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Making A Splash – Holiday Park Pool of the Year

Posted on November 18, 2015

Making A Splash - Holiday Park Pool of the Year

splash

Eight parks have been shortlisted for the Holiday Park Pool of the Year Award in the 2015 UK Pool & Spa Awards. Pic: Hoburne Holidays

Holiday parks across the UK have been singled out for their outstanding swimming pool facilities in the prestigious UK Pool & Spa Awards. Piran Meadows Resort and Hendra Holiday Park in Newquay, Ladram Bay Holiday Park in Devon, Hoburne Bashley in Hampshire and Holiday Resort Unity in Somerset, have all been named as finalists in the Holiday Park Pool of the Year category. They are joined by Craig Tara Holiday Park in Scotland and Bluestone National Park Resort and Talacre Beach Holiday Park in Wales. Sponsored by Heatsavr liquid pool cover from Brenntag, the Holiday Park Pool of the Year award is a new addition to the UK Pool & Spa Awards this year, which celebrate the achievements of the entire water leisure industry. The shortlisted parks will be awarded a gold, silver or bronze grading at the presentation evening on Monday November 23. The not-to-be missed event will be hosted at the brand new Vox Conference centre within Resorts World on the Birmingham NEC site. The event was a complete sell-out last year and is set to be even greater this year with a higher capacity venue and more opportunities to network with a host of pool and spa professionals.

For more information or to buy tickets visit www. ukpoolandspaawards.co.uk

Bluestone National Park Resort

BluestoneThe Blue Lagoon water park at Bluestone National Park Resort in Pembrokeshire is an all-weather, all-year destination for guests as well as day visitors. The aquatic park features a wave pool, flumes, lazy river, beach area and a spa pool with hydro jets. Opened in 2008, the Blue Lagoon caters for around 282,000 guests each year. The pool building is in the shape of a Welsh coracle and includes some the latest eco-friendly features. The pool is heated by an on-site biomass energy centre, which is thought to be the largest system of its kind in Wales. Two 26-ton, 800 kW boilers heat water through the burning of woodchip, and energy crops grown by local farmers. The process is considered carbon neutral because the carbon dioxide emitted is balanced by that which the crops absorbed during growth. Bluestone National Park Resort continuously invests in the Blue Lagoon water park. In the past 18 months the water park has seen a number of new areas incorporated into it, including a pirate’s ship, surf shack and other aspects including an area dedicated for the very young and toddlers.

Bluestone National Park Resort Tel. 01834 869900 www.bluestonewales.com

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Craig Tara Holiday Park

CraigBilled as the most successful pool in the history of Haven, the multi-level pool complex at Craig Tara Holiday Park was refurbished earlier this year. The refurbishment has allowed for an increase in activities the pool can offer and provides a better overall swimming experience. The refurbishment involved new floor finishes and mosaic tiling, as well as the addition of a new racing speed slide and lazy river ride. Other highlights of the pool complex include the water shooters and tipping bucket water tower, the interactive play channels and waterfall within the tiny tots pool, plus flumes, slides and viewing platforms. But most importantly Flip and Flop, and their penguin friends and family are having an amazing time around the pools, including parachuting from the sky! The pool has an annual bather load of approximately 210,000 and is open for swimming, kayaking, aqua gliders, aqua jets, pool parties, swimming lessons, turbo paddlers and water walkers.

Craig Tara Holiday Park Tel. 01292 265141 www.haven.com

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Hendra Holiday Park

HendraWith an annual bather load of 70,000 per year, the swimming pool facilities at Hendra Holiday Park are open to both residents and nonresidents and cater for school groups and clubs. Facilities include indoor and outdoor pools, flumes, slides, fountains and waterfalls. Energy efficiency upgrades in 2014 included a UV water treatment system, PAC treatment, new pool water heating scheme incorporating biomass supply, district heating scheme and thermal buffer tanks to minimise heat loss. Bespoke control systems enhance the effectiveness of new systems and precisely manage pool water temperatures. The pools are managed by a team of 30 staff, headed up by pool manager Petra Van Splunter. Petra stepped up to the role three years ago and has control over the facility, both technically and operationally. Dedicated to in-depth and thorough training of her staff, Petra ensures that the facility is kept immaculate and takes pride in delivering exceptional care to guests.

Hendra Holiday Park Tel. 01637 875778 www.hendra-holidays.com

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Hoburne Bashley

HoburneThere is something for everyone at the pool at Hoburne Bashley Holiday Park in Hampshire; more space for those who want to swim and plenty of room for play. Originally opened in 1987, the bather load at any one time is 80 and the pool welcomes approximately 200,000 visitors annually. The indoor pool was completely refurbished last year at a cost of £1.4 million. It was made larger at one end to give more room for swimming and an interactive wet play area for younger children was added at the side of the pool. A new, modern changing area was included, plus a gym overlooking the pool and a lift to enable easy access to and from the changing area, pool and gym. There are four permanent members of the water leisure team and 20 seasonal workers during peak season and eight out of season. They are supported by a dedicated pool manager, activities coordinator and two swimming teachers.

Hoburne Bashley Tel. 0844 288 2050 www.hoburne.com

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Holiday Resort Unity & Brean Leisure Park

BreanThe on-site pool is one of the main reasons that guests re-book Holiday Resort Unity and Brean Leisure Park for their family getaways year after year. The pool not only serves the guests, but also the local community. It provides splash play areas to entertain all age groups, as well as an impressive 25m pool, which is also home to local swim clubs and used by local schools. The park is dedicated to reinvesting in the facilities and has recently added a new indoor soft play area to the complex, with a Starbucks cafe and a pool shop. The annual bather load is 127,390 and the pool is open all year round for the local community, as well as park guests, which increases the amount of bathers year on year. Pool manager Jeff Smith ensures the smooth running of Brean Splash Leisure Centre and organises the workloads of all staff and assignments for lifeguards. He also oversees the daily maintenance of the pool, including making recommendations for repairs and capital improvement expenditures.

Holiday Resort Unity & Brean Leisure Park Tel. 01278 751235 www.hru.co.uk

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Ladram Bay Holiday Park

LadramRefurbished in two stages the new pool at Ladram Bay Holiday Park in Devon has been a huge success since its completion, offering holiday makers and the general public a wider selection of facilities, the new pool is state-of-the-art. As well as the indoor heated pool the complex offers a sauna, steam room, whirlpool, gym and cafe - and all of this can be found right on the edge of the world famous Jurassic coast. The new pool has something to offer everyone; opening at 8am for an ‘Over 55’ swim guests can use the pool in a relaxed environment. With the addition of the interactive play area designed and installed by Hippo Leisure and Cresta Leisure, there’s plenty to keep the children entertained and the sauna and steam offer the perfect sense of relaxation. Swimming pool manager Lee Chapman heads up a team of 16 staff, who work together to maintain these facilities and offer a five star service to both the holiday makers and general public.

Ladram Bay Holiday Park Tel. 01395 568398 www.ladrambay.co.uk

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Piran Meadows Resort & Spa

PiranWith an annual bather load of up to 25,000 users each year, the swimming pool at Piran Meadows Resort & Spa in Newquay is used for a variety of activities, including general swimming, swimming lessons, lifeguard training, fitness classes, Water Walkerz, snorkelling, sea scooters and raft building sessions. The pool itself is deck level, and it remains at a very comfortable 30°c. The fitness classes, swim lessons and activities are available for both holiday makers and public, and the pool regularly hosts activity days for local groups such as schools and scouts from the local area. The pool also has a small splash area 0.45 m deep, with water jets, which is designed for younger children. Eleven staff members are involved in the day-to-day running of the pool, including leisure manager Jack Thompson, Go Active supervisor Vicky Bennett and Ashley Thomas who recently completed his PPO course and assists with the running and maintenance of the pool.

Piran Meadows Resort & Spa Tel. 01745 858010 www.darwinescapes.co.uk

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Talacre Beach Holiday Home Park

TalacreThe swimming pool at Talacre Beach Holiday Home Park in Flintshire was originally built in 1989 and has a bather load of 30,000 to 35,000 users each year. Based on a tropical theme, the indoor pool evolved from what was originally an outdoor pool. In keeping with the theme, a number of tropical plants surround the pool and the white resin floor is designed to look like sand. The pool underwent a number of upgrades last year, which focused on improving the energy efficiency of the pool. A new fully insulated roof was installed, as well as energy efficient lighting and new air ducting, which moves the air around more efficiently. The pool is managed by a 12-strong team, including the leisure manager Karen Frost and swimming instructor Anna Lee.

Talacre Beach Holiday Park Tel. 01745 858000 www.darwinescapes.co.uk

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Winners will be announced on Monday 23rd November at the UK Pool & Spa Awards Presentation Evening.

If you would like to get involved in next years awards please get in touch with the team today.

 

 

 

Fife Holiday Park Tops Attraction Poll

Posted on November 18, 2015

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

Posted on November 18, 2015

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.

£960 Million Parks Merger Deal

Posted on November 13, 2015

£960 Million Parks Merger Deal

The proposed merger of Park Resorts with Parkdean Holidays will create the UK’s largest holiday park operator.

The proposed merger of Park Resorts with Parkdean Holidays will create the UK’s largest holiday park operator.

A planned merger between Park Resorts and Parkdean Holidays would create the UK’s largest holiday park operator with 73 holiday parks with an enterprise value of £960m, turnover of £370m and EBITDA of around £92m. The combined portfolio would serve 1.8 million customers including 22,200 caravan owners and 35,400 pitches. With Parkdean’s strength in the South West and Scotland, and Park Resort’s sites predominately located on the East Coast and the Northwest, including the Lake District, the merger combines diverse portfolios to create a business with UK wide, national coverage. If given the go ahead by the Financial Conduct Authority, John Waterworth, the current chief executive of Newcastle-based park operator Parkdean Holidays is to remain in the top role. Both head offices in Newcastle and Hemel Hempstead will be retained. Alan Parker, chairman of Park Resorts, said: “The Park Resorts Group and Parkdean Holidays are an outstanding strategic fit with highly complementary estates and revenue mixes. “I am greatly looking forward to working with the teams to deliver further growth.”

Parkdean Ltd
Telephone: 0191 256 0795
www.parkdean.com

Park Resorts
Telephone: 0843 561 1239
www.park-resorts.com

 

Leisure Group Funding

Posted on October 20, 2015

Leisure Group Funding

Don Amott director, Samantha Heap (right) hands the cheque for £20,000 to Clerk to the Parish Council, Sheila Pearce.

Don Amott director, Samantha Heap (right) hands the cheque for £20,000 to Clerk to the Parish Council, Sheila Pearce.

A leading holiday park operator has stepped up to help its local Parish Council finance a raft of improvements to leisure facilities and services in the area. Lincolnshire-based Don Amott Parks, owners of Lakeside Park which is located in North Somercotes, has made a donation of £20,000 towards the cost of new projects by Lincolnshire Parish Council.

The projects will benefit the village bowls and football clubs, the playing fields, the village Institute and hall, study group and St Marys Church.

Chairman of the leisure group, Don Amott, said: “As one of the area’s leading employers we feel that it is our responsibility to work hand-in-hand with the Council to improve the environment.”

 

Cornish Resort Gains Five Star Status

Posted on October 20, 2015

Cornish Resort Gains Five Star Status

Pentewan Sands Holiday Park recently gained a five-star Quality in Tourism award.

Pentewan Sands Holiday Park recently gained a five-star Quality in Tourism award.

Pentewan Sands Holiday Park in Mevagissey Bay, near St Austell has been awarded a coveted five-star Quality in Tourism award for the first time since the site opened in 1945.

Following significant ongoing investment in the park, Pentewan Sands gained the highest level of five-star status this month, becoming one of only a few large holiday parks in the county to secure the top rating.

Visit England’s Quality in Tourism rankings recognise the best holiday parks in the UK and assess not only the overall quality of the site, but take into account factors such as individual pitches, the arrival service, recreation and leisure facilities and cleanliness.

Graham Brown, general manager at Pentewan Sands said: “This is a fantastic award to recognise the ongoing investment that we have made to keep up with our customers’ needs.

“We know our guests want quality accommodation and facilities, so we’re constantly responding to that by upgrading and replacing the facilities on our site. This year for example, alongside our ongoing investment, we have greatly extended the play area on the beach, refurbished our tennis courts and created a new, Cornish themed pub.”

Major Improvements At Norfolk Resort

Posted on October 7, 2015

Major Improvements At Norfolk Resort

John Potter, managing director of Potters Resort is pictured in the recently refurbished reception area

John Potter, managing director of Potters Resort is pictured in the recently refurbished reception area

The reception area, entrance and game zone have all undergone a refurbishment, while work continues on the Bowlers Bar.

John Potter, managing director of Potters Resort comments: “Every year we reinvest back in the Resort to ensure we continue to offer our guests the standard of comfort we’re renowned for.

“The improvements are about our guests; ensuring they feel the five-star experience from the moment they arrive. Guests are already commenting on how smart the reception looks and the game zone is bursting with family fun and ways to keep little ones active. We even got our Facebook fans to name the new area.”

This work follows a £1.5 million refurbishment of the resort’s accommodation last year and the opening of its new ‘Pop in Shop’. Potters Resort has invested around £50 million in the past 20 years, with plans in place for future growth.

John adds: “Customer service is also a considerable investment that Potters makes through deploying a friendly team which is now just over 550 staff looking after 750 guests, which is the highest investment and ‘staff to guest’ ratio in the industry, demonstrating just how seriously we take looking after our guests”.

 

Family Friendly Holiday Park

Posted on October 7, 2015

Family Friendly Holiday Park

Hendra Holiday Park has been awarded gold for family holidays.

Hendra Holiday Park has been awarded gold for family holidays.

Hendra Holiday Park has received a gold award on being accredited with Approved Family Friendly status. The award recognises the outstanding provision of amenities for families on the 5 star and 5 pennant AA quality park.

Janine Hyatt, park director said: “We are of course delighted to not only have been accredited by Approved Family Friendly but to have been awarded gold too in recognition of all the hard work the team have done to make the park as family friendly as possible.

“The park has been family owned for over forty years and the fourth generation is now enjoying the facilities so we know what makes for a happy holiday with lots provided for children.”

Top Athlete Unveils Park Upgrades

Posted on September 29, 2015
ladram

International athlete Jo Pavey helped Ladram Bay celebrate its landmark re-development.

Top Athlete Unveils Park Upgrades

Holidaymakers at Ladram Bay Holiday Park in Devon are benefitting from a major refurbishment of the swimming pool complex, adventure golf and restaurant.

More than £2million has been invested to upgrade the facilities, which were officially unveiled by top athlete Jo Pavey MBE, a regular visitor to the park.

“I’m sure holidaymakers and day visitors alike will love the changes,” said Jo.

“I’ve already tested out the pool with my daughter – she loved it, especially the interactive zone. It’s a great place to come and relax with your family.”

Upgrades at Ladram Bay include the swimming pool complex, which was completed by Dorset-based Cresta Leisure and features a main pool, interactive children’s zone with slides, fountains, splash tower, water troughs and interactive activity wall.

The on-going investment programme has seen more state-of-the- art accommodation options added, including holiday homes and luxury lodges with decking and hot tubs.

 

Essex Park Celebrates Award Hat-Trick

Posted on September 29, 2015

Essex Park Celebrates Award Hat-Trick

The Weeley Bridge Park team celebrates its Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence for the third consecutive year.

The Weeley Bridge Park team celebrates its Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence for the third consecutive year.

Weeley Bridge Holiday Park in Essex has been awarded a prestigious Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence for the third consecutive year.

The Certificate of Excellence programme, which has been running for five years, is given to outstanding businesses that have consistently received praise and recognition in the form of great reviews from Tripadvisor travellers.

Weeley Bridge, operated by Park Resorts, is located near to Clacton-on-Sea and is popular with both holiday home owners and holidaymakers.

Terri Lacy, General Manager at Weeley Bridge Holiday Park, said: “This is a key award as it reflects our customers’ first-hand experience of the park.

“This award, combined with the number of people who come back year after year, shows us that we are doing something right and we’re all looking forward to building on this and improving even more.”