Cycling

A TRANQUIL ECO-RETREAT

Posted on November 12, 2024

Landal Rockingham Forest Holiday Park is a tranquil, eco-friendly resort nestled in the heart of Northamptonshire, offering a perfect escape for nature lovers, families, and couples alike. Known for its luxurious, self-catering lodges, this relatively new holiday park promises a peaceful retreat, surrounded by lush woodlands and scenic countryside.

I recently had the opportunity to stay at the resort, and this review reflects my comprehensive experience with its accommodations, amenities, location, and overall atmosphere. One of the main attractions of Landal Rockingham Forest is its idyllic setting. Situated within the historic 200 acre Rockingham Forest, the holiday park is surrounded by sprawling woodlands and gentle rolling hills.

This location offers a great sense of seclusion, providing the perfect environment for a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Despite this rural location, the park is relatively easy to reach from major towns and cities such as Peterborough, Northampton, and Leicester, making it a convenient choice for weekend getaways.

The forest itself is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Numerous trails meander through the woodland, offering visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area. Whether you’re interested in hiking, cycling, or simply strolling through the forest, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in nature.

WINNER OF THE ENGLAND Rose Award, London & South East England Prestige Awards Nature Retreat.

During my stay, I found these forest walks to be one of the highlights of the trip – the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to spot local wildlife, such as deer, butterflies and various bird species. The lodges at Landal Rockingham Forest are designed with luxury and sustainability in mind.

These eco-conscious cabins are spacious, stylish, and equipped with modern conveniences to ensure a comfortable stay. I stayed in one of the two-bedroom lodges, I was impressed with the quality of the furnishings and the attention to detail in the lodge’s design.

The interiors feature a Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic, with neutral tones, wood finishes, and large windows that flood the space with natural light. Each lodge is fully self-catering, with a well-equipped kitchen, including all the necessary appliances.

We found the kitchen to be perfect for preparing meals during our stay, and the open-plan living and dining area provided plenty of space for relaxing together in the evenings. One of the standout features of the lodge was the outdoor decking area, complete with a private hot tub – the ideal spot for unwinding while enjoying the tranquil woodland views.

SITUATED WITHIN the historic 200 acre Rockingham Forest, the holiday park is surrounded by sprawling woodlands.

For those looking for larger accommodations, the park offers a selection of three and four bedroom lodges, which are perfect for bigger groups or families. These lodges also come with the same high-end amenities and are equally stylish and comfortable. Landal Rockingham Forest excels in providing a range of high-quality amenities that enhance the holiday experience.

Although the park’s focus is on offering a peaceful, nature-based retreat, there are still plenty of on-site facilities to keep guests entertained. For those looking to stay active during their holiday, the park has several outdoor activities available. Cycling is particularly popular here, and bikes can be rented on-site for guests wishing to explore the forest trails.

There’s also a small fitness area and several play areas for children, making the park a family-friendly destination. While the self-catering nature of the lodges encourages guests to prepare their own meals, there are a few other options of dining without leaving the park.

There’s an on-site Bistro, recommended pizza delivery, locally sourced luxury hamper ordering service and there are also several charming pubs and restaurants in the nearby villages, and we enjoyed exploring these during our stay. Sustainability is a core value at Landal Rockingham Forest, and this is evident in the park’s design and operation.

THE LODGES ARE STYLISH and equipped with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay.

The lodges are built with eco-friendly materials, and the park aims to minimise its environmental impact through energy efficiency, waste reduction, and the promotion of sustainable tourism practices. I was pleased to see that recycling bins were provided in each lodge, and there were clear efforts made to reduce plastic waste, such as the use of refillable toiletries in the bathrooms.

The resort also works to preserve the natural beauty of Rockingham Forest, and it was clear that a great deal of care has gone into maintaining the surrounding environment. The friendly staff are knowledgeable about the local wildlife and the conservation efforts in place, which added a sense of purpose to the park’s operations.

It was reassuring to stay somewhere that actively prioritizes the preservation of the natural world while still offering a luxurious holiday experience. The service at Landal Rockingham Forest was, in general, excellent. From the moment we arrived, the staff were welcoming and helpful. Check-in was contactless, quick and efficient, and we were provided with all the information we needed to make the most of our stay.

The staff were always available to answer any questions, whether it was about activities in the park or recommendations for nearby attractions. The park’s family-friendly atmosphere was reflected in child-friendly activities on offer. For families traveling with their furry friends, the park is a Pet Paradise with miles of woodland trails that start right from the door of your lodge.

THE LODGES ARE STYLISH and equipped with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay.

Venture further afield and visit the grounds of Rutland Nature Reserve, Ferry Meadows and Fineshade Wood, all nearby and offering a great space for dogs to explore. Overall, my experience at Landal Rockingham Forest Holiday Park was highly positive.

The combination of luxurious, eco-conscious accommodation, stunning natural surroundings, and excellent service made for a memorable and relaxing holiday. The resort’s emphasis on sustainability and connection with nature is particularly commendable, making it a great choice for those looking to escape to the countryside without compromising on comfort.

Whether you’re seeking a romantic retreat, a family holiday, or an active outdoor adventure, Landal Rockingham Forest offers something for everyone. It’s a place where you can unwind, reconnect with nature, and enjoy quality time with loved ones in a serene and beautiful setting. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful yet luxurious countryside escape.

Landal Rockingham Forest Holiday Park
01780 432250
www.rockinghamforestpark.co.uk

HOLIDAY MAKERS GET ON THEIR BIKES

Posted on October 26, 2022

HOLIDAY MAKERS GET ON THEIR BIKES

RESEARCH HAS SHOWN an increase in cycling activity especially on UK holidays.

 

The dramatic rise in staycations is triggering increased interest in cycling as a new, family-friendly holiday activity. The experts at Quella Bicycle have researched 2022’s most popular cycling routes, analysing hashtag data to put together a guide of the UK’s 10 best urban cycling routes for to explore this summer.

A spokesperson for Quella, Chris Pengilley, said: “Cycling holidays are increasingly accessible - there are hundreds of bike rental shops across the UK - but many people are unsure of where to start. “It can be even harder to choose where to go when you have a family, as younger children may struggle with steep or prolonged elevations.”

“While based on hashtag data, Quella Bicycle tips contain a range of trails accessible to young children to seasoned professionals - all with incredible views and sights that will make any staycation the ultimate trip away from home.” Geographic hashtag guest posts were topped by The Isle of Wight with 1.2m hashtags, followed by the Yorkshire Dales Cycleway with 809,000 hashtags.

Wish You Were Here – Oyster Bay Coastal & Country Retreat

Posted on September 10, 2019

Wish You Were Here - Oyster Bay Coastal & Country Retreat

Oyster Bay Coastal and Country Retreat, is one of Cornwall’s best-kept secrets and the only 5-Star, owners’only holiday park. You’ll find Oyster Bay set in the beautiful Cornish countryside, just a stone’s throw from the stunning, famous sands of Perranporth.
Oyster Bay’s brand-new development – Penpol Creek – boasts 23 spectacular holiday homes.
Imagine a mixture of extraordinary lodges, immaculately furnished. We’re talking contemporary, well-equipped kitchens, spacious open-plan living spaces and private sun terraces with unbeatable views of the Cornwall’s rolling countryside. Set in its own private gated community, there’s no better place to soak up the scenery – what’s more, it’s open all year round with a 12-month season. Unwind at the park’s exclusive facilities, including its indoor leisure complex – why not go for a calming dip in the pool, followed by a chilled drink on the decked terrace?
At the end of a busy day, enjoy a short stroll to Oyster Bay’s very own pub and restaurant, The New Inn.
They’ve laid on some delicious seasonal dishes to sample with your owner discount – and why not join in with the exclusive monthly wine club? Other benefits for owners include a chauffeur service and a calendar of special events.
Oh, and don’t even contemplate leaving your loved four-legged friends behind, either – Oyster Bay is completely pet-friendly.
At Oyster Bay, dedicated watersports instructors are available to help guests make the most of the surfing, paddle boarding and windsurfing
opportunities available nearby. You can make full use of the putting green, the tennis courts or get out and about to explore the endless, stunning countryside with complimentary electric bike hire.
Nothing has been missed in the quest to create a spectacular sanctuary all year round. Oyster Bay is the perfect home from home with everything required for endless holidays and lasting memories.

Oyster Bay Coastal & Country Retreat
Tel. 01904 786 100
www.parkleisure.co.uk/oyster-bay

Night-Rider Dave Hits The Road

Posted on November 14, 2016

Night-Rider Dave Hits The Road

Night manager Dave Marshall raised £4,000 for charity by cycling 100 two-mile circuits around Beauport Holiday Park near Hastings.

A holiday park night manager has smashed his charity fundraising target by cycling 100 circuits of the two-mile route around the park in just 24 hours.

Dave Marshall, who has worked at Beauport Holiday Park near Hastings for four years, took on the 200 mile challenge in the hope of raising £1,500 for two charities.

Surpassing all expectations, Dave was delighted to beat that target – raising over £4,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support and Charity for Kids, which provides vital support for disabled, sick and terminally ill children.

Backing for Dave’s bid came from a raft of different sponsors, including his friends and colleagues, suppliers to the park, and holiday home owners. The biggest single donor was Park Holidays UK which includes Beauport Holiday Park among the 26 park businesses it operates in Southern England.

Rise of the Triathlon Holiday

Posted on December 19, 2013

A growing number of holidaymakers are looking for challenging activity getaways.

Rise of the Triathlon Holiday

Boosted by the Brownlee brothers’ success in the 2012 Olympics, the triathlon has seen its popularity soar recently.

Combining swimming, cycling and running, British Triathlon says it’s the fastest-growing sport in the UK. But it’s not just the events that are on the up. Triathlon holidays are also taking off too.

For some, the thought of early starts, swimming in cold lakes and cycling up mountains would be enough to make them want to cancel the trip and stay at home. But the combination of sports, beautiful landscapes and meeting new people is proving to be an alluring prospect for an increasing number of British holidaymakers.

Research by the Triathlon Industry Association (TIA) found one in five triathletes travelled overseas to compete last year, with almost three quarters saying they would consider doing so in the future. Some combined an event with a triathlon holiday.

Now many holiday operators are offering tailored triathlon packages to meet people’s demand. Training Escapes, which promotes cycling and triathlon training holidays, says there has been a 35% increase in triathlon holiday providers over the past three years, with holiday makers up by 30-35%.