Camping Pods

ECO REWARDS

Posted on October 28, 2021

ECO REWARDS

 

ACQUIRING THE SITE 20 YEARS AGO, 55,00 visitors a year are attracted to the Ullswater location.

 

First UK holiday park is awarded sustainability Queen’s Award…

A family-run Cumbrian resort has become the first holiday park to win a Queen’s Award for sustainability.
The Quiet Site in Watermillock is located near the shores of Ullswater where “green tourism” has been on the agenda for over 30 years.
The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development highlights Britain’s most environmentally responsible businesses.
Daniel Holder and his son George have been presented with a certifcate signed by The Queen and the Prime Minister, and a crystal glass vase. The Quiet Site is also now permitted to fly the Queen’s Award flag for the next five years.

 

HER MAJESTY’S LORD-LIEUTENANT OF CUMBRIA, Claire Hensmen presents the trophy to park owner Daniel Holder.

 

PROUD MOMENT

“This is an immensely proud moment for us, and a fantastic spur to our efforts to allow people to enjoy this beautiful region without creating a negative impact,” said Daniel.
“Cumbria’s economy relies heavily on tourism to support businesses and provide jobs, and we believe this needn’t be inconsistent with protecting the natural world.
“For example, we have invested heavily in sustainable technologies over the years, including solar panels and biomass heating, as well as banning single-use plastics.
“We also operate a very popular “zero waste” food shop specialising in Cumbrian produce free from unnecessary packaging, and with the fewest possible food miles under its belt.
“The Quiet Site’s holiday homes, including our underground Hobbit Holes, are highly insulated, extremely energy effcient, and built from sustainable materials.
“At the same time they provide an exciting and memorable alternative to traditional holiday accommodation, and are especially loved by young families.
“Hopefully we are also sending out the message that, by making even minor adjustments to our lives, it’s possible to make a real difference to our environmental impact,” said Daniel.
Since acquiring the park 20 years ago as a simple camping field, Daniel and his wife Anne have created one of the Lake District’s most celebrated parks.
The Quiet Site is attracting 55,000 visitors annually. As well as its 15 Hobbit Holes stays, the park offers 15 camping pods, 15 glamping cabins, holiday cottages and 60 pitches for motorhomes and tents.
Innovative accommodation, marketed as Gingerbread Houses, are new to The Quiet Site for 2021. The 15 units produce more energy than they use so have a positive effect on their environment.

THE QUIET SITE boasts a new zero waste shop.

 

POSITIVE IMPACT

“Holidays should not cost the earth,” emphasises Daniel. “Our hugely popular Hobbit Holes were the starting point in our thinking.
“Gingerbread Houses boast all that works well in a Hobbit Hole being simple, warm and comfortable, with a large, covered deck and private facilities.
“To this we have added a full-size shower, a simple kitchen and the ability to generate its own power. Heating is provided by a remote ground source heat pump and electricity is generated from their solar PV panel roofs,” explains Daniel.

15 GINGERBREAD houses on the site generate more energy than they use.

“The simplicity of this accommodation and lack of soft furnishings lends itself to an ease of cleaning and fogging that makes it incredibly safe,” he continues.
“They will be wrapped in a lovely beach hedge so will become virtually invisible – unless you know where to look! These hedges will become vital to helping our site become more biodiverse.”
Last year, The Quiet Site scooped another major national green accolade when it took a silver in the finals of the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in the sustainable tourism category.

The Quiet Site
Tel. 01768486337
www.thequietsite.co.uk

VERDANT CELEBRATE IN STYLE

Posted on January 26, 2021

VERDANT CELEBRATE IN STYLE

Bespoke holiday park operator Verdant Leisure recently celebrated its 10th birthday in style with gifts for staff and holiday homeowners. Through its social media pages, Verdant gave away 10 holidays to one lucky family who has a child that turned 10 years old in September. Verdant Leisure runs ten UK holiday parks in spectacular locations across South East Scotland, Ayrshire, Dumfriesshire, Perthshire & North East England offering a wide range of accommodation from self-catering caravans, deluxe lodges to camping pods, glamping pods and touring pitches at selected parks.

BEATING HEART

Customers and staff have been at the heart of the business since it was born in 2010 – the brainchild of founders CEO Graham Hodgson, Commercial Director Bev Dixon and Finance Director Andrew Wall. The company employs over 300 staff and is passionate about building a solid team, who are invested in the brand and deliver exceptionally high customer service. As a testament to their engaged and happy employees, Verdant Leisure were awarded 13th Best Company toWork For in the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies List in 2020, 3rd in the North East and 9th Best Company in Scotland. “We value all members of the Verdant Leisure team and really treasure the people who make our company what it is. It has been the same since 2010 and each and every one of them has played a large part in our success, today is really about them and our customers – both new and existing,” says CEO Graham Hodgson. Verdant Leisure’s service levels ensured that 2019 saw 60% of guests booking again and the latest customer satisfaction survey results show that 95% of holiday guests would recommend Verdant Leisure to family and friends. “The 2020 customer base has shifted slightly, we’re welcoming lots of new customers into the Verdant family, many of whom may not have enjoyed a British holiday park break for a number of years,” continues Graham.

A significant number of new customers are also deciding to purchase holiday homes on Verdant Leisure’s parks as the post-Lockdown staycation uplift sees no signs of abating. Verdant Leisure was founded in September 2010 following a management buy-in of Dunham Leisure Limited, owners of Pease Bay and Thurston Manor Leisure Parks in South East Scotland. Verdant went on to purchase Viewfield Manor Leisure Park in Ayrshire in July 2011 and Riverside Leisure Park in Northumberland in 2012. Kingfisher and Heather View Leisure parks in Wear Valley, and Coldingham Bay were then acquired. Scoutscroft Leisure Park was purchased in February 2018 followed by Queensberry Bay in Dumfriesshire in October 2018. In January 2020 Verdant Leisure purchased Erigmore in Perthshire bringing Verdant Leisure’s portfolio to ten parks across Scotland and North East England. This deal continued the company’s growth strategy to create a strong regional group with significant scale, and Verdant Leisure remains keen to add further parks to its group over the next 18 months.

Verdant Leisure
Tel. 03300 535524
www.verdantleisure.co.uk

WISH YOU WERE HERE – Golden Cap Holiday Park

Posted on September 8, 2020

WISH YOU WERE HERE

Picture postcards from Dorset's Golden Cap Holiday Park

Guests to the real-life Jurassic Park on the scenic Dorset coast are unlikely to get bored of the scenery in a hurry. Even after the sunset, Golden Cap Holiday Park have some of the most breath-taking views from their popular Stargazer tents. Marketed under the West Dorset Leisure Holidays banner, Golden Cap Holiday Park has a picturesque location on the Jurassic Coast, just 150 yards from Seatown Beach and surrounded by 2,000 acres of National Trust land. Ideally situated for walkers, dog owners and families, the park is nestled in a quiet valley next to a stream and is surrounded by footpaths. Boasting a fantastic location next to Seatown Beach the Park is a paradise for walkers and dog owners.

There is a peaceful fishing lake on the park as well as a reception, pizza takeaway and visitor information, while the South West Coast Path runs right past the park Just a short drive from the park are Lyme Regis and Charmouth - worldrenowned for fossil hunting and breathtaking scenery. And for those wanting to stay a bit closer to home.

Family-run, Golden Cap welcomes families, friends and couples with a range of accommodation – luxury two and three-bedroom Lodges with sea and countryside views, two and three bedroom holiday homes, glamping units including a Stargazer Belle Tent, Safari tent and camping and glamping options, pitches for touring caravans, motorhomes and camping as well as holiday homes for sale. In 2018, the park celebrated 40 years under the ownership of the Cox Family.

The occasion coincides with the arrival of some brand new modern camping pods, perfect for families, couples and groups. These pods expand the popular glamping range to nine units, some of which are dog-friendly.

Golden Cap Holiday Park
Tel. 01308 442139
www.goldencapholidaypark.co.uk

The Extra Factor

Posted on November 6, 2018

The Extra Factor - Title Pic

The Extra Factor

Under new ownership at Scottish resort…

Summer has seen the launch of a substantial investment project at Callander Woods Holiday Park, following its acquisition earlier this year by Wood Leisure. Located in the popular tourist town of Callander, the Scottish holiday park is at the Eastern gateway to the Trossachs National Park and the dramatic Loch Lomond. It is also on the Rob Roy Way and the Birds of Prey Trail and is close to the famous Bracklinn Falls and the stunning Loch Katrine – meaning holiday makers can enjoy a great range of activities in the area. Within the upgrade plan, the majority of older static caravans have been upgraded to meet the high standards set within the holiday park group. In addition, brand new 2018 caravan holiday homes were introduced to the park. Boasting an airy open plan living and dining area, spacious double bedrooms, modern kitchen and ample storage space, these modern homes are providing luxurious holiday experience to families from the UK and beyond. To meet the ever-rising demand in glamping and camping in Scotland, brand new camping pods have been installed on the park sleeping up to four and up to six people. These pods are fully insulated and come complete with a small fridge, microwave, toaster and kettle. They are well suited to couples and families looking for a little break in nature away from hustle and bustle of busy cities.

FURTHER INVESTMENT

The Extra Factor 4The park is set to benefit from further investment as Group’s Operation Manager Bruce Thomson explained: “We are excited to be upgrading facilities at the park. We will create 10 new fully serviced pitches with new state-of-the-art touring bollards as well as increasing the number of hard standing pitches available for use throughout the Winter months. “We would like to welcome families from Scotland and beyond to come and make this park their second home,” adds Bruce. Guests seem to have appreciated the makeover. This is what Steven said in his review on TripAdvisor having stayed at the park in July: “Having only stayed at Lomond woods holiday park before we were sceptical about trying somewhere new. But were we delighted with our stay in Callander. “We were greeted by Cameron, really friendly and he explained all about the park and the area. Our caravan was brand new and it was perfect, stocked with everything you could need. “The park is large and the caravans are sited in a lovely spot at the back of the site, really quiet and peacefully, perfect for a relaxing stay. We travelled into Sterling on the bus which stops just outside the park, also travelled to the safari park which is just a short drive from the park. A wonderful site that we will visit again, good luck and best wishes to the Wood family on their new site.”

PARK ROOTS

The Extra Factor 5Some of touring guests have chosen to put down roots at the park. This is what a lady called Lynn said in her review on TripAdvisor after she stayed at the park in July: “We came here for two weeks in a tourer and loved it so much that we bought a static from the new owners. The site is extremely clean and well ran. The shower block is lovely and lots of showers so u don’t have to queue. The play is wonderful for the kids - they had a ball. I would very highly recommend this caravan park, you will come back again and again. Within the proposed plan for 2019, in line with other Wood Leisure holiday parks, the family are enthusiastic to extend the opening at Callander Woods to give holiday guests greater flexibility. They will be adding ten extra weeks to the holiday year and remain open until the end of December, instead of closing for the season in mid-October. Wood Leisure is a family-owned holiday park group that has been welcoming visitors from the UK and beyond since 1981. Committed to maintaining and upgrading their holiday parks to meet customer expectations, Wood Leisure’s efforts have been recognised with a number of awards including ‘Family Business of the Year’ at the Scottish Outdoor Leisure Awards, Best Caravan Park Group and Best Glamping to name just a few.

Callander Woods Holiday Park
Tel. 01250 878123
www.woodleisure.co.uk/our-parks/callander-woods

AT A GLANCE

Location: Stirling Rd, Callander FK17 8LE
Season: March - December
Accommodation: Caravan rental, glamping, touring and camping pitches, residential park homes, lodges.
Amenities: Bar and bistro, small shop, children's outdoor play area, salmon and trout fishing, dog walking area, cot hire and high chair hire, laundry facilities, putting green, heated pool from March to October. Attractions: Nearby historic castles, swimming pools, Red Kite nature reserve, golf, fishing, Adventure Planet, children’s activities.

Glamping Business Is Booming

Posted on January 26, 2016

Glamping Business Is Booming

A North Herefordshire activity centre is reaping the benefits of its highly successful glamping villages, which have seen year on year growth of over 100 per cent.
Business is booming for Oaker Wood Leisure near Leominster, since it launched its second woodland glamping village at the start of 2015.

Oaker Wood Leisure launched its second woodland glamping village at the start of 2015 and says overnight stays there are up by more than 100 per cent.

Oaker Wood Leisure launched its second woodland glamping village at the start of 2015 and says overnight stays there are up by more than 100 per cent.

Kate Tudge of Oaker Wood Leisure explains: “We have been offering overnight camps as part of our outdoor activity site since 2009 and launched our first pod village in 2014. As we offer group exclusivity, we quickly reached maximum capacity in the one village, so over the winter of 2014/15 we built a second village.”
Each village is made up of nine wooden pods, made locally by Jaques International and can be booked exclusively by groups which has proved popular with corporate team building groups and stag and hen parties.
School and youth groups visits have also increased year on year with the second glamping village meaning Oaker Wood can now accommodate groups of up to 120 young people.
This rapid growth has meant that Oaker Wood Leisure has offered increasing employment opportunities in rural North Herefordshire. Although some work is seasonal, the company has been able to offer permanent employment to a growing number of young people.
Kate adds: “We’ll never say never to developing a third village, or possibly some on-site chalets.”

Woodovis Park

Posted on April 23, 2014
woodovis park

The team offer a great warm welcome to guests and the park has been named as a finalist for the Hoseasons' Diamond Award for customer care.

Woodovis Park

Proving that bigger isn’t always better, the multi award-winning Woodovis Park is a small, peaceful 5 star holiday park nestled on the edge of Devon’s Tamar Valley. Offering a mix of camping, glamping, touring and luxury caravan options, the park has scooped many top level awards in recent years for its excellent facilities and services.

Owner John Lewis comments: “We have over 21,000 bed nights per season. During the shoulder seasons we tend to attract either families with preschool children or retired folk, looking for a great value holiday in a particularly quiet time. During the school holidays our guests are made up of families who are looking for great facilities in a peaceful and safe setting. “We find that our glamping offerings attract young professional couples all year round – most of whom are looking for the outdoor experience with all the comforts that our pod and super pods provide.” Now in its fifteenth year of ownership by John and Dorothy Lewis, the park employs eight full-time staff and is a member of Best of British, a group of 50 independently owned 5 star holiday parks.

On-site facilities include an indoor solar-heated swimming pool, spa and infra-red therapy sauna, with weekly archery and ‘water walking’ in the pool. There’s also an indoor games room and outdoor table tennis. “With a return visitor rate in excess of 70% year on year undoubtedly the biggest marketing tool is word of mouth recommendation,” explains John. “This is closely followed by the internet and especially review sites such as Trip Advisor where Woodovis Park scores five stars and was recently a recipient of a Certificate of Excellence.” He adds: “The biggest challenge for us is the unpredictable English weather, which is why we have ensured that Woodovis Park is well placed to deal with this.

There is a vast range of indoor facilities to keep guests occupied during bad weather.” One of the park’s unique selling points is its commitment to being energy efficient and environmentally friendly; it was recently named the Best Holiday Park & Camping Site in Britain by the world’s leading sustainable tourism accreditation programme, the 2013 Green Tourism Goldstar Awards. It also received a gold David Bellamy Award last year and a gold in the Green Tourism Business Scheme. John explains: “Our mission is to provide exceptional facilities for our guests, whilst maintaining our green integrity. It’s easy to reel off green platitudes, but at Woodovis we try to make it a natural part of the way the business is run.

The beauty of our park and surrounding areas is one of the main reasons visitors come here and we want to sustain that for generations to come.” Maintaining their dedication to providing excellent facilities and services for their guests, the park owners will be implementing a number of improvements to the site during the year. John explains: “New for the 2014 season will be the dog exercise meadow where dogs can run off the lead. Also, following guest feedback, a new loo and chemical disposal point is being installed to serve the Tamar View Field. As part of a planned rolling replacement programme, a brand new Finch Holiday Home will join the hire fleet and dates are being added during the school holidays for performances from internationally acclaimed story tellers.”

Woodovis Park

Email : info@woodovis.com
www.woodovis.com