Fun For The Family

Posted on November 3, 2017

Fun For The Family

When Bert House, a Somerset dairy farmer, opened his farm to a group of scouts in the summer of 1948, it started a trend which continues to grow to this day. From its humble beginnings, the family-led team of Holiday Resort Unity have been aiming to get people smiling for over 65 years.

Grandson, Alan House, says: “Guests still enjoy many of the same things which that troop of scouts loved about their pioneering visit here fresh air, fantastic views and the sandy beach of Brean”. Today the four-star resort incorporates Brean Leisure Park and Golden Sands Holiday Park under the name of Holiday Resort Unity. “We have continued to develop the facilities of the resort with Brean Play Indoor Softplay centre, Brean Splash Waterpark and Brean Golf Club; and did we mention that we’re just 200m from the beach,” adds Alan.

CATERING QUALITY

As well as scooping numerous awards, including five in 2016 alone, Holiday Resort Unity boasts a vast array of on-site facilities and catering options which includes ten restaurants and a supermarket for guests. With such a large footprint on the Somerset countryside Holiday Resort Unity spreads its 76 static caravans and 445 touring pitches across three sites. The original Holiday Resort Unity is perfect for families with easy access to entertainment and facilities; Brean Leisure Park is closer to the action and onsite fun; and Golden Sands, the quietest site, with five miles of golden beaches. “As one of Somerset’s top camping and caravan parks, we have a great choice of accommodation to suit your needs and budget. Whether you’re a seasoned camper, wannabe glamper or looking for high-end luxury,” comments Alan.

HUGE ATTRACTIONS

With on-site facilities such as the state-of-the-art gym and indoor and outdoor splash zones with views overlooking the Mendips, there is plenty for the whole family. The indoor and outdoor splash zones feature slides, interactive water features, tipping buckets, mini-slides, and a 25m six-lane swimming pool with male and female gym exclusive changing and sauna and steam room. Kids are also encouraged to enjoy the soft play centre, and big kids have the options of Brean’s Golf Course – open to beginners and pros – or Brean Theme Park with over 40 rides and attractions including rollercoasters and dodgems.

Brean Golf Club’s 18-hole course is set in 120 acres of lush green meadowland, the course is interspersed by several water ways and ponds that make formidable hazards around the flat landscape. “With the course being so close to the sea, you’ll find the fresh winds and breezes can change a hole dramatically from one day to the next. We also offer a range of services including coaching, club repairs and a selection of golf equipment to buy and rent,” adds Alan.

“If great fishing and beautiful surroundings are what you’re looking for, Holiday Resort Unity is the place for you. On the edge of yellow field nestled beneath the willow trees you will find our fishing lake.” Adding to the extensive list of attractions in 2017 was Sunshine Farm, a delightful experience for kids to meet and learn about some of the resident farmyard favourites with lots of animals to hold and pet.

Holiday Resort Unity
Tel. 01278 751235
www.hru.co.uk

Booming Sales

Posted on November 3, 2017

Booming Sales

Figures released by the National Caravan Council (NCC) reveal the total number of new motorhome and caravan owners had risen to over 56,000 nationwide.

The ‘staycationing’ boom was reflected at the recent West Midlands Caravan and Motorhome Show with motorhome registrations in the year to the end of June up by 14 per cent to 13,162; new caravan holiday homes and lodges were up by nine per cent to 21,214, and touring caravans were up by seven per cent to 22,185.

The nine-day show, which ran from September 30th to October 8th, attracted around 15,000 visitors with displays at award winning Shrewsbury dealership Salop Leisure showcasing the latest innovations for 2018 with the launch of exciting new models.

FHA Saves Much-Needed Holidays

Posted on November 3, 2017

FHA Saves Much-Needed Holidays

The Family Holiday Association has unveiled a replacement caravan that will enable the organisation to safeguard seaside breaks for hundreds of children and their parents.

The new caravan, based at Combe Haven Holiday Park, in St Leonards-on- Sea in East Sussex, was funded by travel insurance provider Citybond Suretravel after the charity’s previous van was taken out of service at short notice due to wear and tear.

The association, which provides breaks and day trips for families coping with problems such as long-term illness, bereavement, mental health issues, disability and domestic violence, officially opened the new caravan alongside Citybond managing director and FHA patron, Mansukh Ganatra. John McDonald, FHA director commented: “Mansukh and Citybond Suretravel have been generous supporters of the Family Holiday Association for many years.

“We are extremely grateful for their intervention, which not only helped us with a short-term problem but has also ensured that hundreds more children and their families will get a break in the coming years.”

Red Letter Event

Posted on November 1, 2017

Red Letter Event

Mark off two crucial red letter days in the diary this month that are truly unmissable for anyone involved in the delivery of holiday parks. Wednesday and Thursday November 8th and 9th should be strictly reserved for the Holiday Park & Resort Innovation show; simply Europe’s leading event dedicated to providing the country’s most ambitious holiday park and resort owners and managers. Promising the best advice, services and products needed to make holiday businesses stand out from the crowd – get set for a lodge-load of information, inspiration and practical know-how – and all delivered to you completely free.

We bring you a round up of some of the must-see exhibitors...

Award Winners

World Leisure (UK) is a multi-award winning provider of a complete range of design, technical and installation services for the water leisure industry. With expertise in pool and plant design and installation, the company delivers projects ranging from exclusive domestic developments through to large international projects. Associated with the best manufacturers in the world for specialist equipment supplies, energy conservation is always at the forefront of 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 developments require. The company also has a dedicated wellness division, working throughout the UK, installing high quality climate-controlled environments and treatments rooms, including fully automatic rasul and serail mud treatments, Japanese salt steam rooms, Turkish hammams, and ice baths, for skin, respiratory and immune system health.

World Leisure UK - Stand 2750
Tel. 01772 284883
www.worldleisureuk.co.uk

Bespoke Pods

Pods by Future Rooms offer a range of sizes and styles to cater for all needs and budgets. Any of the Pods by Future Rooms can be adapted and modified to your specific requirements and they have recently introduced a new full specification upgrade option for Premier, Maximus and Abode models. With this Pods can be supplied fully fitted with en-suite and kitchenette and furnished ready for letting out, meaning all that is needed to be done once the pod is delivered and placed, is to connect to services and it’s ready to instantly start generating an income. Flexibility as a manufacturer and the options and choices that Future Rooms can provide ensures that customers are fully involved and have input all the way through the design and build of the Pods, making them unique to each customer and their target markets. Visit stand 2310 to discuss your specific requirements.

Pods By Future Rooms - Stand 2310
Tel. 01452 840234
www.podsbyfuturerooms.co.uk

Smart Metering

Energy Controls is the UK`s leading supplier of electricity SMART Meters and prepayment metering systems to Holiday Parks throughout the UK. The company specialises in providing customers with ‘cost neutral’, fully managed metering solutions including installation and support for prepayment meters as well as data collection for SMART Meters. Through their exclusive relationship with PayPoint, Energy Controls customers can now top up their meters using a variety of consumer-friendly options such as: Paypoint retailers nationwide, online or via the new ‘Smart Prepay’ mobile app for greater prepayment flexibility. Energy Controls appreciate the importance of safe, reliable and accurate metering and have become market leaders, not only by supplying the highest quality UK manufactured metering products, but also in terms of keeping customers informed about important changes in metering legislation. With 30 years of knowledge and expertise Energy Controls are perfectly placed to help businesses to plan and prepare for the future with confidence. Energy Controls guarantee to supply only the very latest metering products that have been designed and tested to Utility Company standards and therefore comply with the UK and EU`s current and future legislation such as MID (Measuring Instruments Directive).

Energy Controls - Stand 2553
Tel. 08452304535
www.econtrols.co.uk

Unique Features

Urban Cedar has been building and installing hot tubs for over 10 years. Designed in the UK and manufactured in the USA their hot tubs are eco friendly and engineered to last. A choice of award-winning models have been designed specifically for the holiday industry and have several unique features including tamperproof controls and automatic chlorine dosing. Contemporary in design our hot tubs combine the beauty of a solid wood hot tub with the comfort, low running costs and ultralow maintenance of a modern hot tub. Urban Cedar is proud to be working in partnership with many companies within the industry including Away Resorts, Classic Glamping, Woodthorpe Leisure and many more. With factory direct pricing from £2495 + VAT Urban Cedar hot tubs come with a comprehensive two-year guarantee for your piece of mind. In addition to award-winning cedar hot tubs, they will be showcasing a brand new exclusive range of solid cedar saunas at the show for the first time!

Urban Cedar Hot Tubs - Stand 2152
Tel. 01934 833 844
www.urbancedarhottubs.co.uk

Cloud Booking Solutions

Gemapark is a cloud booking and park management solution. Offering you the benefits of access from any location, reliable infrastructure and automated backups, they can get you up and running in just a few weeks. GemaPark provide a comprehensive range of easy to plugin booking widgets or a full booking API. Their booking widgets allow you to easily add online booking to your website and can provide an availably search, availability calendars, or park maps from which you can check availability and book. Features such as interactive chart, check-in dashboard and task lists make managing bookings easy. Automated emails for balance reminders, welcome and post visit emails, coupled with the ability to take online bookings and online balance payments, greatly reduce booking admin. At the show GemaPark will be able to demonstrate the system and give out an idea of the costs and benefits of the system.

GemaPark - Stand 2546
Tel. 01983 282420
www.gemapark.co.uk

Specialist Cover

The Compass Insurance team is looking forward to welcoming visitors to the Holiday Park & Resort Innovation Show. Call into their stand for a chat with their insurance experts. Whether you need information on park business insurance, or would like details on how you can effectively sell or introduce our specialist cover to your holiday home owners, they are happy to help. Compass Insurance have lots on offer to anyone who is seeking to diversify into the holiday market, so why not take advantage of the opportunity to ask them about the unique, specialist insurance requirements of holiday-related businesses and products. And that’s not all... If you’re looking for legal advice, have a chat with their special guest, Paul Kelly of Tozers Solicitors. Paul is a leading expert in park industry law and he’ll be delighted to help. Not all insurance cover is the same. Compass has specialised in holiday park insurance for over 40 years and will cover more park businesses this year than any other provider - stop by to find out why.

Compass Insurance - Stand 2020
Tel. 01452 511430
www.compass.co.uk

Software Savvy

Achieve transparency and efficiency savings with EliteParks Park Management Software. EliteParks comprehensively provides functionality to control the management of the whole business using the following business processes – Leads, Sales, Park Management, Owners, Reservations and Finances. EliteParks was created to disrupt a market saturated by archaic technology and systems using Microsoft Dynamics NAV technology. Their team includes consultants, developers and project managers with situational experience of working within the Caravan and Holiday Home industry. They work with the likes of Michael Paul Holidays UK, Park Holidays, Park Leisure and Shorefield Holidays. EliteParks is the most advanced management solution in the market to date being scalable for both multi-discipline income streams operating one park to multi park operators. If you are a holiday park operator and are looking for a consulting partner from the holiday park sector with Microsoft experience then book a demonstration to see how you can get better transparency and analysis across the whole business.

Elite Dynamics - Stand 2762
Tel. 01616 418926
www.elitedynamics.co.uk

Field Leaders

For more than 25 years, Rolec has been firmly recognised as the leading specialist in the design, supply and installation of utility services to caravan, holiday home and residential parks. They have the most diverse range of electrical distribution, MID approved electrical metering and lighting products designed for use on caravan, holiday home and residential parks. Rolec’s leisure product range consists of static hook-up units, touring hook-up units, touring hook-up bollards, various metering options, low and high-level LED lighting, waste trays, firefighting and safety equipment, distribution units and EV charging units. They also have our own experienced design and installation engineers, in addition to a nationwide network of partners. LeisureTech will be representing Rolec products at this year’s Holiday Park and Resort Innovation Show.

Rolec - Stand 2834 (Leisure Tech)
Tel. 01205 724754
www.rolecserv.com

Read All About It

As a B2B print and on-line magazine for the holiday park sector, Holiday Park Scene has earned a reputation as an essential read for anyone involved in holiday park management. Packed with fresh ideas and essential reading for anyone who runs or works in a holiday park the magazine is available on-line at www. holidayparkscene.com Holiday Park Scene offers the inside track on the latest market news and reports covering all aspects of holiday park management. Most importantly, Holiday Park Scene provides you with a targeted platform to promote your products and services across all areas of the UK and Eire holiday park sector. If you would like to get involved with this exciting new publication, please don`t hesitate to get in touch, so we can decide how best to make you stand out from the crowd!

Holiday Park Scene - Stand 2744
Tel. 01353 666663

www.holidayparkscene.com

Register for free tickets to attend via the website – www. holidayparkshow.co.uk .We look forward to welcoming you to the event on the 8th and 9th November 2017, NEC Birmingham.

Quick Service For UK Parks

Posted on September 8, 2017

Quick Service For UK Parks

Quick Move Properties has teamed up with some of the biggest leisure home manufacturers to offer a turn-key solution for independent leisure park operators. Their Stock Support service is designed to shorten the timescales usually associated with lodge purchases, speeding up the process to bring forward completion dates and aid cash flow.

The service is available for no charge to any UK leisure park operator when their customer uses Quick Move Properties’ house buying services to help fund their holiday property purchase. The units on offer are ordered from manufacturers such as Prestige, Homeseeker and Pathfinder.

Top Scoring Shropshire Parks

Posted on September 8, 2017

Top Scoring Shropshire Parks

Five touring caravan parks owned by Shrewsbury-based Morris Leisure based have all achieved a Certificate of Excellence from the traveller review website TripAdvisor.

Stanmore Hall Touring Park at Bridgnorth, Ludlow Touring Park in Ludlow, Oxon Hall Touring Park in Shrewsbury, Riverside Touring Park in Betws-y-Coed and Llanberis Touring Park in Llanberis have all been recognised by TripAdvisor after receiving consistently great reviews from caravanners and motorhome owners over the past year.

Return On Searles Leisure Investment

Posted on September 1, 2017

Return On Searles Leisure Investment

Norfolk’s Searles Leisure Resort says investments of over £1 million have helped put the park on course for the busiest ever summer in its 60-plus year history. The multi-award winning Hunstanton venue met its deadline of adding the extra facilities by the start of the school holidays with the investments in a raft of new activities, including an innovative new indoor splash zone.

Managing Director, Paul Searle, Chairman of the BHPHA says providing first-class facilities and experiences for touring guests is still the park’s core aim. He commented: “I think that many people now realise that, compared with going abroad, British park holidays offer great value and a far more relaxing time for the whole family.”

The site is also celebrating receiving AA’s Gold Pennant after meeting the stringent conditions of a five-pennant rating – and then going on to achieve a quality score of over 90 per cent in that band. “The AA’s awards put a strong emphasis on the hospitality which qualifying parks provide, and here we are indebted to our hard-working staff team at Searles,” said Paul adding: “Our thanks go to them, and to our many loyal touring customers.”

New Seaside Star For Park Holidays UK

Posted on September 1, 2017

New Seaside Star For Park Holidays UK

Park Holidays UK has completed the acquisition of Pevensey Bay Holiday Park near Eastbourne in Sussex. Formerly known as Martello Beach Holiday Park, the site boasts private beach access and a jetty for boats and jet-skis, and is the 28th park to join the Park Holidays UK group.

The site presently provides 265 holiday homes, both privately owned and available to rent, all set in picturesque landscaped grounds amid the countryside of the Sussex Weald. Owners and holiday guests are provided with a long line-up of leisure facilities including an indoor swimming pool, spa pool and sauna, and a fully equipped gym and fitness centre. Park Holidays UK director Tony Clish said the Pevensey Bay’s previous owners had done a magnificent job in creating a park which provides a true sense of privilege: “The lovely setting obviously gives Pevensey Bay a head start, but the park and its superbly high standards is a perfect match for its surroundings,” said Tony.

“As a group, we have always been committed to operating parks which offer only the very best customer experiences and the best value in their class. “That’s why we will ensure that Pevensey Bay continues as an ideal base for families and those who enjoy activities such as sailing, rowing, jet-skiing and sea fishing. “All of our parks make important and substantial contributions to the local economies where they are based by generating millions of pounds of visitor spending,” said Tony. “Our intention is that Pevensey Bay will build even further on the support it already provides to many local small businesses and the people they employ,” he added.

Peas In A Pod

Posted on September 1, 2017

Peas In A Pod

One in four holidaymakers are now choosing to stay in the UK rather than travel abroad. So, having compromised on flights, when it comes to booking closer to home, the calibre of accommodation is undoubtedly the decision maker or the deal breaker for potential holiday park guests.

From lodges to hobbit holes and from safari tents to yurts, holiday parks offer multiple levels of accommodation, with both varied quality and pricing. Of these, it is the fast-moving pod sector that currently stands out from the crowd.

The explosion of interest in pods is one of the key factors behind the rejuvenation of British camping with increasing numbers of young people and families opting to experience ‘the great outdoors’ while still appreciating the comforts of home. Since its first appearance in 2008 the pod has become a well-established and much enjoyed alternative to the tent and the caravan holiday home and is now a widely available feature on many sites throughout the UK and Ireland as well as most of the countries in Europe.

Although selling the idea of the new concept pods to holiday park operators was a challenge ten years ago, owners are now seeing the perks and can create an interesting setting with the added benefit of using ground that may be unsuitable for camping or tourers. “Pods can and will provide a good stream of income as they are set up nicely to offer an exclusive visitor experience,” says Ian Bone, Director of the Original Pod Company. Creators of the trademarked Pod range, Newfoundland Lodges are the originators of the pod concept.

CANVAS HOLIDAYS

Ian says the growth in the industry is a cause for innovation. “Our recent wet summers have tempered the ‘canvas holiday’ to some degree which has certainly been to our advantage, plus the pods are an all year round option and will see occupancy outside of the traditional camping season,” comments Ian. The Cowshed - a ‘boutique bunkhouse’ hostel in Uig on the Isle of Skye - highlights where the Pod is well placed, and how to make the most of this sector of the industry.

The Cowshed site was initially transformed by the new owners and quickly became a highly popular stopping off point for visitors to Skye and the Western Isles. To increase capacity and add interest an area of ground was developed at the back of the hostel which offered excellent views down to the harbour and the island seascapes beyond.

Says Ian: “The north-west coast of Scotland is a tough place when it comes to weather so it was decided to use Thermowood as external cladding on all seven of the MegaPod-S units as well as using double skinned outer walls.” The hostel is open all year and comfort levels need to be maintained.

“Overall, I think the diversity on offer is healthy and gives this sector energy,” says Ian. “We have been here from the start and have seen ideas come and go but it does seem to be the case that you have come to the market with something original if you want to survive” Although the glamping experience may be usurping the traditional camping holiday, there are still a variety of options for visitors hoping to have a break under canvas.

To find out more about accommodation options, please subscribe to Holiday Park Scene here.

COMPANY CONTACTS

BOLDSCAN - Tel. 01823 665 849 - www.boldscan.co.uk

FUTURE ROOMS - Tel. 01452 501 455 - www.podsbyfuturerooms.co.uk

NEWFOUNDLAND LTD - Tel. 01539 532 245 - www.thepod.info

PATHFINDER - Tel. 01626 833 799 - www.pathfinderhomes.co.uk

Pick Of The Crop

Posted on September 1, 2017

Pick Of The Crop

Beginning life as farmland, the Orchards took its name from the array of apple trees on the land. It began its transition into a holiday park in 1952 when eight caravans were added to the site.

After 15 years in charge of Orchards Holiday Park, Tim and Julie Gray are continuing to improve the Isle of Wight based business, with the help of long serving staff and loyal employees. Situated in Newbridge, a small village on the west side of the island, the site covers roughly 13 acres on the edge of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that the Isle of Wight can offer. “You can’t fail to be impressed with our facilities centre,” says owner Julie Gray, “It houses all of your touring needs with amazing views.

“It has a very spacious washing up, ironing and laundry area, accessible facilities, all with the luxury of under floor heating, to make your holiday more comfortable.”

To read more about our Orchards Holiday Park, subscribe to Holiday Park Scene here.

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Fun For The Family