Old Oaks Pamper Pooches

Posted on June 26, 2015

Old Oaks Pamper Pooches

A range of dog-friendly initiatives have been implemented at Old Oaks Touring Park near Glastonbury.

It’s famous the world over for its music festival – but now Glastonbury is also hitting the right note for dog lovers, thanks to the Old Oaks Touring Park.

The award-winning camping and caravan site is putting pooches on a pedestal by providing them and their owners with a range of dog-friendly facilities.

A hot water doggy shower has installed at the park as well as a dedicated washing machine and tumble dryer for laundering pet bedding. A large securely-fenced exercise area has been sectioned off specifically for dog walking and the park has compiled a list of dog-friendly discovery walks, restaurants and local attractions. But, of course, not all establishments relish Rovers – so the Old Oaks has teamed up with a local dog walking business which will take the lead when owners wish to venture out alone.

James and Tara White are the husband-and-wife management team at the Old Oaks Touring Park which has been in the same family’s ownership for over 30 years.

Bunn Leisure Announces Record Year

Posted on May 27, 2015

Bunn Leisure is celebrating its record-breaking 2014 results, which saw an increase in bookings, sales and turnover.

Bunn Leisure Announces Record Year

South coast holiday park Bunn Leisure has announced a record breaking year in 2014, with holiday bookings, turnover and caravan sales all reaching a new high.

The park in Selsey, West Sussex, benefited from last year’s sweltering summer and extended months of opening to post its best ever set of results. The park sold a record 420 caravans with sales up 12 per cent on the previous year. Turnover from bookings at Bunn Leisure and its sister campsite Warner Farm rose significantly, as did income from retail sales and site fees.

The company was also recognised by its industry peers with an award for 20 years of partnership from Hoseasons, a Hoseasons Diamond Award for customer service and a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.

John Bunn, managing director of Bunn Leisure said: “Our mission is to provide our owners and guests with a fantastic, fun and safe place to enjoy the traditional British holiday and our aim is to always exceed our customers’ expectations.

“Our success in 2014 shows we are getting the formula right – and we are continuing to invest in Bunn Leisure to grow this successful park where people love to holiday and our staff love to work.”

Exceeding Expectations

Posted on May 20, 2015

Carmenta offers the ideal solution for bespoke projects – both indoors and out.

Exceeding Expectations

They say the trick to full occupancy in the holiday business, is knowing what the punters want…even before they do! Case in point – holiday spas and hot tubs. Once considered an unnecessary nuisance – these days, switched on marketeers, vow the addition of a hot tub will increase the likelihood of an on-line booking by 70 per cent.

Where spas and hot tubs lead, wellness now follows whetting an appetite for sauna, steam, experience showers and a host of relaxation treatments. Leading UK suppliers, Anapos, report a sharp spike in wellness project enquiries in the past nine months. “The increase in interest in the home wellness market puts more pressure, in turn, on commercial venues to constantly raise the bar but they will always look at return compared with investment.

Martyn Wood, national sales director at Anapos Thermal Spa Equipment advises holiday park operators to think carefully about the target audience of their spa offering and recommends providing a bolt-on children’s area, to keep the kids entertained while the adults enjoy the spa. “A good spa facility will attract customers from far afield, so it’s worth investing to put your spa ahead of others in the area.

“The appeal of a spa is the peace and quiet, so keeping to an ‘adults only’ policy is advisable. However, on a holiday park the majority of guests will more than likely be staying with children, so I would suggest offering a children’s play area or club to keep the children amused while the adults enjoy the spa facilities.”

Holiday parks can also benefit from opening the spa up to non-residents. Offering spa day packages and spa weekend breaks can be real money spinners if charged at premium spa prices. For those that are looking to expand their spa offering, or to add a new spa, Martyn suggests offering a selection of elements that will make your spa stand out from the crowd: “As a starting point, a basic spa should ideally include a hydro pool, a minimum of three thermal cabins, around four to six treatment rooms and a nice relaxation area is a must.

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Guests Do Donkey Work

Posted on May 13, 2015

Carers at the Donkey Sanctuary adjacent
to Oakdown Holiday Park near Sidmouth are ready to welcome park guests for a VIP donkey experience.

Guests Do Donkey Work

Guests staying at a top East Devon holiday park can this year enjoy a VIP donkey experience to raise much-needed funds for a local sanctuary.

Oakdown Holiday Park in Weston is offering holidaymakers a behind-the-scenes introduction to the world of Britain’s largest equine charity. The Donkey Sanctuary, adjacent to the park, provides care for around 500 donkeys – many of which have been neglected, overworked or abandoned.

In conjunction with the park, small groups will spend a hands-on morning helping the sanctuary team with a variety of tasks including grooming, walking, feeding and petting. The VIP package, priced at £38.00 per person, also includes a slap-up farmhouse cooked breakfast with a special gift for younger donkey devotees.

Park owner Alastair Franks said: “Donkeys and mules are hardworking animals, and can also be very affectionate – but sadly, they are sometimes the victims of neglect and cruelty.

“But these animals, as our visitors will see, are now leading happy and fulfilled lives in the care of dedicated volunteers who provide all the treatment and attention they need. “For children especially, this will prove a real eye-opener of a morning!” added Alastair.

Movers And Shakers

Posted on April 8, 2015

The Beverley Holidays management team (back row L-R) Michael Jeavons, Tim Jeavons, Peter Jeavons, (front row L-R) Claire Jeavons, Nicola Furneaux and Gary Furneaux.

Movers And Shakers

Staying one step ahead and keeping abreast of the ever-changing holiday market has proven to be a winning formula for South Devon-based Beverley Holidays.

Owned and operated by the Jeavons family, there are three award-winning park areas which fall under the Beverley Holidays banner, each offering something different for discerning holidaymakers.

Last year the family-run company undertook a major re-brand - changing the names of the areas and upgrading the entertainment facilities on offer. This year will see a further investment of £1 million to increase the luxury accommodation offering.

Claire Jeavons, marketing director and third generation of the Jeavons family comments: “The way that holidaymakers plan, book and take their holiday is constantly changing and there are always new things you need to consider and adapt to. We have always looked ahead to make positive changes and I think this is vital for any successful business.

“We recently simplified the area names to Beverley Park, Beverley View and Beverley Bay to create greater unity. We have also enhanced our entertainment offerings at Beverley Bay and Beverley Park, whereby we have created two distinct venues that complement one another by providing something to suit all tastes,” adds Claire.

In response to the growing demand for luxury accommodation, 26 new top of the range caravans have been added to the holiday park, together with a platinum hot tub lodge to add to its existing lodge fleet.

Claire says: “The holiday park industry is always changing and the introduction of these brand new luxury caravans and our hot tub lodge is all very much in line with the emerging glamping trend."

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Beverley Holidays
Tel. 01803 843887
www.beverley-holidays.co.uk

Safety First For Holiday Hot Tubs

Posted on April 8, 2015

Peter Heffer, director of holiday parks at Lorica Insurance warns hot tub owners to ensure they have the right insurance cover.

Safety First For Holiday Hot Tubs

The increasing popularity and demand for holiday hot tubs can be a double-edged sword for holiday park operators.

Installing a hot tub is a substantial investment that can add real value to a holiday property. Even so, unexpected events can happen which can result in serious damage to the tub or to the bathers. For this reason park owners should be aware of the risks and ensure that they’re fully protected by their insurance policy.

“Firstly, there is the risk of damage to the hot tub itself and an insurer needs to appreciate that they are providing cover for this aspect,” explains Peter Heffer, director of holiday parks at Lorica Insurance.

"For example, is the tub an intrinsic part of the holiday or residential home structure or is it a standalone unit, which is arguably contents.”

Peter adds: “Other important questions to think about include does the sum insured cater for the hot tub? Does the insurer provide full policy cover or are certain losses, such as escape of water and accidental damage, excluded? Will cover operate if the home is sub-let?”

There is also the question of cover for injury to third parties. When it comes to hot tubs there can be increased risk of disease if the tub is not properly cared for and maintained to a high standard. With this in mind, Peter stresses the importance of ensuring that you are covered for legal liability to members of the public should they contract an illness or suffer an injury whilst using the hot tub.

Peter adds: “Lastly, you should consider if your insurance policy involves any special conditions that require you to conform to manufacturers’ safety and maintenance requirements. Whether the hot tub was professionally installed or not can also affect the policy.”

Lorica strongly recommend that you check your individual requirements and cover position with your insurance advisor. Talk to the Lorica team today to be sure you are prepared and fully covered for all eventualities.

Lorica Insurance Brokers
Tel. +44 (0)7827 895671
www.loricainsurance.com

Energy-Efficient Era For Hot Tub Heating

Posted on March 12, 2015

The compact heat exchanger is hidden behind the skin of the hot tub, so is neither visible nor affects the design.

Energy-Efficient Era For Hot Tub Heating

Bowman heat exchangers are helping a luxury golf and leisure resort save thousands of pounds a year on its energy bills while maximising the potential of its sustainable heating system.

The Bowman units are part of a new and innovative heating system for hot tubs, which uses a biomass boiler and heat exchangers instead of conventional electric heating. The system has been installed at the KP Club, a prestigious leisure destination which is set in 180 acres of the Yorkshire Wolds. The club recently opened 24 new luxury woodland lodges which offer guests privacy combined with the facilities of a boutique hotel.

The lodges each have their own hot tub, supplied by Bristol based, Urban Cedar, who are specialists in the design, build and installation of contemporary cedar wood hot tubs. The energy savings of the combined biomass boiler/heat exchanger system are nothing short of remarkable.

“On average, using conventional electric heaters, each hot tub would use around £500 annually in electricity. However, by using the existing heat source of the biomass boiler system, the hot tubs are now heated at no extra cost – saving the KP Club approximately £12,000 a year,” says Antony Perry, managing director of Urban Cedar.

The KP Club approached Urban Cedar when the resort was looking at a greener way of heating the hot tubs. “Having heard that heat exchangers are a highly efficient solution, the club asked us to contact Bowman first, because of its reputation as the best in the industry. Bowman introduced us to GVS, one of their UK distributors, who advised us on the best unit for the application” says Antony.

Urban Cedar fitted the hot tubs with the Bowman units which was simple as just standard plumbing components are required. The compact heat exchanger is hidden behind the skin of the hot tub, so is neither visible nor affects the design.

An added benefit of the new system is the much faster heat up times. Traditionally, electric heaters would raise the water temperature in the tubs by 1-2°C an hour, taking up to 24 hours to heat a tub from cold. The Bowman heat exchangers raise the water temperature by 12°C an hour – so the tub reaches temperature within just two to three hours, giving greater flexibility between changeovers and ensuring the tubs are immediately ready when new guests arrive.

Bowman
Tel. +44 (0)121 359 5401
info@ejbowman.co.uk
www.ejbowman.co.uk

Butlins Enforces Pool Safety Policy

Posted on February 9, 2015

Butlins stand by their swimming pool safety policy which states that every two children must be accompanied by an adult.

Butlins Enforces Pool Safety Policy

Holiday park operator Butlins came under fire recently, after a mother-of-four was asked to leave the swimming pool at Butlins’ Skegness resort for having too many children.

Kelly Noble was approached by a lifeguard while swimming with her four children and advised of the company’s swimming pool safety policy which states that every two children aged eight years old and under must be accompanied by at least one adult – a policy which is mirrored by many other commercial pool operators.

While Ms Noble was clearly outraged, Butlins insists that the policy is in place to ensure the safety of its guests.

A spokesperson for Butlins commented: “When guests book with us, our telephone advisors make them aware of our policies with regard to child supervision in our pools and at our fairgrounds. The same information is available on our website.

“Due to Ms Noble’s eldest children also requiring additional supervision, they were unable to be responsible for the younger children, which is why they would have not been able to use the pool.”

The spokesperson added: “The safety of all our guests is our absolute priority at all times and we cannot compromise that.”

Coastal Retreat

Posted on January 6, 2015

Coastal Retreat

Seafield currently boasts 380 privately owned caravan pitches, with a further 30 due to be added for the start of the 2015 season.

Located adjacent to the picture-postcard village of Seahouses on the Northumberland coast, Seafield Caravan Park offers its guests the ultimate peaceful getaway.

The park boasts a string of accolades, including a gold David Bellamy Conservation award and a gold Enjoy England award. Most recently, Seafield was named as VisitEngland’s Holiday Village of the Year 2014 and also took gold in the North East Tourism Awards for the seventh consecutive year.

“The peace and tranquility of the park is one of its greatest attractions, which is why we have resisted any temptation to build bars or evening entertainment centres on site,” explains Alison Thompson, park manager.

“By far the most critical aspect to the success of the business is the team of people that work on the park, who constantly deliver exceptional customer service which in turn encourages our customers to return year after year.”

Alison Thompson, second from right, and the Seafield Caravan Park team took gold at VisitEngland Awards for Excellence last year.

Seafield is managed by Alison’s father, Ken Britton, along with several other members of the family who are involved in managing the daily running of the business. Part owned by the Britton family, and partly by the Earl of Moray, the park was established in 1960 as a small caravan site. By 1979, it had expanded to include 200 pitches, plus utilities and touring pitches. In 2001, 200 further pitches were added, followed by the construction of a £2.5 million private leisure club, The Ocean Club, consisting of a 20m indoor swimming pool, a separate children’s pool, gymnasium and spa area.

“Our mission statement of going far beyond expectations is achieved by giving a five star service in every aspect of our business. Attention to detail is of the utmost importance leaving no stone unturned however trivial it might be,” says Alison.

“Perhaps one of our biggest challenges is to always be one step ahead and thinking of ways to continually improve the facilities and service we offer to our guests.”

The majority of caravans on the site are privately owned, but the park also hires lodges, apartments and touring pitches. During the peak season, Seafield operates at an average occupancy rate of 92 per cent across its caravans and chalet lettings, of which 62 per cent are repeat bookings.

Alison comments: “Our typical customer base includes families with young children, activity groups such as golfers and walkers, plus over 50’s looking to rest and relax. We liaise with tourism partners to identify our target market and work closely with them as well as other tourism businesses in the community to conduct marketing and promotional campaigns to attract new and existing customers to stay with us.”

Trethem Mill Celebrates A Golden Year

Posted on January 6, 2015

Trethem Mill Celebrates A Golden Year

The 2015 bar has been set high for Trethem Mill Touring Park after winning three separate gold awards last year.

Trethem Mill Touring Park is celebrating a highly successful year after completing a hat-trick of gold accolades.

Most recently, the Cornish park received the overall Camping and Caravanning Park of the Year title at the Cornwall Tourism Awards in November – the eighth occasion in the 13 years of the event that Trethem Mill has taken a gold award.

Last spring, the park was one of just a handful of caravan and camping parks in the UK chosen to receive the prestigious gold award given out by VisitEngland to its highest rated parks. Then, in autumn, botanist David Bellamy announced Trethem Mill as a winner of his Conservation Award at its top gold level.

Park owner Jane Akeroyd said that 2014 had been a whirlwind of a year for the park, both in terms of visitor numbers and the awards it has received: “By far the majority of our guests are now either repeat visitors, or people coming as a result of a recommendation, which helps create a lovely atmosphere on the park.

“Our latest Cornwall Tourism award is especially pleasing as it judges not just the quality of the park, but also the welcome and hospitality which is shown to holidaymakers.”

Jane added: “The bar has now been set pretty high for 2015, but we are determined to carry on simply making Trethem Mill the type of park to which everyone wants to return”.

Holiday Park Scene Magazine

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Old Oaks Pamper Pooches