gold awards

YORKSHIRE DALES PARK WINS RECOGNITION

Posted on August 3, 2026

FAMILY PRIDE: Thomas Marshall and his wife Jane with their children Isabel and John

Family-run Riverside Caravan Park, located on the banks of the River Wenning near Bentham in the Yorkshire Dales, is celebrating national recognition after being named among the UK’s Outstanding Sites by leading booking platform Campsites.co.uk.

The annual awards recognise holiday parks that consistently receive exceptional reviews from camping, touring, glamping and holiday guests, highlighting destinations that deliver outstanding visitor experiences.

Established almost 60 years ago by the Marshall family, Riverside has grown from a modest camping site into a popular holiday destination offering luxury caravans, holiday lodges, glamping accommodation and spacious pitches for touring caravans, motorhomes and tents. Owner Thomas Marshall said the award is especially significant because it is based entirely on guest feedback.

He credited the park’s dedicated team for maintaining high standards, creating a welcoming atmosphere and delivering the quality service that visitors have come to expect. Guests regularly praise Riverside for its peaceful riverside setting, immaculate grounds and excellent facilities, making it a favourite with families, couples and outdoor enthusiasts.

The park also holds Gold Awards from VisitEngland and the AA, further demonstrating its commitment to quality. This latest recognition reinforces Riverside Caravan Park’s reputation as one of the UK’s leading holiday park destinations and highlights its continued focus on providing memorable holidays for every guest.

TOP WINS AT WALES IN BLOOM AWARDS

Posted on November 12, 2025

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.”