holidaymakers

TURN YOUR WIFI AND BROADBAND SERVICES INTO PROFIT AND ENGAGEMENT

Posted on February 10, 2026

We hear from Kendal Stacey, Holiday Parks & Leisure Lead, Wifinity

I work with 4/5 of the UK’s largest holiday park operators, including Parkdean Resorts, Butlins and Haven. One topic keeps coming up. With tax, business rates, utilities, staffing and supplier fees rising, parks want to make every asset work harder.

Connectivity is one of those assets, delivering commercial returns when set up in the right way. Look beyond basic guest WiFi and towards the potential of your network as an income generator, an operational tool and a differentiator. This article shows how it can support your commercial goals.

Your connectivity affects booking decisions, guest satisfaction, spend on site and the workload for your reception team. Some parks create direct revenue through tiered or upgraded packages. Others drive indirect returns like better loyalty, increased venue footfall, longer dwell times, smoother digital journeys or reduced strain on reception teams.

CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS:
1 Basic or traditional WiFi A small number of outdoor access points create a simple mesh. It’s easy to install and is enough for very small parks with low demand. Performance drops at peak times, indoor coverage is patchy and it’s unreliable for streaming or remote work.

2 Park-wide professionally managed network A purpose-designed network with consistent coverage across the park and units. Handles many devices, supports streaming and work use, cuts your support burden using central management. Larger operators choose this.

3 In-unit broadband Each unit gets its own router or customer premises equipment for a private, home-style connection. Works well where predictable performance matters – lodge owners or long-stay guests. Supports tiered or premium packages. Backhaul is critical in every case. You’ll have several options like private 5G, fibre or fixed wireless access.

COMMERCIAL OPTIONS:
• Free access for all: Simple to communicate. Removes barriers for guests.
• Freemium. Basic free access with optional paid upgrades.
• Paid only. Be mindful that most visitors expect basic free access.
• Revenue share. A supplier like Wifinity, owns and manages the network.

Income from paid passes is shared. Different parks choose differently based on layout, guest type and commercial priorities. We consider things like terrain, accommodation mix, guest behaviour and operational goals.

That context usually points to the right model. At Parkdean Resorts, for example, we moved from a mix of legacy systems to a consistent managed network with in-van routers and structured backhaul. The focus wasn’t on headline speeds but on stable coverage and reducing support issues, which also enabled digital services. If you’re reviewing connectivity ahead of the season, start with what you want the network to deliver for users and the right model becomes easier to choose.

Please click here for more information.

STABLE, FAST, AND PROFITABLE: the right network can transform your park’s guest experience and commercial returns.

HOLIDAY PARKS URGED TO ENTER 2026 UK POOL & SPA AWARDS

Posted on February 10, 2026

Holiday Parks, Caravan Parks & Hospitality Sites with swimming pools, spas, or wellness facilities are being encouraged to enter the 2026 UK Pool & Spa Awards, following a spectacular showcase of innovation at this year’s event.

The 15th edition of the awards, hosted by water leisure specialists Waterland Media, saw 250 entries from 75 companies, celebrating excellence in pool, spa, hot tub, and wellness design. Categories ranged from One-Piece Pool Project of the Year to Swim Spa Project of the Year, Energy Efficient/Eco Award, and Health & Wellness Project of the Year.

“The industry continues to raise the bar every year, with customer experience and wellbeing at the heart of design and innovation,” said Christina Connor, Managing Director of Waterland Media, publishers of Pool & Spa SCENE magazine. “We champion the companies, individuals, and products that are shaping the sector and inspiring a new era of home and commercial leisure facilities.”

This year’s awards highlighted the growing demand for wellness features that combine fitness, leisure, and family enjoyment. Popular trends include compact swim spas, quick-build one-piece pools, smart swim jet technology, and eco-efficient installations, alongside saunas and fire-and-ice wellness experiences.

Among the winners, Kelling Health Holiday Park in Norfolk, designed by Newson Pools, took home the prestigious Holiday Park Pool of the Year award, showcasing a combination of innovative design, energy efficiency, and guest-focused features. Other top performers included Buckingham Pools, Essex’s Aquascapes, Surrey’s Tanby Swimming Pools, and Northern Ireland’s Starview Hot Tubs & Outdoor Living.

For holiday parks, an award-winning pool or spa is more than a facility – it’s a key differentiator, enhancing guest satisfaction, increasing bookings, and supporting premium rates. Parks with pools, spas, or wellness suites are encouraged to enter the 2026 UK Pool & Spa Awards to gain recognition for high standards, design excellence, and operational innovation.

Full details and entry information are available at www.ukpoolandspaawards.co.uk

FROM SWIM SPAS TO LUXURY POOLS, recognition at the UK Pool & Spa Awards highlights the facilities that elevate guest experiences and boost bookings

WISH YOU WERE HERE at River Dart Country Park

Posted on February 10, 2026

River Dart Country Park has been welcoming guests as a holiday park and visitor attraction since 1976. Set within 90 acres of beautiful Devon countryside on the edge of Dartmoor, it blends outdoor adventure with relaxed, family-friendly camping.

The park is run with a strong sense of heritage, sustainability and community, and remains one of Devon’s best-loved destinations for active families. The campsite offers a wide choice of accommodation, with 243 grass pitches and 38 hardstanding touring pitches suitable for tents, caravans and motorhomes.

Guests can choose between non-electric pitches, electric hook-up options, hardstanding, or “super-pitches”, which combine hard base with grass. Each pitch is generously sized at approximately 11m × 11m, giving families plenty of space.

Facilities include modern amenity blocks with hot showers and free hot water, washing-up areas, laundry rooms, Wi-Fi zones, a well-stocked onsite shop and the popular Old Sawmill café-restaurant. Secure barrier entry, disabled and family-friendly amenities and a dedicated dog-walking area add to the convenience.

GENERAL MANAGER IS ROGER SELL

Adventure is at the heart of River Dart Country Park. From extensive outdoor playgrounds and a lakeside pirate ship to climbing pods, a tree-top tower, canoeing, kayaking, high-ropes courses, zip wires and an impressive Bike Park, the park offers activities for all ages.

Younger visitors love the mini-beach and gentle water play areas, while the surrounding woodland and riverside trails provide a peaceful contrast. Being just a mile from the A38 and sitting at the gateway to Dartmoor National Park, the location is both accessible and scenic.

The park has received multiple accolades, including success at the Visit Devon Tourism Awards and, most recently, a Bronze for “Touring Camping & Caravanning Park of the Year” (2025). Sustainability is a defining part of its identity. River Dart Country Park uses a hydro-dynamic screw turbine to generate electricity, biomass heating for its facilities, solar PV, electric site vehicles and an extensive recycling policy.

Its family-friendly Eco Trail helps visitors discover these initiatives first-hand. What truly sets the park apart is its blend of nature, adventure and atmosphere. As many families say, the pirate-ship lake alone makes it “their favourite place ever.”

River Dart Country Park
Ashburton,
Devon,
postcode TQ13 7NP
T. 01364 652511
E. info@riverdart.co.uk
www.riverdart.co.uk

KUBOTA ZERO -TURN TICKS EVERY BOX FOR WINDSOR HOLIDAY PARK

Posted on February 9, 2026

Gareth Hagan, Owner of Windsor Holiday Park, knows the importance of creating a strong first impression for his guests. That’s why, when it comes to the maintenance of the lawned areas of the site – nestled just outside of Newcastle, County Down - nothing less than a ‘bowling green’ finish is acceptable.

Delivering that, alongside significant efficiency and safety benefits and so much more is a ZD1211 from Kubota. Windsor Holiday Park is proudly a five-star, AA Gold-rated resort, family owned and operated by Gareth, his wife and two children. The commitment to quality extends well beyond hospitality – it’s evident in every blade of grass across their 7-acre site.

“The presentation of the grounds is what creates either the right or wrong first impression of someone’s holiday which is why we put so much emphasis on this being perfect” he explains. “I’ve grown up in the industry and was familiar with Kubota, so turned to Laird Grass Machinery when we needed to replace our previous mower.

The team at Laird are absolutely first-class. They knew exactly what we needed and, while we knew the specification of the ZD1211 was going to be spot on, its performance has truly exceeded all expectations.” “We’ve cut our mowing time by 50%.” Gareth expands, “The productivity of this machine is outstanding, and we can navigate between the statics and glamping pods with such ease that the whole job can be done in just half a day in good weather.”

The manoeuvrability of the ZD1211 has also made the day-to-day work much safer and simpler. “Before, we had to reverse in and out of pitches, which isn’t ideal with guests and children moving around. Now, we can turn on the spot, so we’re always forward facing with full line of sight.” From Kubota’s recently expanded Zero-Turn mower range, the ZD1211 prioritises efficiency with a 60” cutting width and hydraulic-lift deck.

Its suspension seat means greater comfort and less operator fatigue – something Gareth and his team of wardens appreciate. “Gone are the days of sore backs… The seat is like nothing else on the market, you could literally have it in your living room!” To reduce the transportation of clippings around the site, Gareth opted to equip the ZD1211 with Kubota’s mulching kit.

“We don’t have capacity to lift grass so this keeps both the site clean and the guests happy.” He concludes, “We’ve now used the ZD1211 for two seasons and the machine continues to impress. The presentation is consistently where we need it to be, the comments we’ve had from guests are incredibly positive and the back up support we’ve had from Laird is second to none – it just ticks every box.”

Find your nearest dealer at www.kubota.co.uk

THE ZD1211’S MANOEUVRABILITY and mulching kit ensure Windsor Holiday Park’s lawns stay immaculate, creating the perfect first impression for guests.

BEST ADULT-ONLY DESTINATION IN SOUTH EAST

Posted on February 9, 2026

THE PARK PROVIDES A NUMBER OF GLAMPING options, hopefully soon to be joined by luxury safari tents

Two Hoots Glamping Site, near Winchester, has been named the Best Adult-Only Site in South East England at this year’s Camping and Glamping Awards. The accolade recognises parks that offer high-quality, peaceful experiences for adults seeking a tranquil escape.

Judges praised owners Shaun and Michele Ascough for providing guests with a “truly great experience” in stunning surroundings. Set in Brighton, close to the South Downs National Park, Two Hoots occupies five acres of countryside rich in wildlife, from hares and red squirrels to deer, pheasants, red kites, glowworms, and pollinators in the park’s wildlife meadow.

Shaun Ascough said the award was a fitting end to a busy year welcoming guests from across the UK and Europe. “There are many superb parks catering to families, but our focus is on peaceful surroundings for adults,” he said. “We attract visitors who want to relax, enjoy the countryside, and leave the stresses of everyday life behind.”

The park has built a loyal following of teachers, childcare professionals, young professionals in campervans, and mature couples. Plans are underway to expand with new luxury safari-style holiday homes. Two Hoots is the only South East England member of the Tranquil Parks consortium and is affiliated with the Holiday and Residential Parks Association. Shaun added: “Our aim has always been to create memorable experiences in an away-from-it-all setting, and this award shows we are on the right track.”

HOLIDAY PARK SECTOR FACE BUDGET CHALLENGES

Posted on February 2, 2026

Properties with a rateable value under £500,000 will benefit from permanently lower business rates.

The UK Autumn Budget 2025 has delivered a mixed picture for the holiday park, caravan park, and hospitality sectors, offering targeted relief for smaller operators but leaving broader structural challenges unresolved.

From April 2026, more than 750,000 retail, leisure, and hospitality properties with a rateable value under £500,000 will benefit from permanently lower business rates multipliers, alongside a £4.3 billion transitional support package. For small holiday parks and caravan sites, this provides welcome certainty and could ease cashflow pressures, particularly for family-run and independent operations.

However, the picture is less rosy for larger operators. Properties with rateable values over £500,000 face a higher multiplier, increasing costs for major holiday parks, hotels, and leisure complexes. Coupled with rising wage pressures—the National Living Wage will rise to £12.71/hour for workers aged 21+ and £10.85/hour for 18–20-year- olds from April 2026—the budget may force larger businesses to make tough operational and investment decisions.

"The Budget offers short-term relief for smaller operators but leaves structural challenges unresolved." - Amanda French, Head of Retail & Leisure at Clarke Willmott LLP

Hospitality alone is expected to face £1.4 billion in additional employment costs next year. Tourist levies, potentially introduced by English mayors, also pose a risk to visitor numbers, with holiday parks and seaside resorts particularly exposed. On a positive note, the budget offers a 40% First Year Allowance for plant and machinery and full expensing for qualifying assets, supporting investment in lodges, leisure facilities, and retail improvements.

Amanda French, Head of Retail & Leisure at Clarke Willmott LLP, said: “The Budget offers short-term relief for smaller operators but leaves structural challenges unresolved. Wage pressures, fiscal drag, and tourist levies risk dampening demand and profitability across all sectors. However, certainty now may help restore consumer confidence and encourage spending over the Christmas period, providing resilience for holiday parks, caravan sites, and hospitality venues alike.”

While smaller parks may breathe a little easier, the Autumn Budget underscores the ongoing need for strategic planning and careful cost management across the wider sector.

POLMANTER TOURING PARK TAKES GOLD AT VISITENGLAND AWARDS 2025

Posted on November 12, 2025

The 2025 VisitEngland Awards for Excellence celebrated the very best in UK tourism, with the coveted Camping, Glamping & Holiday Park of the Year category highlighting outstanding parks across the country. This year’s Gold winner was Polmanter Touring Park in Cornwall, with Rebecca and Phillip Osborne proudly accepting the award on stage at the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange.

Joining them were VisitEngland Advisory Board member Allan Lambert and compere Peter Hancock. Polmanter Touring Park has long been recognised for its exceptional customer service, welcoming atmosphere, and outstanding facilities. Its award-winning status reflects a commitment to quality, innovation, and creating memorable experiences for visitors.

The Osbornes’ dedication to both the park and the wider tourism community was evident in their heartfelt acceptance, with many praising their attention to detail and passion for the holiday park sector.

Silver was awarded to Mendip Basecamp in Somerset, a site known for its adventurous glamping offerings and family-friendly activities, while Bronze went to Hippersons Boatyard in Suffolk, which impressed judges with its combination of traditional charm and modern facilities.

The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence continue to showcase the innovation and dedication that make the UK holiday park and glamping sector one of the most competitive in Europe. Winning parks, like Polmanter, set the standard for service, quality, and guest experience, inspiring operators across the country to aim higher.

For holiday park professionals, the awards serve as a benchmark for excellence, proving that attention to detail, creative offerings, and a focus on visitor experience remain the keys to success in this growing and dynamic sector.

The awards serve as a benchmark for excellence, proving that attention to detail, creative offerings...

PARKDEAN RESORTS CLEANS UP COASTLINE

Posted on November 12, 2025

THE CLEAN-UP TEAM at Parkdean Resort Cayton Bay Holiday Park in Yorkshire.

Parkdean Resorts, the UK’s largest holiday park operator, has celebrated another successful year supporting the Marine Conservation Society’s Great British Beach Clean. More than 150 volunteers from 35 Parkdean Resorts parks across England, Scotland, and Wales collected nearly 300kg of litter from UK beaches.

Now in its eleventh year of participation, Parkdean Resorts also encouraged inland parks and central offices to take part by organising local litter picks and canal path clean-ups. The nationwide initiative, which attracts thousands of volunteers each year, helps the Marine Conservation Society gather essential data to support its marine conservation efforts.

Tim Scott, Head of Sustainability and Energy at Parkdean Resorts, said: “We’re proud to support the Great British Beach Clean once again and grateful to every volunteer who helped us achieve these fantastic results. Initiatives like this reflect our commitment to protecting our parks and giving back to local communities.”

Clare Trotman, Beachwatch Officer at the Marine Conservation Society, added: “We’re so thankful to Parkdean Resorts and their volunteers. Every piece of litter removed helps protect marine life and provides vital data to influence change.” Parkdean Resorts operates 65 parks across the UK, covering 3,500 acres of diverse natural landscapes.

HENDRA HOLIDAY PARK RETAINS GOLD AWARD

Posted on November 12, 2025

STAFF AT HENDRA HOLIDAY PARK in Newquay celebrate another Five-Star Gold Award from VisitEngland.

Hendra Holiday Park in Newquay has once again achieved VisitEngland’s prestigious Five-Star Gold Award, earning an exceptional 96% quality rating for 2025. This marks the 18th consecutive year the Cornish park has been assessed by VisitEngland, reflecting its enduring commitment to excellence in UK holiday hospitality.

During the August inspection, Hendra was praised for its outstanding facilities, high-quality accommodation, friendly staff, and immaculate presentation. The inspector commended the park’s continued investment and described it as “a jewel in the crown of Cornish hospitality,” noting the recent redevelopment of the Beach House Bar and Pizza and upgrades to the Deck Bar, which now hosts up to 450 guests in a vibrant, festival-style setting.

Further improvements include new staff accommodation and ongoing investment in team development — with 75 employees celebrating over five seasons of service in 2024. Park Manager Chris North said: “We’re absolutely thrilled with VisitEngland’s continued recognition. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. Ending the season on such a high is incredibly rewarding.

TOP WINS AT WALES IN BLOOM AWARDS

Posted on November 12, 2025

TREE TOPS CARAVAN PARK in Flintshire took the top spot in the category of parks with 100-plus units

BH&HPA member parks have been celebrating big wins at this year’s Wales in Bloom awards, announced at a glittering ceremony in Wrexham. Thornley Leisure Parks dominated the contest, with eight of its parks taking home prizes.

Maenan Abbey Caravan Park, set in the scenic Conwy Valley near the ruins of a 13th-century abbey, was named overall winner in the category for parks with fewer than 100 units. The group’s other seven parks earned six gold awards and one silver.

Thornley Leisure, a family-run business operating ten parks across North and Mid Wales, Cheshire, and Yorkshire, credits its dedicated gardening staff and seasonal planting teams for the success. “Exceptional surroundings reflect our commitment to quality, care, and community pride,” said marketing manager Hope Carter.

Meanwhile, Tree Tops Caravan Park in Flintshire took the overall award for parks with more than 100 units, marking its 32nd consecutive Wales in Bloom victory. The 18-acre park features themed gardens, a Japanese garden, and orchards with heritage fruit trees, using 16,000 plants each year, many grown from cuttings in its own nursery.

Co-owner Andy Walker said, “Three generations have gone into our gardens, and we aim to offer something spectacular in every season.”