom facilities at the park include large showers and drying areas, private vanity cubicles, a family bathroom, hairdryers, underfloor heating, and full access for people with limited mobility.

Celebrating the news of the award are husband-and-wife team Lorna and Graham Lee who, with their two young daughters, acquired the park seven years ago.

According to Lorna, the washroom building simply mirrors what the park itself aspires to: “Green Hill has a very special appeal to people who enjoy away-from-it-all holidays in gorgeous surroundings, and we’ve tried to provide the perfect backdrop for that.” she said.

“Our family feels very privileged to be able to live and work in the beautiful part of the New Forest, and it’s great to have our efforts acknowledged with an award like this,” added Lorna.

Clean washroom facilities, like those at Green Hill Farm, are the bare minimum a guest will expect while on holiday. In an increasingly competitive market, it is more important than ever that holiday parks offer a certain level of comfort and luxury in terms of washroom provisions for their guests, to ensure a positive and lasting impression.

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Pitch Perfect

Posted on May 11, 2016

Pitch Perfect

Pengion poo pegs and Glamping Tent Chessington Frank PR

Zoos and holiday parks have realised glamping opportunities Pic: Albion Canvas By Boldscan

For those that have branched into the glamping market, well invested! The glamping business is booming – and it shows no signs of slowing down.

“Glamping seems to be the gift that keeps giving,” declares Tobyn Cleeves of Bell Tent UK.

“It will continue to become more popular as it is a wonderful way of having a great UK based family holiday.”

Bell Tent UK has been at the forefront of the glamping scene for over a decade. Established in 2006, the company has grown to incorporate all aspects of glamping equipment including tents and camping accessories not found on the High Street. Also in the portfolio is Hotel Bell Tent, which provides boutique accommodation for festivals, sporting and private events, and even won the 2015 Festival Awards Best Temporary Structure Award.

Business is booming in the glamping market – and it shows no sign of slowing down. Pic: Bell Tent UK.

 

“Glamping started out at private parties and festivals and soon filtered through to the mainstream,” Tobyn explains. “We are approached more and more by park owners looking to diversify into glamping - one of the major benefits is the fact that it often attracts a different demographic who would not normally consider staying at a park and are often prepared to pay a premium for a beautiful spot,” he adds.

Bell Tent UK specialises in high quality unbleached cotton canvas tents, ranging in diameter from 3m to 6m. New for 2016 is the launch of a new size bell tent, known as the ‘In- Betweener’. At 4.5m in diameter, the tent is a half-way house between the original 4m bell tent and the large best-selling 5m diameter bell tent.

“It’s important to remember you are buying a tent, not a permanent structure and you might consider putting it away when not in use to extend its life span,” says Tobyn.

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Heroes Fund Gets A Boost


				

			Posted on May 4, 2016		

			


		

		
Heroes Fund Gets A Boost


Help for Heroes pic
Over £6,000 was raised for Help for Heroes by the team at Hendra Holiday Park


Guests and staff at Hendra Holiday Park in Cornwall have raised a £6,300 for the charity Help for Heroes throughout a year of fundraising in 2015.


Help for Heroes was named as Hendra’s adopted charity for the year at the start of last season, and donations came via a raft of initiatives by the park and its staff.


Hendra Holiday Park director Janine Hyatt said: “We would like to thank all those who contributed to Hendra’s fundraising effort, especially our holiday guests whose donations make a big difference.


“Even in difficult times, many people are happy to put their hands in their pockets for a good cause, and we’re delighted to be able to provide these much-needed funds for Help for Heroes,” said Janine.

			

	
	



				



			


				


				


	

		
Record-Breaking Quarter


				

			Posted on May 4, 2016		

			


		

		
Record-Breaking Quarter


Fritton Lake
Fritton Lake


Hoseasons reported a record-breaking first quarter, posting seven of its best 10 booking days ever during the first three months of the year.


The company saw overall bookings increase by eight per cent compared to the same period in 2015. Lodges and Log cabin bookings were particularly strong, jumping 14.5 per cent and three and four-night short break bookings were also up, rising 11 per cent year on year, with short breaks now accounting for nearly 70 per cent of holidays sold.


Simon Altham, managing director of Hoseasons said: “These figures clearly demonstrate the continuing appeal of the UK luxury short break market for both families and couples looking for a safe, secure and convenient getaway only a short drive from home. Continued investment in the sector means standards of accommodation and facilities have never been so good.”

			

	
	



				



			


				


				


	

		
In Full Bloom


				

			Posted on May 4, 2016		

			


		

		
In Full Bloom


The Beach A 1Winner of the Wales in Bloom award in 2014 and 2015, The Beach Caravan Park’s well-maintained grounds and exceptional appearance all year round is what really makes the five star park stand out from the crowd.


Located on the North Wales coastline, close to the village of Llanddulas, The Beach’s neatly kept site is complemented by its scenic position overlooking the Irish Sea.


Offering guests a peaceful retreat and the opportunity to ‘get away from it all’, the park appeals to families, young and retired couples, dog owners, water sports and cyclists alike. The owners of 211 holiday homes on the site visit regularly and the park also welcomes nearly 2,500 holidaymakers each year in the hired luxury caravans.


“Excellent customer service and our commitment to continual re-investment in our park and facilities is what sets us apart,” comments park manager Nigel Owen.


“Our biggest challenge is maintaining the high standards we have set from day one and continually looking for ways in which to improve the park and therefore the overall customer experience.”


The Beach Caravan Park is one of seven awardwinning holiday parks in North Wales, Cheshire and Yorkshire, operated by Thornley Leisure Parks. Thornley Leisure Parks was founded by William (Bill) Sutcliffe Thornley and his wife Dorothy in 1962. The couple, originally bakers from Cheshire, had holidayed in North Wales for many years and when the opportunity to establish a bakery in Conwy came their way, they decided to relocate with their twin boys to the area they had grown so fond of. Bill and Dorothy soon decided that they wanted to make their hobby their business and leave the long hours and early mornings of the bakery business behind. They purchased Craiglwyd Hall Caravan Park in 1961 and never looked back.


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Playing It Safe


				

			Posted on May 4, 2016		

			


		

		
Playing It Safe


Pic: RSS (Playground Inspection Maintenance)
Pic: RSS (Playground Inspection Maintenance)


A state-of-the-art outdoor playground may look the part, but keeping it in tip-top condition is sometimes overlooked.


From ropes and wooden frames to nuts and bolts, there are a large number of components on play equipment that require routine checks and an annual inspection.


A leading supplier of outdoor play equipment is urging holiday park operators to show duty of care towards their play equipment. RSS (Playground Inspection and Maintenance) stresses the importance of ongoing compliance to EN1176, even with newly purchased equipment, by inspecting the equipment on a regular basis.


Andy Readman, director of RSS comments: “In the unfortunate event of an accident you must be able demonstrate compliance to avoid expensive litigation and bad publicity. When purchasing a new playground you can specify equipment that is certified for compliance to EN1176, the European Playground safety standard.


“But what do you do when your equipment is many years old, was never certified for compliance when manufactured and the original equipment manufacturer is no longer trading?” says Andy.


“Well, you still have the same obligations regarding safety of the users but it is unlikely that an item of equipment that wasn’t designed to comply can be successfully modified to comply,” he explains.


Wicksteed Playgrounds3RSS (Playground Inspection and Maintenance) have worked with holiday parks and visitor attractions for many years and can offer independent advice backed up by over 25 years’ experience in this specialised field.


Andy adds: “Remember, if you inspect regularly and repair defects your play area will continue to provide years of safe and trouble free use.”


Following a successful refurbishment of the playground equipment in 2013 to address non-compliances and extend the life of the equipment, Cosgrove Park in Milton Keynes has implemented a seasonal inspection regime based on the opening schedule for the park.


RSS have worked with Cosgrove Park to ensure that the regime reduces the number of inspections but ensures the park is inspected more frequently during the periods of highest use.


How often outdoor play equipment should be changed or updated all depends on the warranties of the equipment and its usage. The more the equipment is used, the quicker it may suffer from wear and tear. You can expect at least ten years use from any play area - and a lot more if it is well maintained. Sovereign Play Equipment has installed in excess of 10,000 play areas nationwide over the last 22 years.


Sovereign Play Equipment
Sovereign Play Equipment


In terms of price points, Justin Mottaz of Sovereign advises that a modest adventure trail could start from as little as £2,500 and an adventure tower with safer surfacing from around £5,000. “I would suggest that a sensible amount, to get a reasonable sized play area from the start, would be in the region of £10,000,” he says. “Remember that the cheaper option is often that way for a reason.”


Dominique Lloyd-Roberts of Playforce agrees: “When designing a playground, health and safety and durability should also be a priority. Look carefully at your quotations, guarantees, aftersales service and the longevity of the proposed designs – think about getting the best value for money, rather than just the lowest price.”


Playforce is a long-standing member of the API, all equipment complies with BS EN1176 and 1177 and is RoSPA tested. The company provides a full maintenance service with advice on routine maintenance, post installation, yearly and three yearly packages that include full reports, training and consultation sessions.


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A New Lease Of Life For Woolacombe


				

			Posted on May 4, 2016		

			


		

		
A New Lease Of Life For Woolacombe


Woolacombe Bay climing wall and view (big)
The entertainment facilities at Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park in Devon have undergone a £4 million upgrade.


Easter saw the opening of the massive £4 million development at Woolacombe Bay Holiday Village in Devon.


New facilities include a redeveloped family entertainment centre housing an all-day cafe with a sea view terrace and an entertainment lounge and bar. Other new highlights include a cinema, a children’s soft play area, a fitness gym, a pottery painting studio and an indoor pool with fun features. There are also new accommodation options including a raft of caravan holiday homes, such as the luxurious Platinum with central heating and double glazing.


Sales and marketing director, Kevin Darvill said: “Generations of families have enjoyed holidays at our park, but it was time for an update with new facilities, more space and a true style injection.


“We have taken the existing building, scooped out the insides, extended it and given it a whole new layout, one that really makes the most of the amazing sea views.”


 

			

	
	



				



			


				


				


	

		
Hot Tubs Are The Golden Goose


				

			Posted on May 4, 2016		

			


		

		
Hot tubs are a highly profitable addition to a holiday letting. Pic: Caldera Spas.
Hot tubs are a highly profitable addition to a holiday letting. Pic: Caldera Spas.


Hot Tubs Are The Golden Goose


Hot tubs are the must-have ingredient in the recipe to holiday booking success it has been revealed.


According to self-catering specialists Hoseasons, a private hot tub is the number one searched for item on the website, accounting for more than 100,000 searches each month.


“Hot tubs really are the golden goose of the holiday market,” comments Jon Moxon, business development manager at Hoseasons.


“There’s been a meteoric rise in the popularity of hot tub holidays since our first unit went on sale at Faweather Grange, Yorkshire, in 1997. These days there are more than 2,500 lodges and luxury holiday homes with hot tubs across our portfolio, with unit numbers increasing by 21% since 2013.”


A highly profitable addition to a holiday letting, there are however, potentially hazardous pitfalls to avoid before taking the hot tub plunge. Although more affordable, domestic hot tubs are designed solely for home use and are not intended for commercial use. “Avoid the temptation of buying a cheap spa on the internet,” advises Chris Brady of Lincolnshire-based 1 Stop Spas, who is heading up the UK branch of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals.


“We come across plenty of customers whose opinion when buying was ‘I only want a cheap spa because I’m only renting it out’. Like most electrical equipment, buying cheap isn’t always cost effective over a few years.”


He adds: “Cheap spas can cost up to ten times as much to run, meaning higher overheads. They are often fitted with cheap components, therefore the reliability is not very good meaning in inconvenient downtime for you and rental customers.”

			

	
	



				



			


				


				


	

		
Dorset Clinches Title


				

			Posted on April 15, 2016		

			


		

		
South LytchettDorset Clinches Title


South Lytchett Manor in Dorset has been named by the AA as the best caravan and campsite in the UK, earning it the overall title of the AA’s Campsite of The Year.


The family-run business, near to Poole and Bournemouth, beat more than 900 other camping parks across Britain to take the prestigious pole place.


The accolade is awarded every year following a rigorous assessment by AA inspectors of parks’ standards of customer care, quality, and cleanliness.


Joanne Bridgen of South Lytchett Manor commented: “We’re absolutely delighted to have been chosen for this award and extend our heartfelt thanks to our holiday guests for their continuing support. “We are also extremely grateful to members of our hardworking staff team whose friendliness and commitment to quality service has been crucial to our success,” said Joanne.


Ten other camping and caravan parks across the UK were also recognised in the 2016 awards. The winning parks will be presented with their awards at a special prize giving ceremony in March.

			

	
	



				



			


				


				


	

		
Park Upgrades


				

			Posted on April 15, 2016		

			


		

		
Park Upgrades


Hoburne2495.jpgHoburne Holiday Parks is investing £6million in a programme of company-wide developments. All seven of Hoburne’s holiday parks across the south-west of England are set to be enhanced.


The improvements will include new-look entertainment leisure complexes, and new holiday accommodation at three parks, free Wi-Fi across all of its seven parks, and will ensure an improved customer experience for all visitors from March; when the parks open for the 2016 holiday season.


The largest investment is at Hoburne Naish in Dorset, Hoburne Bashley in Hampshire, and Hoburne Cotswold in Gloucestershire, where each of these three parks will have £1million spent on creating a new-look entertainment and leisure complex, complete with new interior décor and contemporary furniture and fittings.


Managing director of Hoburne, Rod Tucker, commented: “The huge investment that we are currently making is testament to our commitment to setting new standards across the industry and to our goal of exceeding our customer’s expectations."