family-run

WHERE COUNTRYSIDE CHARM MEETS FAMILY ADVENTURE

Posted on May 6, 2026

A countryside escape where farm life and family holidays come together...

Set within 100 acres of rolling Somerset countryside, Dulhorn Farm Holiday Park offers a truly distinctive holiday experience that blends traditional farm life with modern holiday park comforts. Established in 1970, this long-standing, family-run destination has been welcoming guests for over five decades, building a strong reputation for warm hospitality, a safe environment, and authentic rural charm that keeps visitors returning year after year.

Owned and operated by Gary and John Bowden, Dulhorn Farm is far more than a holiday park—it is a working farm at heart. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in the rhythms of countryside life, where cows graze peacefully in the fields and sheep roam freely across the landscape.

This living, working environment creates a rare opportunity for families—particularly younger visitors—to experience agriculture up close in a relaxed and engaging setting. One of the standout highlights of any stay is the guided tractor and trailer farm tour, which runs throughout the high season.

These tours offer a fun and educational journey across the farm, giving guests the chance to learn more about daily operations while enjoying close-up encounters with the animals. It is an experience that consistently proves to be a guest favourite, often cited as a memorable moment that defines their stay.

WITH OPEN COUNTRYside and dedicated walking areas, Dulhorn Farm is a welcoming destination where four-legged family members are just as included.

A PERFECTLY POSITIONED SOMERSET ESCAPE
Ideally located between the popular seaside resorts of Weston-super-Mare and Burnham-on-Sea, Dulhorn Farm Holiday Park offers the best of both worlds. Guests can enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the countryside while remaining just a short drive from sandy beaches, traditional coastal attractions, and local Somerset amenities.

This unique positioning makes the park an appealing choice for a wide variety of visitors. Families are drawn to the space and activities, couples appreciate the peaceful rural setting, and solo travellers enjoy the relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Whether guests are seeking an action-packed family break or a quiet countryside retreat, the park provides a welcoming environment for all.

Importantly, Dulhorn Farm is also proudly dog-friendly, ensuring that four-legged family members are fully included in the holiday experience. With open countryside surroundings and dedicated walking areas, it is a destination where dogs can enjoy the break just as much as their owners.

This living, working environment creates a rare opportunity for families— particularly younger visitors—to experience agriculture up close

INVESTING IN THE GUEST EXPERIENCE
Continuous improvement is a cornerstone of the park’s philosophy. Recent investment has focused on enhancing both guest safety and enjoyment, with the introduction of a brand-new cycle and dog walking path.

This carefully designed route allows guests to explore the park at their own pace—whether on foot, by bicycle, or while walking their dogs. Set against the peaceful Somerset landscape, it provides a safe, traffic-free environment to enjoy fresh air, scenic views, and gentle outdoor activity.

The path has been designed with inclusivity in mind, ensuring it is accessible to guests of all ages and abilities. Whether it’s a young family out for a morning stroll or couples enjoying an evening walk, the route adds another layer of relaxation and freedom to the guest experience. The park also benefits from a secure barrier entry and exit system, offering additional reassurance and peace of mind throughout every stay.

A TRUE WORKING FARM at heart, guests can enjoy close-up encounters with grazing cows and sheep roaming freely across the Somerset landscape.

FACILITIES FOR ALL AGES
Dulhorn Farm Holiday Park prides itself on offering a wide range of facilities designed to keep guests of all ages entertained. Children are well catered for with three dedicated play areas, each offering safe and engaging outdoor spaces to explore.

For those seeking a more relaxed pace, the fishing lake and wildlife pond provide peaceful settings to unwind and enjoy nature. More active guests can make use of two recreational sports fields and the cycle trail, while the indoor gaming area ensures there is entertainment whatever the weather.

One of the most popular experiences remains the tractor rides, which continue to delight guests by offering a closer connection to the farm and its animals. Accommodation options are equally diverse. The park features 175 seasonal pitches, including 11 serviced pitches, alongside 25 hard-standing pitches and 18 grass pitches for touring guests.

In addition, there are four fully equipped self-catering cottages, sleeping between two and six guests, providing a comfortable alternative for those seeking a more traditional holiday stay. Among touring visitors, hard-standing pitches remain the most popular due to their convenience and year-round usability.

ONE OF THE PARK’S highlights, guided tractor and trailer tours offer guests a fun and memorable way to explore the farm and learn about daily life on site.

THE IMPORTANCE OF TRUSTED SUPPLIERS
Behind the scenes, the success of Dulhorn Farm Holiday Park is supported by a trusted network of suppliers who help maintain high standards across every aspect of the business. These partnerships play a vital role in ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and a consistently high-quality guest experience.

Tourer Techs Caravan Services Ltd provides expert servicing and repairs for leisure vehicles, helping to ensure touring guests are safe and supported throughout their stay. In House Training & Consultancy delivers essential fire, health, and safety services, ensuring compliance and best practice are always maintained.

SUEZ supports the park’s environmental management and sustainability efforts, while Tim Goddard Electrical provides reliable electrical services across the site. AUK Hygiene supplies professional cleaning and hygiene products, helping to ensure facilities remain clean, safe, and welcoming for all visitors.

A DESTINATION GUESTS RETURN TO YEAR AFTER YEAR
Dulhorn Farm Holiday Park continues to stand out in an increasingly competitive market by remaining true to its roots while embracing thoughtful, guest-focused improvements. Its unique combination of working farm experiences, family-friendly facilities, and peaceful countryside surroundings creates a destination with wide appeal.

From a child’s first tractor ride to a quiet walk through the Somerset countryside, or simply time spent relaxing in a safe and welcoming environment, Dulhorn Farm offers something meaningful for every guest. With its strong heritage, ongoing investment, and clear commitment to guest satisfaction, it is no surprise that visitors return year after year to experience everything this Somerset gem has to offer.

Dulhorn Farm Holiday Park
01934 750298
info@dulhornfarm.co.uk
www.dulhornfarmholidaypark.co.uk

HOLIDAY PARK SECTOR FACE BUDGET CHALLENGES

Posted on February 2, 2026

Properties with a rateable value under £500,000 will benefit from permanently lower business rates.

The UK Autumn Budget 2025 has delivered a mixed picture for the holiday park, caravan park, and hospitality sectors, offering targeted relief for smaller operators but leaving broader structural challenges unresolved.

From April 2026, more than 750,000 retail, leisure, and hospitality properties with a rateable value under £500,000 will benefit from permanently lower business rates multipliers, alongside a £4.3 billion transitional support package. For small holiday parks and caravan sites, this provides welcome certainty and could ease cashflow pressures, particularly for family-run and independent operations.

However, the picture is less rosy for larger operators. Properties with rateable values over £500,000 face a higher multiplier, increasing costs for major holiday parks, hotels, and leisure complexes. Coupled with rising wage pressures—the National Living Wage will rise to £12.71/hour for workers aged 21+ and £10.85/hour for 18–20-year- olds from April 2026—the budget may force larger businesses to make tough operational and investment decisions.

"The Budget offers short-term relief for smaller operators but leaves structural challenges unresolved." - Amanda French, Head of Retail & Leisure at Clarke Willmott LLP

Hospitality alone is expected to face £1.4 billion in additional employment costs next year. Tourist levies, potentially introduced by English mayors, also pose a risk to visitor numbers, with holiday parks and seaside resorts particularly exposed. On a positive note, the budget offers a 40% First Year Allowance for plant and machinery and full expensing for qualifying assets, supporting investment in lodges, leisure facilities, and retail improvements.

Amanda French, Head of Retail & Leisure at Clarke Willmott LLP, said: “The Budget offers short-term relief for smaller operators but leaves structural challenges unresolved. Wage pressures, fiscal drag, and tourist levies risk dampening demand and profitability across all sectors. However, certainty now may help restore consumer confidence and encourage spending over the Christmas period, providing resilience for holiday parks, caravan sites, and hospitality venues alike.”

While smaller parks may breathe a little easier, the Autumn Budget underscores the ongoing need for strategic planning and careful cost management across the wider sector.

DIGITAL DESTINATIONS

Posted on August 7, 2024

In an era where the digital landscape continually reshapes our everyday experiences, the realm of holiday bookings for parks, caravan parks, campsites and glamping sites are no exception. As the tourism and hospitality industries continually adapts to technological advancements, online booking systems and apps have become indispensable tools, revolutionising how holidaymakers plan and secure their outdoor escapes.

Traditionally, booking a holiday involved a series of phone calls, emails, or even in-person visits. This method, while effective in its time, was often cumbersome and time-consuming. The advent of the internet and the expansion of smartphones have dramatically transformed this process, offering seamless and efficient booking solutions that cater to both operators and customers.

Modern online booking systems and apps streamline the reservation process, providing a host of benefits that enhance the overall holiday experience. These digital platforms offer real-time availability, instant confirmations, secure payment gateways, and personalized services, ensuring that both the holidaymaker and the operator can manage bookings with ease and confidence.

Today’s leisure guests have higher expectations than ever of the hospitality venues they visit – and there’s no doubt this extends to their stays at holiday parks too. Guests are looking for convenient, completely stress-free experiences, and technology that can help facilitate seamless experiences, including booking tools and apps, will be key to meeting these expectations. By digitalising booking processes across the site, holiday park operators will be able to improve the guest experience, leverage these tools to help boost revenue, and free up valuable staff time, allowing them to focus their attention on guests.

BOOSTING ON-PARK SPEND
A user-friendly booking system makes it effortless for guests to explore and reserve on-site experiences. Making it easy for guests to book activities, dine at restaurants, and enjoy other amenities will maximise their enjoyment, as well as generate revenue.

By streamlining the booking process, guests are also less likely to seek alternative entertainment off-site. Online booking systems also offer avenues for strategic upselling. The booking journey can be designed to naturally nudge guests towards additional items during a reservation process. For instance, the system might suggest pairing dinner with pre-arrival cocktails or a celebratory bottle of sparkling wine on arrival at the on-site restaurant.

This strategic approach can increase revenue and can enhance the overall dining experience According to our research, nearly half of holidaymakers are interested in loyalty programmes which presents a clear opportunity to incentivise additional spending and encourage longer stays.

By having a digital booking system in place, operators can leverage their booking system data to craft targeted promotions and packages based on guest preferences or past booking history. This can be anything from offering discounts on activities enjoyed during a previous stay to enticing deals on extended getaways. Having all this tech fully integrated – from bookings to loyalty schemes – also makes it easier for staff to manage and for guests to use.

THIS STRAIGHTFORWARD usability not only streamlines daily tasks but also reduces training time.

BEYOND REVENUE
The right technology can go beyond just boosting revenue, it can also contribute to creating a truly exceptional guest experience. Table reservation technology, for example, empowers guests by putting control at their fingertips. With the right platform in place, guests can not only reserve a table at their favourite on-site restaurants but also browse and book exciting activities, amenities and events.

This level of control over the customer journey caters to individual needs and saves precious holiday time. Such systems also eliminate guest frustrations such as having to queue for a table and ensures a smooth dining experience. With digital booking systems, both staff and guests are also able to view live table availability – this helps manage guest expectation whilst helping teams better manage busy periods.

Meanwhile ordering technology, such as click-and-collect or order-and-pay apps, can help boost revenues by enabling guests to pre-order meals for convenient pick-up or in-accommodation delivery. In fact, research shows a strong preference for services like breakfast delivery and on-site takeaway, highlighting areas where holiday parks can cater to guest convenience.

At Zonal, we worked with Shorefield Holidays to develop a branded, feature-rich customer app, fully- integrated with their EPoS, to give guests more control over their dining experience during their stay, complete with deliver-to-location functionality to enable meals to be delivered straight to their accommodation. Not only does the guest experience improve, but booking technology integrated with other park systems can significantly reduce pressure on staff.

For example, an integrated booking and table management system eliminates the need for manual data entry, saving staff time and minimising errors. This allows staff to focus on providing exceptional guest service and creating a welcoming atmosphere. By implementing such strategies, you can create a win-win situation for your holiday park – happier guests and boosted profits.

ROBERTS GROUP has once again demonstrated their commitment to excellence by incorporating GemaPark.

SUCCESS STORY
Nestled along the serene banks of the River Glaslyn in the heart of Snowdonia, Cae Du Caravan and Camping Park has beautiful panoramic sea views. Known for their family-run charm and numerous scenic sites across North Wales, the Roberts Group has once again demonstrated their commitment to excellence by incorporating GemaPark as the park management and booking system for Cae Du.

We spoke with Rachel, the new manager at Cae Du, to uncover the reasons behind this strategic choice and its impact on their operations. Rachel, brimming with enthusiasm about the new system, shared her insights. “Other sites within the group were using GemaPark and had nothing but good things to say about it. Coming from a completely different system myself, I wanted a system that was easy to use, would save time when making bookings, and provide easy access to make changes.

I also wanted check-in to be as easy as possible and by using GemaPark, this has definitely been a big upgrade.” Her emphasis on user-friendliness and efficiency underscores the critical needs of a busy holiday park like Cae Du, where smooth and quick operations are essential for both staff and guests. Transitioning to a new system can be a daunting task, especially for a site as large as Cae Du.

Rachel highlighted how GemaPark met their specific needs. “Due to us being such a big site, GemaPark makes us feel in control of our park at all times, which is exactly what we need. Especially with it being our first year at the park, we are learning so much about it.” GemaPark’s ability to provide control and adaptability has clearly been a success for the new management team, ensuring a strong operational foundation from day one.

WITH GEMAPARK you benefit from updates as they happen so the system you are using is never outdated.

A significant advantage of GemaPark is its ease of use, a factor that Rachel greatly appreciates. “GemaPark is a very efficient system which I have found very simple to train office staff on. The help guide is a brilliant addition and always there as a reminder. I like the process of making bookings as it is easy to explain how to use, and everything is very clear on the screen.”

This straightforward usability not only streamlines daily tasks but also reduces training time, allowing new staff members to quickly get up to speed. Rachel also praised the support network provided by GemaPark. “GemaPark are certainly there when you need them and it’s a great relief to know they are when you have a problem. Every ticket I have raised has been dealt with quickly and efficiently.

As everything was brand new to us there were a lot of questions so I raised a lot of tickets. Really happy with everything, it’s a great support network.” The prompt and effective support from GemaPark ensures that any issues are swiftly resolved, enabling the Cae Du team to maintain high standards of service. GemaPark is an internet-based park management and booking system designed to cater to a variety of needs, from self-catering and glamping to touring, camping, holiday homes, storage, and long-term lets.

Its comprehensive features and user-centric design make it an ideal solution for managing diverse holiday park requirements. With the adoption of GemaPark, Cae Du Caravan and Camping Park is well-equipped to offer a seamless and enjoyable experience for all its visitors, reinforcing the Roberts Group’s reputation for excellence in hospitality across North Wales.

With a growing Cloud booking system such as GemaPark you benefit from updates as they happen so the system you are using is never out of date. Making the most of the new features can also require your input. At the end of each season it is important to check out what new features have been added and seeing if you want to work them into your system.

GEMAPARK IS A VERY EFFICIENT system which I have found very simple to train office staff on.

For example for 2024/25 GemaPark has added Dynamic pricing, Group bookings, Gift Vouchers, Additional accounting features, Full two way Hoseasons integration, ePitch integration, TXGB to name but a few. GemaPark offer a free online review meeting to all our clients whenever they want it to ensure they are getting the most out of the system.

The digital revolution has undoubtedly transformed the way holiday parks, caravan parks, campsites, and glamping sites manage bookings and engage with customers. Online booking systems and apps offer a plethora of benefits, from increased efficiency and customer satisfaction to valuable data insights and enhanced marketing capabilities.

While challenges exist, the ongoing advancements in technology and the increasing demand for convenient, personalized experiences ensure that these platforms will continue to play a pivotal role in the tourism and hospitality industries. For operators, embracing this digital transformation is not just an option but a necessity.

By investing in robust online booking systems and staying abreast of emerging trends, they can remain competitive, attract a global audience, and deliver exceptional holiday experiences. As we look to the future, the possibilities for innovation and growth in this sector are limitless, promising exciting times ahead for both operators and holidaymakers alike.

Cae Du Farm
01654 711234
www.caeducampsite.co.uk

GemaPark
01983 282 420
www.gemapark.co.uk

Roberts Group
01758 719417
www.robertsgroup.wales

Zonal
0800 131 3400
www.zonal.co.uk/holidayparks

BEVERLEY BAGS DOUBLE GOLD

Posted on August 2, 2023

BEVERLEY BAGS DOUBLE GOLD

A TEAM EFFORT HAS SECURED winning success for Devon-based Beverley Holidays.

The awards cabinet at Beverley Holidays is positively bursting after the family-run holiday park group scooped not just one but two top industry accolades. Based in Paignton, the family-run group overcame tough competition to take the coveted Tourism Business Of The Year title for a second year at the 2023 Torbay Weekly Inspiring Business Awards.

The award follows hot on the heels of further good news for Beverley Holidays which was also recently given AA Gold Pennants – a much-coveted accolade only reserved for the best camping parks in the UK. A recent AA inspection saw it total up a quality score of 90%, a reliable marker more that the standard of quality and variety of facilities offered at the holiday park group is top-class.

Director of Beverley Holidays, Nicola Furneaux, said: “We couldn’t be more thrilled to be adding not just one but two new accolades to our awards total – a much-deserved win for our hard- working team who pride themselves on going above and beyond for our guests”.

TREGOAD ACCELERATES SUSTAINABILITY

Posted on August 2, 2023

TREGOAD ACCELERATES SUSTAINABILITY

CORNWALL’S TREGOAD Holiday Park has stepped up its sustainability investment.

Tregoad Holiday Park, near Looe in Cornwall, has stepped up its sustainability efforts as part of a multi-million-pound investment programme, including introducing various new wildlife species and installing more than 3,000m2 of wildflower turf. The park has invested £300,000 in planting various indigenous plant species, and installed various new habitats including three natural beehives, duck houses, bird and bat boxes made from recycled electric cable colonies.

This year, the park is spending £36,000 on upgrading its wildlife walk, adding an additional 2km to allow guests access to more of the park’s rich landscape and range of wildlife. “Our wildlife assets are central to Tregoad, with our signature lakes and woodland walk a core part of our guest experience,” comments Matt Way, General Manager at Tregoad Holiday Park. “We believe we have a responsibility to nurture and enhance our natural surroundings, helping Cornwall’s local environment thrive and contribute to a greener future.

“As well as focusing on wildlife and planting, we’ve been assessing everything we’re doing at Tregoad to ensure we’re operating as sustainably as possible,” Matt continues. “For example, we’ve introduced a new foul waste treatment to allow the park to be self-sufficient, installed water refill taps, and reused construction materials across the site such as our toilet blocks, which have been crushed and reused as road infill.”

“We’re also continuing to work with Climate Vision to identify ways in which we can continue to reduce our carbon footprint.” Tregoad Holiday Park was acquired by family-run Waterside Holiday Group in 2020, representing the company’s fourth holiday park and its first in Cornwall. Located in the heart of the Cornish countryside, the park offers a range of high-quality facilities and self-catered accommodation, including static caravans complete with hot tubs, holiday cottages, and a Manor House.

ECO REWARDS

Posted on October 28, 2021

ECO REWARDS

 

ACQUIRING THE SITE 20 YEARS AGO, 55,00 visitors a year are attracted to the Ullswater location.

 

First UK holiday park is awarded sustainability Queen’s Award…

A family-run Cumbrian resort has become the first holiday park to win a Queen’s Award for sustainability.
The Quiet Site in Watermillock is located near the shores of Ullswater where “green tourism” has been on the agenda for over 30 years.
The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development highlights Britain’s most environmentally responsible businesses.
Daniel Holder and his son George have been presented with a certifcate signed by The Queen and the Prime Minister, and a crystal glass vase. The Quiet Site is also now permitted to fly the Queen’s Award flag for the next five years.

 

HER MAJESTY’S LORD-LIEUTENANT OF CUMBRIA, Claire Hensmen presents the trophy to park owner Daniel Holder.

 

PROUD MOMENT

“This is an immensely proud moment for us, and a fantastic spur to our efforts to allow people to enjoy this beautiful region without creating a negative impact,” said Daniel.
“Cumbria’s economy relies heavily on tourism to support businesses and provide jobs, and we believe this needn’t be inconsistent with protecting the natural world.
“For example, we have invested heavily in sustainable technologies over the years, including solar panels and biomass heating, as well as banning single-use plastics.
“We also operate a very popular “zero waste” food shop specialising in Cumbrian produce free from unnecessary packaging, and with the fewest possible food miles under its belt.
“The Quiet Site’s holiday homes, including our underground Hobbit Holes, are highly insulated, extremely energy effcient, and built from sustainable materials.
“At the same time they provide an exciting and memorable alternative to traditional holiday accommodation, and are especially loved by young families.
“Hopefully we are also sending out the message that, by making even minor adjustments to our lives, it’s possible to make a real difference to our environmental impact,” said Daniel.
Since acquiring the park 20 years ago as a simple camping field, Daniel and his wife Anne have created one of the Lake District’s most celebrated parks.
The Quiet Site is attracting 55,000 visitors annually. As well as its 15 Hobbit Holes stays, the park offers 15 camping pods, 15 glamping cabins, holiday cottages and 60 pitches for motorhomes and tents.
Innovative accommodation, marketed as Gingerbread Houses, are new to The Quiet Site for 2021. The 15 units produce more energy than they use so have a positive effect on their environment.

THE QUIET SITE boasts a new zero waste shop.

 

POSITIVE IMPACT

“Holidays should not cost the earth,” emphasises Daniel. “Our hugely popular Hobbit Holes were the starting point in our thinking.
“Gingerbread Houses boast all that works well in a Hobbit Hole being simple, warm and comfortable, with a large, covered deck and private facilities.
“To this we have added a full-size shower, a simple kitchen and the ability to generate its own power. Heating is provided by a remote ground source heat pump and electricity is generated from their solar PV panel roofs,” explains Daniel.

15 GINGERBREAD houses on the site generate more energy than they use.

“The simplicity of this accommodation and lack of soft furnishings lends itself to an ease of cleaning and fogging that makes it incredibly safe,” he continues.
“They will be wrapped in a lovely beach hedge so will become virtually invisible – unless you know where to look! These hedges will become vital to helping our site become more biodiverse.”
Last year, The Quiet Site scooped another major national green accolade when it took a silver in the finals of the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in the sustainable tourism category.

The Quiet Site
Tel. 01768486337
www.thequietsite.co.uk