Great Yarmouth

RAISING THE BAR

Posted on May 6, 2026

MAJOR UPGRADES and new attractions are set to welcome guests at Highfield Grange and Vauxhall Holiday Parks in Spring.

Park Upgrades Keeping Guests Coming Back

In the highly competitive UK holiday park sector, the key to keeping guests returning season after season is continual reinvestment. Operators who regularly refresh their facilities, introduce new activities, and enhance the overall guest experience build loyalty, generate repeat bookings, and stay ahead of market expectations.

Modern holidaymakers increasingly seek parks that combine high-quality accommodation with engaging leisure, entertainment, and dining options. Failing to evolve can leave even established parks struggling to meet rising expectations. Innovation doesn’t always have to mean massive expenditure, but a well-thought-out investment strategy can transform a park’s appeal.

From upgrading play areas and leisure complexes to introducing new sports and interactive attractions, small and large enhancements alike contribute to guest satisfaction. Successful investments often have a dual purpose: elevating the visitor experience while supporting local employment and boosting regional tourism.

Operators who take a proactive approach to upgrades also position themselves strongly in awards, reviews, and media coverage, which further strengthens their reputation and revenue. In this issue, we look at some of the standout examples of investment and upgrades across the UK, from multi-million-pound leisure developments to creative re-imagining of classic park attractions, demonstrating how operators are keeping their parks fresh, exciting, and profitable.

“There is a strong argument for rethinking some of the attractions our industry has long provided – and Footgolf is a perfect illustration of this.” - James Loveridge, Highlands End Holiday Park

Parkdean Resorts - £50M Investment
Parkdean Resorts, the UK’s largest holiday park operator, is set to invest £50 million across its portfolio in 2026, focusing on both facilities and guest experiences. Highfield Grange Holiday Park in Essex and Vauxhall Holiday Park in Great Yarmouth will each receive £5 million in upgrades, introducing new attractions such as indoor adventure golf, upgraded high and low ropes courses, and immersive Bear Grylls escape rooms.

Existing Tots Zones are being expanded, and off-road driving ranges will offer activities for children aged four and over. A new sports bar concept, Hat-Tricks, will combine food and drinks with interactive indoor sports like darts and shuffleboard. Beyond enhancing guest experiences, the investment will generate up to 100 new jobs in the local communities.

Steve Richards, CEO, emphasises the importance of ongoing investment: “Guests return to us year after year because they trust us to deliver the quality and consistency they expect. We are committed to raising standards to remain at the forefront of the UK holiday market.” Parkdean Resorts’ record results and numerous Tripadvisor accolades reflect how a well-planned investment strategy pays dividends, reinforcing both brand reputation and customer loyalty.

INNOVATIVE AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY: Highlands End’s Footgolf course reimagines a classic park attraction.

Highlands End Holiday Park – Footgolf Innovation
Not all upgrades require huge budgets. At Highlands End Holiday Park in Dorset, marketing chief James Loveridge replaced the traditional pitch-and-putt course with an 18-hole Footgolf course in May 2024.

The result? More than 15,000 visitors have taken part, generating a twentyfold increase in revenue compared with the old course. The course, designed in-house using local suppliers for obstacles, ramps, and themed signage, combines fun with a family-friendly challenge, appealing to both children and adults.

Loveridge believes the success demonstrates that rethinking traditional attractions can refresh guest engagement and create new profit centres. The park’s recognition in the Dorset Tourism Awards highlights the value of innovative thinking combined with minimal investment.

BROTHERS PHIL AND TIM Brierley mark 60 years since their parents pioneered York House Leisure.

York House Leisure – Celebrating 60 Years with £1M Investment
York House Leisure, a family-run group in North Yorkshire, celebrated its diamond anniversary with a £1 million investment across its parks, including residential parks and the popular visitor attraction Monk Park Farm.

The upgrade included a new animal barn and enhancements to existing attractions. Brothers Phil and Tim Brierley, along with sister Heather, emphasise that the business philosophy of constant reinvestment keeps parks appealing while supporting local employment and community engagement. York House Leisure welcomes more than 80,000 visitors annually, and ongoing upgrades ensure both holidaymakers and residential park residents enjoy a high-quality, safe, and enjoyable environment.

These examples highlight that investment and upgrades are not just about adding attractions— they’re about maintaining standards, enhancing experiences, and building guest loyalty. Whether through multi-million-pound leisure complexes, innovative low-cost attractions, or ongoing enhancements to play areas and facilities, UK holiday park operators are demonstrating that reinvestment is essential for long-term success.

From large operators like Parkdean Resorts to family-run groups such as York House Leisure, the message is clear: staying ahead of guest expectations requires vision, creativity, and a commitment to continual improvement, ensuring visitors return year after year.

Highlands End Holiday Park
www.wdlh.co.uk

Parkdean Resorts
www.parkdeanresorts.co.uk

York House Leisure
www.yhlparks.co.uk

Parkdean Resorts Pledge £42 Million

Posted on March 19, 2018
Parkdean Resorts

Parkdean Resorts has invested £130 million in its parks since 2016

Parkdean Resorts Pledge £42 Million

Parkdean Resorts is to invest £42 million across its parks this year with a primary focus on new accommodation.
Following a record £50 million worth of investment last year, the 2018 roll out takes Parkdean Resorts’ investment total to £130 million since 2016. The business now has 72% double glazed and central heated caravans due to an increase of over 1,450 in the last three years. The company is spending £13 million on 800 new caravans to meet higher demand for holidays and ownership opportunities. In response to customer feedback, these models will include the introduction of more one and four-bedroom caravans – and particularly those with a higher specification. Features include en-suite bathrooms, new and upgraded entertainment units, spacious seating and homely touches to ensure a really enjoyable stay.
“This year our £42 million investment plans really show our commitment to continually developing our parks, and creating the best possible holidaymaker and owner experiences,” comments John Waterworth, chief executive at Parkdean Resorts.:“In 2018 we have a focus on bringing in new caravans and lodges to follow the growth in consumer demand. We also regularly collect guest feedback, and from this made the decision to introduce more one and four-bedroom models. “
NEW LODGES
Vauxhall in Great Yarmouth, one of the company’s biggest parks, has enjoyed an extensive replacement programme since its acquisition by Parkdean Resorts in 2016. The park will welcome 60 modern double glazed and centrally-heated models to upgrade the caravan offering on park. New lodges including a range of four-bedroom models are also set to be added to a variety of parks offering wider choice following a£1.3 million investment.
Nodes Point on the Isle of Wight is receiving 11 new lodges in a£0.75 million investment – six for holidaymakers and five for ownership opportunities. Meanwhile £0.52 million will bring four luxury lodges with hot tubs to the popular Fallbarrow Holiday Park in the Lake District. A further £3.9 million has been allocated to refurbishing existing accommodation to enhance holidaymakers’ experience. Additionally,upgrades to retail and leisure facilities will be completed for the 2018season, as well as extensions of touring and camping areas at key parks.
Says John: “As we look ahead to peak season, work is underway at the majority of our parks to boost their offering, making for an even more enjoyable time whilst staying with us. We hope this is well-received by our customers, and look forward to welcoming them throughout the course of the year.”

Chemical Leak At Haven Park

Posted on June 23, 2015
A chemical leak at Wild Duck Holiday Park near Great Yarmouth led to around 40 people needing treatment for breathing difficulties.

A chemical leak at Wild Duck Holiday Park near Great Yarmouth led to around 40 people needing treatment for breathing difficulties.

Chemical Leak At Haven Park

Almost 40 people were treated by paramedics following a chemical leak at a Haven holiday park swimming pool.
Emergency services, including police, fire and ambulance crews, were called to Wild Duck Holiday Park in Belton near Great Yarmouth in Norfolk.
Norfolk Fire Service said vehicles including an environmental protection unit dealt with a chlorine leak. The immediate area was evacuated and a 20 metre cordon was put in place.
Casualties were taken to three local hospitals to be treated for breathing difficulties.
Superintendent Roger Wiltshire of Norfolk Constabulary said: "The incident was quickly contained and the site has now been declared safe by Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service. The casualties have now been transferred to hospital to be treated and there is no further risk to those staying on the site or to anyone living locally.”

Norovirus Outbreak Closes Resort

Posted on April 20, 2015
potters

Management at Potters Resort took the decision to close the resort to prevent further spread of the virus.

Norovirus Outbreak Closes Resort

Potters Resort in Norfolk was temporarily closed in February following a suspected outbreak of the winter bug Norovirus.

The virus was traced back to a coach party of guests at the resort near Great Yarmouth. Potters management team took the proactive decision to prevent further spread of the virus by voluntarily closing the resort over a three day period, during which time the resort was thoroughly disinfected.

Guests that were due to check in during the closure were offered a full refund and a public event celebrating the life of the late Brian Potter MBE also had to be rescheduled.

In a statement, Potters Resort said: “The source of the Norovirus outbreak has been traced back to a coach party bringing it in from outside the resort. It spreads from person to person so Potters management took the decision to close to prevent any chance of further spread and to safeguard guests and staff.

“We have advised the relevant public health authorities and they have praised our preventative course of action.

“Once again, we’d like to apologise for the inconvenience, but we believe that our voluntary decision to close demonstrates our total commitment to the well-being of guests and staff and that Potters has put people before profits.”

Vauxhall Half Century

Posted on July 3, 2014
vauxhall

The indoor water world and outdoor splash zones are the most popular leisure facilities at the family friendly Vauxhall Holiday Park.

Vauxhall Half Century

Celebrating its 50th birthday this year, Vauxhall Holiday Park remains one of Norfolk’s most popular holiday resorts.

Offering family holidays and short breaks to suit all budgets, the five star park is a firm favorite among holidaymakers looking to visit Great Yarmouth and the Norfolk Broads.

The family owned park was founded by the late Stanley Biss in 1964, and his sons Wayne and James Biss now deal with the day-to-day running of the park. Both are supported by general manager Roger Finney and a 50-strong team of on-site staff.

Amy Woodyatt, marketing manager at Vauxhall says: “We are very proud to have recently achieved the number one spot on Tripadvisor in our category, and a certificate of excellence award.

“Our loyal customers are great ambassadors for the park, often returning a few times a year. We actively encourage feedback from guests, as we find that word of mouth and customer reviews often attract new holidaymakers.”

As one of the first parks in the country to offer caravans with running water and electric in the 1960s, Vauxhall’s accommodation options have come a long way in the last 50 years. The park now accommodates approximately 430 bespoke holiday homes, including 48 chalets, plus 200 standard camping pitches and 13 super pitches.

There is also an ongoing investment strategy to replace older holiday homes to keep at the forefront of comfort and design. This year the Vauxhall team have introduced a new and exclusive owners site, following requests from returning customers, as well as investing in a new range of holiday homes and glamping mega pods.

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Vauxhall Park Strengthens Team

Posted on December 19, 2013

Amy Woodyatt, Marketing Manager with Vauxhall Holiday Park resident mascot Louie the Lion

Vauxhall Park Strengthens Team

Vauxhall Holiday Park in Great Yarmouth has strengthened its marketing and events team by appointing Amy Woodyatt as marketing manager.

Amy has eight years experience in PR and marketing and her new role will enhance how the five star park engages with its existing customers and reach out to new customers. She will be involved with advertising, social media, newsletter and PR campaigns, marketing short breaks and holidays to families and couples while also promoting the music weekend events held out of season.

Amy comments: “Vauxhall is celebrating its 50th anniversary next year so it is a very exciting time to join and as its school holidays at the moment we are extremely busy.

‘While we can keep holiday makers entertained whatever the weather due to our indoor facilities and all inclusive entertainment the heat wave this summer has prompted a surge of last minute breaks.

“We have also just launched two new music weekender events - Rock Stock in December and a Folk event in March, so busy times ahead’’.

Attracting a whopping 70,000 visitors a year to its 430 plus holiday homes including 48 chalets, Vauxhall Holiday Park is a five star holiday site that has been providing holidays and short breaks to families and couples since 1964.

The Indoor Water World, Splash Zone, Kids Clubs, Hideout Teenage Club, Louie’s Adventure Treehouse, Sports World, and all evening entertainment consisting of top cabaret acts, entertainment team shows, comedians and vocalists, is all included in the holiday price. Plus there is a separate adult only V-Lounge.