Guest feedback

AWARD SUCCESS FOR HAMPSHIRE HILLS

Posted on August 3, 2026

TRIPADVISOR WILL NOW signpost Hampshire Hills as a top glamping destination for visitors to the county.

Hampshire Hills Glamping Park, near Winchester, is celebrating after receiving Tripadvisor’s prestigious Travellers’ Choice Award 2026, recognising it among the world’s highest-rated tourism businesses.

The annual awards are based on millions of traveller reviews and place winners within the top 10% of listings worldwide for outstanding service, quality and customer satisfaction. The accolade will also give Hampshire Hills greater visibility on the Tripadvisor platform, helping showcase the park as one of Hampshire’s leading glamping destinations.

Located in the village of Bighton on the edge of the South Downs National Park, Hampshire Hills is owned by Shaun and Michele Ascough, who transformed the former Two Hoots Camping Site after acquiring it in 2020. Their investment has created a peaceful retreat offering luxury glamping accommodation alongside facilities for campervans and touring caravans.

Shaun Ascough said the award is especially rewarding because it is based entirely on guest feedback, recognising both the quality of the accommodation and the exceptional service provided by the team. He thanked everyone who had taken the time to leave positive reviews and support the business.

The award adds to an impressive list of recent achievements for Hampshire Hills, including being named the UK’s Best Small Site, the Best Adult-Only Site in South East England and earning a place in the UK’s Top 150 Outstanding Holiday Parks.

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.

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.

LET US ENTERTAIN YOU!

Posted on August 3, 2023

LET US ENTERTAIN YOU!

The vibrant mix of holiday destination talent...

BUTLIN’S BIG WEEKENDERS, exclusively for adults, has a brand-new break for 2023, We Call It Dance.

Holiday entertainment has significantly evolved from the first Redcoats of the 1930 and the Hi de Hi era of the Sixties. Operators of parks, large and small, still agree that getting the entertainment mix right remains crucial to ensure happy, satisfied customers. While holiday parks continue to evolve and offer modern amenities, depending on the target market, the traditional camp host still has a place.

Their expertise, personal touch, and ability to create a sense of community contribute to the overall experience and can make a holiday park stay even more enjoyable. These days, holiday destinations are constantly raising the bar by offering a diverse range of entertainment options to cater to different age groups and interests.

A mix of live shows, musical performances, themed events, and interactive experiences all aim to engage visitors. Holiday parks typically manage their entertainment offerings through a combination of planning, coordination, and collaboration.

 

• Entertainment Programming: Design a varied programme that caters to different age groups and interests, including live performances, themed events, sports tournaments, and workshops.

• Talent Booking: While considering the preferences and demographics of guests, working with external performers or talent agencies can be a cost-efficient way of securing talent such as musicians, magicians, dancers, and comedians.

• Activity Scheduling: The entertainment team creates a schedule for activities, ensuring a good balance throughout the day. This helps guests plan their participation and prevents overlapping events.

• Facilities and Venues: Dedicated spaces for entertainment may include theatres, outdoor stages, sports courts, and activity rooms. These areas are equipped with appropriate sound systems, lighting, and seating arrangements to enhance the overall experience.

• Key Personnel: Trained staff members including entertainers, activity coordinators, and event managers, are employed to execute the entertainment programme. They oversee the smooth operation of events, interact with guests, and ensure everyone’s enjoyment and safety.

• Guest Feedback: Collecting client feedback through surveys, suggestion boxes, or online platforms.

This helps them understand preferences, identify areas for improvement, and make necessary adjustments to future programs. No better example of holiday destination entertainment than Butlins with its wide range of shows, live performances, and activities suitable for all ages. The resorts often feature popular acts, live music, and themed events, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere.

THE EVOLUTION OF UK HOLIDAY destination entertainment has resulted in a more inclusive and engaging experience for visitors. Pic. Fowlers

BIG WEEKENDERS
Ranging from genre specific breaks like the new We Call It Dance weekender to popular decade breaks, 2023 will see 16 different Big Weekenders – all for adults only. There are also some new, big-name artists performing at Butlin’s for the first time. Continuing with the dance theme, Tom Zanetti, Route 94 and Lovely Laura and Ben Santiago are all new acts playing the We Love Ibiza weekender.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor is other new headliner performing on Back To The 2000s and Replay Weekenders. Mike Godolphin, Entertainment Director at Butlin’s, said: “We’re thrilled to be introducing a new dance weekender featuring some of the biggest names in the industry. “We Call It Dance is a brilliant opportunity to get your mates together and enjoy an unforgettable three nights of house, disco, garage and much more.

We can’t wait to see everyone on the dancefloor in Skegness later this year.” With the tagline ‘the Home of Entertainment’, Butlin’s is continually redefining what entertainment is, could and should be. The holiday park chain is opening a brand-new indoor activity centre, PLAYXPERIENCE, at its Bognor Regis resort.

Described as “an immersive indoor hub”, this new £15million space will feature a variety of experiences all under one roof. Covering nearly 50,000 square feet, each room will be filled with adrenaline-pumping activities in the daytime and competitive, interactive bar games in the evening.

HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS like Park Holidays UK continue to invest in the quality on-site entertainment.

BIG SPENDERS
In 2022 Parkdean Resorts announced a £140 million spend nationwide at its parks as part of its biggest ever investment programme. The investment went towards new accommodation, new and upgraded activities and facilities, and installing park-wide Wi-Fi capability.

The investment also allowed Parkdean to continue to roll out its hugely popular brand partnerships, with Bear Grylls’ Survival Academy, Tots’ Breaks, and events and entertainment from Milkshake and Nickelodeon now available at more parks than ever.

Steve Richards, Chief Executive of Parkdean Resorts tells us: “By investing in our parks, we’re not only improving the guest experience, but we’re also ensuring that holidaymakers keep coming back year after year, spending money in local shops, attractions, pubs and restaurants, and supporting the communities that rely so heavily on tourism.”

The entertainment and activity offering at holiday operator Away Resorts is unique to each park. Across the portfolio there is everything from archery to line dancing, laser tag, axe throwing and zorbing, to alpaca walks and yoga, arts and crafts, bug hunts. fishing and cycle hire.

There are also traditional character shows, breakfasts and meet-and- greets with the likes of Bear, Scratch and Lucy. Sammi Storey, Entertainment Manager at Sandy Balls says “[Bear’s] so real, and it’s so rewarding seeing all the kid’s smiles!”

PROVIDING DIVERSE ENTERTAINMENT options will cater to different preferences and age groups.

 

CUSTARD PIE
Creative Director Max Barraclough is proud of what Away Resorts has achieved: “My team thrives on building unique experiences our customers will remember forever,” he says. “Our Custard Pie and Colour Festival events are now famous, with guests coming back time and time again for them.

“Our mini festivals get customers singing, dancing and really letting go. We Live Stream many events now, so no matter which park you’re staying at you can enjoy the full Away Resorts experience. We like to think the attention to detail in all our entertainment shines through.”

The entertainment offering is big – and growing - at all the parks. A good example of this family together festival, Famaland. New for 2023, it will take place at Tattershall Lakes between 21st July –2nd September and bring together epic headline shows, mini versions of its well-loved festivals including Dinoworld, Colour Throws and Custard Pie Fights, as well as some brilliant family favourite character appearances.

“All our most popular events together each week,” says the creative team behind it. Whether seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures, enchanting live performances, or a tranquil retreat surrounded by nature, the evolution of UK holiday destination entertainment has resulted in a more inclusive and engaging experience for visitors, with a focus on providing diverse entertainment options that cater to different preferences and age groups.

BUTLIN’S SERVES UP FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Posted on April 27, 2022

BUTLIN’S SERVES UP FOOD FOR THOUGHT


Butlin’s has become an inaugural recipient of a PETA Holiday Award, given to the holiday company to celebrate a new animal-friendly era. From 2022, all activities and shows across the three Butlin’s resorts will be animal-free with a wide selection of delicious vegan dishes added to menus. Millions of UK families are eating more vegan foods for animal welfare, health, and environmental reasons. A survey by BBC Good Food showed that 21% of children from 5 to 16 years old are vegan or vegetarian and an additional 36% are interested in becoming so.

Butlin’s has adapted with the times – from just three vegan options on the menu in 2019 to over 100 today. PETA encourages the public to visit only attractions that do not use animals in performances or encounters or for any other entertainment purposes. “PETA applauds Butlin’s for offering spectacular and educational animal free entertainment,” says PETA Corporate Projects Manager Dr Carys Bennett. “And with a wonderful choice of vegan options, Butlin’s has become a top holiday destination for modern families. “We encourage all other holiday and tourist destinations still exploiting animals to follow Butlin’s lead.”

Jon Hendry Pickup, managing director of Butlin’s, says: “For several years now, we’ve been developing shows that bring the wow factor without using live animals. Guest feedback has been fantastic, and we can’t wait for Animals vs Dinosaurs to take to the stage in 2022. Our shows aren’t the only new thing this year,” Jon continues. “Delicious new vegan options can be found in all retail restaurants and buffets at the resorts and we’re always looking to expand our offering.”