RETHINKING GROWTH IN HOLIDAY PARKS

From Proven Investment to New Revenue Streams...

For today’s holiday park operators, growth is no longer just about adding more units — it’s about increasing revenue per guest and creating experiences that drive repeat visits. A strong example of this can be seen at Concierge Camping in Chichester.

Rather than simply expanding accommodation, the team introduced a new concept: premium “daytime living” cabins positioned alongside motorhome pitches. Working with Palmako, the site installed 10 Grace cabins, equipped with kitchens, refrigeration, and bathroom facilities.

The result is a flexible, high-value offering that enhances the guest experience while increasing the value of each stay. This reflects a broader shift across the sector. Guests increasingly expect more than just a place to stay — they are looking for comfort, convenience, and memorable experiences. For operators, this creates an opportunity to attract new audiences, increase on-site spend, and extend the season.

Beyond accommodation, wellness is one of the fastest-growing areas for revenue generation. Facilities such as saunas, hot tubs, and cold plunge pools are becoming key booking drivers, particularly in off-peak periods, helping parks create premium, bookable experiences. At the same time, additions like pergolas, BBQ huts, and covered outdoor areas can transform how space is used, creating social and functional zones that work in all weather conditions.

The key takeaway is clear: successful parks combine proven investments with experience-led additions to maximise value per guest. Palmako is a leading European manufacturer of high-quality timber structures, helping holiday parks deliver durable, design-led solutions — from accommodation cabins to wellness buildings and outdoor living spaces — that turn investment into long-term value.

PALMAKO
01698 426444
www.palmako.co.uk

"They are absolutely fantastic - and probably one of the best purchases we've ever." -Guy Hodgkin, Concierge Camping

THE BEAUTIFUL SOUTH ANNOUNCE PARK OF THE YEAR

STUBSCROFT FARM PARK receiving their GOLD award, photos credit to Photographer Nick Williams

The 2024 Beautiful South Awards have honoured exceptional camping and caravanning sites in the region, celebrating their contributions to tourism excellence. Stubcroft Farm Campsite in Chichester secured the prestigious Gold award in the Camping and Caravanning Park of the Year category.

This family-run site is renowned for its commitment to sustainability and high-quality facilities, offering visitors a serene countryside retreat near the Sussex coast. The Silver award was presented to Badgells Wood at Birling Estate in Meopham.

This woodland campsite provides a back-to-nature experience, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Kent countryside. Lytton Lawn Touring Park in Lymington received the Bronze award, recognized for its well-maintained facilities and proximity to the New Forest and Hampshire coast, making it a popular choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

These accolades highlight the diverse camping experiences available in the South East, from eco-friendly farms to woodland retreats and coastal parks, each contributing uniquely to the region’s vibrant tourism industry.

The 2024 Beautiful South Awards winners were:

  • Gold - Stubcroft Farm Campsite, Chichester, West Sussex
  • Silver - Badgells Wood at Birling Estate, Meopham, Kent
  • Bronze - Lytton Lawn Touring Park, Lymington, Hampshire

AN INSPECTOR CALLS

AN INSPECTOR CALLS

AA unveil latest national destination gongs…

 

SOUTH EAST ENGLAND regional champions were Swiss Farm Touring & Camping, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire

 

Returning for the first time since 2019, the AA has unveiled its UK’s top campsites and caravanning UK destinations with the announcement of the 2021 Caravan and Camping Award winners in a virtual ceremony.
This year’s Campsite of the Year for England, and Overall Winner, was revealed as South Lytchett Manor Caravan & Camping Park, Poole, Dorset. Brighouse Bay Holiday Park, Brighouse Bay, Dumfries & Galloway took the prize for Scotland and Pencelli Castle Caravan & Camping Park, Brecon, Powys won the top award for Wales.
In addition to regional campsite categories, other awards included Holiday Centre of the Year, which was awarded to Park Foot Caravan & Camping Park, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria and Glamping Site of the Year, which went to Concierge Glamping, Chichester, West Sussex, which previously won Regional Campsite of the Year South East in 2019.
“We are delighted to announce the winners of the Caravan and Camping Awards 2021 and have the opportunity to celebrate those sites offering holidaymakers the highest quality camping and caravanning experiences,” Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Media.

 

 

“As the hospitality industry has reopened over the past few months, we have seen British tourists exploring the UK more than ever, enjoying incredible campsites and caravan parks across the country. We hope that our latest Caravan and Camping Guide helps them discover even more fantastic holiday destinations, including our wonderful winners.”
All Caravan and Camping Award winners are featured in the 54th edition of the AA Caravan and Camping Guide 2022, the ultimate guide to the UK’s best camping and caravanning destinations.
Each site included in the guide have been visited by one of the AA’s experienced Campsite Inspectors, grading sites from one to five Pennants, based on their facilities and hospitality.
Only the parks of the very highest standard are awarded the coveted Platinum Pennant award. Each entry within the guide includes location, ratings, contact details, directions, prices, opening times, facilities and a description to help select the right site for your needs.