guest expectations

Seven Decades of Family Holidays

Posted on February 10, 2026

A Family Legacy Shaping Five-Star Escapes in the North West...

With more than seven decades of heritage behind it, Holgates Holiday Parks stands as one of the North West’s most established and respected holiday park operators.

Still proudly family-owned, the business has grown steadily while remaining rooted in the values that first defined it in 1956: quality, care and a genuine passion for helping guests create lasting holiday memories. Today, Holgates operates a portfolio of 10 parks, predominantly located across the stunning landscapes of Lancashire and Cumbria.

Nine of these parks sit within 10 to 15 minutes of the Carnforth and Silverdale area – a location long admired for its proximity to the Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape, the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. The tenth park extends the brand’s reach into the Ribble Valley, offering a contrasting but equally compelling countryside setting.

A CAREFULLY BALANCED PORTFOLIO
Holgates’ portfolio reflects a deliberate and considered approach to growth. None of the parks are residential, allowing the business to remain focused exclusively on holiday and holiday ownership experiences. Six parks welcome both holiday guests and holiday homeowners, while four parks are dedicated entirely to ownership, offering owners a peaceful, community-focused environment.

Across its six holiday parks, accommodation options are varied and tailored to different guest needs. Five parks offer a combination of holiday caravans, touring pitches and glamping pods, while Hollins Farm stands out as a touring-only park enhanced by two thoughtfully positioned glamping pods.

Complementing the parks is the Holgates Collection of 11 self-catering cottages, all located within easy reach of the core Carnforth and Silverdale area, further strengthening the brand’s appeal to multi-generational families and longer-stay guests. This diversity enables Holgates to attract a wide demographic – from touring enthusiasts and first-time holidaymakers to loyal owners who return year after year.

SILVERDALE HOLIDAY PARK’S flagship leisure complex, featuring indoor swimming pools, spa facilities and a fully equipped gym, open seven days a week.

FLAGSHIP FACILITIES AT SILVERDALE
Silverdale Holiday Park is widely regarded as the flagship of the Holgates portfolio, setting the benchmark for facilities and guest experience across the group. At the heart of the park is a comprehensive leisure complex that rivals many standalone attractions. Open seven days a week, the complex features two swimming pools alongside a fully equipped gym, steam room, sauna and spa pool.

Beyond leisure, guests and owners can enjoy a large restaurant and bar, a bowling alley, arcade, soft play area, pitch & putt, ice cream parlour and on-site shop – creating a true all-weather destination. Silverdale also serves as Holgates’ head office, reinforcing its role as the operational and cultural hub of the business.

INVESTMENT WITH LONG-TERM VISION
Recent years have seen continued investment across the estate, with a strong focus on enhancing quality rather than expanding at pace. A standout project has been the redevelopment at Beetham Holiday Park, where 20 new lodges and caravans have been added across a two-phase development.

The first phase completed in 2023, with the final phase finished in 2025, reflecting Holgates’ long-term commitment to careful, phased growth that respects both guests and surroundings. This approach has allowed the business to future-proof its parks while maintaining the character and tranquillity that its owners and guests value.

SET IN THE HEART OF THE NORTH WEST, Holgates parks offer easy access to beautiful walking routes through coast, countryside, and the Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape.

PEOPLE AT THE HEART OF THE BUSINESS
Holgates employs approximately 200 staff across its parks, a mix of full-time and seasonal roles. As a family-run business, the emphasis on personal service and staff engagement is clear, with many team members developing long-term careers within the group.

This stability not only supports consistent service delivery but also reinforces the welcoming atmosphere that has become synonymous with the Holgates name.

ETHOS, CHALLENGES AND SUSTAINABILITY
Holgates’ ethos is rooted in its family heritage and trusted reputation. The business positions itself as a provider of exceptional coastal and countryside escapes, where quality facilities are matched by genuine personal care.

This philosophy has proven particularly valuable during a period of wider industry challenges, including rising operational costs, changing guest expectations and increased focus on sustainability. In response, Holgates has continued to invest in energy efficiency measures across its parks, alongside thoughtful park layouts and landscaping that minimise environmental impact.

Sustainability is approached as an ongoing commitment rather than a single initiative, aligned with the company’s desire to preserve the landscapes that underpin its success.

GLAMPING PODS NESTLED IN NATURAL surroundings, providing a contemporary holiday option across selected Holgates parks.

RECOGNITION AND COMMUNITY COMMITMENT
Quality and consistency have been recognised through industry accolades, with all Holgates parks holding five-star ratings from both the AA and VisitEngland. Netherbeck Holiday Park has also received the prestigious VisitEngland Rose Award, while the Ribble Valley park was named a winner at the 2025 Stars in Tourism Awards.

Beyond tourism, Holgates places strong emphasis on community and charitable engagement. Each year, the business selects a charity to support across its parks. In 2025, Holgates chose Breast Cancer Now, setting an ambitious fundraising target of £10,000 – a figure the team exceeded, reaching £10,319!

LOOKING AHEAD TO A MILESTONE YEAR
As Holgates approaches its 70th anniversary in 2026, the focus remains firmly on the future while honouring the past.

With a loyal customer base, a well-invested portfolio and a clear sense of purpose, the business is well positioned to continue delivering five-star holiday experiences for generations to come Holgates Holiday Parks is a family-owned holiday park operator with over 70 years of experience in delivering high-quality coastal and countryside escapes across the North West of England.

With a portfolio of 10 five-star parks and a collection of luxury holiday cottages, Holgates is known for its commitment to quality, personal service and long-term investment.

Holgates Holiday Parks
01524 701508
www.holgates.co.uk/our-story

COVER THAT REALLY COUNTS

Posted on February 10, 2026

Protecting Today's Parks in an Increasingly Complex Risk...

Holiday parks and caravan sites have rarely operated in a more complex and fast-moving environment. Shifting guest expectations, digital booking journeys, extreme weather events, rising regulatory demands and increasing asset values are all reshaping how parks operate.

Against this backdrop, insurance is no longer a background administrative task — it has become a central pillar of business resilience and long-term sustainability. Today’s holiday parks look very different from those of a generation ago.

Alongside traditional touring pitches and static caravans, many sites now feature luxury lodges, glamping pods, on-site leisure facilities, retail outlets, food and beverage operations, and increasingly sophisticated online booking and payment systems. While these additions enhance guest experience and revenue potential, they also create a broader and more interconnected risk profile.

Property damage, public liability, employer’s liability, business interruption, customer-owned assets and digital exposure all intersect on a modern holiday park. Ensuring that insurance cover evolves alongside the business — rather than lagging behind it — has never been more important. Weather-related risks continue to be one of the sector’s most pressing challenges.

Storms, flooding and fire account for a significant proportion of claims, often with high severity and knock-on impacts. Climate volatility is placing greater strain on park infrastructure, drainage systems and siting decisions, while the density of caravans and lodges means that a single incident can escalate rapidly across multiple units.

At the same time, park operators are increasingly responsible for managing risk not only to their own assets, but also across hundreds — sometimes thousands — of customer-owned holiday homes on site. Damage to one unit can have consequences for neighbouring pitches, shared services and the wider reputation of the park, reinforcing the importance of coordinated, specialist insurance solutions.

Beyond physical risks, holiday parks are now firmly digital businesses. Online reservations, contactless payments, customer databases, Wi-Fi networks and automated systems bring efficiency and convenience for both guests and operators. However, they also introduce cyber risks that were barely on the radar a decade ago. Cybercrime is no longer confined to large corporations.

HOLIDAY PARKS are operating in an increasingly complex risk environment, where the right insurance cover plays a vital role in long-term resilience.

Small and medium- sized businesses are increasingly targeted, often because they are perceived as easier entry points with fewer safeguards in place. For holiday parks, a single cyber incident can disrupt bookings, compromise personal data, damage customer trust and lead to significant financial and regulatory consequences.

As reliance on digital systems grows, cyber insurance is fast becoming an essential consideration rather than an optional extra. This feature explores how specialist insurance solutions are responding to the evolving risk landscape faced by holiday parks. From protecting operators against emerging cyber threats, to safeguarding customer-owned caravans and lodges and managing complex site-wide liability, the focus is shifting from reactive cover to proactive protection.

Crucially, it highlights the importance of working with insurers who genuinely understand the realities of holiday park operations. Generic commercial policies may appear cost-effective on the surface, but they can leave dangerous gaps in cover when claims arise. Specialist providers bring sector-specific insight, tailored wordings and practical support that reflect how parks actually function day to day.

Later in this feature, Holiday Park Scene speaks directly to two leading insurance specialists who offer expert insight into different — but equally critical — areas of risk management. In the first contribution, Kevin Minnear, Head of Underwriting at Compass Insurance, examines the growing threat of cybercrime and explains why holiday parks are increasingly exposed.

He outlines common vulnerabilities, the potential impact of an attack, and why cyber insurance should now be viewed as a core component of a modern park’s risk strategy. We also hear from Gareth Walker, Head of Leisuredays Development, who focuses on the insurance of customer-owned holiday caravans and lodges.

His insight explores current claims trends, highlights the real-world impact of storms, floods and fire, and explains how proactive risk management and specialist partnerships can protect owners, operators and the wider site ecosystem. Together, these expert perspectives reinforce a simple but powerful message: insurance today is about far more than recovery after loss.

It is about preparedness, protection and peace of mind. For modern holiday parks operating in an increasingly complex risk environment, the right insurance strategy is not a cost to be minimised — it is an investment in stability, reputation and long-term success.

Please read the Cyber-Crime special by Compass Insurance here: https://www.holidayparkscene.com/lets-not-go-viral/ 

Please read the latest article from Leisuredays Insurance here: https://www.holidayparkscene.com/peace-of-mind-for-parks-from-leisure-days/

 

FROM RISING COSTS TO HAPPY GUESTS

Posted on November 12, 2025

A Smarter Way to Manage Your Parks Energy...

Holiday parks across the UK are under pressure. Operators are trying to balance rising energy costs, increasing guest expectations, and the sheer complexity of managing utilities across sprawling sites. The problem is all too familiar: one guest runs a heater and an air fryer nonstop, another guest plugs in an electric vehicle, while others barely use a lightbulb and yet everyone is charged the same.

Without accurate visibility, parks either undercharge and lose revenue, or introduce blanket surcharges that frustrate guests. Traditional systems only make things worse. Manual meter readings, paper billing, and reconciliations create an endless admin burden. Bills arrive late and forecasting costs becomes guesswork.

Smart card systems, once seen as the answer, now feel clunky and outdated, with guests expecting the same seamless digital service they get everywhere else in their lives. The result? Operators are left firefighting instead of focusing on delivering great holidays. This is exactly the challenge that Rolec and Metpow are solving.

Rolec has been the UK’s trusted name in outdoor utility hardware for over 35 years, with robust, weather-resistant meter boxes and pedestals used in thousands of parks. By combining this proven hardware with Metpow’s innovative, cloud-based software, operators now have a future-proof solution that makes managing utilities simple, transparent, and profitable.

The system transforms Rolec’s pedestals into intelligent, connected devices. Each pitch is linked to Metpow through secure LoRaWAN gateways, ensuring constant connection across the site. Unlike Wi-Fi and 4G, which struggle with signal dropouts and interference from vehicles, trees, or park infrastructure, LoRaWAN provides reliable, low-power connectivity that is perfectly suited to large outdoor environments.

ROLEC PEDESTALS, POWERED BY METPOW, provide real-time energy monitoring across each pitch, keeping both guests and operators in control.

It means every unit stays connected without operators worrying about dead spots, weak signals, or the cost of maintaining mobile contracts. From the operator’s side, the features are designed to make life easier. Real-time usage insights show exactly what each guest is consuming, while personalised dashboards allow staff to monitor the entire site at a glance.

Interactive site mapping makes even the largest or most complex park simple to oversee, and remote control means supply can be managed instantly, with alerts flagging anything unusual before it becomes a problem. Automated, upfront billing ensures guests know exactly what they are paying, while the self-serve Metpow app allows them to top up, receive low-balance alerts, and view their usage whenever they like.

It’s a system designed for fairness and convenience, both for operators and their guests. As Holly Brown, Commercial Director at Rolec, explains: “The combination of Rolec’s proven hardware with Metpow’s smart software creates a solution that’s not just about technology, it’s about helping operators run more profitable, efficient, and guest-friendly parks. It’s robust, reliable, and ready for the future.”

For operators, the benefits are clear. Sites using Rolec powered by Metpow are recovering their investment in as little as two seasons. By charging fairly and transparently, they stop subsidising high-consumption guests, while still keeping visitors happy with a system that feels modern and easy to use.

Office teams save hours of manual work each week, cutting out meter readings, spreadsheets, and reconciliations. And with accurate data on usage and costs, forecasting and budgeting finally become straightforward. Guests, meanwhile, appreciate the transparency. They pay only for what they use, with no hidden charges or arguments at checkout.

LORAWAN CONNECTIVITY ensures every unit stays reliably online, even across large and complex park sites.

The convenience of app-based payments and instant top-ups makes their stay easier, and parks report improved satisfaction and return visits. Some operators are also highlighting the sustainability features of the platform, including live data on carbon impact and carbon offsetting, which appeal to increasingly eco-conscious holidaymakers.

Ed Jones, CEO of Metpow, sums it up: “Holiday parks are being squeezed from both sides. Rising wholesale energy costs and rising guest expectations. Our mission is to put operators back in control. By pairing Rolec’s industry-leading hardware with Metpow’s software, we’ve created a solution that saves money, reduces admin, and delivers a better guest experience.”

One park manager perhaps put it best: “Before Metpow, we were losing money on electricity and spending hours on admin. Now, everything is transparent. Guests pay fairly, we stay in control, and our team has more time to focus on the guest experience.” With rising energy costs here to stay and guest expectations continuing to climb, this isn’t just about keeping the lights on.

AUTOMATED ALERTS and remote control allow operators to manage energy efficiently and respond to issues before they escalate.

It’s about future-proofing your park. Smart card systems belong to the past. Cloud-based solutions like Rolec powered by Metpow are the future. Bringing operators clarity, efficiency, and profitability, while giving guests the transparency and convenience they expect.

If your park is still wrestling with outdated systems and unpredictable bills, now is the time to make the change. Book a free, no-obligation quote today and discover how Rolec and Metpow can help your park save money, delight guests, and prepare for the future. Learn more about the system and book a demo on our website.

Metpow
01803 220372
www.metpow.com

 

A DIGITAL UPGRADE

Posted on July 31, 2025

In today’s digitally driven world, guest expectations are evolving fast — and holiday parks, campsites, and glamping sites across the UK are rising to meet the challenge. From the initial booking to the end-of-stay farewell, the entire holiday experience is increasingly shaped by technology.

And for park owners and managers, embracing smart systems like online bookings and mobile guest apps isn’t just about keeping up — it’s about staying ahead. Whether you’re managing a family-friendly caravan park, a luxury glamping retreat, or a coastal touring site, digital tools have become essential for delivering the seamless, personalised service that modern travellers now expect.

Let’s take a closer look at how guest apps and online booking systems are transforming the industry — and how three companies are helping UK parks lead the charge.

FROM GLAMPING TO OWNERSHIP, CampManager’s Guest App supports every step of the guest journey.

YOUR PARK. YOUR BRAND. YOUR APP.
The team at CampManager understand that guests want convenience — and they want it on their phones. That’s why they’ve launched a powerful new Branded Guest App, tailored specifically for holiday parks, glamping sites, and touring parks. At its core, the app is about putting your brand in your guests’ pockets.

Available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play, the app features your colours, logo and messaging — giving you an identity that stays with your guests from booking to check-out, and even beyond. “It’s not just a tool, it’s an extension of your park’s experience,” says the CampManager team.

Guests can use the app to check-in digitally, explore site maps, access Wi-Fi codes, browse menus, and view local attractions or on-site events. For your team, that means fewer repetitive questions — and more time spent delivering great hospitality. But the functionality doesn’t stop there. The app becomes your central communication hub, with built-in messaging linked directly to CampManager’s system.

CUSTOM-BRANDED GUEST apps from CampManager keep your identity front and centre.

Whether a guest wants to ask about dog-friendly walks or amend a reservation, all messages are routed to the right team member and logged securely — no missed emails, no phone tag. From a revenue perspective, it’s also a powerful sales channel. Guests can book add-ons, pay balances, or rebook future stays at the tap of a screen.

App-exclusive offers, flash deals, and push notifications can drive repeat business, direct bookings, and seasonal occupancy boosts, all without relying on OTAs. For parks with holiday-home ownership, the app even acts as a digital showroom, showcasing your available stock and feeding warm leads straight into CampManager’s CRM.

And it’s not just for guests. Holiday-home owners can log in to request maintenance, gas refills or cleaning, with every task tracked in CampManager’s integrated Jobs & Tasks system. The result? A fully integrated, branded, end-to-end experience — for guests, owners, and teams alike.

SMART INTEGRATIONS from GemaPark help deliver modern, sustainable service.

GEMAPARK & PEMBREY’S SMART EVOLUTION
Down in Carmarthenshire, the award-winning Pembrey Country Park Family Caravan & Camping Park is showing just how impactful the right technology can be. Nestled in 500 acres of woodland and coastal beauty, Pembrey has long been a favourite with families seeking adventure and tranquillity.

A long-standing user of GemaPark, Pembrey recently elevated their guest experience with two digital upgrades: Pay-as-you-go electric pitches and a fully branded Guest App. Thanks to GemaPark’s integration with E-Pitch, guests can now pre-purchase electricity during the booking process and top-up from their phones or the hardware itself.

No queues, no meter readings, no lost credit — just seamless, real-time control that enhances convenience while supporting sustainability. As Mags Pullen, Commercial & Facilities Manager at Pembrey, explains: “The ability for guests to manage bookings, electric usage and activities in one place has greatly improved the experience. Our new app adds a personal touch while reducing our reliance on paper and physical resources.”

The app, developed in collaboration with Holidaymaker and fully integrated into GemaPark, gives guests instant access to all their booking details, payment history, activities, and now — even their electricity usage. It also allows for real-time notifications, updates on local events, and a completely paperless arrival and stay experience.

GemaPark’s forward-thinking, open API strategy means that these kinds of smart integrations are only becoming more common and more important. As Dawn Bee, Director of GemaPark, puts it: “We’re committed to connectivity. With our plug-and-play integrations, parks can pick the best tools for their needs and know it will all work together — simply and smoothly.”

AT PEMBREY COUNTRY PARK, guests top up electricity and manage bookings right from their phone.

DIRECT-TO-GUEST MARKETING
While the digital experience is evolving, the goal remains the same: great hospitality. As Allana Tigwell, Head of Marketing at Holidaymaker, points out: “Technology should enable, not replace. It frees up your team to spend more time with guests and less time on admin.”

Holidaymaker’s Direct-to-Guest (D2G) Marketing™ approach helps parks build a connected journey — starting from the moment a potential guest sees a lodge on social media. Through apps, screens and messaging tools, D2G keeps guests engaged throughout their holiday, delivering relevant content, reminders, and offers at just the right time.

Forward-thinking parks like Waterside Holiday Group and Freshwater Beach Holiday Park are showing what’s possible. From in-app AI chat, activity booking and real-time rebooking nudges, to on-site Seeview screens with local info, guests are kept in the loop, without needing to ask at reception. And importantly, this helps bring guests back into your ecosystem.

Instead of relying on OTAs or third-party platforms, branded apps and content help guests stay connected to your brand, long after they’ve left. Whether it’s reducing your carbon footprint with paperless check-ins, or encouraging in-stay upgrades with personalised offers, D2G tech turns one-time visitors into loyal fans.

HOLIDAYMAKER APPS, screens and AI chat helping guests stay informed, entertained and connected.

A SMARTER, MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
One of the most significant advantages of online bookings and apps is their contribution to sustainability and operational efficiency.

From reducing paperwork and streamlining check-in, to cutting down on power waste with smart metering, these tools support both environmental goals and bottom-line savings. More importantly, they support a more human experience. By automating repetitive admin tasks and enabling better communication, they free your team to do what they do best: create welcoming, memorable stays.

Today’s guests aren’t just booking beds, they’re booking experiences. And digital tools, when used right, make those experiences smoother, richer, and more connected.

D2G TOOLS KEEP GUESTS in the loop without pulling staff away from the front line.

YOUR PARK, EVOLVED
The future of holiday park management is not about replacing people with screens — it’s about supporting people with smart, flexible tools.

Whether you’re looking to:
• Reduce OTA commission and increase direct bookings
• Deliver five-star communication from pre-arrival to post-check-out
• Provide smarter on-site services with less manual admin
• Or just bring your brand to life in a guest’s pocket

...then CampManager, GemaPark and Holidaymaker have the technology and expertise to help you get there. As the UK staycation trend continues to grow, the parks that will stand out are those that blend modern tech with traditional hospitality, creating experiences that are personal, seamless and brilliantly memorable.

Ready to bring your park into the palm of your guests’ hands?
Explore these leading providers:

CampManager
www.campmanager.com

GemaPark
www.gemapark.co.uk

Holidaymaker App
www.holidaymakerapp.co.uk

THE WAVE OF THE FUTURE

Posted on May 14, 2025

How Water Play is making a big splash in the Holiday Park industry...

In an era where guest expectations are higher than ever and competition is fierce, water play is quickly becoming one of the most powerful tools in the holiday park operator’s arsenal. Across the UK and Europe, parks of all sizes are recognising that innovative aquatic attractions aren’t just for cooling down, they’re driving footfall, extending stays and creating lifelong memories.

For site owners and managers looking to refresh or expand their facilities, two leading players Ustigate Waterplay and Edsun are delivering exciting, energy-efficient, and inclusive water play experiences that cater to every age and ability. From playful splashpads to adrenaline-pumping waterslides, the latest developments in water play are offering a whole new level of engagement for families and thrill-seekers alike.

FRESHWATER BEACH HOLIDAY PARK’S multi-racer slide and Elevations™ have transformed the pool. Photo Credit: USTIGATE WATERPLAY.

DESIGNING FOR FUN, BUILT FOR THE FUTURE
Ustigate Waterplay, with over 50 years of expertise in aquatic play, continues to push boundaries in both design and sustainability. Partnering with world leaders Vortex Aquatic Structures International and wiegand.waterrides, Ustigate creates water attractions that are visually striking, tactilely engaging, and operationally efficient. “Our mission is to maximise fun while minimising resource use,” explains a Ustigate spokesperson.

“Whether we’re designing a brand-new splashpad or modernising an existing pool, every element is planned with inclusivity, energy efficiency, and long-term adaptability in mind.” This philosophy is best illustrated through their recently completed project at Freshwater Beach Holiday Park in Bridport, Dorset.

USTIGATE’S NEW VECTORY™ collection
offers a fresh take on splashpad interactivity.

FRESHWATER BEACH HOLIDAY PARK, DORSET
Freshwater Beach, a popular privately owned holiday park on the Jurassic Coast—underwent a significant aquatic upgrade in early 2025. Ustigate replaced a single-lane waterslide with a multi-racer version capable of entertaining three riders simultaneously.

The transformation also included the installation of Vortex Elevations™, an action-packed water structure filled with climbing features, interactive spray bars, cascading floral showers, and the ever-popular Seeflow™ dumping buckets. According to Tristan Brookes, the park’s Swimming Pool Manager, the impact has been immediate:

“Working with Ustigate Waterplay has been an absolute pleasure. From concept to completion, the process was seamless, and the finished result has far exceeded expectations. The guest feedback—even before opening— has been overwhelmingly positive. We’re confident it will be a major driver of visitor numbers this season.”

General Manager James Newman echoes the sentiment: “This project is part of our wider redevelopment strategy. Not only does the new facility look fantastic, but we’ve also reduced humidity in the pool hall and made the environment more comfortable and efficient to run. It’s a win-win.”

PARK HOLIDAYS’ CHICHESTER Lakeside Holiday Park scooped Swimming Pool Awards in February.

WHAT’S NEW FOR 2025
For operators looking to invest in the latest aquatic trends, Ustigate’s new VECTORY™ collection offers a fresh take on splashpad interactivity. With nine brand-new elements and three innovative technologies—Twistflow™, Pulsespray™ and DualSpray™—children can rotate, push, and pull their way to unexpected splashes and strategic group play.

The collection includes Dynamik, a series of low-level water wall obstacle courses, and Apex, a thrilling dual-sided feature where competitors battle to tip a water bucket over their opponent. Also turning heads in 2025 is the Watergarden range—nature-inspired features such as Helico Butterflies, spinning orbs, and floral showers that provide both sensory stimulation and visual appeal.

Its water play that’s not only fun but deeply connected to the natural world. Ustigate’s CoolHub™ is a multi-functional chill-out zone that blends relaxation with playful engagement.

Available in six Abrio modules, CoolHub™ includes shaded benches, a soft rain curtain, stone weirs for flow play, and integrated solar LED lighting. It’s ideal for extending guest dwell time and offering respite for families between more active water play sessions.

USTIGATE WATERLAY’S full suite of waterslides are sourced from their partner, wiegand.waterrides.

SMART, SUSTAINABLE, AND COST-EFFECTIVE
Water and energy efficiency remain central to Ustigate’s design ethos. Key innovations include:

• On-demand water activation: Play features remain dormant until a button is pressed, reducing water waste when not in use.
• Sequenced play zones: Features operate in groups or staggered bursts to conserve water while maintaining the element of surprise.
• Overspray zones: Reclaim and recycle water within the splashpad footprint.
• Remote-access controllers: Manage water usage, maintenance and scheduling from anywhere, via Ustigate’s smart plant room technology.
• Optional solar PV integration: Lower your site’s carbon footprint with solar support from Ustigate’s affiliated power experts, Burnell.

For multi-site operators, Ustigate’s Safeswap™ anchor system allows for seasonal product changes without excavation—making it easy to rotate features between parks or upgrade zones in phases.

CUSTOMISATION AND CREATIVITY WITH EDSUN
French specialist Edsun also brings more than 30 years of aquatic expertise to the table, offering ergonomic, safe, and vividly themed water play features. Their approach is especially appealing to sites looking for highly customisable elements that tie into broader branding or storytelling.

Edsun’s waterslides, made using RTM (Resin Transfer Moulding), are available in family-friendly and thrill-seeker variants. They come with a sleek, glossy finish and can be tailored to suit any environment in colour, layout, and theme. For younger visitors, Edsun’s wading pool accessories—including pirate ships, jungle animals, and water tables—bring gentle play and imaginative interaction into shallow water settings.

Beyond splash zones, Edsun also supplies durable timber and aluminium outdoor play equipment, blending beautifully into woodland or coastal settings. Their comprehensive design-to-installation service includes 3D visualisation, ensuring each site gets exactly what it envisions.

Each play area is more than a feature - it's a destination within your park.

PROVEN RESULTS ACROSS EUROPE
Edsun’s portfolio includes standout installations at major campsites and leisure parks, including Camping Amfora in Spain.

Clients praise the company’s flexibility, responsiveness, and ability to deliver creative solutions that resonate with family audiences. “Our aim is always to provide long-lasting, fun-filled experiences that drive repeat visits,” says an Edsun representative.

“Each play area is more than a feature—it’s a destination within your park.”

EDSUN INTERACTIVE water walls are great for all ages.

NOW’S THE TIME TO DIVE IN
Water play has evolved from passive paddling pools to interactive, strategic, and inclusive play zones that drive visitor satisfaction, boost site reputation, and offer impressive ROI.

Whether you’re reimagining an ageing facility or planning a new development, companies like Ustigate Waterplay and Edsun offer solutions that blend creativity, reliability, and forward-thinking sustainability.

As families continue to prioritise active, outdoor fun, there’s never been a better time to dive into water play!

EDSUN
www.edsunloisirs.com

USTIGATE WATERPLAY
www.ustigatewaterplay.co.uk

UK Pool & Spa Awards
www.ukpoolandspaawards.co.uk

SBLASH AQUA PARK IN PENMAENMAWR, Conwy, was launched last May and immediately captured the public’s imagination.

THE DIVERSIFICATION JOURNEY

Posted on October 27, 2022

THE DIVERSIFICATION JOURNEY

 

FOLLY FARM’S new lodge offering blends seamlessly with the attraction side of the business.

 

Families who holiday in South Wales will typically include a trip to Pembrokeshire’s fabulous Folly Farm Adventure Park. Located just 15 minutes from the popular seaside resort of Tenby, this fun-filled destination, complete with vintage fairground and world-class zoo, is now the largest privately-run, paid for visitor attraction in Wales.

A working dairy farm until the late 1980s, Folly Farm has expanded so much over the last 30 years that it’s now a shining example of what can be achieved with a clear commercial vision and a diversification strategy to match.

 

 

TAKE THE PLUNGE
And it was this never-stand-still spirit that led Managing Director, Chris Ebsworth, to take the plunge and open a holiday park next to the visitor attraction just after the first lockdown. This 43-pitch five-star touring park and campsite - complete with four cool and quirky Showman’s Wagons - has been so popular over the last two years that Chris has now decided to diversify further into the holiday let market with the addition of six fairground-themed luxury lodges with hot tubs.

Chris knew introducing lodge accommodation was something he wanted to do to capitalise on continuing strong demand for UK breaks, but he also knew it would be prudent to call on the advice, guidance and support of a trusted expert partner to help bring his vision to life, his product to market and crucially to ensure the best possible return on his investment.

That’s when he turned to Luke Hansford, Vice President Business Development at Awaze – the parent company of staycation specialist Hoseasons – a decision Chris says has ensured the location’s new lodge offering blends seamlessly with the attraction side of the business as part of an all-round ‘stay and play’ package perfect for families looking for experiential breaks.

 

FOLLY FARM is a shining example of what can be achieved with a clear diversification strategy.

 

“We’ve always been farmers, it’s in our blood, but diversification is what keeps us thriving as a privately owned, family run business,” says Chris, adding: “We could see the lodges were a good idea, but it quickly became apparent as a relatively new accommodation business, that we would need to draw on the expertise, knowledge and professionalism of a brand like Hoseasons that has successfully been delivering family holidays for years.”

“We had many meetings with Luke to run through the options, weighing up the pros and cons of different types of accommodation before making our decision. He also supported us to perfect the presentation of our new lodges – from reflecting the Folly Farm brand in the interiors to making sure the landscaping and planting were right.

“Luke was also instrumental in bringing to our attention the importance of an arrival experience for our guests – something which has resulted in a brand new customer reception, along with plans for an onsite shop selling local produce, which we are hoping to open next year.”

 

FOLLY FARM opened a holiday park next to the visitor attraction just after the first lockdown.

 

PAYING DIVIDENDS
Luke believes the care and attention Folly Farm have put into their new development will pay dividends over the next few years as families see the value of staying somewhere aspirational with fantastic facilities, activities and entertainment on their doorstep.

He says: “It’s been an absolute pleasure working with Chris to bring his vision to market. He really understands the importance of continuing to evolve the offer so that they stay relevant in an ever-changing market. “Pressures on family budgets mean people will be looking to get the most out of their UK breaks over the next few years – something that bodes well for locations like Folly Farm Adventure Park who know they need to invest and innovate to keep pace with guest expectations.

 

CHRIS EBSWORTH worked with Hoseasons to fill his lodges and showman’s wagons.

 

“You only have to look at their high occupancy rates and average 9.6 out of 10 rating on our independent review system Revoo to see their approach is working.” Working with Hoseasons to fill his lodges and showman’s wagons has given Chris the confidence to push on with the next phase of development, including rhino-themed lodges overlooking the black rhino enclosure, lion-themed lodges and giraffe-themed safari tents – all of which are expected to be up and running by Spring next year. All the new lodges and showman’s wagons at Folly Farm Adventure Park are exclusively available to book via Hoseasons.

www.hoseasons.co.uk