THE UK’S BIGGEST TOURISM & LEISURE EVENT RETURNS

Posted on November 4, 2025

Taking place on 5-6 November 2025, NEC Birmingham...

The Land Leisure & Tourism Show is the UK’s largest event dedicated to holiday parks, leisure, attractions and rural businesses. Welcoming over 400 exhibitors and thousands of visitors, the show provides a creative space where you can gather ideas and learn from other experts in the field.

Whether you’re an established industry professional seeking fresh concepts or a newcomer looking to maximise your land’s potential, this event provides a unique platform for networking, learning, and innovation.

A HUB FOR INDUSTRY GROWTH AND INSPIRATION
This year’s show brings together three sectors under one roof, Holiday Parks, Family Attractions and Resorts, and Hospitality, creating an unmissable opportunity to explore the latest trends, connect with leading suppliers, and discover innovative solutions to enhance your business.

Plus with the Farm Business Innovation Show running alongside, farmers and landowners can access even more expert guidance on diversification and land optimisation.

EXPERT-LED SEMINARS & INDUSTRY ROUNDTABLES
Gain valuable insights from industry experts through a packed schedule of seminars, workshops, and discussion panels. The show’s keynote, Geoffrey Smith, CEO of Meadow Bay Villages, will open with a fresh perspective on the UK holiday park sector, rethinking the holiday experience through innovation and investment.

Expect thought-provoking discussions, covering key issues, trends, and opportunities that will shape the future of land, leisure, and tourism. This unique platform provides both professionals and newcomers in the industry the opportunity to network, learn and explore new opportunities.

Gain valuable insights from industry experts through a packed schedule of seminars, workshops, and discussion panels.

NEW FOCUS ON HOSPITALITY & VALUE-ADDED SERVICES
For 2025, we’re placing an even stronger emphasis on hospitality offerings, helping holiday park operators and rural businesses expand their services and increase profitability.

Expect tailored insights into enhancing guest experiences, adding premium facilities, and implementing effective marketing strategies to drive success.

YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT & GROW
Whether you’re looking to source new products, gain expert advice, or network with industry leaders, the Land Leisure & Tourism Show is the must- attend event to take your business to the next level.

Join us on 5-6 November 2025 at NEC Birmingham and be part of the UK’s most influential event for the tourism sector.
Scan the QR code to register for your free ticket today!

SPEAKERS NOT TO MISS!

MEADOW BAY VILLAGES REIMAGINING THE UK HOLIDAY PARK EXPERIENCE
05 Nov 2025 @ 10:00 - 10:30
Land, Leisure & Tourism Theatre

Geoffrey Smith, CEO of Meadow Bay Villages, opens the Land Leisure Tourism Show with a fresh perspective on the UK holiday park sector.

Discover how Meadow Bay is rethinking the holiday experience through innovation and investment and explore the opportunities shaping the future of holiday parks and rural leisure.

THE REAL COST OF ENERGY METERING - HEAR FROM PARKS WHO HAVE MADE THE SWITCH
05 Nov 2025 @ 10:00 - 10:30
Land, Leisure & Tourism Theatre

Join industry leaders and park owners as they share their real experiences with energy metering.

From reducing costs to improving guest satisfaction, hear first-hand what works, what doesn’t, and how.

HOW GULLIVER’S WORLD IS SHAPING TOMORROW’S ATTRACTIONS - JULIE DALTON, MANAGING DIRECTOR - GULLIVER’S THEME PARK RESORTS
06 Nov 2025 @ 10:00 - 10:30
Land, Leisure & Tourism Theatre

In this opening address, Julie Dalton, Managing Director of Gulliver’s Theme Parks and Resorts group, which includes Gulliver’s World, shares the journey of the independent, family-run theme park group as it adapts to shifting visitor expectations and industry challenges.

From launching immersive events and unique guest experiences to navigating changing leisure trends, Julie offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Gulliver’s has evolved its offer while staying true to its core values of affordability, accessibility, and family-first fun.

THIS YEARS MUST-SEE EXHIBTORS INCLUDE: TOP TEN

ELEVATE YOUR BUSINESS AT LLT

Posted on July 31, 2025

The Land Leisure & Tourism Show is the UK’s largest event dedicated to holiday parks, leisure, attractions, and rural businesses. The show provides a creative space where you can gather ideas and learn from other experts in the field.

Whether you’re an established industry professional seeking fresh concepts or a newcomer looking to maximise your land’s potential, this event provides a unique platform for networking, learning, and innovation.

This year’s show offers an unmissable opportunity to explore the latest trends, connect with leading suppliers, and discover innovative solutions to enhance your business. Plus, with the Farm Business Innovation Show running alongside, farmers and landowners can access even more expert guidance on diversification and land optimisation.

For 2025, we’re placing an even stronger emphasis on hospitality offerings, helping holiday park operators and rural businesses expand their services and increase profitability. Expect tailored insights into enhancing guest experiences, adding premium facilities, and implementing effective marketing strategies to drive success.

Whether you’re looking to source new products, gain expert advice, or network with industry leaders, the Land Leisure & Tourism Show is the must-attend event to take your business to the next level. Join us on 5-6 November 2025 at the NEC Birmingham and be part of the UK’s most influential event for the tourism sector. Scan the QR code to register for your free ticket today.

The Land Leisure & Tourism Show
www.lltshow.com

LLT IS THE LAUNCHPAD for your next big SHO idea

EXPLORE THE LATEST innovations and speak directly with leading suppliers

TRANSFORMING THE BRITISH HOLIDAY PARK EXPERIENCE

Posted on August 7, 2024

As Hoseasons celebrates its 80th Anniversary, we ask four Holiday Park Owners why they have built such long-lasting and lucrative relationships with this iconic British holiday brand. Acquiring Marine Holiday Park in North Wales back in 2007, the Williams family has significantly diversified its service offering.

Joining the family business full time in 2014, Director Paris Williams explains the benefits of remaining with Hoseasons and the importance of continually transforming the guest experience as they look to expand their existing fleet and attract new and returning guests. “Customers want higher quality accommodation and superior amenities, like their own private hot tub even when booking to stay in a more traditional holiday park.

Hoseasons offers a personal touch through dedicated consultation on product development and diversification from account managers which we really value. As a partner they understand our goal to offer different types of holidays across our parks”. Crowhurst Park Lodges in Battle, East Sussex approached Hoseasons in the 1990s to explore how they might enter the holiday park market.

Owner Colin Simmons says the long-term partnership that has developed since has been a big factor in the park’s success. “Upon our decision to partner with Hoseasons, we successfully established 12 new pine log cabins the following year. We now have 65 lodges in our portfolio. Our Business Development Director advises us on the best growth opportunities to suit our customer base, such as whether to invest in a four-bedroom lodge versus a more luxury option.

Their comprehensive market data is invaluable for us to improve our business.” “After we installed 12 lodges, they recommended building an indoor swimming complex,” he continues. “Since opening our Leisure Centre, we have become an all-year-round resort, significantly impacting our booking numbers. This success can be traced back to Hoseasons guidance on how best to invest in our facilities to attract new customers, as well as retain our more loyal holidaymakers by elevating their holiday experience.”

Hoseasons’ tailored promotions and marketing campaigns, such as Pets Go Free have also led to increased returns for Holiday Park Owners. Karina Gallagher, General Manager at Crake Valley in the Lake District has experienced these benefits first hand. “As a small family run business, we have limited resources to grow our online presence, but Hoseasons has advertised Crake Valley several times, which is phenomenal.

They have a larger reach, and people have positive associations with Hoseasons as a brand. By partnering with them, it can only be good for us, and helps us to grow our business,” explains Karina. The ‘Pets Go Free’ campaign in particular has been a significant draw for Crake Valley. “Pet friendly accommodation, especially those with hot tubs are our main selling points here at Crake Valley. Support with these campaigns help showcase extra incentive for people to visit our beautiful location,” he adds.

The use of Hoseasons’ unique dynamic pricing framework has also allowed holiday park owners to benchmark their service offerings against nearby parks, resulting in higher occupancy rates and rising profits. “In previous years, pricing was fixed, whereas dynamic pricing allows us to adjust our prices reactively. We can respond to rises and falls in demand and remain super responsive to the market, adds Paris.

“It also allows us to list our lodges more competitively against the local market as required,” affirms Leanne Lewis, Office Manager at Ashlea Pools Lodges, Shropshire. “If we feel our prices are too high or too low, we can then adjust accordingly.” Whether the long-term goal is to acquire new parks, invest in an existing fleet, build new unique products or renovate older accommodations, development is underpinned by Hoseasons’s commitment to helping holiday park owners positively transform their guest experience.

“You must constantly ensure that guests feel special,” says Leanne. “We’ve introduced welcome baskets which have been positively received by guests.” Responding to accommodation trends is also imperative, with Hoseasons supporting owners looking to reach new audiences through diversification. “At Crowhurst, we’re looking to develop some unique lodges,” states Colin.

“We’re located on a country estate, so we plan to turn some wooded sections into luxury treehouse accommodations.” It is the continuing mutually beneficial relationship between Hoseasons and its holiday park owners that will ensure these locations remain well-positioned to offer exceptional experiences and stay in the hearts of holidaymakers for years to come.

Hoseasons
0345 268 1500
joinus@hoseasons.co.uk

: RICHARDSONS LEISURE recently spent £10k on decking gates for its pet-friendly lodges.

JEWEL IN THE CROWN

Posted on October 24, 2023

JEWEL IN THE CROWN

A lesson in diversification for visitor destinations...

A VIBRANT SHOPPING VILLAGE is packed with a plethora of bespoke shops.

For those looking for a quick-fire lesson in destination diversification, a visit to Suffolk’s Stonham Barns Park will leave you overflowing with a bucket load of ideas and inspiration. Bought by the Starglade group, principally operating as a day visit location, in 2020, the 110 -acre site is being transformed into a bustling leisure destination.

Ticking all the boxes from retail to live entertainment and from short-break holidays to permanent holiday homes, Stonham is still a work in progress. Brimming with pride, passion and ambition, owner, Alan Forward took me on a guided tour of the bustling family complex that sits on a favourable tourist route.

“Everyone needs a break away to reset and it seems as though the pull to the countryside is strong,” he says. “Many are looking for a relaxing fishing holiday or break where they can recharge and refresh in a safe environment.” “For many people, post-pandemic, the temptation to stay local and in the country is still very strong.”

HOLIDAY HOME ACCOMMODATION has been sympathetically placed around Stonham’s 100-acre site.

FAMILY COMPLEX
Stonham Barns Park is a bustling family complex filled with an abundance of attractions and activities to suit all. A vibrant shopping village is packed with a plethora of bespoke shops, and provides a huge draw for day and longer-stay visitors. Coach parties are tempted onto site to view not just the shops but also to visit specialist teapot makers, Carters of Suffolk, and its charming Teapot Tearoom.

Supplying big names from Harrods to Walt Disney, visitors can see the production of handmade, collectable teapots and even decorate a few themselves. Just a short walk away, the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary is a also a major draw. Providing a home to over 80 stunning owls and birds of prey from around the world the Sanctuary team put on with outstanding flying displays and are more than keen to chat to the enthusiastic visitors.

The site is home to the Mid Suffolk Showground offering numerous events throughout the year, including classic vehicle events, history re-enactment performances and music festivals. Add in a splash of talent at the on-site Legends Bar and Aspal Theatre and the entertainments’ programme is simply spilling over. Impressive Stonham golf facilities include a pirate-themed adventure foot golf course, crazy golf, nine-hole golf course and a well-stocked shop boasting simulator bays.

Still enjoying the great outdoors, two stunning fishing lakes have attracted a great following, including the attention of, world renowned angler, Bob Nudd while another water area has been established to offer SUP boarding and kayaking. There is a wealth of entertainment to keep the youngsters amused from a giant bouncy pillow with a perimeter sand pit that is free to use. Seasonal fair rides, dodgems, small children’s rides, play areas, inflatables, stalls, and land train ride all add to the appeal.

ATTRACTION SCOPE
Stonham Barns Park is now gaining a reputation as a popular wedding venue with designated room space available for hire. Add in a few fireworks displays, cycle racing, darts competitions, hot air balloon festivals and a plethora of themed party events, and you are beginning to understand the full scope of the Stonham Barns Park picture.

On-site refreshments are largely dealt with by Cafe 24 that offers plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and uses locally-sourced produce for their breakfast and lunch, no-fuss menus. Accommodation varies from own tent camping to caravan or motorhome pitches including the chance to hire one of one of six luxury bell tents or a shepherd’s hut as well as fully furnished holiday homes and holiday home purchase.

The Starglade Group of Companies is a well-known and respected, family owned, group of companies established for over 50 years. Originally started by Rodney Forward who was a successful builder, in 1994 Rodney joined forces with Alan, his son, to start Starglade Properties, mainly working with land transactions for residential properties.

ON-SITE ACCOMMODATION includes lodges, bell tents and even a shepherd-style hut.

Alan and his family over the years have acquired many other companies, to be part of the Starglade Group of companies that include residential and commercial lettings and new house-build developments. Working with long-term, tried and trusted suppliers, Stonham is undoubtedly a jewel in the Starglade crown.

As well as the creation of on-site job and business opportunities, the company invests back into the local community with sponsorship of sports sides and emerging talent as varied as rugby to Formula 3 motor racing. “The exciting thing about Stonham is its potential for future development,” says Alan, who shares plans for more pop-up shop retail opportunities and even a new on-site boutique hotel.

“It is all about constantly re-investing in this type of business and I hope this is what is driving the on-going popularity of the resort for short as well as longer term visitors,” says Alan, who has the backing and support of his son, Keith, and daughter Terri, managing the Starglade portfolio that now includes several new holiday home sites. Alan adds: “This type of business is all about team effort and it is thanks to the passion and enthusiasm of every individual that Stonham looks forward to such a very bright future.”

Stonham Barns Park
Tel. 01449 711 111
E. events@stonhambarns.co.uk
www.stonhambarns.co.uk

: A COMPARATIVELY new addition to the Stonham Barns Park attractions is sup- boarding and kayaking.

: IMPRESSIVE STONHAM GOLF facilities include a pirate-themed adventure foot-golf course.

: THE ON-SITE SUFFOLK Owl Sanctuary presents daily displays of a variety of wild birds such as this Kestrel.

: A FUN FAIR is open for day and holiday visitors during the peak season.

: CARTERS OF SUFFOLK, supply big names from Harrods to Walt Disney with its charming teapot designs.

: HOLIDAY HOMES are positioned to maximise the tranquil on-site location.

Holiday Park Scene Magazine

JEWEL IN THE CROWN