Carry On Glamping

Posted on May 20, 2015

Bespoke yurts from Hearthworks can be customised to suit specific size and layout requirements and optional extras such as wood burning stoves can be included.

Carry On Glamping

Over the past few years we have seen a huge explosion in the popularity of glamping with all manner of yurts, shepherd huts, safari tents and camping pods popping up in quiet corners of the countryside.

Farmers and landowners have been quick to cash in on the potential for diversification as an additional income stream by investing in units on their land. The obvious appeal for holidaymakers is that they can experience the great outdoors, while enjoying the luxury of a boutique hotel, coupled with rustic country charm. The UK festival scene has been one of the main pioneers in organising luxury temporary accommodation for those who aren’t so keen on the mud and the rise of the staycation has also helped push glamping to the forefront.

Now holidaymakers can stay in a huge range of unusual accommodation and it’s this variety, uniqueness and creativity that has a strong appeal to the discerning traveller who wants to holiday somewhere where that will be a real talking point.

Rivendale in the Peak District is one of the many businesses in the UK that has successfully branched into the camping and glamping market. The owners of Rivendale wanted to offer glamping accommodation to increase occupancy in the winter months. Owner Greg Potter comments: “We are one of the few parks in the Peak District National Park that is able to operate 11 months of the year. We know people want to take short breaks in the winter, just not in a tent, that’s why we became interested in glamping. We knew this was the best way of increasing our winter occupancy and appealing to a wider group of people.”

Camping Cabins supplied a 17m2 cabin for Rivendale in April 2014. Constructed from sustainable redwood pine, the cabin has two side room extensions with two sets of bunk beds and a table and seating area. Since then, Rivendale has taken delivery of a 10m2 cabin that is used as a treatment room for the on-site spa and they have placed a further order for a 14m2 Camping Cabin to replace one of their existing canvas yurts.

Greg adds: “The first Camping Cabin was a direct investment for the business. It is achieving around 50 per cent occupancy and with the costs of the fit out we envisage that the cabin will pay back in 16–18 months."

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Parks Find Winning Ways

Posted on May 19, 2015

All the 2015 AA Caravan and Camping Awards winners were recognised for their achievements at the lunch held at the Aztec Hotel in Bristol.

Parks Find Winning Ways

The 2015 season has got off to a flying start for eleven of the UK’s top campsites after they were recognised at the recent AA Caravan and Camping Awards 2015.

Oakdown Touring and Holiday Park in Sidmouth, Devon was named the winner of the AA Campsite of the Year for England and the overall winner for 2015, while Witches Craig Caravan and Camping Park in Stirling and Bron Derw Touring Caravan Park in Conwy were named Campsite of the Year Scotland and Wales respectively.

Alistair Franks of Oakdown Touring and Holiday Park said: “We are all absolutely delighted with our award. We are continually investing in Oakdown to improve our facilities across the board to make our guests as comfortable as possible and we are thrilled that the commitment shown by us and our staff has been recognised by the judges of this prestigious awards scheme.”

The annual AA Caravan and Camping Awards recognise the best of the best when it comes to the nation’s caravan and camping sites. The winners are selected by the AA’s team of expert inspectors who travel the length and breadth of the country to ensure that campers can be confident of high standards wherever they see the AA Pennants at a campsite.

David Hancock, co-ordinator of the AA Caravan and Camping Scheme commented: “Today’s campers expect so much more than previous generations. Just because we’re away from home doesn’t mean we don’t want home comforts like privacy, clean and warm bathrooms and good access to the internet.”

David added: “Customer care is one thing that all our award winners have paid attention to. How well guests are looked after from the moment they arrive can make or break any holiday.

“Location also plays a significant part – the park must be in a place people want to visit and improvements to facilities can also score highly, especially if they have enhanced that all-important customer experience.”

All the 2015 award winners were recognised for their achievements at the lunch held at the Aztec Hotel in Bristol. The awards lunch also marked the official launch of the 47th AA Caravan and Camping Guide, which has details of over 900 fully inspected and independently graded camping parks across the UK.

Urban Cedar Launches First Lodge

Posted on May 19, 2015

The new Urban Cedar home adds a new dimension to Urban
Cedar’s already extensive product range of high quality hot tubs.

Urban Cedar Launches First Lodge

Hot tub specialists Urban Cedar have branched into the holiday lodge market with the launch of their brand new holiday home lodge. The luxury Urban Cedar Home features a contemporary design, cedar galley style kitchen, solid oak flooring and Bosch appliances.

The first lodge is sited at The Retreats, a brand new development of just 25 lodges located at Padstow Holiday Park in Cornwall. The 40 x 12ft lodge is finished with galvanised steel and cedar decking and steel gabions filled with local Cornish stone.

Antony Perry, managing director at Bristol-based Urban Cedar explains: “A key feature we wanted to create within the lodge design was space. When the master bedroom door is open you can see from one end of the lodge to the other.

“We also decided to locate the French doors on the side so to make a clearly defined lounge area.”

The lodge design can be adapted to suit all size requirements and bespoke features can also be added.

Antony adds: “We’re excited to be launching our Urban Cedar Home which will add a new dimension to our already extensive product range of high quality cedar hot tubs. “Looking ahead, we would like to grow this side of the business by buying and redeveloping old caravan sites.”

Urban Cedar
Tel. +44 (0)1934 833 844
www.urbancedarhome.co.uk

Guests Do Donkey Work

Posted on May 13, 2015

Carers at the Donkey Sanctuary adjacent
to Oakdown Holiday Park near Sidmouth are ready to welcome park guests for a VIP donkey experience.

Guests Do Donkey Work

Guests staying at a top East Devon holiday park can this year enjoy a VIP donkey experience to raise much-needed funds for a local sanctuary.

Oakdown Holiday Park in Weston is offering holidaymakers a behind-the-scenes introduction to the world of Britain’s largest equine charity. The Donkey Sanctuary, adjacent to the park, provides care for around 500 donkeys – many of which have been neglected, overworked or abandoned.

In conjunction with the park, small groups will spend a hands-on morning helping the sanctuary team with a variety of tasks including grooming, walking, feeding and petting. The VIP package, priced at £38.00 per person, also includes a slap-up farmhouse cooked breakfast with a special gift for younger donkey devotees.

Park owner Alastair Franks said: “Donkeys and mules are hardworking animals, and can also be very affectionate – but sadly, they are sometimes the victims of neglect and cruelty.

“But these animals, as our visitors will see, are now leading happy and fulfilled lives in the care of dedicated volunteers who provide all the treatment and attention they need. “For children especially, this will prove a real eye-opener of a morning!” added Alastair.

Plans For Irish Center Parcs Village

Posted on May 13, 2015

Center Parcs has announced plans to open a new holiday village in Northern Ireland in 2019.

Plans For Irish Center Parcs Village

Center Parcs has announced plans to develop a holiday village at Newcastle Wood in County Longford, Northern Ireland.

The new development will feature up to 500 lodges, more than 100 indoor and outdoor activities, a spa, a range of restaurants and the iconic subtropical swimming paradise. The 375 acre site is currently owned by Coillte, the state forestry company and Center Parcs has signed an option agreement with the company.

The new Center Parcs, which is expected to open to guests in 2019, will create approximately 750 jobs during construction. Once open, the €200 million development will have capacity for up to 2,500 guests and will employ up to 1,000 people in permanent jobs. Center Parcs estimates that, when operational, the new holiday village will add approximately €32 million to Irish GDP per annum.

Martin Dalby, CEO of Center Parcs, said: “We are thrilled and excited about the prospect of bringing the Center Parcs concept to families in Ireland. “This new Center Parcs will have all of the ingredients that have made us so popular with families in the UK for the last 28 years and I am certain that Center Parcs will be a great success in Longford.

“We look forward to liaising closely with the local community during the next few months to fully share our vision and to explain the huge economic and social benefits that a Center Parcs holiday village will bring to the area.”

Natural World

Posted on April 24, 2015

It is Forest Park’s commitment to its surroundings, the beautiful scenery and natural attraction of North Norfolk that brings families back to the park each year.

Natural World

Situated on the North Norfolk coastline and nestled amongst 100 acres of woodland, it is Forest Park’s unique mix of coastline and forest, along with its commitment to nature that has made the park a firm favourite among holidaymakers for generations.

Since 1967, owners Simon and Deborah Gurney have run holiday park that it is today. Among its accolades, Forest Park has been awarded a David Bellamy gold conservation award each year since 2001 for helping wildlife to flourish and reducing energy consumption.

"Our location is probably what makes us stand out the most,” comments park owner Deborah Gurney. “We are very proud to be able to offer beautiful scenery which includes sea views and sheltered woodland. Having lived in Norfolk for the majority of our lives we appreciate how precious the unique woodland and coastline is too. The scenery is what makes Norfolk so special so we have an unwavering commitment to nature and conservation too.”

Visitors to the park will spot a range of environmentally friendly initiatives that have been employed around the site, including bird and butterfly boxes, as well as the management of dead trees and forest areas to encourage natural habitats to thrive. The park also uses low energy light bulbs, runs electric buggies, monitors water usage and encourages recycling. It also supports the community where possible by buying from local suppliers and backing local events and sporting clubs.

Today, the park accommodates 250 tourers, motorhomes and campers, complemented by two cottages, a wilderness campsite and over 400 wooden lodges and holiday homes. Open for ten months of the year from March to January, Forest Park welcomes over 20,000 guests each year.

“We welcome a whole host of clientele from couples and young families to group bookings, the three generation holiday and the retired. We are also proud to be a dog-friendly resort to ensure that the whole family can enjoy a break together,” says Deborah.

Forest Park
Tel. +44 (0)1263 513290
www.forest-park.co.uk

Challenging Outdated Perceptions

Posted on April 20, 2015

The new Freedom To Go campaign aims to introduce a younger generation of holidaymakers to caravan and motorhome holidays.

Challenging Outdated Perceptions

The UK’s largest clubs for camping and caravanning – the National Caravan Council (NCC) and The Camping and Caravanning Club have joined forces to promote the benefits of caravans and motorhomes to a new generation of holidaymakers.

Designed to attract younger audiences to this much-loved style of holiday, the ‘Freedom to go’ campaign will draw on the appeal of the great outdoors and the freedom to explore that owning a leisure vehicle presents and will include a dedicated website plus nationwide advertising.

“A key objective of the campaign is to decrease the average age of leisure vehicle ownership by five years and get new entrants into the market,” commented Jennifer Summers, NCC group marketing director.

“In order to do that, we aim to turn the perception of camping and caravanning on its head and illustrate the appeal of this type of holiday to modern families and adventurous travellers alike. There hasn’t been a better time to convert more British consumers to this type of holiday and grow the market for all types of leisure vehicle ownership.”

The campaign will showcase beautiful British destinations and unique adventures that touring holidays make possible whilst recommending which type of leisure vehicle will suit individual needs and tastes.

Nick Lomas, director general of The Caravan Club added: “This is an important step the industry is taking. The Caravan Club is delighted to help champion this initiative.”

Center Parcs Introduces Google 360° Technology

Posted on April 15, 2015

Center Parcs villages have been mapped using Google Business View technology, including the first fully operational sauna to be virtually toured.

Center Parcs Introduces Google 360° Technology

Center Parcs has become the first UK holiday resort to be comprehensively mapped using Google Business View technology.

The technology allows visitors to the Center Parcs website to virtually explore every square inch of the villages at the click of a button, whether viewing the subtropical swimming paradise or taking a look inside the range of accommodation options on offer.

It took 20 days, over 180 hours and in excess of 25,000 individual images to create the 140 different virtual tours. All buildings have been captured internally, including each of the different restaurants, leisure facilities and Aqua Sana spa.

In combination with Google Street View of all Center Parcs Villages, this is the most extensive use of this technology within the UK holiday sector. Four of the five Center Parcs Villages have been mapped, with the recently opened Woburn Forest set to follow later this year.

Movers And Shakers

Posted on April 8, 2015

The Beverley Holidays management team (back row L-R) Michael Jeavons, Tim Jeavons, Peter Jeavons, (front row L-R) Claire Jeavons, Nicola Furneaux and Gary Furneaux.

Movers And Shakers

Staying one step ahead and keeping abreast of the ever-changing holiday market has proven to be a winning formula for South Devon-based Beverley Holidays.

Owned and operated by the Jeavons family, there are three award-winning park areas which fall under the Beverley Holidays banner, each offering something different for discerning holidaymakers.

Last year the family-run company undertook a major re-brand - changing the names of the areas and upgrading the entertainment facilities on offer. This year will see a further investment of £1 million to increase the luxury accommodation offering.

Claire Jeavons, marketing director and third generation of the Jeavons family comments: “The way that holidaymakers plan, book and take their holiday is constantly changing and there are always new things you need to consider and adapt to. We have always looked ahead to make positive changes and I think this is vital for any successful business.

“We recently simplified the area names to Beverley Park, Beverley View and Beverley Bay to create greater unity. We have also enhanced our entertainment offerings at Beverley Bay and Beverley Park, whereby we have created two distinct venues that complement one another by providing something to suit all tastes,” adds Claire.

In response to the growing demand for luxury accommodation, 26 new top of the range caravans have been added to the holiday park, together with a platinum hot tub lodge to add to its existing lodge fleet.

Claire says: “The holiday park industry is always changing and the introduction of these brand new luxury caravans and our hot tub lodge is all very much in line with the emerging glamping trend."

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Beverley Holidays
Tel. 01803 843887
www.beverley-holidays.co.uk

New Industry Show Hots Up

Posted on April 1, 2015

The first Holiday Park Innovation show will take place at Birmingham NEC in November.

New Industry Show Hots Up

Exclusively attended by park owners and operators, Holiday Park Innovation is a new exhibition and conference that is entirely dedicated to Britain’s holiday park industry.

Taking place on the 11th & 12th November 2015 at the NEC in Birmingham, the show is a must for those looking to diversify their land into a lucrative tourism enterprise, or those looking for new and innovative ways to put their park on the map.

“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,” says Will Mansfield, event manager.

He adds: “From camping to glamping and caravanning to luxury homes away from home, you will find the seminars, workshops and suppliers you need to make your business a success.”

With hundreds of the latest products and services on display, visitors will be able to experience the latest glamping and holiday accommodation, play equipment, park management software, entertainment systems, outdoor activities, park designers, inflatables and catering equipment. The inaugural event runs alongside the Farm Business Innovation and Country House Business Innovation events, making up the all-encompassing Rural Entrepreneur Live.

The show is free to attend so book your tickets now to keep up-to-date with all of the show updates by visiting www. holidayparkshow.co.uk