glamping facilities

COASTDALE PARKS QUEST FOR POD PERFECTION

Posted on November 12, 2024

Coastdale, an award-winning independent parks group, is elevating glamping with innovative two-tier sleeping pods. The family-owned business has invested significantly in glamping facilities across its three seaside parks in Whitby, North Yorkshire; Porthmadog, North Wales; and Hayle, Cornwall.

Peter Brewer notes a “massive swing” towards holidays offering unique experiences, especially among younger families. Glamping provides memorable holiday moments, with high-spec accommodations being particularly popular.

Coastdale, established nearly 50 years ago, has chosen top-tier models from UK manufacturers, including the Platinum S-Pod from Swift Holiday Homes, which accommodates four and features a mezzanine floor, vaulted ceiling, and a deck for al-fresco dining.

Each new pod includes private hot tubs, bathrooms, central heating, and hotel-quality linens. These pods are now located at Whitby Holiday Park, Garreg Goch Caravan Park, and Atlantic Coast Holiday Park. Alongside touring pitches and holiday home sales, Coastdale offers an unmatched array of pod experiences.

Peter emphasises the evolution of pod accommodations, which were once basic but have now become popular first choices for guests. The parks have received quality ratings from VisitEngland and positive reviews from guests, alongside accolades for conservation efforts.

Coastdale Parks
www.coastdaleparks.co.uk

PIONEERING GREEN HOLIDAYS

Posted on March 13, 2024

PIONEERING GREEN HOLIDAYS

SUSAN AND DEREK Dickson (centre) were given two top spots by judges at the Cumbria Business Awards

The husband-and-wife team behind a popular Windermere holiday park say that they were left reeling after learning that they had scooped two top awards in one swoop. Susan and Derek Dickson of Park Cliffe heard the couple’s five-star park near the shores of Windermere had taken first place in the Best Family Business of the Year category.

Susan and Derek were then invited back to the stage again and told that Park Cliffe had triumphed in the Green/Ethical Business of the Year category, beating hundreds of other eligible enterprises to the title. “We were rather knocked for six when we realised that we would be taking two trophies home!” said Susan who, with Derek, has owned the park for just over 15 years.

“Our daughter Abi and son Jack play an important part in the running of Park Cliffe, and the family business award is a credit to how much they make this a real team effort. “Abi and Jack also share our love for the natural world, and our concern to make the holidays we offer as green and environmentally friendly as possible.”

Set in 25 acres of countryside above the shores of Windermere, Park Cliffe provides holiday homes to rent and own, glamping facilities, and pitches for tents, touring caravans and motorhomes. Last year, Susan and Derek welcomed local MP Tim Farron to officially open a major new green energy project undertaken at Park Cliffe by the couple.

Representing a £200,000 investment, it features over 200 high-efficiency solar panels which will save 21 tonnes of carbon from entering the atmosphere each year. The installation, known as a solar array, is capable of generating around 100Kw of power, and is designed to produce electricity even on the most overcast of days. More initiatives to reduce the park’s carbon footprint and to protect its indigenous wildlife and native plants are planned for 2024, said Susan.