customer loyalty

BONE-AFIDE BREAKS

Posted on August 3, 2026

DOG-FRIENDLY facilities are becoming a key factor in attracting today’s holidaymakers and encouraging repeat visits. Pictured here at St Ives Bay Holiday Park, Cornwall.

Why dog-friendly holidays are becoming one of the smartest investments for holiday parks

For many families, a holiday simply wouldn’t be complete without the dog. As pet ownership across the UK continues to rise, so too does demand for holiday destinations that genuinely welcome four-legged companions.

What was once considered an added extra has become an important deciding factor for many guests when choosing where to stay. For holiday park operators, this presents a valuable opportunity. By creating facilities and experiences that cater for both pets and their owners, parks can broaden their appeal, increase guest satisfaction and encourage valuable repeat bookings.

The key is understanding that today’s dog owners expect more than simply being told their pet is allowed on site. They are looking for destinations where dogs are treated as welcomed guests and where practical facilities make travelling with a pet both easy and enjoyable.

MORE THAN JUST A PLACE TO STAY
Holidaymakers increasingly seek experiences rather than simply accommodation, and this applies just as much to those travelling with dogs. Easy access to countryside walks, beaches, woodland trails and dog-friendly attractions all add value to a stay, helping parks stand out in a competitive marketplace.

Simple additions can make a significant difference. Secure exercise areas, dog washing stations, water bowls around the park and clearly marked walking routes demonstrate that operators have considered the needs of canine guests from arrival through to departure. These thoughtful touches often become the details visitors remember long after their holiday has ended.

THOUGHTFUL TOUCHES for four-legged guests can help create memorable holidays for the whole family.

CREATING MEMORABLE MOMENTS
Exceptional customer service doesn’t stop with human guests. Many parks are now introducing small but memorable gestures that enhance the visitor experience while generating positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations.

Hospitality specialist Sir Woofchester has helped businesses across the UK embrace this growing market by providing products specifically designed for dog-friendly venues. From dedicated dog menus and treats to welcome packs for accommodation providers, these additions help transform an ordinary stay into something guests are keen to share on social media and recommend to friends.

For operators, they also offer an opportunity to increase food and beverage sales while reinforcing a reputation for outstanding hospitality.

DESIGNING ACCOMMODATION THAT WORKS FOR EVERYONE
One of the biggest challenges for holiday park operators is balancing the expectations of guests travelling with pets alongside those without them. Fortunately, thoughtful design benefits everyone.

Durable flooring, practical storage, secure decking and easy-clean surfaces all help protect valuable accommodation while making lodges and caravans easier to maintain throughout a busy season.

Providing designated areas for muddy boots, wet coats and dog equipment not only keeps interiors looking their best but also creates a more comfortable environment for all visitors. As guest expectations continue to evolve, flexible accommodation that can cater for different holidaymakers offers operators greater long-term value.

MANY LEADING HOLIDAY PARKS now offer dog-friendly accommodation across a wide range of holiday styles and budgets including Away Resorts.

THE WHOLE FAMILY IS WELCOME
Leading operators increasingly recognise that pets are part of the family, and many have adapted their offering accordingly. Away Resorts is one such example, providing dog-friendly accommodation across its holiday parks, from classic caravans through to premium lodges.

Dogs are welcomed with thoughtful extras in selected accommodation, while guests can also enjoy nearby dog-friendly beaches, countryside walks and restaurants with dedicated dog menus at many locations. By making it easier for families to holiday together, parks create experiences that encourage longer stays and foster customer loyalty.

EXPLORING TOGETHER
Access to outdoor activities remains one of the strongest attractions for guests travelling with dogs. Whether it’s coastal walks, woodland trails or cycling routes, parks located close to natural attractions enjoy a significant advantage.

North Devon’s Smytham Holiday Park is an excellent example. Recently recognised as Britain’s top holiday park for cycling by readers of Practical Caravan and Practical Motorhome, the park combines outstanding access to the Tarka Trail with facilities designed to help families enjoy the outdoors together.

Dog trailers are available alongside bike hire, making it easier for visitors to explore the surrounding countryside without leaving their pets behind. It’s a reminder that successful dog-friendly holidays aren’t just about accommodation — they’re about creating memorable experiences from the moment guests arrive.

SIR WOOFCHESTER’S helps holiday parks create a genuine VIP experience for their four-legged guests.

KEEPING PARKS CLEAN AND WELCOMING
Providing excellent facilities also means helping guests act responsibly. Convenient waste disposal points, clearly signposted dog walking routes and readily available waste bags all contribute to cleaner parks and happier visitors.

Clear communication is equally important. Simple guidance on where dogs should be kept on leads, designated exercise areas and information about nearby walks helps create a positive environment for everyone using the park.

Good management ensures dog-friendly policies enhance the guest experience without compromising standards for visitors who choose not to travel with pets.

SMALL TOUCHES, LASTING IMPRESSIONS
Often, it’s the smallest details that leave the biggest impression. A complimentary treat at reception, a water bowl outside the café or recommendations for nearby dog-friendly pubs and beaches can all help guests feel genuinely welcomed.

These experiences encourage repeat visits and positive online reviews, while also reinforcing a park’s reputation for excellent customer service. In an increasingly competitive holiday market, those personal touches can make all the difference.

A WARM WELCOME FOR DOGS often starts with the little details—and it’s those thoughtful touches guests remember.

A GROWING OPPORTUNITY
Dog-friendly tourism continues to grow as more people choose to holiday within the UK and bring their pets with them. Operators who invest in facilities, thoughtful accommodation and memorable experiences are well placed to benefit from this expanding market.

Whether it’s offering practical amenities, welcoming pets in cafés and restaurants, or creating accommodation that balances comfort with durability, today’s most successful parks understand that catering for dogs is no longer a niche offering—it’s part of delivering an exceptional guest experience.

By embracing this trend and making dogs feel every bit as welcome as their owners, holiday parks can strengthen guest loyalty, encourage repeat bookings and ensure every family member enjoys a holiday worth remembering.

 

Company Contacts:

Glasdon Group
www.glasdon.com

Pinelog
www.pinelog.co.uk

Sir Woofchesters
www.sirwoofchesters.com

 

AWARD-WINNING Smytham Holiday Park combines outstanding cycling routes with facilities designed for guests travelling with dogs.

RAISING THE BAR

Posted on May 6, 2026

MAJOR UPGRADES and new attractions are set to welcome guests at Highfield Grange and Vauxhall Holiday Parks in Spring.

Park Upgrades Keeping Guests Coming Back

In the highly competitive UK holiday park sector, the key to keeping guests returning season after season is continual reinvestment. Operators who regularly refresh their facilities, introduce new activities, and enhance the overall guest experience build loyalty, generate repeat bookings, and stay ahead of market expectations.

Modern holidaymakers increasingly seek parks that combine high-quality accommodation with engaging leisure, entertainment, and dining options. Failing to evolve can leave even established parks struggling to meet rising expectations. Innovation doesn’t always have to mean massive expenditure, but a well-thought-out investment strategy can transform a park’s appeal.

From upgrading play areas and leisure complexes to introducing new sports and interactive attractions, small and large enhancements alike contribute to guest satisfaction. Successful investments often have a dual purpose: elevating the visitor experience while supporting local employment and boosting regional tourism.

Operators who take a proactive approach to upgrades also position themselves strongly in awards, reviews, and media coverage, which further strengthens their reputation and revenue. In this issue, we look at some of the standout examples of investment and upgrades across the UK, from multi-million-pound leisure developments to creative re-imagining of classic park attractions, demonstrating how operators are keeping their parks fresh, exciting, and profitable.

“There is a strong argument for rethinking some of the attractions our industry has long provided – and Footgolf is a perfect illustration of this.” - James Loveridge, Highlands End Holiday Park

Parkdean Resorts - £50M Investment
Parkdean Resorts, the UK’s largest holiday park operator, is set to invest £50 million across its portfolio in 2026, focusing on both facilities and guest experiences. Highfield Grange Holiday Park in Essex and Vauxhall Holiday Park in Great Yarmouth will each receive £5 million in upgrades, introducing new attractions such as indoor adventure golf, upgraded high and low ropes courses, and immersive Bear Grylls escape rooms.

Existing Tots Zones are being expanded, and off-road driving ranges will offer activities for children aged four and over. A new sports bar concept, Hat-Tricks, will combine food and drinks with interactive indoor sports like darts and shuffleboard. Beyond enhancing guest experiences, the investment will generate up to 100 new jobs in the local communities.

Steve Richards, CEO, emphasises the importance of ongoing investment: “Guests return to us year after year because they trust us to deliver the quality and consistency they expect. We are committed to raising standards to remain at the forefront of the UK holiday market.” Parkdean Resorts’ record results and numerous Tripadvisor accolades reflect how a well-planned investment strategy pays dividends, reinforcing both brand reputation and customer loyalty.

INNOVATIVE AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY: Highlands End’s Footgolf course reimagines a classic park attraction.

Highlands End Holiday Park – Footgolf Innovation
Not all upgrades require huge budgets. At Highlands End Holiday Park in Dorset, marketing chief James Loveridge replaced the traditional pitch-and-putt course with an 18-hole Footgolf course in May 2024.

The result? More than 15,000 visitors have taken part, generating a twentyfold increase in revenue compared with the old course. The course, designed in-house using local suppliers for obstacles, ramps, and themed signage, combines fun with a family-friendly challenge, appealing to both children and adults.

Loveridge believes the success demonstrates that rethinking traditional attractions can refresh guest engagement and create new profit centres. The park’s recognition in the Dorset Tourism Awards highlights the value of innovative thinking combined with minimal investment.

BROTHERS PHIL AND TIM Brierley mark 60 years since their parents pioneered York House Leisure.

York House Leisure – Celebrating 60 Years with £1M Investment
York House Leisure, a family-run group in North Yorkshire, celebrated its diamond anniversary with a £1 million investment across its parks, including residential parks and the popular visitor attraction Monk Park Farm.

The upgrade included a new animal barn and enhancements to existing attractions. Brothers Phil and Tim Brierley, along with sister Heather, emphasise that the business philosophy of constant reinvestment keeps parks appealing while supporting local employment and community engagement. York House Leisure welcomes more than 80,000 visitors annually, and ongoing upgrades ensure both holidaymakers and residential park residents enjoy a high-quality, safe, and enjoyable environment.

These examples highlight that investment and upgrades are not just about adding attractions— they’re about maintaining standards, enhancing experiences, and building guest loyalty. Whether through multi-million-pound leisure complexes, innovative low-cost attractions, or ongoing enhancements to play areas and facilities, UK holiday park operators are demonstrating that reinvestment is essential for long-term success.

From large operators like Parkdean Resorts to family-run groups such as York House Leisure, the message is clear: staying ahead of guest expectations requires vision, creativity, and a commitment to continual improvement, ensuring visitors return year after year.

Highlands End Holiday Park
www.wdlh.co.uk

Parkdean Resorts
www.parkdeanresorts.co.uk

York House Leisure
www.yhlparks.co.uk

SUPERIOR POOL WATER QUALITY

Posted on August 7, 2024

The allure of a sparkling, pristine pool can significantly elevate the appeal of a holiday park. Good water quality in a holiday park pool is not just about aesthetics; it is crucial for health, safety, and guest satisfaction. Ensuring that the pool water is clean and safe can directly impact the number of bookings, as families and individuals seek out locations where they can relax without health concerns.

Maintaining excellent water quality in a holiday park pool involves regular and precise monitoring. This is where the Lovibond® MD110 comes into play. The MD110 is a robust, user-friendly photometer designed for accurate water testing. It provides reliable results that are essential for maintaining the chemical balance of the pool, ensuring that harmful bacteria and contaminants are kept at bay.

Covering all the main pool water tests such as free & total chlorine, pH, total alkalinity etc the MD110 is also equipped with Bluetooth® connectivity, enabling seamless data transfer and storage, which is particularly useful for holiday park staff who need to keep detailed records of water quality. This ensures that any deviations from the optimal chemical balance are quickly identified and rectified, maintaining the pool’s safety and clarity.

Guests are more likely to book a stay if they are confident in the safety and cleanliness of the pool facilities. Positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations about the exceptional pool quality can drive higher occupancy rates. In contrast, reports of poor water quality can deter potential visitors and harm reputation.

By investing in reliable water testing equipment like the MD110, holiday parks can ensure their pools remain inviting and safe. High standards in pool maintenance reflect a commitment to guest welfare, setting a holiday park apart from the competition and fostering long-term customer loyalty.

Lovibond Water Testing
01980 664800
www.lovibond.com

GUESTS THANKED FOR WILDLIFE BOOST

Posted on August 2, 2022

GUESTS THANKED FOR WILDLIFE BOOST

A CORNWALL WILDLIFE TRUST chief has visited a Padstow holiday park making a huge donation to its work.

Guests at Padstow’s Mother Ivey’s Bay holiday park have given £16,923 since 2015 to help the work of Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s nature conservation programme. The trust’s corporate partnership officer Rowan Hartgroves took time off to say thank you with a visit to the park where he took the opportunity to view some of the many wildlife initiatives it has taken to protect indigenous flora and fauna. They include an adjoining wildlife meadow where a wide variety of wildflowers provide a valuable foraging resource for endangered honeybees and butterflies.

There are also ‘bug hotels’ which encourage beneficial insects, and are essential for biodiversity. The park’s work has resulted in its receiving the prestigious David Bellamy Conservation Award at its top gold level every year for over two decades. “We care passionately about the natural world, and Mother Ivey’s tends to attract holiday guests who share our love for Cornwall’s unique but fragile landscape,” said Patrick. “For many years we have asked our customers to make a voluntary donation to the Cornwall Wildlife Trust when they book their holidays with us online.

“Almost every guest does so, which I think underlines the affection they have for this spectacular area, and their concern to be involved in maintaining its upkeep. Rowan Hartgroves said that, sadly, wildlife in Cornwall is under threat and that in the past 30 years nearly half of terrestrial mammals had declined along with three-fifths of butterfly species. “Many of our visitors are becoming aware of the precarious state of nature in Cornwall and are looking for ways to help protect the environment they have come to enjoy,” said Rowan who added: “By introducing a visitor gifting scheme, such as that adopted by Mother Ivey’s Bay Holiday Park, local businesses can help build customer loyalty and enable guests to protect the places and wildlife that they cherish for future generations.”

CARAVAN GUARD WINS NATIONAL AWARD

Posted on February 15, 2022

CARAVAN GUARD WINS NATIONAL AWARD

CARAVAN GUARD sustains its award-winning insurance delivery.

Insurance specialists Caravan Guard, incorporating Leisuredays, were thrilled to be crowned silver winners of the Personal Lines Broker of the Year at the Insurance Times Awards 2021.
The caravan and motorhome insurance specialists went head-to-head with nine other companies at a prestigious national awards event at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London last week after being shortlisted for two awards.
The flagship awards celebrated excellence and innovation and recognised the very best companies across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Caravan Guard collected the silver winners trophy after showcasing high levels of customer loyalty, business growth and excellent customer feedback.
The Halifax-based company was also a finalist in the Customer Champion of the Year – Broker category for its passion for delivering brilliant customer experiences and highlighting improvements in its already highly-rated service.
Caravan Guard’s Managing Director, Ryan Wilby, said he was delighted the family business had been recognised at these high-profile awards.
“It was fantastic to be finalists for two awards on this national stage, and to bring back some silverware for our team was the icing on the cake,” said Ryan. “We’re very proud of the work we do to deliver great service to our customers as well as providing specialist, market-leading insurance cover for their pride and joy.”
Caravan Guard has already been crowned winners of What Motorhome magazine’s insurance provider of the Year 2021 and was also a finalist in the UK Customer Satisfaction Awards 2021 but was pipped at the post by UK online business directory Yell.
Caravan Guard, incorporating Leisuredays, has a strong culture of supporting charitable causes. Each year it donates tens of thousands of pounds to local and national charities, including Overgate Hospice, Heart Research UK and Yorkshire Air Ambulance and caring completely is at the heart of its company values.

Caravan Guard (Leisuredays)
Tel. 01422 396 693
park-operator@leisuredays.co.uk
www.leisuredays.co.uk