TOP WINS AT WALES IN BLOOM AWARDS

TREE TOPS CARAVAN PARK in Flintshire took the top spot in the category of parks with 100-plus units

BH&HPA member parks have been celebrating big wins at this year’s Wales in Bloom awards, announced at a glittering ceremony in Wrexham. Thornley Leisure Parks dominated the contest, with eight of its parks taking home prizes.

Maenan Abbey Caravan Park, set in the scenic Conwy Valley near the ruins of a 13th-century abbey, was named overall winner in the category for parks with fewer than 100 units. The group’s other seven parks earned six gold awards and one silver.

Thornley Leisure, a family-run business operating ten parks across North and Mid Wales, Cheshire, and Yorkshire, credits its dedicated gardening staff and seasonal planting teams for the success. “Exceptional surroundings reflect our commitment to quality, care, and community pride,” said marketing manager Hope Carter.

Meanwhile, Tree Tops Caravan Park in Flintshire took the overall award for parks with more than 100 units, marking its 32nd consecutive Wales in Bloom victory. The 18-acre park features themed gardens, a Japanese garden, and orchards with heritage fruit trees, using 16,000 plants each year, many grown from cuttings in its own nursery.

Co-owner Andy Walker said, “Three generations have gone into our gardens, and we aim to offer something spectacular in every season.”

TALACRE BEACH RESORT CELEBRATES 60TH

A JEWEL IN THE CROWN of a national holiday operator is celebrating its diamond anniversary.

Darwin Escapes’ Talacre Beach Resort is marking its 60th anniversary with a £1 million redevelopment, reinforcing its status as a premier holiday destination on the North Wales coast. The 44-acre park in Flintshire, home to more than 450 caravans and lodges, continues to attract thousands of visitors each year.

The investment has enhanced the park’s clubhouse, accommodation, and leisure facilities, including a new games area and children’s playground. Sales Manager Chris Williams, who joined the resort in 2004, has witnessed its transformation first-hand.

“Talacre Beach Resort has been a beloved getaway since the 1960s, especially for visitors from the Midlands and North of England,” said Chris. “Many of our owners have been here for generations, which speaks volumes about the community and the quality of our offering.” The resort has defied post-pandemic trends with a strong influx of new owners.

Nearby attractions such as the historic Point of Ayr lighthouse, RSPB nature reserve, and local cafes and arcades add to its appeal. “The stunning beach, fresh sea air, and peaceful surroundings provide the perfect escape,” Chris added.

“We’ve built trust with our owners, many of whom upgrade their holiday homes over time, growing with us.” With a tropical swimming pool, state-of-the-art gym, bar, restaurant, and packed events calendar, Talacre Beach Resort continues to thrive.

Green Light For Flintshire Expansion

Green Light For Flintshire Expansion

Small businesses in parts of Flintshire are set to benefit from a halfmillion pound boost in tourism income after an award-winning holiday park

Tree Tops Caravan Park has received the green light by Flintshire Council for an additional 52 holiday home plots.

Tree Tops Caravan Park has received the green light by Flintshire Council for an additional 52 holiday home plots.

was given the go-ahead to expand. Tree Tops Caravan Park in the village of Gwespyr has received the green light by Flintshire Council for an additional 52 holiday home plots. The family-owned park says the development will meet an urgent need for more holiday homes in the region, and will create an estimated £500,000 of visitor spending. Maureen Walker, Tree Tops’ managing director said: “High quality holiday parks bring massive economic benefits to rural regions, and are the life-blood of many small businesses, such as pubs, shops, restaurants and attractions.” Work on the new plots will start as soon as possible, and it’s hoped the first of the new caravan holiday homes will be sold this year. The new development will be designed to provide a number of additional environmental gains, including new plantings and wildlife habitats.