Exmoor

HIGHLAND CALVES HELP DRIVE BOOKINGS

Posted on August 3, 2026

MEET EDDIE AND DEAN, Lynmouth Holiday Retreat’s newly christened cows with a Highland heritage

A light-hearted social media competition has delivered serious business benefits for Lynmouth Holiday Retreat, with the North Devon holiday park reporting a surge in summer bookings after inviting the public to name its two new Highland calves.

The five-star holiday park, overlooking Lynmouth on the edge of Exmoor, launched the competition after its family owners were unable to agree on names for the popular pair. The campaign offered a complimentary holiday as the prize and attracted thousands of views and entries across social media.

The winning names, Eddie and Dean, were chosen as a tribute to the Scottish cities of Edinburgh and Aberdeen, celebrating the calves’ Highland heritage. The prize was awarded to Helen Peers and her son Ollie from Leicester, who will enjoy a stay in one of the park’s Stargazer Geo Domes.

Park director Ian James said the campaign had significantly raised the profile of the business, helping boost bookings ahead of the peak summer season. He added that many families have specifically asked whether they will be able to meet Eddie and Dean during their visit.

The campaign highlights how creative, low-cost marketing initiatives can increase engagement, generate online visibility and help holiday parks strengthen bookings by creating memorable experiences that extend beyond traditional accommodation and facilities.

SOUTH WEST TOURING SUCCESS

Posted on May 17, 2024

DISPLAYING RECENT AWARDS at the Wareham Park (from left) park managers Adam and Nicky Wake, plus family members Sarah Birch, Tony Birch, Chrissy Bracey and Ben Bracey.

The South West’s top destination for campers and the owners of motorhomes and touring caravans has been officially named as Wareham Forest Tourist Park near Poole. The family-owned business was awarded the top gold accolade against fierce competition in the Camping and Caravanning Park category of this year’s South West Tourism Excellence Awards.

Judges announced their decision at the glittering awards ceremony at the Great Hall of the University of Exeter, attended by finalists and sponsors from the tourism and hospitality industry across SW England. Lynmouth Holiday Retreat near Exmoor beat hundreds of other parks to take the silver accolade in the Camping and Caravanning Park category of the South West Tourism Excellence Awards.

The family-owned business is one of four award-winning holiday parks in Devon, Somerset and Cornwall owned by the family’s 35-year-old business, Coast & Country Parks. The group’s parks provide not just pitches for tents, touring caravan and motorhomes but also luxury holiday homes to own and to rent.

Ian James said everyone was delighted that Lynmouth Holiday Retreat had been singled out by judges as one of the South West’s top destinations for people seeking a perfect rural escape: “What makes us especially proud is that the South West Tourism Award judges looked not just at the quality of our facilities, but also at the high standards of hospitality we provide.

“Delivering this is largely in the hands of our park team, and they deserve a big share of the credit for their crucial role in creating a warm, welcoming and friendly atmosphere,” said Ian.