entertainment

WHEN THE STAY BECOMES THE STORY

Posted on February 13, 2026

THE ORRYN LODGE from Pinelog transforms the park landscape with a striking roofline and an inviting, experience-led design. With thoughtful design inside and out, The Orryn encourages guests to relax, socialise and create lasting memories in every season.

The increasing importance of experiential holiday park accommodation…

Holiday park accommodation is no longer a functional backdrop to a break away. It now shapes how guests relax, socialise and remember their stay. Comfort, design quality and usable space increasingly influence booking decisions and revenue.

The Orryn, the latest lodge design from Pinelog, has been developed in direct response to guest demand for memorable, experience-led accommodation. Rather than focusing solely on the internal layout, the design treats the lodge as a complete living environment, inside and out.

A defining feature is its projecting roofline. Architecturally, it creates a strong visual identity on park. Practically, it transforms external decking into a sheltered, year-round living and entertaining space. The extended roof projection provides protection for hot tubs, seating and dining areas, and can even accommodate a sauna, allowing operators to add premium features that remain usable in all seasons.

Like all lodges in the Pinelog range, The Orryn benefits from a fully bespoke approach. Layouts can be adapted to suit different guest profiles and park strategies, with options including integrated saunas, games rooms, accessibility features and pet-friendly additions.

These reflect growing demand for wellness, entertainment and multi-generational stays, while helping parks differentiate their offer and increase per-stay revenue. As experiential travel continues to shape the holiday park sector, Pinelog’s bespoke offering continues to lead the way in helping park operators move their accommodation into a central part of the guest experience, delivering stronger appeal and long-term commercial value. For luxury, memorable timber lodges, speak to Pinelog’s expert design team.

Pinelog
01246 942842
www.pinelog.co.uk

THE OPEN ROAD TO OPPORTUNITY

Posted on July 31, 2025

There’s a quiet revolution rolling through the British countryside, and it’s running on diesel, solar and wanderlust… Motorhome ownership is booming and with it, a new kind of traveller is reshaping the tourism landscape.

Forget tour buses and pre-packaged trips, today’s explorers prefer self-sufficiency, open roads, and the freedom to choose their view each morning. For holiday park owners and managers, this is not a trend to watch from the sidelines.

It’s a golden opportunity to attract a growing, engaged and self-reliant audience that’s ready to spend, if you’re ready to welcome them.

WHY MOTORHOMES ARE NOT JUST PASSING THROUGH
Once considered the preserve of retirees and festivalgoers, motorhomes have gone mainstream. Driven by post-pandemic shifts, environmental awareness, and a craving for flexible travel, today’s motorhome owners are families, digital nomads, adventurers and comfort-lovers alike.

They’re skipping airports and checking out of hotels, opting instead for clean air, control, and communities on wheels. But here’s the catch: while they love the open road, they don’t want to rough it. They’re looking for safe, scenic, and well-equipped bases and that’s where you come in.

TODAY’S MOTORHOME GUESTS bring everything they need and they’re happy to pay for the things they value most: safety, service, and the freedom to roam.

FROM STATIC TO STRATEGIC
Traditionally associated with static caravans and summer getaways, holiday parks are now transforming into dynamic hubs for motorhome tourism. With the right facilities, you don’t just become a stopover, you become the destination. Motorhome travellers value:

• Full-service hook-ups: Electricity, water and waste disposal make extended stays easy.
• Flexible booking options: Cater to both overnight visitors and those settling in for the season.
• Modern comforts: Think laundry rooms, Wi-Fi, EV chargers, and even co-working areas.
• Scenic and secure settings: Gated access, helpful staff and quiet hours go a long way.

Add a view of the coast or countryside, and your park suddenly offers something that no roadside lay-by or city car park can.

WHY IT MAKES BUSINESS SENSE
Let’s break it down. Motorhome owners bring:

• Self-sufficiency: They don’t need you to provide beds or bathrooms, but they’re happy to pay for a clean, safe, connected space.
• Off-season income: Many tour year-round and actively seek out parks with winter availability.
• Repeat business: A good stay = loyalty. Many return to favourite parks annually or recommend them in active online communities.
• Low overhead for high reward: Unlike static units, touring pitches require less infrastructure and turnover.

With a little foresight, even under-used parts of your park can be turned into attractive hardstanding motorhome pitches, creating new revenue without major redevelopment.

WHAT MOTORHOMERS REALLY WANT (AND HOW TO DELIVER IT)
Meeting the needs of the motorhome market doesn’t mean luxury spas and nightly entertainment (although some will love that!). What matters most is a balance of autonomy and amenity. Here’s what they’re looking for:

• Ease of access: Wide, drive-through pitches and clear signposting.
• Solid ground: Hardstanding with level areas beats a boggy field every time.
• Connectivity: Reliable Wi-Fi and good mobile reception are now non-negotiable.
• Family & pet-friendliness: Play areas, dog walks, and fenced zones make a big difference.
• Social touches: BBQ spots, fire pits, or communal lounges help build community.

Add an online booking system (ideally with app functionality), and you’re ticking all the modern motorhomer’s boxes.

WHAT TYPE OF PARK ARE YOU?
It’s worth considering your niche. There’s space for everyone in the motorhome market—but your park doesn’t have to appeal to everyone.

• Family parks: Offer excitement, entertainment and practical convenience.
• Adult-only parks: Promise peace, quiet and curated experiences.
• Eco-retreats: Cater to conscious travellers with natural, minimalist setups.
• Luxury resorts: Attract those who want the comforts of a hotel with the freedom of the road.

By defining your offer, you can attract the right kind of motorhome guest, and keep them coming back.

DON’T GET LEFT BEHIND
So, if your pitches are ready, your facilities welcoming and your park easy to find and book, you’re not just accommodating motorhome guests, you’re becoming part of their story.

In return, they’ll bring loyal custom, word- of-mouth buzz, and a whole lot of wheels to your gates! It’s time to open up your park and your thinking, to the power of the self-sufficient traveller.

Motorhome Trader
www.themotorhometrader.co.uk

DO YOU KNOW ABOUT MARTYN’S LAW?

Posted on August 7, 2024

Compass Insurance takes time to tell us about something a little different than the usual world of insurance but about some legislation that, potentially, could affect many parks.

WHAT IS MARTYN’S LAW?
To give it the correct title, the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill is a piece of legislation contained within the King’s Speech last November. It has recently completed a public consultation and the Home Office will respond on this in the near future with a view to pushing the Act through Parliament in the current term.

It will be applicable across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. This Bill has its origins in the Manchester Concert Bomb attack in 2017, where alongside 21 others Martyn Hyett lost his life. Since the attack, a campaign has been led by Martyn’s mum to pass a law requiring hospitality and retail venues to improve their awareness of and their level of security against terrorist threat.

WHAT WILL MARTYN’S LAW DO?
Through Martyn’s Law premises will be better prepared, ready to respond and their staff will know what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. It will enhance public safety by ensuring there is better preparedness for, and protection from, terrorist attacks. This will be done by mandating, for the first time, who is responsible for considering the risk from terrorism and how they would respond to a terrorist attack at certain premises and events.

HOW DOES THIS AFFECT ME?
The proposed law will require any venue with a capacity for over 100 people to carry out certain measures and assessments to be able to lawfully conduct their business. There are several requirements for a venue to fall under the jurisdiction of Martyn’s Law, including:

• Premises and events must be open to the public.
• The premises’ purpose must be listed in the bill – these can include retail areas, events venues, entertainment, and leisure venues, etc.
• Premises must have capacity for at least 100 people.
• Premises may be a building or location with clearly defined boundaries and access routes (by permission).
• Temporary events like festivals are also included in the bill, where they need permission to enter and a capacity of more than 800 people.
• It is proposed that there will be a standard tier (100 to 799 capacity) and an enhanced tier (over 800 capacity).

THE TERRORISM (Protection of Premises) Bill is a piece of legislation contained within the King’s Speech last.

STANDARD TIER
Under Martyn’s Law, the standard tier is a baseline measure for venues with a capacity between 100 and 799. The Bill will aim to set out low-cost, practical, and effective measures to help improve preparedness in case of an attack. This may include sharing information, providing additional training for staff, and creating a preparedness plan to ingrain certain practices.

Examples include locking doors to prevent easy progress through a venue, or providing enhanced first-aid training to staff members so they can provide vital care before the emergency services arrive. Currently, the standard tier of Martyn’s Law is under consultation before it can be formalised.

This is because the law needs to provide a proportionate response that is possible for smaller venues to achieve, without being a burden. This balance is essential, as the law is designed to protect people, not penalise businesses because they don’t have the infrastructure or budget to meet the new requirements.

ENHANCED TIER
Larger events and venues, with 800+ capacity, will fall under the enhanced tier of Martyn’s Law. The enhanced tier has additional requirements to fulfil, largely in recognition that there is the possibility for more serious ramifications of a successful attack at a larger venue, like the number and severity of injuries, and the difficulty of a response on a large scale.

Measures under the enhanced tier include taking ‘reasonably practicable’ actions to reduce the risk of a terrorist attack and reduce the physical harm caused, keeping, and updating an assessed security document and designating a ‘senior member’ of staff for the venue or event.

THE PROPOSED LAW will require any venue with a capacity for over 100 people to carry out certain measures and assessments to be able to lawfully conduct their business.

SO, WILL THIS REALLY AFFECT ME?
Most clubhouses, bars and cafés will have a capacity of over 100, especially if outside tables/seating are included (which must be when calculating capacity!) and any members of staff that are involved in serving in this area at the time should also be included. From time to time, we receive requests from parks to cover festivals, displays or exhibitions that may exceed the 800 attendance mark. Below are some of the covers that may be relevant to members when Martyn’s Law is passed.

• Material Damage and Business Interruption
• Terrorism cover is very rarely purchased by holiday parks as terrorist attacks most often occur in cities and major towns.
• We are not suggesting park owners rush out and buy this as the proposed legislation does not impact a park’s decision to purchase this cover.
• Employers’ Liability (EL)
• Standard EL cover will include a limit for terrorism – usually £5 million for any one claim.
• Public Liability (PL)
• Standard PL will also include an inner limit for terrorism, usually £5 million for any one claim.

Once this legislation is passed, if members have a qualifying venue, then they will be required by law to carry out the necessary risk assessments and implement any necessary risk controls. So, this isn’t the law yet, but it could be pretty soon and it’s helpful to know what might be coming down the track.

One final note – there are plenty of ‘deals’ being offered from training companies at the moment with comprehensive-looking packages and services available. Our advice is to ignore all of them at this stage! The full parameters are not known at this time and the legislation is still being formulated.

Compass Insurance
0344 274 0876
www.compassparks.co.uk

FAMILY VALUES

Posted on May 16, 2024

The Hoburne Group was established in 1912 in Dorset when ‘Hubborn Farm’ was acquired at auction by its tenant farmer John Burry. Embracing his new life as a landowner, Mr Burry soon added nearby Naish Farm to his budding property empire and, amidst the growing interest in caravanning, the seeds of the Hoburne Group were sown.

Today, the Hoburne Group is one of the south’s largest and most successful tourism companies and is still, crucially, family-owned and operated, now by the fifth generation of the Burry family. “Without question, what makes our business unique is our family values,” explains Jim Forward, Chief Executive of the Hoburne Group.

“Like most family businesses, these start with integrity, a factor which is of the utmost importance to the board of directors; it is vital that as a company, we behave in a way that is genuine and provides customers with genuine products, genuine services, professionalism, efficiency, and value for money.”

FAMILY ACTIVITIES ARE KEY within the family- run Hoburne Group. Pictured, Adventure Golf.

The Hoburne Group encompasses eight holiday parks in the south and southwest of England, offering modern holiday accommodation and holiday home ownership with accompanying leisure, entertainment, and dining facilities. These are Hoburne Park in Dorset; Hoburne Naish and Hoburne Bashley in Hampshire; Hoburne Devon Bay in South Devon; Hoburne Cotswolds in Gloucestershire; Hoburne Blue Anchor in Somerset; and Hoburne St Mabyn and Hoburne Doublebois in Cornwall.

Holiday home ownership accounts for 70% of Hoburne’s business and the company caters to 2,500 holiday home owners. The remaining 30% is hire fleet for holidays. Hoburne also owns and operates two residential parks: Hoburne Naish in Hampshire has a small residential offering, and there is one solely residential park located in Swanage, Dorset.

The group’s largest park, Hoburne Naish, has been attracting caravanners in their droves since John Burry purchased Naish Farm in 1920. Now, Hoburne Naish welcomes over 12,000 holidaymakers each year and has in excess of 1000 units. Covering 110 acres, the park is superbly positioned on the clifftop, with direct beach access and incredible panoramic sea views to the Isle of Wight, Christchurch Harbour and Mudeford Quay.

THE NEWLY OPENED INDOOR play zone is part of a significant investment in Hoburne Cotswold.

HEAVENLY SLICE
Two new developments offer the chance for holidaymakers to purchase their own slice of heaven in this iconic Great British holiday spot. Sunset Cliffs and Chewton Bunny feature a choice of the latest holiday homes from top manufacturers including the new Omar Seafronter Super Lodge, designed specifically with coastal settings in mind.

2024 is a busy year for the Hoburne Group, as they launch a new sister park, Hoburne Cotswold Reach situated next to established Hoburne Cotswold in the middle of the Cotswold Water Park. “Hoburne Cotswold Reach has been designed for those wanting a peaceful hideaway in which to relax and escape,” explains Jim Forward.

“This quiet, exclusive park still allows guests to enjoy the main park facilities at Hoburne Cotswold, giving them truly the best of both worlds.” £4.7m is being invested in the park facilities at Hoburne Cotswold to support the expansion which will bring an additional 84 holiday homes to the business.

Several major developments are underway to improve the overall functionality and appeal of the park’s leisure facilities. “Phase one of the substantial upgrade is already complete with the opening of our exciting brand-new indoor play zone just before Easter,” says Greg Nolan, General Manager for Hoburne Cotswold.

“This new area provides a dedicated play space for families with young children. Working with the industry’s leading play equipment suppliers, we have designed an inspiring forest-themed play area with incredible features for our younger guests.” The redesigned indoor pool area including changing rooms, sauna and steam room is scheduled to re-open in early Summer. The work on the main pool will see the addition of children’s water play equipment to suit a range of ages.

INDOOR POOL
With a mission statement that emphasises the importance of providing “an outstanding customer experience”, delivering “exacting standards” and “continual investment”, it’s not surprising that the Cotswolds development is just one of many being masterminded by the team at the Hoburne Group headquarters in Christchurch, Dorset.

“As part of our ongoing commitment to continually enhance the customer experience, we also have an exciting refurbishment taking place at Hoburne Devon Bay this year,” explains Jim Forward. “We’re upgrading key elements within the South Devon park’s main venue to ensure they meet the highest standards of comfort and functionality, whilst carrying out a comprehensive interior and exterior makeover, incorporating contemporary design elements that complement the park’s coastal surroundings.

Through this investment, we will undoubtedly enhance our operations, expand our capabilities, and overall improve our offering for our guests by creating an even more enjoyable and fulfilling experience.” The rise of low-cost package holidays abroad might have cast a temporary shadow over homegrown holidays, but more recent developments have led to the introduction of a whole new customer base.

“The pandemic enabled us to promote our beautiful locations, plus the ease of travelling to our sites versus the many issues and delays which can be experienced with airline travel,” says Jim. “We welcomed a new audience, many of whom had never been to a UK holiday park before. With our extensive and continual programme of investment in park accommodation and facilities, Hoburne’s holiday guests and owners enjoy the very best of what holiday caravan and lodge accommodation has to offer.”

LUXURY LODGE WITH HOT TUB at Cornwall’s Hoburne St Mabyn.

ECO INVESTMENT
As part of this continual investment, the Hoburne Group is at the forefront of embracing initiatives that save energy and improve sustainability. In 2022, they became members of the Green Tourism programme, which promotes greener ways for businesses and organisations to operate.

In the last two years, Hoburne has rolled out solar technology including the installation of 2,231 solar panels; replaced all street lighting with LED lightbulbs; replaced all petrol grounds tools with battery-powered equipment; installed 24 EV vehicle chargers; introduced new food waste bins and the use of 100% recycled paper for welcome packs; and joined the David Bellamy Blooming Marvellous Pledge For Nature, planting new trees and wildflower meadows, as well as building bug hotels and bird boxes to create new wildlife habitats across their parks.

Over the years, the Hoburne Group’s commitment to innovation and excellence in service and standards has resulted in many awards. Most recently, they have been awarded Feefo’s Gold Trusted Service Award in recognition of online reviews from holidaymakers recognising their commitment to providing exceptional customer service.

They have also achieved an industry first with a landmark accreditation for the holiday park sector after passing the stringent requirements of the new Safe to Trade® Hospitality and Retail Industry Food Safety and Hygiene Standard, to become ‘Approved’ on the Safe to Trade® Register.

“We are delighted to have become the first holiday park operator to be awarded the much-coveted approved status,” explains Jim. “Safe to Trade® is a clear, comprehensive, assured standard. It’s the first voluntary, third-party assurance programme for the hospitality sector, designed to protect and care for the public. Something that is at the very heart of everything that we, at Hoburne, strive to do.”

Hoburne Group
Tel. 01425 282358
www.hoburnegroup.com

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITIES

Posted on March 13, 2024

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITIES

Verdant Leisure offers an award-winning holiday formula...

VERDANT LEISURE expanded in 2002 with two parks in Devon - Golden Coast Leisure Park and Cleavewood Leisure Park, pictured

Creating the perfect environment for customers to relax, enjoy and experience is an award-winning formula for leading holiday park operator Verdant Leisure. Since its foundation in 2010, Verdant Leisure has gone from strength to strength, and now boasts 13 parks within its growing portfolio.

Offering quality self-catering holidays and holiday home ownership in stunning coastal and countryside locations across Scotland and northern England, the Verdant Leisure story began with Thurston Manor Leisure Park in East Lothian and Pease Bay Leisure Park in Berwickshire. Riverside in Northumberland and Viewfield Manor in Ayrshire soon followed in 2011.

County Durham- based Heather View and Kingfisher were acquired in 2016, Coldingham Bay, Berwickshire in 2017, Scoutscroft in Berwickshire, and Queensberry Bay in Dumfriesshire in 2018. Two parks in Perthshire – Erigmore and Ballintuim – joined the group in 2019 and 2022 respectively. Finally, in 2022, Verdant Leisure expanded further south with two Devon-based acquisitions: Golden Coast Leisure Park and Cleavewood Leisure Park.

“Golden Coast is a fantastic, family friendly park in North Devon,” says Verdant Leisure Communications Director, Stacey Hope. “As the newest addition to the Verdant Leisure family, it offers a wide range of accommodation options and a whole host of fun filled facilities. Golden Coast Leisure Park is a great addition to the Verdant Leisure portfolio.”

A WAVE SURFING SIMULATOR is just one of the activities on offer at Golden Coast Leisure Park.

ACTION-PACKED
Situated amidst picturesque countryside, just a couple of miles to the east of the award-winning golden sands of Woolacombe beach, Golden Coast Leisure Park offers guests an action-packed holiday. A huge range of family friendly activities is on offer including indoor and outdoor swimming pools with flumes, a wave surfing simulator, high ropes course, climbing wall, ten pin bowling, fishing lake, arcade, adventure golf facilities, and plenty of places to eat and drink.

For those seeking something more relaxing, the Waves Ceramic Studio is ideal for creative pottery decorating. Verdant Leisure parks offer a wide range of entertainment options. From packed programmes including kids’ clubs with their resident foxes Vinnie and Violet, to visiting acts offering everything from comedy to live singers, there really is something for everyone.

Accommodation at Golden Coast includes a wide range of apartments, houses and villas (including some with hot tubs) to suit all budgets and requirements. Modern and stylish self- the exceptional location, Cleavewood owners can also use all the facilities at Golden Coast and enjoy delicious food and drink at the historic Old Mill pub and restaurant on-park.”

WATER ZORBING at Thurston Manor Leisure Park.

HOME-OWNERS
Verdant Leisure caters to 2,000 holiday home-owners across its parks, and this is an ever-growing sector. Another new holiday home development was recently completed at Thurston Manor Leisure Park in Dunbar, Scotland. Nestled at the foot of the Lammermuir Hills, near the stunning East Lothian coastline, Thurston Manor Leisure Park is set in 176 acres of breathtaking countryside.

This beautiful holiday park is under an hour’s drive from Edinburgh, making this park a top choice for holiday makers wanting to combine a visit to the Scottish capital with the benefit of a home from home woodland retreat. Once a private estate visited by kings, Thurston Manor now offers a superb range of luxury caravan and lodge holiday accommodation, alongside fantastic facilities for all the family, on the historic site of the original 16th century castle whose scenic ruins still stand today.

The Glade development consisting of six lodge pitches and 34 caravan pitches for holiday home-owners has been built on an exclusive area of Thurston Manor, offering fabulous views and a private gated entrance. Facilities on the park include an indoor heated swimming pool, fishing lake, gym, outdoor play parks, games room, arcade, dedicated family room with seasonal entertainment, as well as Hunter’s Bar & Restaurant and Muir’s Pub.

Verdant Leisure, whose Head Office is in Lancaster, say that their mission is “To create the perfect environment for customers to relax, enjoy precious family time and experience a new lifestyle.” They also place considerable importance on creating a more environmentally aware holiday experience.

GOLDEN COAST is a fantastic, family friendly park in North Devon.

GREEN TOURISM
“We’re committed to promoting sustainable tourism and protecting and enhancing our natural environment,” explains Stacey Hope. “We have a dedicated Green Team in place across the business, and each park has its own Green Champion. All of our parks are members of the Green Tourism scheme, and we aim to make all Verdant Leisure parks more environmentally conscious and help our customers to do more whilst visiting our locations.”

As part of their Green Tourism commitment, Verdant Leisure also champions investment and improvement in local communities. The company nominates a different Charity of the Year each year, and raised over £80,000 for Blood Cancer UK in 2022. Additionally, it supports the Wildlife Trusts close to their parks (Durham, Northumberland, Scottish and Devon Wildlife Trusts) by offering holiday guests the option to donate £1 per holiday booking.

As a team that prides itself on the exceptional standards of their parks and the customer experience for all holiday guests, it’s unsurprising that Verdant Leisure’s success has been recognised by a slew of top awards, including most recently, Silver for Best Company for UK Family Holidays and Bronze for Best Company for UK Parks and Lodges Holidays in the British Travel Awards 2023.

Verdant Leisure has also won several accolades for its employee engagement. The business has been voted one of the Best Companies to work for within the entirety of the UK, in the northern region, and in the leisure and hospitality sector several times over. A superb achievement, based on ratings from their own employees. With guest – and employee – satisfaction top of the agenda, continued success seems assured.

CELEBRITY RELAUNCH FOR HAVEN PARK

Posted on October 26, 2023

CELEBRITY RELAUNCH FOR HAVEN PARK

TV PERSONALITY, Joe Swash, launches the revamped and renamed Haven Kent Coast holiday destination.

Haven, the UK’s leading UK holiday park operator, has revealed its new-look, flagship park in Kent after undergoing an £18 million transformation, with the help of much-loved TV presenter, Joe Swash.

Haven revealed the holiday park’s new name, Haven Kent Coast, formerly Haven Allhallows Leisure Park, at an exclusive event in celebration of a new era for caravan holidays within easy reach of Greater London. This investment forms part of Haven’s £170 million development plan across its parks in 2023, which was announced earlier this year, and has seen major renovations at Haven Kent Coast.

These include an ‘Adventure Village’, an outdoor waterside spot where thrill seekers can try their hand at a wide range of high-adrenaline activities; new state-of-the-art 1,200-seater Marina Bar & Stage; and a 100-seater terrace. Visitors will also be able to enjoy recently developed food and beverage outlets such as the new Seaside Treats, Burger King, Papa John’s, and Cook’s Fish & Chips restaurants.

The most recent development is Haven Kent Coast’s new Yacht Club for holidaymakers to eat and drink by the waterside. Acquired by Blackstone in 2021, Haven has already invested almost £230 million in parks across 2021 and 2022, with a commitment to upgrading and modernising all holiday sites to offer guests an unforgettable holiday experience.

This investment will allow the company to offer a wider range of entertainment concepts and on-park experience improvement for its homeowners and holidaymakers, whilst also creating over 7,000 new seasonal and 500 permanent jobs across its parks this year.

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

HOLIDAY HEROES

Posted on August 2, 2023

HOLIDAY HEROES

Away Resort's raises the UK holiday park bar...

WATERSPORTS are a big attraction at Tattershall Lakes

International travel is back, but the Great British Holiday continues its rise. At the forefront of this increasingly sophisticated market are innovative operators like Away Resorts. A UK holiday park operator with a difference, Away Resorts started life in 2008 when Chief Executive Carl Castledine teamed up with industry stalwarts Neill Ryder and Greg Lashley.

Following in the footsteps of his grandfather who ran one of Britain’s first holiday camps, it was written in the stars that Carl would enter the parks business. In fact, according to colleagues, if you cut Carl in half, he would have the words ‘holiday park’ and ‘Away Resorts’ running through him like a stick of rock! With the acquisition of their first holiday park – Whitecliff Bay on the Isle of Wight – and a self-confessed ambition to ‘shake up the industry,’ Away Resorts was in business.

“We wanted to take the best bits of the great British holiday park, throw out the worst aspects, then add in some amazing contemporary touches, creating holiday parks for the next generation,” says Carl. And that’s exactly what they have done. Today, Away Resorts operates 27 holiday parks across the UK set in beautiful locations throughout Scotland, Lincolnshire, Isle of Wight, North Wales, Hampshire, Dorset, Cornwall, Hayling Island and Essex.

INNOVATION SUCH AS CONTEMPORARY themed accommodation fuels development. Pictured, the Rockstar.

Each park in the portfolio is unique and has its own individual appeal, whether it be festival inspired entertainment and Instagrammable themed accommodation, or retro-style talent shows and low-key camping under the stars. At the heart of every park is the same desire to inspire their guests to make memories.

“Whether customers want coastal or country locations, full-on fun or a relaxing time with loved ones, each resort is alive with character and atmosphere, and specifically crafted to suit customer needs,” explains Laura Miller, who joined Away Resorts as Head of Marketing in 2017.

“We want to ensure that our customers feel inspired and leave with ‘remember when we did that?’ moments that will last a lifetime. We want our guests to remember their holidays forever.” With an accommodation portfolio that includes over 500 Lodges (250 with Hot Tubs), 1,800 caravans, three hotels and over 200 chalets, that’s more than 120,000 holiday bookers in any one season.

Not forgetting the additional 4,000 holiday home owners across 20 parks. With investment in holiday homes growing across the UK, owners are an increasingly important part of the Away Resorts family. “Our owners tell us they enjoy their time with us again and again: unlimited holidays led by our teams on park - true Holiday Heroes,” says Laura.

THE WIDEST RANGE of accommodation appeals to all types of guest. Pictured, Camping Pod at St Ives Bay Beach Resort.

CORE VALUES
Away Resorts have 172 ‘Holiday Heroes’ supporting guests at the central office in Hemel Hempstead. During peak season, the total number of employees is just shy of 2,400. Employees share a common goal: to ‘deliver delight’ to customers. “Ultimately, our vision is to inspire everyone to holiday in the UK, driven by a mission to ‘strive for extraordinary’.

At the heart of all this are our people, led by three core values: Attentive, Amazing, Lovers,” explains Laura. Building a team that aims to be the ‘best in the industry’ has not been without issue in recent times. “The pandemic was obviously a huge challenge for all businesses, and some of these challenges have continued, most notably in hospitality and seeing a return of this skillset in particular destinations,” says Carl Castledine, CEO.

“During the pandemic, our fantastic team responded well to the crisis, continually putting each other and our customers first. For now, we look to attract talent with some of our fantastic benefits, training and coaching opportunities. We have such an amazing sector to work in and it’s about attracting new, young talent.” Latterly, the war in Ukraine has also put pressure on the business.

“The impact of both energy and non-energy commodities continues to be challenging,” says Carl. “We have had to work smarter through this difficult period, whilst not compromising our great offering for guests and owners.” There’s clearly no slowing down on delivering on expectations at Away Resorts. Excellence in service and a commitment to innovation are the hallmarks of their continued success, and there’s a constant flow of new and exciting ideas to fuel development.

With over £14.5 million invested in the last 5 years, Tattershall Lakes in Lincolnshire is now the biggest resort in Away Resorts’ portfolio. With a guest profile split equally between young families, families with teenagers, couples and groups, Tattershall Lakes really does offer something for everyone. Water-based activities are a major draw at this eight-lake site (three offering watersports) including water and jet skis, stand-up-paddleboarding, canoeing and kayaking, as well as more laid back pedaloes.

NEW STARGAZER ACCOMMODATION at St Ives Bay Beach Resort.

There’s also an inflatable Aqua Park, outdoor lakeside Lido, outdoor splash pad, sandy man-made beach, as well as an indoor swimming pool complex with an aqua play splash zone. An extensive variety of accommodation offers the widest appeal from classic caravans to lakeside lodges, to the ultimate in ways to stay with Away Resorts new range: the Esme, the Rockstar and the TriBeCa.

With enormous flatscreen TVs, private hot-tubs and stylish, contemporary furnishings, as well as quirky individualised design touches (think foliage and Union Flag feature walls and neon light décor), these exclusive holiday homes are ideal for a new generation of UK holidaymakers. And when they want to head out after dark, how about a trip to the Giggling Goose, a stylish over 18s gin and cocktail bar with an expert mixologist and secret rooftop garden.

With a multi-million-pound private equity investment taking place in 2021, Away Resorts were primed for further expansion with the acquisition of St Ives Bay Beach Resort. This beautiful location with access to 3 miles of prime Cornish beach has seen £3.7m investment in new accommodation over the past two years. The new Thalassa and Stargazer holiday homes are the ultimate in indulgence with the latter offering roll top baths, hot tubs, and a glass window in the bedroom for exploring the evening stars.

More innovation is apparent at Sandy Balls Holiday Park, one of Away Resorts most popular destinations. This holiday village offers forest-themed accommodation, exceptional family leisure activities including walks with resident alpacas, and an annual Forest Festival, all with the outstanding natural beauty of the New Forest as its backdrop.

AWAY RESORTS INVEST heavily in new entertainment and activities. Pictured, Alpaca Walks at Sandy Balls Holiday Park.

FUTURE-PROOFING
With future-proofing a top priority, it’s no surprise that sustainability and ‘giving back’ are also high on the agenda. All new developments are built using the latest energy-saving technology and the team work closely with caravan and lodge manufacturers to keep pushing boundaries.

“In our recent new development at Mill Rythe Coastal Village in Hampshire, we’re installing a brand-new natural airflow system instead of electric-powered air handling units,” explains Carl. “This natural airflow system is PV (solar) powered.” Projects to end single plastic use and increase recycling including uniforms are well underway. Charitable giving is also significant.

Working with Creating Tomorrow’s Forest, Away Resorts plant a tree for every holiday home sold to a new owner. There’s also a partnership with Surfers Against Sewage with many locations doing regular beach cleans. A commitment to protect the Great British Holiday and our Planet… it seems Away Resorts are well on the way to their ambition ‘to make the future amazing for everyone!’

BIGGER NOT ALWAYS BETTER

Posted on August 2, 2023

BIGGER NOT ALWAYS BETTER

THE TWO CENTRE RESORT Potters tops the Which? holiday park survey

Butlins, Pontins and Center Parcs were all beaten by smaller independents in the Which? annual survey of holiday park destinations published this summer. The consumer group asked 1,355 Which? members and members of the general public to complete an online survey about their experience of recent stays at UK holiday parks and resorts.

Which? rated 18 holiday parks for cleanliness, accommodation, facilities, customer service, entertainment, food and drink, value for money and costs per night. It was the lesser known names that triumphed over their megabrand rivals in the results which were undertaken from April 2022. Only the top performing parks and resorts have been awarded Which? Recommended Provider (WRP) status.

Respectable marks were attributed to Center Parcs at 72% and Butlins with 71% but Pontin’s could only manage 59% based on reviews of ‘grotty chalets’ and ‘lacklustre’ entertainment. First and second-placed Potters Resorts and Waterside Holiday Group, are both family-run brands that have been in the business for decades. They scored five stars in every category, including customer service and value for money.

Operating for over 100 years, Potters was opened by founder Herbert Potter after he won £500 in a competition. With all-inclusive resorts in Norfolk and Essex, Potters scored top marks with an impressive overall score of 88%. More a resort than a park, accommodation at Potters is in bungalows, hotel rooms and suites. Nudged into second spot with 87%, the small regional brand, Waterside Holiday Group has four luxurious parks, three in Dorset, one in Cornwall.

INDEPENDENTS like Fowlers scored highly in the Which? survey

Their caravans are as classy as they come – at least 3.6 metres wide, with central heating and double glazing, plus fully equipped kitchens and widescreen TVs. Or you can glamp in a safari lodge with a private hot tub. Unlike Potters, Waterside does not offer an all-inclusive rate, meaning visitors pay extra on top to dine at its beachfront bars or restaurants.

A close third, Bluestone Wales attracted a customer score of 81%. Founder William McNamara originally opened up his dairy farm to guests in the 1980s when milk quotas threatened his livelihood. Today this single five-star resort has expanded to a sprawling 500 acres, where rolling countryside meets rugged coastline within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Scoring 78% in fourth spot, John Fowler began in 1953 as one caravan in a field but has expanded to 11 coastal locations across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset, with a wide range of accommodations and prices. Like many independents, John Fowler Holidays stood out for its customer service – rated five stars with the Which? verdict: “It’s cheaper than Pontins and about the same price as Butlin’s, but better than both.”

A DECADE OF DESTINATIONS

Posted on May 11, 2023

A DECADE OF DESTINATIONS

Celebrating Holiday Park SCENE's tenth anniversary...

Flip the rewind switch on the time machine to 2013 and we find British Prime Minister David Cameron publishing a draft European Union Bill aimed at holding a referendum on Britain’s membership of the European Union by 2017. It was the year that former Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher died, following a stroke, while Catherine, now Princess of Wales, gave birth to George Alexander Louis at St Mary’s Hospital, London.

On the sports scene, Andy Murray became the first British man to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936; defeating Novak Djokovic of Serbia in straight sets. Rising temperatures led to health warnings being issued, for Southern England and the Midlands, in the UK’s first prolonged heatwave since 2006. The weather continued to be challenging as, at the end of October, what became known as the St Judes’ Day storm, brought with it gusts of 99 mph at The Needles on the Isle of Wight.

2013 also saw the launch issue of Holiday Park SCENE, a new print and on-line magazine, packed with fresh ideas and a must-read for anyone who runs or works in a holiday park sector. The Holiday Park SCENE team set out its ambition to work as an extension of destination management teams. These core aims have stayed entrenched in the magazine’s mission statement to inform and inspire UK holiday destinations, boosting visitor experiences and reaping rich returns on investments.

For more than a decade now, Holiday Park SCENE has offered the inside track on the latest market news and reports covering all aspects of holiday park management. We have brought you behind the scenes news on destination businesses that are performing well as generously, they shared their experiences. But most importantly, we have talked to the people who matter – people who add the experience, energy and enthusiasm to keep raising standards across all areas of the UK and Eire holiday park sector.

With the help of our knowledgeable writing team over ten years, we have covered subjects as varied as holiday lodges, glamping, hot tubs, catering and entertainment. The Holiday Park SCENE team has looked at some of the latest options from camping to glamping and investigated the potential for health and wellness as an added value income for business, not just in the summer but all year through.

Over the course of its first decade, Holiday Park SCENE has held hands with some of the biggest names in UK holidays from Butlin’s to Parkdean and from Park Holidays to Hoseasons. Throughout ten busy years, that have simply flown by, the magazine has featured more than 250 destinations and well over 1,000 businesses within the magazine. Holiday Park SCENE has been granted a ten-year long front row seat as the boost in staycations and investment in family time saw the holiday sector enjoy a sustained boom period.

A fountain of inspiration, Holiday Park SCENE supported the networking opportunities at some of the industry’s leading trade shows and event to find out what they can offer businesses in the way of fresh ideas as well as new products and services. Holiday Park SCENE has frequently relied upon some of the UK’s leading parks to share their tips for an effective entertainment programme that will keep guests coming back for more through play and on-site attractions.

We have discussed the e-marketing revolution with the rise and rise of social media which we warned you would ignore at your peril. The New Year is often the traditional time to re-evaluate our business goals. An opportunity to take stock of the previous 12 months and resolve to make a difference for the year ahead. We examined the Winning Ways of maximising the potential of amusement and arcade game attractions.

The holiday park industry has always been ahead of the field when it comes to preserving the business development balance with Mother Nature. David Bellamy was a holiday park ambassador when it came to highlighting the eco-factor, building in green spaces and protecting nature. Holiday Park SCENE has reflected this with frequent looks at everything from eco-friendly accommodation and energy-efficient business choices like heat pumps and electric vehicles.

The first rule of marketing is that it is not good enough to be good. You have to be perceived to be good. So Holiday Park SCENE urged you to pick up your bucket and spade with a heap of tips and ideas that will enable your business to stand out from the crowd. We looked at the increasing use of automated control systems to dramatically reduce the risk of human error in the management of holiday park swimming pools. Holiday Park SCENE has regularly tackled the thorny issue of security with features like Lock Down.

We frequently carried advice on how holiday park destinations can maximise the potential of their water leisure offering, with the addition of splash pads, flumes and water play equipment. We urged you to put up the ‘do not disturb sign’ as we invited you to relish this packed edition with a wealth of inspiring initiatives and ideas to weave into your future business planning.

Probably our most popular and ‘stand-out’ cover of the first ten years, the September 2019 front cover featured one of the life-size wooden horse sculptures now on permanent display at two holiday destinations. More soaring temperatures had accommodation booked to full capacity and then some rain which had the happy visitors spending more on site activities, arcades and in the bars and restaurants. We regularly urged decision-makers to take time away and weigh-up the highs and lows for the season.

What worked well? What could have worked better and what short and long term improvements can be introduced. As well as our regular tips from fellow operators, we brought you timely features like Fashion Statements with the case for quality investment that some argue is crucial for the holiday park sector. We shared the catering thoughts of three holiday park businesses with their Recipe For Success. We also took a look at minimising hassle and maximising sales with our look at on-line management systems in, Click Here.

Like the rest of the sector, Holiday Park SCENE was eagerly anticipating the peak summer season ahead. There had been a general feeling of optimism and positivity in the air with early bird bookings up considerably, even on 2019’s high-flying figures. Then the small matter of COVID 19 hit. Not just the holiday sector but the entire plant. Official figures confirm the travel and tourism industries contributed 6.7% of all gross value added in the UK in 2018.

Since then, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic impacted the sector heavily in 2020 and into 2021, with government restrictions both in the UK and worldwide preventing tourism for large periods of time. Within the UK, unnecessary travel was first discouraged on 16 March, before a nationwide lockdown was announced on 23 March. Travel was again impacted by the second and third English lockdowns in November 2020 and January 2021 and travel corridors were suspended on 18 January 2021.

Heavily into a stop-start-stop-go scenario, government measures helped in the retention of key staff with some timely business funding initiatives. Restrictions-permitted, the industry’s quick-thinkers took an opportunity to rethink and reinvest in facilities, while the customers were forced to stay away. Holiday Park SCENE reported on the top holiday accommodation trends and revealed the UK’s most popular holiday park destinations while raising the emerging issue of on-site e-charging.

Bonkers busy we knew, but we encouraged managers to locate a quiet cupboard or handy hidey-hole, to escape to, as they soaked up the packed ideas and inspiration throughout the latest edition of Holiday Park SCENE. With the pandemic truly behind us, we challenged business development planners to create an action list with at least five short and long term goals that will help you future-proof business.

The Holiday Park SCENE team pulled out all the stops to keep you abreast of industry trends; sharing good practice with a lodge-full of ideas on maximising the boom in the UK holiday sector. With nearly half of all businesses reporting cyber-crime security issues as well as crucial advice, you could not afford to miss in Lock It Or Lose Out. As we set out on the second decade of reporting on the vibrant UK holiday industry, we feel proud and privileged to work alongside some exceptional businesses and some outstanding people.

We will continue to recommend a pack of sticker notes to mark those pages that you would like to share with the team and to contact some of the advertisers that make Holiday Park SCENE possible. Three cheers to the first ten years as we toast the second decade yet to come!