Holiday Lodge

KEEPING WATER SAFE, CLEAR AND FUN

Posted on May 11, 2026

COMPLETE POOL CONTROLS ensures pools, hot tubs and splash pads stay safe, clean, and inviting.

Complete Pool Controls Ltd (CPC) is a leading independent UK supplier of recreational water treatment chemicals, equipment, and services. Since 2007, CPC has supported trade and commercial customers nationwide, providing solutions for swimming pools, hot tubs, and waterplay facilities.

Their expertise spans water treatment chemicals, dosing systems and pool maintenance tools, ensuring water is safe, clean, and enjoyable while helping operators meet health, safety, and compliance standards. CPC offers technical support, on-site advice, and training to empower teams to manage water safely and confidently.

From preventative maintenance and chemical supply to equipment upgrades and emergency support, CPC is a trusted partner for holiday parks, helping operators deliver high-quality, worry-free aquatic experiences that keep guests returning.

Complete Pool Controls
01242 662 700
www.cpc-chemicals.co.uk

WISH YOU WERE HERE

Posted on May 6, 2026

Back of Beyond Touring, Camping & Glamping Park

Back of Beyond Touring, Camping & Glamping Park in St Leonards, Dorset, is a beautifully run adults-only retreat that blends peaceful woodland surroundings with excellent facilities and warm, attentive management.

Run by Martin and Victoria Bowrey since 2013, the 30-acre, five-star park has grown a loyal following for its calm atmosphere, spacious layout and thoughtful touches that make every visit feel restorative. The park offers 98 well-maintained pitches, ranging from fully serviced options to astroturf and non-electric pitches, ensuring that both touring guests and traditional campers are well catered for.

Those seeking something a little different can choose from cosy glamping pods, huts or even a yurt, all nestled among the woodland, lakes and heathland that define the site’s character. Facilities are excellent: two modern amenities blocks provide clean toilets and showers, while Monty’s Bar and a rotation of visiting caterers create a friendly social hub in the evenings.

Guests also benefit from on-site Wi-Fi, a handy shop stocked with essentials and locally sourced treats, and a dog wash—perfect after exploring the park’s extensive woodland. Nature lovers will particularly appreciate the dedicated wildlife lakes, part of a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, and the 18 acres of off-lead dog-walking woodland.

There’s even a rustic pitch-and-putt golf course for relaxed afternoons outdoors. The team’s commitment to sustainability is evident through their recycling efforts, support for local producers and on-site beehives, whose honey is sold in the park shop—a charming and delicious reminder of their eco-friendly ethos. Location is another major draw.

Just three miles from Ringwood, the park is well placed for exploring Moors Valley Country Park, Avon Valley Country Park, the New Forest National Park and the sandy beaches of Bournemouth. It’s easy to see why Back of Beyond has earned recognition including Dorset Tourism Awards for both Best Campsite and Dog Friendly Business, plus a place among the Top 100 Sites and Adult-Only winner for 2025.

Peaceful, welcoming and impeccably maintained, Back of Beyond offers the perfect escape for adults seeking tranquillity, nature and a touch of comfort in one of Dorset’s most scenic corners.

Back of Beyond Touring, Camping & Glamping Park
St Leonards,
Dorset
01202 876968
info@backofbeyondtouringpark.co.uk
www.backofbeyondtouringpark.co.uk

SEAMLESS SWIMMING, WHATEVER THE WEATHER

Posted on May 6, 2026

Venus Pool Enclosures are manufacturers of the world’s number one brand of retractable telescopic pool buildings, supplying bespoke buildings aimed at the holiday park, camp site, hotel, and commercial leisure industry.

• Gives your customers and guests all the benefits of an indoor pool when the weather is poor.
• A fraction of the cost, and fewer regulatory and planning issues than a pool built inside a permanent building.
• Can be opened up on hot sunny days affording all the benefits of an outdoor pool.
• Extends the pool’s usage at the start and end of main holiday season.
• Reduces pool heating, water treatment, and maintenances costs, and keeps dirt and debris out.
• Uniquely, glazed with almost unbreakable toughened safety glass, making Venus buildings ideal in commercial environments where safety is paramount; and with the added benefit that it won’t scratch, fade or craze over time.
• Patented manufacturing processes and highest quality materials mean single spans up to 26m wide are achievable.
• Fully lockable preventing any accidental or unauthorised access when pool is not in use.
• Opens and retracts fully within a matter of minutes by one or two people. Can also be motorised for fully automated operation.
• Gives you a major competitive advantage.

For further information and a brochure.

Venus Pool Enclosures
01672 560721
www.enclosure-pool-spa.com

WHERE COUNTRYSIDE CHARM MEETS FAMILY ADVENTURE

Posted on May 6, 2026

A countryside escape where farm life and family holidays come together...

Set within 100 acres of rolling Somerset countryside, Dulhorn Farm Holiday Park offers a truly distinctive holiday experience that blends traditional farm life with modern holiday park comforts. Established in 1970, this long-standing, family-run destination has been welcoming guests for over five decades, building a strong reputation for warm hospitality, a safe environment, and authentic rural charm that keeps visitors returning year after year.

Owned and operated by Gary and John Bowden, Dulhorn Farm is far more than a holiday park—it is a working farm at heart. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in the rhythms of countryside life, where cows graze peacefully in the fields and sheep roam freely across the landscape.

This living, working environment creates a rare opportunity for families—particularly younger visitors—to experience agriculture up close in a relaxed and engaging setting. One of the standout highlights of any stay is the guided tractor and trailer farm tour, which runs throughout the high season.

These tours offer a fun and educational journey across the farm, giving guests the chance to learn more about daily operations while enjoying close-up encounters with the animals. It is an experience that consistently proves to be a guest favourite, often cited as a memorable moment that defines their stay.

WITH OPEN COUNTRYside and dedicated walking areas, Dulhorn Farm is a welcoming destination where four-legged family members are just as included.

A PERFECTLY POSITIONED SOMERSET ESCAPE
Ideally located between the popular seaside resorts of Weston-super-Mare and Burnham-on-Sea, Dulhorn Farm Holiday Park offers the best of both worlds. Guests can enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the countryside while remaining just a short drive from sandy beaches, traditional coastal attractions, and local Somerset amenities.

This unique positioning makes the park an appealing choice for a wide variety of visitors. Families are drawn to the space and activities, couples appreciate the peaceful rural setting, and solo travellers enjoy the relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Whether guests are seeking an action-packed family break or a quiet countryside retreat, the park provides a welcoming environment for all.

Importantly, Dulhorn Farm is also proudly dog-friendly, ensuring that four-legged family members are fully included in the holiday experience. With open countryside surroundings and dedicated walking areas, it is a destination where dogs can enjoy the break just as much as their owners.

This living, working environment creates a rare opportunity for families— particularly younger visitors—to experience agriculture up close

INVESTING IN THE GUEST EXPERIENCE
Continuous improvement is a cornerstone of the park’s philosophy. Recent investment has focused on enhancing both guest safety and enjoyment, with the introduction of a brand-new cycle and dog walking path.

This carefully designed route allows guests to explore the park at their own pace—whether on foot, by bicycle, or while walking their dogs. Set against the peaceful Somerset landscape, it provides a safe, traffic-free environment to enjoy fresh air, scenic views, and gentle outdoor activity.

The path has been designed with inclusivity in mind, ensuring it is accessible to guests of all ages and abilities. Whether it’s a young family out for a morning stroll or couples enjoying an evening walk, the route adds another layer of relaxation and freedom to the guest experience. The park also benefits from a secure barrier entry and exit system, offering additional reassurance and peace of mind throughout every stay.

A TRUE WORKING FARM at heart, guests can enjoy close-up encounters with grazing cows and sheep roaming freely across the Somerset landscape.

FACILITIES FOR ALL AGES
Dulhorn Farm Holiday Park prides itself on offering a wide range of facilities designed to keep guests of all ages entertained. Children are well catered for with three dedicated play areas, each offering safe and engaging outdoor spaces to explore.

For those seeking a more relaxed pace, the fishing lake and wildlife pond provide peaceful settings to unwind and enjoy nature. More active guests can make use of two recreational sports fields and the cycle trail, while the indoor gaming area ensures there is entertainment whatever the weather.

One of the most popular experiences remains the tractor rides, which continue to delight guests by offering a closer connection to the farm and its animals. Accommodation options are equally diverse. The park features 175 seasonal pitches, including 11 serviced pitches, alongside 25 hard-standing pitches and 18 grass pitches for touring guests.

In addition, there are four fully equipped self-catering cottages, sleeping between two and six guests, providing a comfortable alternative for those seeking a more traditional holiday stay. Among touring visitors, hard-standing pitches remain the most popular due to their convenience and year-round usability.

ONE OF THE PARK’S highlights, guided tractor and trailer tours offer guests a fun and memorable way to explore the farm and learn about daily life on site.

THE IMPORTANCE OF TRUSTED SUPPLIERS
Behind the scenes, the success of Dulhorn Farm Holiday Park is supported by a trusted network of suppliers who help maintain high standards across every aspect of the business. These partnerships play a vital role in ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and a consistently high-quality guest experience.

Tourer Techs Caravan Services Ltd provides expert servicing and repairs for leisure vehicles, helping to ensure touring guests are safe and supported throughout their stay. In House Training & Consultancy delivers essential fire, health, and safety services, ensuring compliance and best practice are always maintained.

SUEZ supports the park’s environmental management and sustainability efforts, while Tim Goddard Electrical provides reliable electrical services across the site. AUK Hygiene supplies professional cleaning and hygiene products, helping to ensure facilities remain clean, safe, and welcoming for all visitors.

A DESTINATION GUESTS RETURN TO YEAR AFTER YEAR
Dulhorn Farm Holiday Park continues to stand out in an increasingly competitive market by remaining true to its roots while embracing thoughtful, guest-focused improvements. Its unique combination of working farm experiences, family-friendly facilities, and peaceful countryside surroundings creates a destination with wide appeal.

From a child’s first tractor ride to a quiet walk through the Somerset countryside, or simply time spent relaxing in a safe and welcoming environment, Dulhorn Farm offers something meaningful for every guest. With its strong heritage, ongoing investment, and clear commitment to guest satisfaction, it is no surprise that visitors return year after year to experience everything this Somerset gem has to offer.

Dulhorn Farm Holiday Park
01934 750298
info@dulhornfarm.co.uk
www.dulhornfarmholidaypark.co.uk

RETHINKING GROWTH IN HOLIDAY PARKS

Posted on May 6, 2026

From Proven Investment to New Revenue Streams...

For today’s holiday park operators, growth is no longer just about adding more units — it’s about increasing revenue per guest and creating experiences that drive repeat visits. A strong example of this can be seen at Concierge Camping in Chichester.

Rather than simply expanding accommodation, the team introduced a new concept: premium “daytime living” cabins positioned alongside motorhome pitches. Working with Palmako, the site installed 10 Grace cabins, equipped with kitchens, refrigeration, and bathroom facilities.

The result is a flexible, high-value offering that enhances the guest experience while increasing the value of each stay. This reflects a broader shift across the sector. Guests increasingly expect more than just a place to stay — they are looking for comfort, convenience, and memorable experiences. For operators, this creates an opportunity to attract new audiences, increase on-site spend, and extend the season.

Beyond accommodation, wellness is one of the fastest-growing areas for revenue generation. Facilities such as saunas, hot tubs, and cold plunge pools are becoming key booking drivers, particularly in off-peak periods, helping parks create premium, bookable experiences. At the same time, additions like pergolas, BBQ huts, and covered outdoor areas can transform how space is used, creating social and functional zones that work in all weather conditions.

The key takeaway is clear: successful parks combine proven investments with experience-led additions to maximise value per guest. Palmako is a leading European manufacturer of high-quality timber structures, helping holiday parks deliver durable, design-led solutions — from accommodation cabins to wellness buildings and outdoor living spaces — that turn investment into long-term value.

PALMAKO
01698 426444
www.palmako.co.uk

"They are absolutely fantastic - and probably one of the best purchases we've ever." -Guy Hodgkin, Concierge Camping

OLD OAKS CUTS CONSUMPTION BY 14% WITH METPOW

Posted on May 6, 2026

OLD OAKS HOLIDAY PARK in Somerset—an award-winning destination now benefiting from smart, fully automated energy management across its site.

Old Oaks, an award-winning adults-only holiday park in Somerset with 88 touring pitches, implemented an automated electricity metering solution to improve billing transparency and drive energy efficiency. Rising energy costs and increasing demand from modern, power-hungry vans made it essential to introduce a scalable, future-ready system without adding operational burden.

THE CHALLENGE
With no electricity metering in place, energy costs were rising while usage remained largely untracked. The growing demand from modern touring vans placed additional strain on supply and made cost recovery difficult.

At the same time, introducing a traditional metering approach risked adding significant administrative workload. Old Oaks needed a solution that delivered accurate, fair billing and full visibility of usage without increasing staff effort or complexity.

THE SOLUTION
Old Oaks introduced Metpow, a fully automated, app-based metering and billing system. Each pitch was assigned a unique QR code, allowing guests to activate electricity on arrival. Usage is tracked in real time, with flexible payment options available. A centralised management portal provides full oversight, eliminating manual processes and reducing administrative time.

GUESTS CAN EASILY activate and manage their electricity via Metpow’s app-based system, delivering real-time usage tracking and transparent, pay-as- you-go billing.

KEY BENEFITS
• No manual meter readings or invoicing
• No additional administrative workload
• Transparent, usage-based billing for guests
• Improved guest experience with real-time tracking
• Full cost recovery with no financial risk

FINANCIAL IMPACT
During the 2025 season (March– October), Old Oaks recorded:
• Total energy usage: 128,255 kWh
• Total cost: £31,959
• Reduction in consumption: 14%
• Estimated saving (single supply): £4,900
• Total benefit: £9,587, with projected savings of ~£12,000

Old Oaks transformed its electricity management from an unmetered cost centre into a controlled, efficient system. The result is reduced energy consumption, full cost recovery, and a better guest experience delivered through a scalable, future-ready platform.

Metpow
info@metpow.com
www.metpow.com

SMARTER PARK MANAGEMENT WITH GEMAPARK

Posted on May 6, 2026

SMARTER PARK Management with Gemapark.

Gemapark provides an innovative park management system designed to help holiday and residential park operators streamline day-to-day operations and improve overall efficiency. The platform supports a wide range of functions, including bookings, customer data management, and financial reporting, all within a single, easy-to-use system.

Built to reduce administrative workload and enhance organisation, Gemapark helps park owners focus on delivering a better guest experience. Designed to be flexible and scalable, the system can be adapted to suit parks of all sizes, from small independent sites to large multi-park operators. It offers practical tools that support smarter decision-making and more efficient business management.

The Gemapark team is available to provide guidance, answer questions, and demonstrate how the system can be tailored to meet specific operational needs. Whether upgrading existing processes or introducing new digital tools, Gemapark offers a modern solution for today’s park operators.

Gemapark
01983 282 420
www.gemapark.co.uk

BESPOKE PADDLING POOLS TRANSFORM HOLIDAY PARK WATER PLAY EXPERIENCES

Posted on May 6, 2026

FOR YOUR BESPOKE PROJECTS including waterslides, paddling pools please contact us.

Paddling pools have become essential features in campsites and holiday parks. With over 30 years of experience in the sector, EDSUN designs these spaces on a bespoke basis to provide visitors and children with a safe and enjoyable environment to play, explore, and enjoy the water.

Today, they are much more than shallow pools: they are fully immersive, playful environments designed to create engaging experiences. With the APILOTI signature ranges, each paddling pool is fully customised according to the theme envisioned by the client. Once the concept is defined, a designer creates sketches from a unique moodboard, and the project is then modelled in 3D to visualise its integration into the space.

These paddling pools are therefore one-of-a-kind, offering visitors an original and distinctive experience. Tipping buckets, interactive games, and water jets are carefully designed to stimulate children’s imagination and encourage shared family moments. EDSUN also offers themed paddling pools with universes such as Nature, Explorer, Pirate, or Surf.

While following a predefined theme, they remain fully modular: size, layout, and colours can be adapted to perfectly fit each site. These installations ensure EDSUN’s quality and safety standards while allowing professionals to create attractive and engaging aquatic spaces for their visitors.

EDSUN
+332 51 91 68 70
www.edsunloisirs.com

WHY WILDFIRE RISK IS THE NEW CHALLENGE FOR UK CARAVAN PARKS

Posted on May 6, 2026

For decades, UK holiday park operators have focused on water-based risks such as flooding, storm surges, and coastal erosion. Most have robust flood evacuation plans and invest in drainage and coastal defences. However, a new threat is emerging at the opposite end of the spectrum: wildfire.

The Summer of 2025 highlighted the danger. Following England’s driest Spring since 1893, the UK recorded 117 wildfires – more than double 2023’s total. One near-miss occurred at Grouse Hill Caravan Park on the edge of the North York Moors, where a wildfire spread rapidly toward the site.

Only a change in wind direction and the heroic efforts of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue prevented a catastrophe. Caravans are particularly vulnerable. Plastic and thin cladding, close proximity of units, and LPG cylinders create a “domino effect” risk.

Many parks are surrounded by forests, heathland, or long grass, which become fuel beds during dry spells. Compass Insurance data shows fire claims peaked at over £165,000 between June 2022 and May 2023 – a six-fold increase from the previous year.

PROACTIVE RISK MANAGEMENT IS NOW ESSENTIAL:
1. Defensible space: Clear vegetation and maintain buffer zones to slow or stop fire spread.
2. LPG and safety equipment: Store gas bottles upright in shaded areas and equip units with fire blankets and extinguishers. Regularly check smoke alarms and fire equipment.
3. Infrastructure and access: Ensure roads allow fire service access, hydrants are clearly marked and tested, and evacuation routes are never blocked.
4. Evacuation planning: Establish rapid communication channels and plan for residents with mobility issues. Wildfires move fast – unlike floods, there may be no warning.
5. Resident responsibility: Preventable causes such as careless barbecue use, improper cigarette disposal, and electrical overloads remain a major risk.

Temporary bans or designated zones can help Climate change is intensifying these risks. As insurers, we see that prevention is the most effective protection. By treating wildfire risk with the same attention as flooding, parks can remain safe for visitors and residents. Proactive planning, careful site management, and clear safety communication are essential to protecting property, people, and peace of mind in an era of extreme weather.

Compass Insurance
0344 274 0276
www.compassparks.co.uk