Fife Holiday Park Tops Attraction Poll

Fife Holiday Park Tops Attraction Poll

fife

Voted as the best attraction in Fife, Elie Holiday Park is located on the beach at Shell Bay.

Elie Holiday Park in South East Scotland has been voted the best visitor attraction in Fife. The park took the accolade in the annual ‘Local Hero Awards’ organised by Kingdom FM. The station asked its listeners to vote in a number of different categories, including the visitor attraction which provided the best possible experience for visitors. The result was a resounding thumbs-up for Elie Holiday Park which attracts thousands of holidaymakers each year and provides free entry for day visitors in the region. Peter Davies, sales and marketing manager for Abbeyford Leisure, which owns the park said the Kingdom FM award was a vote of confidence in both the park and its team: “Many of our holidaymakers comment on the friendly and welcoming atmosphere at Elie Holiday Park and the main credit for this must go to our park team. “We take great pride in our reputation as one of the finest Scottish parks for family holidays and the attractions and entertainment we provide are second to none,” he said. “By opening our doors to day visitors with no entry charge, we have become something of a game changer in the holiday parks industry and have become an attraction in our own right,” added Peter.

 

Green Light For Flintshire Expansion

Green Light For Flintshire Expansion

Small businesses in parts of Flintshire are set to benefit from a halfmillion pound boost in tourism income after an award-winning holiday park

Tree Tops Caravan Park has received the green light by Flintshire Council for an additional 52 holiday home plots.

Tree Tops Caravan Park has received the green light by Flintshire Council for an additional 52 holiday home plots.

was given the go-ahead to expand. Tree Tops Caravan Park in the village of Gwespyr has received the green light by Flintshire Council for an additional 52 holiday home plots. The family-owned park says the development will meet an urgent need for more holiday homes in the region, and will create an estimated £500,000 of visitor spending. Maureen Walker, Tree Tops’ managing director said: “High quality holiday parks bring massive economic benefits to rural regions, and are the life-blood of many small businesses, such as pubs, shops, restaurants and attractions.” Work on the new plots will start as soon as possible, and it’s hoped the first of the new caravan holiday homes will be sold this year. The new development will be designed to provide a number of additional environmental gains, including new plantings and wildlife habitats.

It’s Show Time!

6It's Show Time!

The countdown is on to the launch of the new Holiday Park & Resort Innovation show, which descends on Birmingham NEC this month.

Taking place on November 11 and 12 2015, the show is a must for park and land owners looking for new and innovative ways to put their business on the map. Visitors to the inaugural event can get a glimpse of the latest glamping trends and products, as well as a comprehensive lineup of seminars, workshops and suppliers needed to make a holiday park business a success.

“Holiday Park & Resort Innovation is an incredible new exhibition and conference that is entirely dedicated to Britain’s holiday park industry, exclusively attended by park owners and operators,” explains event manager Will Mansfield.

“With the rise of the staycation and the ever-increasing influx of affluent overseas visitors, now is the time for UK Holiday Parks to expand and innovate, opening their doors to new markets and capitalising on the extensive opportunities available.”

7Will continues: “The show is an entirely unique event for entrepreneurs striving for success in one of the most vibrant and competitive sectors in British business today, and we’ve assembled the most exciting new products, services and ideas as well as the best industry leading experts around to put visitors on the right path towards a successful holiday business.”

The Holiday Park & Resort Innovation show also runs alongside Farm & Country House Business Innovation, a leading trade show that provides farmers, landowners and estate and country house owners with the inspiration, advice and resources they need to diversify, innovate and make more money from their land and property. Packed with relative content this additional show provides visitors to Holiday Park & Resort Innovation with further unique opportunities they might have previously not come across.

Be sure to pop by and say hello to the Holiday Park Scene team on stand 1140. Pick up your latest copy of the magazine and find out how we can help you not just meet but exceed your business goals for 2016. Holiday Park & Resort Innovation is free to attend – visitors need to register via the website www.holidayparkshow.co.uk.

Instant Access
8Join Alex Brown, Business Development Manager at Dial An Exchange, as he leads a seminar highlighting the many benefits that offering a holiday exchange system can bring. Advantages include offering the best possible service to existing owners, assisting with new lodge sales and increasing product value. All parks regardless of size, standard of accommodation and on site rules can benefit from an affiliation.
See Alex in Theatre 1 at 11am on Wednesday November 11, to find out how your park can implement a remarkable holiday exchange system.
Dial An Exchange Stand 1342
Tel. 01756 749966
www.dialanexchange.com

------------------------------------

Play Days
9Visitors to the Wicksteed Playgrounds stand 932 will be able to view the extensive range of outdoor play and gym equipment that is ideally suited to the leisure and holiday park sector. Wicksteed uses advanced 3D printing technology to create complete play and fitness areas in perfectly formed 1:10 scale to offer a true visual interpretation of plans and ideas to its customers. The play experiences can be themed with bespoke elements to reflect the individual site and its surroundings.
Wicksteed Playgrounds Stand 932
Tel. 01536 517028
www.wicksteed.co.uk

------------------------------------

Got it Covered
10Somerset based glamping specialist Boldscan has a range of tents from safari style to ultra-modern, plus the unique and flexible Clubhouse. The company has recently added the innovative and stylish Etosha model to its range of quality tents. Boldscan can advise on planning, finance, positioning, as well as assembling and maintaining. Meet us at the Holiday Park & Resort Innovation Show at Stand number 1032.
Boldscan Ltd Stand 1032
Tel. 01823 665 849
www.albioncanvas.co.uk

------------------------------------

Time To Play
11We are committed to making the world a better place by offering innovative aquatic play solutions to the global community. Our full suite of products includes play features designed to splash and spray, activity centres, waterslides, and architecturally-inspired urban features. Whether you’re building an aquatic play pad complete with a water management system or refurbishing an existing facility, our goal is to deliver an end-result that pushes play outside the bounds of everyday fun and into a world of discovery.
Waterplay Solutions Corp. Stand 1356
Tel. 001 (250) 712 3393
www.waterplay.com

------------------------------------

Nature Calls
12Our toilets use no water, require no sewage systems and create no waste. Simple to use, easy to maintain, odourless and chemical free. A completely natural solution, for all camping and glamping sites. Waterless toilets, an old concept brought bang up to date for modern living and water saving. We are introducing the Water from Households Aboveground Living Ecosystem (WHALE). Grey water is piped from the dwelling through a series of gravel and reed planted troughs then recycled for showers and washing machines.
Ecotoilets Stand 474
Tel. 01327844442
www.eco-toilets.co.uk

------------------------------------

One Stop Pool Shop
13Your one-stop-shop for swimming pool and water play advice, World Leisure provides a complete range of design, technical and installation services in the water leisure industry. With expertise in pool and plant design and installation, we undertake both domestic and large commercial projects with energy conservation at the forefront of the design. As well as pool finishes, other core areas of expertise include water treatment plants, wave machines, water features, water slides, moveable floors, wellbeing controlled environments, and all other aspects of swimming pools that most developments require.
World Leisure (UK) Stand 1484
Tel. 01772 284883
www.worldleisureuk.co.uk

------------------------------------

Peace of Mind
14Using our extensive knowledge of the holiday and residential park sector, we are able to offer parks a competitively priced insurance solution tailored to your specific needs. Lorica’s holiday parks policy includes not just the usual array of buildings, contents and liability cover but also specific extensions for caravans, lodges, chalets, holiday homes and park homes whilst on park, in transit, in storage, whilst being sited and unsited and whilst being worked upon, sales stock and rental fleets.
Lorica Insurance Brokers Stand 864
Tel. 0333 4000 707
www.loricainsurance.com

------------------------------------

Room With a View
15We are a successful garden room manufacturer and installer and are taking our expertise into the build and design of glamping pods. All pods are built in our workshops by our skilled carpenters and are delivered to the site as a complete unit. Each unit is built to order and can be installed on-site, ready to use within six weeks of placing your order. Visit the Future Rooms team on stand 1234 to discuss the options and designs available for your park.
Future Rooms Stand 1234
Tel. 01452 501455
www.futurerooms.co.uk

------------------------------------

Pool Expertise
16Having built their first holiday park swimming pool in 1989, Cresta Leisure are recognised as being one of the leading swimming pool designers and contractors in the holiday park sector. Their extensive portfolio of pools, as well as lazy rivers and water leisure, is testament to their understanding of the particular design and financial requirements in this sector. Their mission is to provide attractive swimming and water leisure facilities able to cope with the rigorous demands of holidaymakers at prices that are not prohibitive. All Cresta commercial swimming pools are designed to European standards to maintain top water quality.
Cresta Leisure Stand 1394
Tel. 01305 259 253
www.cresta-leisure.co.uk

------------------------------------

Play With A Twist
17Hippo offers a range of play features that will bring a twist to the pool or poolside of any holiday park. Working closely with children has contributed to the success of Hippo’s product design and developments. Hippo’s play equipment is extremely versatile and can be expanded and updated gradually to spread costs and keep features fresh and appealing to customers that return to holiday parks year upon year. Hippo can work with any budget, pool shape and size to create a customised water play zone.
Hippo Leisure Stand 1460
Tel. 01752 771740
www.hippoleisure.com

------------------------------------

All In One
18Maxxton was the first company in Europe to launch a fully integrated, cloud based, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution specifically for the holiday park sector. Working hand-in-hand with our customers, the software has been developed alongside Europe’s top holiday parks. We offer a complete management and marketing solution that saves you time, helps you to increase your bookings and allows you to focus on your guests. To find out more about our solutions come and visit us at stand 1244 or get in touch via our details below to discuss your needs directly.
Maxxton Stand 1244
Tel. 0121 222 5125
www.maxxton.com

------------------------------------

Hooked Up
19Visit the Rollins Marine & Caravan Services (RMCS) team on stand 740 at the exhibition. Rollins Caravan Services has over 25 years industry experience and are fully conversant with all the latest electrical and water regulations throughout Europe. Our range of products are competitively priced and manufactured from products that are tried and trusted in the industry. As well as supply, we have a team of dedicated professionals, offering a bespoke design and installation service. RMCS can satisfy all marina and caravan site requirements and can produce over 300 different specifications of service pedestals and hook up units.
Rollins Marine & Caravan Services Stand 740
Tel. 01945 871412
www.rmcs.co.uk

------------------------------------

Joy Riders
20For over 45 years, World of Rides has been the leading UK manufacturer of children’s leisure rides in the UK. Our vast knowledge and experience ensures that every ride we manufacture is rigorously tested both in the factory and on-site before being released for sale. We maintain a dedicated customer support office, which ensures that all our customers receive the very best advice on the profitable and safe operation of their rides. How long do they last? Almost all of the rides we have ever made are still in daily use!
World of Rides Stand 952
Tel. 0191 49 20 999
www.worldofrides.com

 

Best of Both Worlds

Best of Both Worlds

Lodges and luxury go hand in hand; features such as floor-to-ceiling glass panels, automatic awnings and surround sound televisions are becoming more mainstream. Pic: Pathfinder Homes.

Lodges and luxury go hand in hand; features such as floor-to-ceiling glass panels, automatic awnings and surround sound televisions are becoming more mainstream. Pic: Pathfinder Homes.

The Great British holiday used to be a simple affair. Rudimentary accommodation and facilities were considered the norm. But nowadays holidaymakers are demanding more from their annual summer break.

In response, UK leisure operators are now investing in high quality holiday accommodation, which is equipped with en-suite bathrooms, gourmet kitchens and state-of-the-art entertainment systems.

The huge explosion of glamping has also fed the trend, with all manner of yurts, shepherd huts, safari tents and camping pods popping up in quiet corners of the countryside. The obvious appeal for holidaymakers is that they can experience the best of both worlds - the simplicity and stress-free environment of the great outdoors while enjoying home comforts, coupled with rustic country charm.

“Our customers are looking for a back to nature experience,” says Tracey Sibun of Clear Sky Safari Tents. “They want to chill with their families, to escape the pressures of everyday life and to kick back and relax in the peace and quiet of the natural world. That said, they also want an element of home luxuries too - comfy beds, sink-into sofas and a cheery space to relax as a family if the weather isn’t good.”

Durrell Wildlife Camp opened in 2012, giving guests the opportunity to stay overnight in 12 stylish Ecopods which were supplied by Boldscan.

Durrell Wildlife Camp opened in 2012, giving guests the opportunity to stay overnight in 12 stylish Ecopods which were supplied by Boldscan.

Specialising in steel and wood framed safari-style tents, Clear Sky launched its first two-storey lodge tent earlier this year, which offers flexible accommodation for larger groups and families.

Designed to complement the natural environment, the lodge is made from a highly durable hardwood frame with premium canvas to ensure resistance to the elements. “We have found increasing numbers of holiday parks are adding safari tents to attract new customers who might not consider a caravan - and to give more choice to existing customers,” says Tracey.

The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust in Jersey branched into the glamping market in 2012 and has since welcomed 2,000 extra visitors each year. The Camp invested in 12 stylish Ecopods which were designed and manufactured by Boldscan, as well as a safaristyle Club House which is the focal point of the camp.

The wildlife park is situated in 32 acres of landscaped parkland and has a strong commitment to looking after Jersey’s native wildlife, with large areas designated as native habitat areas. The Ecopods were welcomed by guests who wished to stay overnight at the park and be close to nature. Each pod accommodates two adults and two children, with optional additional accommodation in a Pyramid Tent for children. Facilities include a wood burning stove for heat and cooking, plus a separate pod housing a hot shower, flushing toilet and kitchen space. Two of the Ecopods have been adapted to suit disabled visitors.

To read more of this story, please subscribe online.

 

 

 

Net Gains

Net Gains

Almost 80 per cent of Brits now use the internet to research their holidays.

Almost 80 per cent of Brits now use the internet to research their holidays.

Revolutionising the way that we live, work, shop, and communicate, startling figures from the National Office of Statistics revealed that 38 million adults in the UK accessed the internet every day in 2014. What’s more, 74 per cent of people bought goods or services online, up from 53 per cent in 2008.

The tourism industry is continuing to evolve around technology, with increasing access to information and services available at the customers’ finger tips. Guests now expect to see clear and representative images of accommodation and resort facilities online before they book. They want to read reviews, share other people’s experiences of the resort so they can decide whether or not it meets with their needs. And they expect to be able to do all this online, using whatever device they choose, whether it’s a smartphone, tablet PC, handheld computer or laptop.

“Users are booking when it’s convenient for them,” says Dawn Bee of website and business system provider Netguides. “Younger users don’t want to talk to anyone to book, it’s just not familiar behaviour for them anymore so they feel uncomfortable doing it. This means you are missing out on a lot of customers if you don’t take online bookings.”

Niall Norris of management and booking software CampManager concurs: “The number of holiday parks and campsites taking bookings online has increased dramatically in recent years,”

“We can see similar trends from all our clients across the UK, Ireland and France, that the proportion of bookings being made online is now averaging between 50 to 75 per cent of all bookings.”

The number of holiday parks and campsites taking bookings online has increased dramatically in recent years. Pic: CampManager.

The number of holiday parks and campsites taking bookings online has increased dramatically in recent years. Pic: CampManager.

Keeping up-to-date with the latest technology by moving to a computerised booking and management system may seem daunting, but Niall stresses the importance of moving with the times: “The right booking and management system will actually save you money, generate more business and free up so much of your time.

“We recommend that all parks to update their online booking pages and websites to be Mobile and Tablet compatible. We see clear trends that over 50 per cent of online bookings are now being made on Tablet and Smartphone devices.” He adds: “To ensure that you are catering for these customers and not losing out on bookings, it is important to address this immediately.”

CampManager offers a complete end to end process for managing a caravan park or campsite. Covering all aspects of site management, booking management and online booking, the system is user-friendly and can be tailored to suit the individual needs of each park.

“It is important to remember that not all visitors to your website have stayed at your park before. Therefore it is hugely important that your website is maintained as much as the park,” advises Niall. “An old and tired looking website, with poor quality photos will not attract new customers. Also a poor booking system that takes a long time just to check availability and does not provide alternative dates will frustrate your customers and potentially drive them elsewhere.”

The biggest change to online bookings that Dawn Bee of Netguides has seen in recent years is the move to mobile responsive online booking. Dawn explains: “There has been a surge in the popularity of mobile responsive bookings following Google’s emphasis in their search algorithm for mobile search and the growing use of mobile devices to book online.”

To read more of this story, please subscribe online.

Bellamy Praises Community Spirit

Bellamy Praises Community Spirit

Fern

Mother Ivey’s Bay Holiday Park in Padstow, Cornwall, gives away a week’s holiday to a needy family for every hundred bookings the park takes.

Hundreds of holiday and residential parks which reach out to their local communities will be put under the spotlight in this year’s David Bellamy Conservation Awards.

Scheme organiser Rufus Bellamy says that this year he is keen to celebrate parks acting as ‘good neighbours’. He reports that a whole raft of initiatives are now making a very real difference to many peoples’ lives around the country.

“The David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme does, of course, put a major emphasis on how parks work to protect their natural environment,” said Rufus.

“However, the scheme also highlights those which engage with their local community because this, in our view, demonstrates that the park is taking a holistic view of its business.

“This year, our assessors have uncovered many fantastic new initiatives which we’ll be using to underline just how many ways there are for parks to reach out,” said Rufus.

The names of the 500-plus parks expected to receive David Bellamy Conservation Awards this year at gold, silver and bronze levels will be announced this month.

Lincolnshire Parks Get Tough On Crime

Lincolnshire Parks Get Tough On Crime

Members of the Caravan Park Watch Scheme at Park Resorts’ Southview Leisure Park in Skegness.

Members of the Caravan Park Watch Scheme at Park Resorts’ Southview Leisure Park in Skegness.

Holiday parks in Lincolnshire have seen a 45 per cent drop in crime levels, thanks to a successful crime prevention scheme in the county.

A partnership between Lincolnshire police, local holiday parks and other stakeholders, the Caravan Park Watch initiative has gone from strength to strength since it was started in 2014 and now has in excess of 50 member parks.

Members of the Caravan Park Watch scheme and the National Caravan Council (NCC)recently met with Boston and Skegness MP, Matt Warman, to brief him on its success in the area.

MP Matt Warman said: “The Lincolnshire Caravan Park Watch scheme is leading the way when it comes to preventing crime and sharing resources and ideas across the sector.

“The huge reduction in crime to date is testament to all the hard work that has been put into developing this important partnership.”

 

New Glamping Developments

New Glamping Developments

Whitehill Country Park

Ruth Badger, star of BBC’s The Apprentice, marked the official opening of a brand new development of luxury Bouja caravans in a ribbon cutting ceremony at Whitehill Country Park in Devon.

The former Sir Alan Sugar apprentice joined a host of other guests at the family-run holiday park in Paignton to celebrate the official opening of its Bouja range.

Taking the holiday caravan experience to a whole new level, Whitehill is one of only six other parks in the UK to offer the brand new Bouja concept in partnership with Hoseasons.

Described as ‘a new dawn in caravanning’, the boutique caravans feature added luxuries including iPod docking stations, WiFi and a Wii U, plus an outdoor hot tub.

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

ABOVE: Transforming your outdoor areas needn’t be a daunting task. Investing in a few simple and cost effective measures can go a long way in improving aesthetics, comfort and services for guests.

ABOVE: Transforming your outdoor areas needn’t be a daunting task. Investing in a few simple and cost effective measures can go a long way in improving aesthetics, comfort and services for guests.

Switched on holiday park operators who maximise the outdoor experience will ultimately reap the rewards….

It is estimated that the average person spends 90 per cent of their time indoors; at work, at home and in recreational settings.
In fact, research by NetVoucherCodes.co.uk found that the average UK resident now spends nine hours every day glued to a computer, phone or tablet screen - a shocking total of 30 years throughout life.
With that in mind, it’s no wonder that the outdoor experience of a holiday park or campsite stay appeals to so many of us. A chance to escape the daily work routine and enjoy the fresh air, activities and associated benefits of being outdoors for a few days each year.
Switched-on park owners, who optimise their outdoor offering, can reap rich rewards from holidaymakers who will pay extra for high-spec facilities and luxuries. From outdoor hot tubs to stateofthe-art furniture, fitness and play equipment, making the most of your outdoor areas can be a wise investment.
Transforming your outdoor areas needn’t be a daunting task. Investing in a few simple and cost effective measures can go a long way in improving aesthetics, comfort and services for guests.

Designed as a hybrid hot tub, Urban Cedar’s Sport range combines the stunning looks of a solid wood hot tub with the comfort, lower maintenance and lower running costs of a modern polymer hot tub.

ABOVE: Designed as a hybrid hot tub, Urban Cedar’s Sport range combines the stunning looks of a solid wood hot tub with the comfort, lower maintenance and lower running costs of a modern polymer hot tub.

INSIDE OUT

“A well-maintained outdoor area is essential and helps set the bar high,” says Hanna Latham, marketing manager at Besp-Oak Furniture.
“Park competition is fierce and by having a safe, clean and tidy outdoor area, guests are more likely to appreciate their surroundings and will return year after year.” Coventry-based Besp-Oak Furniture is a trade only supplier of indoor and outdoor furniture, accessories and lighting. New to the market this year is the wicker and furniture range plus a selection of decorative water features.

Hanna adds: “Bringing the outside in and the inside out is all the rage at the moment. Outdoor wicker and rattan furniture for example, can transform an ordinary outdoor space into an openair living room that adds value and comfort all year round.” Besp-Oak also offers two eco patio heater models – the ECONRG3 and the ECO-MEDIA which are ideal for decking, patios, balconies and smoking areas. Both models use carbon fibre heating technology which significantly reduces running costs and cuts carbon dioxide emissions by up to 50 percent in comparison to standard gas patio heaters.
“Comfort is key so that guests can truly relax. We advise providing shelter in outdoor areas such as gazebos and canopies to make sure that rain doesn’t stop play,” says Hanna. “To encourage guests to enjoy the outdoors into the evening, don’t forget to consider heating and lighting options too.”

PLAY TIME

Creating an innovative play space that fires a child’s imagination is part of a winning formula for holiday parks. Pic: Timberplay

ABOVE: Creating an innovative play space that fires a child’s imagination
is part of a winning formula for holiday parks. Pic: Timberplay

There is no better way of enhancing and enriching an outdoor space than by investing in play equipment. Creating an innovative play space that fires a child’s imagination and creates a pleasant environment for parents to get together is a winning formula for holiday parks.
“It is not only the play equipment that goes into creating an exciting play space. The landscaping, mounds, planting and surfaces can also be very effective in boosting play value - often for a fraction of the cost of the equipment,” says Paul Collings, managing director at Timberplay.
He continues: “Waterplay is very popular at the moment as it offers excellent play value and delights children of all ages.
Sand play is also an excellent play addition as it not only delivers several opportunities for play, but also serves as the perfect safety surface.”
Timberplay was an early advocate of the natural play movement and its equipment is designed to offer multiple levels of challenge, to stimulate children across a wide age range.
Paul adds: “Typically holiday parks look to spend a relatively small budget on play, maybe in the region of £30,000, but there are some more exclusive sites that will invest more heavily, in order to create a stand out play experience that encourages repeat business.”
Last year Timberplay was involved in the provision of the outdoor play facilities at Center Parcs Woburn.
One of the play areas, situated at Huck’s Diner has a bespoke tower at its centre, with multiple slides and climbing nets.
This unique combination provides a variety of heights and graduated challenge, making it perfect for children from the very small through to pre-teens. Toddlers also have dedicated robust equipment, in the form of swinging horses and trim trail equipment, platform houses, slides and a climbing net.
A smaller play area at the village, near to the Sports Café, features one of the first dwarf castles installed within the UK. The tower enables younger children to experience the exhilaration of climbing, honing their skills before they move onto the bigger equipment at Huck’s Diner.

AL FRESCO FITNESS

Family-run Play & Leisure has recently expanded its product catalogue with the launch of the Zone outdoor fitness range.
Ideally suited to holiday parks, the range includes standalone equipment such as the Leg Push, Dip Bars, Walker, Slalom, and Sit Up Bench plus the complete Fitness Station.
Vicki Buckley of Play & Leisure comments: “A great way for guests to keep fit in the fresh air, the Zone fitness range is specifically designed to improve muscle tone, stamina, balance, coordination and flexibility. It offers a variety of exercise at different levels of difficulty to work out the whole body.” Play & Leisure specialise in the manufacture of outdoor play Overlooking one of the valleys in Mid Wales, Play & Leisure’s bespoke four tower mountain range unit and two seat swing has become a popular attraction for families holidaying at Bryn Uchel Holiday Park in Powys.
The experts at Play & Leisure were commissioned to turn the park owner’s play area designs into reality and worked closely with the local planning officials to ensure that the play zone was sympathetic to the natural surroundings.
Vicki Buckley of Play & Leisure explains: “Work was carried out outside of peak season to reduce the impact on the holidaymakers at the park. The park re-opened for the summer season and has been well received since.
She adds: “With our 25 year structural guarantee you can be sure that holidaymakers will be enjoying Bryn Uchel Caravan Park and its new play area for years to come.”

Play & Leisure provided the much needed play facilities for Bryn Uchel Caravan Park Powys, which include a bespoke four tower unit and swing

ABOVE: Play & Leisure provided the much needed play facilities for Bryn
Uchel Caravan Park Powys, which include a bespoke four tower unit and swing

To read the full story, please subscribe online today

CONTRIBUTING COMPANY CONTACTS

BESP-OAK FURNITURE  Tel. +44 (0)2476 632148 www.besp-oak.com

BUSCHBECK Tel. +44 (0)2476 474440 www.buschbeck.co.uk

PLAY & LEISURE LTD Tel. +44 (0)1244 546797 www.playandleisure.org.uk

URBAN CEDAR Tel. +44 (0)1934 833 844 www.urbancedarhottubs.co.uk

NBB LTD Tel. 0800 1777 052 www.nobutts.co.uk

TIMBERPLAY Tel. +44 (0)1142 823474 www.timberplay.com

 

 

Family Values at Dornafield Caravan Park

The environment is a top priority for the park and it has earned a David Bellamy Conservation award at gold level since 2000.

Above: The environment is a top priority for the park and it has earned a David Bellamy Conservation award at gold level since 2000.

Family Values at Dornafield Caravan Park

Traditional family values have proven to be a winning formula for Dornafield Caravan Park in Devon.

Park owner Peter Dewhirst, who with his wife Tina, first started welcoming visitors to the former farm over 30 years ago.

Today Peter, aged 83, is helped in the day-to-day running of the business by his son Simon and daughter-in-law Linda. Situated on the doorstep of the English Riviera and Dartmoor, the multi award-winning Dornafield Caravan Park attracts thousands of visitors each year.

“Our close knit team of nine staff work tirelessly throughout the season to produce a charming and desirable holiday experience for our loyal customers,” comments Peter. “We value all of our visitors and pride ourselves on our friendly and helpful manner. This is one of the many reasons why we believe visitors come back year after year.”

Having held the prestigious AA 5-Pennant rating for 24 years and the current 5 Gold Pennant rating since its introduction three years ago, Dornafield is well-known for its pristinely landscaped grounds and first-class facilities. The focal point of the site is 13th century Devon long House which dates from 1238, just after Magna Carta and is Grade II listed. The farmyard is the park’s central hub and is the setting for barbecues and Morris dancing throughout the summer season and the surrounding farm buildings have been turned into a shop, games room and tourist information point.

The Dornafield team has supported Breast Cancer Campaign’s ‘Wear It Pink’ day for the last seven years, which has raised over £1,500.

Above: The Dornafield team has supported Breast Cancer Campaign’s ‘Wear It Pink’ day for the last seven years, which has raised over £1,500.

The 30 acre park is divided into three separate areas; the Orchard, the Buttermeadow and Blackrock Copse. The Orchard comprises of 16 grass tent pitches and is ideal for families with young children as it is enclosed by old walls and hedges. The Buttermeadow has been specially landscaped to provide spacious, level pitches which are all served by luxury toilet and shower facilities. Meanwhile Blackrock Copse is designed to offer the ultimate caravanning experience with 60 deluxe pitches complemented by the climate-controlled facilities building with heated flooring.

“We drew on our 18 years’ experience with Buttermeadow when we created Blackrock Copse and the unashamedly up-market development continues to be a talking point for many of our guests,” says Peter. “We are proud to have been Caravan Club affiliated for 23 years, so all Club members can be assured that the high standards they expect from Club Sites are more than met at Dornafield.”

The environment is also a top priority for the park and it has earned a David Bellamy Conservation award at gold level since 2000.

To read more of this story, please subscribe online.