hot tub

LIFE’S BETTER AT THE BEACH

Posted on August 3, 2026

WHETHER IT’S A FAMILY MEAL, a light lunch or evening drinks, Ruda’s welcoming dining venues cater for every occasion.

Following its acquisition by family-owned operator John Fowler Holidays, Ruda Holiday Park delivers the ultimate Devon escape...

Few holiday parks in the UK can boast a location quite as spectacular as Ruda Holiday Park. Nestled on the golden sands of Croyde Bay in North Devon, this iconic destination has long been a favourite among families, surfers and holidaymakers seeking the perfect coastal escape. Now under the ownership of North Devon-based John Fowler Holidays, the park is entering an exciting new chapter.

Holiday Park Scene was delighted to be invited to experience Ruda first-hand and, after spending several days exploring the park, enjoying the facilities and relaxing in one of its luxury lodges, it quickly became clear why this destination continues to attract visitors year after year.

A STUNNING COASTAL LOCATION
The first thing that strikes you about Ruda is its exceptional setting. Positioned directly above the famous sands of Croyde Bay, the park offers something that many holiday parks can only dream of – direct access to one of the UK’s most beautiful beaches.

A short stroll from the accommodation brings guests straight onto the beach, where golden sands meet rolling Atlantic waves. Whether you’re looking to relax by the sea, enjoy a coastal walk or try your hand at surfing, the stunning surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable holiday.

The beach itself is widely regarded as one of Britain’s premier surfing destinations, attracting beginners and experienced surfers alike. Watching the sunset over the bay after a day exploring the park was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our stay.

RUDA HOLIDAY PARK enjoys an enviable position overlooking the golden sands of Croyde Bay, one of North Devon’s most popular coastal destinations.

LUXURY ACCOMMODATION WITH A TOUCH OF INDULGENCE
For our visit, we stayed in one of Ruda’s luxury lodges complete with a private hot tub, and it proved to be the ideal base for exploring the park and surrounding area. The accommodation was modern, spacious and exceptionally comfortable, featuring stylish interiors, well-equipped living spaces and everything needed for a relaxing break.

However, it was the hot tub that truly elevated the experience. After busy days enjoying the facilities and exploring the coastline, sinking into the warm bubbling water during the evening was the perfect way to unwind.

Whether enjoying an early morning coffee or relaxing beneath the stars after sunset, the hot tub added a genuine touch of luxury to our stay. The quality of accommodation across the park reflects the continued improvements being made at Ruda, helping to appeal to both traditional family holidaymakers and those seeking a more premium coastal getaway.

RECENTLY REFURBISHED, the Cascades Tropical Adventure Pool is one of Ruda’s standout family attractions.

MAKING A SPLASH AT CASCADES TROPICAL ADVENTURE POOL
No visit to Ruda would be complete without experiencing the impressive Cascades Tropical Adventure Pool. Recently refurbished as part of a wider programme of enhancements across the park, this standout facility combines fun, excitement and relaxation under one roof.

Designed to appeal to guests of all ages, the tropical-themed complex provides hours of entertainment whatever the weather. The flume was an immediate hit with our group and quickly became one of the most talked-about parts of the stay.

Whether racing friends to the bottom or simply enjoying the thrill of the ride, it proved impossible to resist. Beyond the flume, the tropical-themed environment creates a genuinely exciting atmosphere, with interactive water features and plenty of space for families to enjoy together. It’s easy to see why the pool has become one of the park’s most popular attractions.

John Fowler Holidays acquired Ruda Holiday Park from Parkdean Resorts in a multi-million-pound deal announced on 25 June 2025.

CATCHING WAVES AT THE SURF SCHOOL
Given Ruda’s enviable location overlooking one of the UK’s premier surfing beaches, it comes as no surprise that surfing plays a major role in the guest experience. The on-site surf school offers visitors the opportunity to learn from experienced instructors, with lessons available for all ages and abilities.

For beginners, it’s an ideal introduction to the sport, while more experienced surfers can take advantage of equipment hire and local expertise. One of the biggest advantages is the convenience. Guests can move seamlessly from accommodation to beach and into the water within minutes, making it incredibly easy to make the most of Croyde’s famous waves.

Even for those who prefer to stay dry, simply watching the surfers from the shoreline provides plenty of entertainment and adds to the unique atmosphere that makes Ruda such a special destination.

FROM FAMILY ACTIVITIES to live evening entertainment, there’s always something happening at Ruda Holiday Park.

ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
One area where Ruda truly excels is its extensive family entertainment programme. Throughout our stay there was always something happening, ensuring guests of all ages remained engaged and entertained.

From daytime activities and children’s events to live evening performances, there is a real sense of energy throughout the park. No traditional holiday park experience would be complete without bingo, and the lively sessions during our stay proved to be a real crowd-pleaser, delivering plenty of laughs, friendly competition and holiday fun.

Alongside bingo, guests can enjoy live entertainment, family games, children’s activities and evening performances, ensuring there’s always something to look forward to once the sun goes down. The entertainment team deserve particular credit for their enthusiasm and professionalism, helping to create a welcoming environment that encourages families to make the most of everything the park has to offer.

DIRECT BEACH ACCESS means guests are just moments away from the surf, sand and stunning scenery of Croyde Bay.

A BRIGHT FUTURE UNDER JOHN FOWLER HOLIDAYS
One of the most exciting developments for Ruda is its recent acquisition by John Fowler Holidays, one of the UK’s largest family-owned holiday park operators.

Based in North Devon, the company has been creating memorable holiday experiences for more than 70 years and now operates parks across the South West and Wales. Their local knowledge and long-standing commitment to quality tourism make them a natural fit for this iconic coastal destination.

Since taking ownership, John Fowler Holidays has invested around £1 million into the park, enhancing accommodation, facilities and guest experiences while ensuring Ruda retains the character and charm that generations of holidaymakers have come to love.

FINAL THOUGHTS
Ruda Holiday Park successfully combines everything guests could wish for from a modern seaside escape: an unbeatable beachfront location, quality accommodation, impressive facilities and a packed programme of family entertainment.

From relaxing in a luxury hot tub lodge and making a splash in the Cascades Tropical Adventure Pool to enjoying a game of bingo or watching surfers tackle the waves at Croyde Bay, every day offered something different to enjoy. With direct beach access, ongoing investment and the backing of one of the UK’s most respected family-owned holiday park operators, Ruda is firmly cementing its position as one of the South West’s leading holiday destinations.

Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a couples’ retreat or an action-packed coastal adventure, Ruda Holiday Park offers the perfect base from which to experience the very best of North Devon.

Ruda Holiday Park
01271 890671
www.johnfowlerholidays.com/devon-holiday-park/ruda-holiday-park

THE PERFECT ESCAPE FOR YOUR HOLIDAY PARK

Posted on July 31, 2026

THE PERFECT ESCAPE FOR YOUR HOLIDAY PARK

Enhance your holiday park with a luxury fibreglass pool or premium hot tub from My Pool Direct.

Designed to add relaxation, value and unforgettable guest experiences, our compact fibreglass pools and high-quality hot tubs are ideal for holiday parks of all sizes.

As a UK-owned and operated company, we offer fast delivery, expert advice and reliable after-sales support to help you create the perfect leisure space.

MY Pool Direct
01268 710 425
https://b2b.mypooldirect.com

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

LARGO LEISURE PARKS

Posted on May 14, 2025

Putting the needs of their customers at the heart of their business is the philosophy of Largo Leisure, owner and operator of half a dozen award-winning Scottish holiday parks. Largo Leisure Parks was founded in 2003 when it acquired its first holiday park in Scotland, Sauchope Links Park in the East Neuk of Fife.

Over the years, three further parks joined the portfolio: one more in Fife - Letham Feus Holiday Park, and two in Perthshire - Loch Tay Highland Lodges, and Braidhaugh Holiday Park. In March 2022, Largo Leisure Parks was acquired by Limerston Capital.

Perthshire’s Cruachan Farm Caravan and Camping Park was acquired in 2023 and in 2024, Campsite Glen Holiday Park, close to Glasgow, joined the group, making a total of six parks. Each Largo Leisure park has its own unique characteristics and offers a varied choice of holiday accommodation to rent and own including self-catering glamping, wooden cabins, cottages, deluxe beach huts, premium lodges, and caravans.

With a 50/50 split between holiday home rental and ownership across the portfolio, all parks share a common theme, providing luxurious accommodation in stunning natural surroundings. Considered a flagship park of the group, Loch Tay Highland Lodges is situated on the private Milton Morenish Estate in Killin, Perthshire.

ONE OF TWO LUXURY Loch Tay Highland Lodges that are available for holiday rental at Loch Tay.

Acquired in 2006, the park offers an exceptional base for a holiday in one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland. Visitors can choose from the widest variety of accommodation: from camping and glamping in Geodesic domes and wooden pods, to Scandinavian-built holiday lodges, and two luxury large self-catering houses that can sleep up to eight and ten guests respectively.

“Our two luxury houses in Loch Tay are the epitome of luxury holiday homes and the flagship rental accommodation at our parks,” says Rachel Mabbs, Commercial Director at Largo Leisure Parks. “Both properties are perfect for large gatherings of family and friends. Loch Tay House boasts a hot tub for up to ten people and superb views of the Loch from its balcony.

We added the architect-designed Mill House in 2020. This stunning four bedroom home also offers a large hot tub, and a secluded, tranquil setting in amongst pretty woodland with scenic mountain views. Mature, private gardens, fire pits and the finest fixtures and furnishings complete both houses.” Whatever accommodation they choose, guests staying at Loch Tay Highland Lodges can take advantage of a host of activities that showcase the best of the park’s natural setting.

From archery, hill walking, bird watching and golf, to canoeing, boat hire and stand up paddle boarding courtesy of the on-site activity provider, In Your Element, Scotland After an active day out on the water or out and about in the countryside, it’s time to enjoy the waterside setting and delicious Scottish delicacies of The Boathouse Kitchen & Bar.

BEACH HUT accommodation with wood-fired hot tub at Sauchope Links Park.

Elsewhere in Scotland, 2024 saw two large developments within the Largo Leisure group. Their seaside holiday park, Sauchope Links, benefited from an £800k investment in July to create eight new holiday home pitches and five new units. Sauchope Links offers an innovative mix of accommodation including one bedroom beach huts and glamping pods, with a few offering hot tubs.

The park’s enviable setting, moments from the idyllic fishing village of Crail, and just ten miles from Scotland’s home of golf, St Andrews, means that Sauchope Links is also a popular choice for holiday homeowners. The park offers a variety of new and used lodge-style homes for sale including those from leading manufacturers such as Willerby and Prestige.

In September 2024, a £350k development at Braidhaugh Holiday Park in Crieff saw the introduction of 14 new caravans. The project was a key part of ongoing investment from Largo Leisure’s owners, Limerston Capital, demonstrating their commitment to enhancing Scottish tourism and supporting local economies.

Nestled on the banks of the scenic River Earn, on the doorstep of the historic market town of Crieff, Braidhaugh is an ideal base for a self-catering countryside holiday. “Previously, we only had contemporary lodges and glamping pods at Braidhaugh,” explains Rachel Mabbs.

PET-FRIENDLY holidays are encouraged at Largo Leisure Parks.

“Since the site was already popular for its hard-standing touring pitches, we decided to landscape this area and expand our accommodation choice with some more traditional caravan units to cover a greater range of price points. The park now offers four new rental units: two 2-bedroom caravans, and two 3-bedroom caravans. One of each size is pet-friendly accommodation also.”

As part of the same re-development, ten new caravans for holiday home ownership were also added to the park. Further expansion is also planned. “During the development work, our team worked closely with the David Bellamy Conservation Scheme to help sustain the many animal, bird and plant species in the grounds,” says Rachel Mabbs.

“The work included the planting of native trees and hedgerows, as well as maintaining areas of wildflowers to provide new and protect existing wildlife habitats.” With parks situated in some of the most beautiful parts of Scotland, Largo Leisure embraces their commitment to the environment wholeheartedly.

Recycling facilities encourage greater responsibility for guests and staff at all the parks, and many of the glamping accommodations offer wood fired hot tubs that are greener and more sustainable. They are also more in keeping with the natural surroundings.

RETREAT LODGES AT SAUCHOPE LINKS PARK.

“Each park page on our website promotes the local wildlife, historical sites and other local attractions in the area. We’re also planning to create wildlife guides for each of our parks to point out the many animals and birds which can be seen from our parks and in the local area,” explains Rachel Mabbs. The organisation is also keen to give back to the wider community.

Through their active partnership with the charity ‘Give us Time’, Largo Leisure donates much-needed respite breaks to UK military families facing difficulties. During 2023 and 2024, a total of 58 breaks were pledged, offering a chance for families to reconnect and enjoy quality time together away from the pressures of daily life.

Encouraging guests to switch off and unwind is at the heart of the Largo Leisure business model. The parks offer an enticing choice of accommodation, much of it pet-friendly, and first-class facilities – no big, noisy entertainment venues here. Moreover, it’s the tremendous natural beauty of their locations that is the big attraction.

Expanding their parks so more people can enjoy Scotland’s magnificent countryside, is key to Largo Leisure’s future development. Most recently, the group has responded to the opportunity – and challenge - of increasing last-minute demand by introducing flexible arrival days and two-night weekend stays with a late check-out on a Sunday. No visit is too short for guests to appreciate Scotland’s natural splendour.

Largo Leisure
01567 820323
www.largoleisure.co.uk

BACK-TO-BASICS LIFESTYLE

Posted on May 17, 2024

In an age marked by constant connectivity and digital saturation, there’s a growing movement toward mindfulness and seeking solace in nature. Indeed, a number of studies have shown lower stress and anxiety levels in individuals who’ve spent time in forest and natural areas compared to those who’ve walked in urban neighbourhoods.

According to industry experts at Glamping Hideaways, there has been a significant rise over the past decade in rural revitalisation and the back-to- basics lifestyle of people looking to disconnect (some glamping sites don’t even get signal let alone have wi-fi) and re-energise.

“When we first started out in 2014 ‘Glamping’ was a very new concept,” June Brocklebank, camping site manager of 10 years explains. “No one we knew had actually been on a glamping holiday, it was a niche - you were either camping and roughing it or going on an all-inclusive break away,”

“Since then, however, we’ve seen the gap filled for people who desire nature-focused holidays without having to sacrifice everyday necessities!” Glamping Hideaways’ site in Rutland’s Exton Park offers the perfect balance between luxury and simplicity - something we’ve seen our guests increasingly yearning for.”

GLAMPING HIDEAWAYS has something for every person looking to disconnect.

Glamping Hideaways offers a range of accommodations, from safari tents to rustic cabins, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences. Whether guests are seeking a lavish retreat with king-sized beds and hot tubs or a more rustic experience with cosy campfires and starlit skies, Glamping Hideaways has something for every person looking to disconnect.

In addition to providing a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation, Glamping Hideaways is also committed to supporting rural communities and sharing local life with tourists. By partnering with local artisans, farmers and businesses, Glamping Hideaways contributes to the growth, support and awareness of rural areas and their natural beauty.

“We run short courses for people on site that have become increasingly popular, from bird box making to nature meditation”, explains farm owner and camping site manager, Andrew Parsons-Mann. “We often see holidaymakers arrive after a stressful work week, looking like they’re carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders.

“After just a weekend at our site, Sweffling Hall Farm, with the help of mindful activities we host, they are visibly brighter, more energetic and importantly, recharged,” Andrew continues. “Glamping is very much about reconnecting with nature and prioritising health and wellbeing.

“Studies have shown that spending time in rural areas can have numerous benefits for mental and physical health, including reducing stress and improving mood.”

www.glampinghideaways.co.uk

THE PET POUND

Posted on May 17, 2024

Longstanding Hoseasons partner Hemsby Beach Holiday Park has always been pet-friendly, but owners Richardsons Leisure Limited started to understand the real value of investing in the pet pound in 2018. It was at that point that Chief Executive, Greg Munford, took the conscious decision to increase the number of pet-friendly units at the park from 24 to 44.

Since then and boosted by significant increase in pet ownership during Covid, Hemsby Beach has steadily increased its pet-friendly offering, so that today a total of 116, or 31%, of the park’s 391 luxury holiday homes and lodges welcome guests’ four-legged friends. But it’s not just the number of pet-friendly units that have increased - the quality of those units has markedly improved too, so much so that they are now some of the best the park has to offer, with nearly half featuring a hot tub.

GIVING PEOPLE the chance to be with their pets on holiday obviously comes with a financial benefit.

BOOKINGS UPLIFT
It’s not a surprising strategy when you consider recent Hoseasons stats showing that owners who take a pet see an average 46% uplift in booking volume vs locations that don’t accept a pet. But Greg says gone are the days when pet-friendly meant sectioning off a few shabby chalets on one corner of the park and expecting people to embrace the experience.

“Our purpose is to create an environment where customers can holiday with family and friends and create memories that last a lifetime. For an increasing number of people that means having their pets with them, and that shouldn’t mean having to compromise on the quality of their holiday experience – quite the opposite in fact, which is why we’ve made the changes and investments we have and why we take our approach to looking after pets and their owners so seriously.”

One example of this is the £10k Richardsons Leisure recently spent on decking gates for its pet-friendly lodges and luxury holiday homes – something that was requested by pet owners keen to maximise security for their pets and in turn enhance their own holiday experience. The park also provides dog-friendly areas in its restaurant and entertainment venues and shares information with guests about the best dog walks in the area, as well as a list of useful contacts including local vets, pet shops and other services.

RICHARDSONS LEISURE recently spent £10k on decking gates for its pet-friendly lodges.

PAYING DIVIDENDS
It’s an approach that is clearly paying dividends in terms of bookings, with Hoseasons data showing that the park saw a 24% increase in pet bookings last year compared to the year before, and a massive 106% increase compared to 2 0 1 9. Greg says being pet-friendly also leads to wider benefits for the park beyond the bottom line.

“Giving people the chance to be with their pets on holiday obviously comes with a financial benefit, but it also really adds to the happy, relaxed atmosphere on park too.” Hemsby Beach Holiday Park is part of Hoseasons’ Go Active Breaks+ Collection and sits just 350 yards from the golden sands and rolling dunes of Hemsby Beach. Greg says the national market insight he gets from his long partnership with the brand has been invaluable in making investment choices.

“Obviously Hoseasons provide us a good number of bookings, but the true added value comes from their sector expertise and commercial acumen, both of which make all the difference when considering large-scale investment in specific accommodation types and the right accommodation mix,” says Greg. “The scale they operate at means their data is second to none when it comes to spotting trends and advising owners accordingly.”

GREG MUNFORD, TOOK the conscious decision to increase the number of pet-friendly units at the park from 24 to 44

LUXURY GIRLIE STAYS IN SCOTLAND

Posted on May 16, 2024

Girls’ weekends away aren’t new, but more and more female groups are looking for a getaway where they can really get away from everything. A place where there are few people, no nightclubs and definitely no kiss me quick hats!!

Combining luxury, stunning scenery and a quiet bar and restaurant nearby, Loch Tay Highland Lodges, one of Largo Leisure Holidays stunning, Scottish parks in Perthshire, has two unique premium houses perfect for groups looking to relax, reconnect and recharge.

Not only is it the best way to spend time together, but also the best way to clear your own mind and keep your mental health on a high being away from home while still having home comforts. Loch Tay House sleeps up to 10 people, perfect for those big groups of friends to go away together without having to find separate accommodation, meaning you can enjoy each other’s company morning, noon, and night.

The house boasts five beautiful bedrooms, four of which are en-suite, a large upper living room, and its own secluded private garden. As you step outside, the 10-person hot tub and stunning garden views, give you a great place to all relax together for a chilled girl’s night in.

Mill House sleeps up to eight with 4 bedrooms, including similar facilities for your dream girls’ trip. Their downstairs snug TV room is just what you need to sit back with a glass of wine and watch your favourite chick-flick together after an evening in the hot-tub with views of waterfalls which run alongside the property.

Founded in 2003, then in March 2022, the group was acquired by Limerston Capital. Largo Leisure Parks offer award winning glamping and lodge holidays in six stunning areas of Scotland. Each park has its own unique characteristics and offers a varied choice of holiday accommodation to rent and own including self-catering glamping, wooden cabins, cottages, deluxe beach huts, premium lodges, and caravans.

BUBBLING OVER

Posted on October 27, 2022

BUBBLING OVER

The hot tub influence on increasing bookings...

 

THE VACATION RANGE, from Superior Wellness, boasts robust features designed specifically for the holiday let market.

 

For the holiday industry, 2022 has been another record year for staycations, delivering an estimated £15.5billion boost to the British economy. According to Sykes Holiday Cottages’ annual Staycation Index, 77 per cent of Brits holidayed in the UK this year, spending an average of £822 on their accommodation alone.

So how do you make your holiday destination stand out from the crowd and increase the odds of internet surfers pressing the book button? The simple answer – add a hot tub. “UK staycations with hot tubs consistently appears on a list of the most common staycation searches,” says Gareth Ward, Sales Director at Superior Wellness, one of the UK’s leading hot tub suppliers.

“A hot tub not only adds a touch of luxury but can also increase occupancy and revenue by up to 60%. “But much more than that, a hot tub allows families and loved ones to reconnect and spend quality time together,” Gareth adds. “People are also focusing on their wellness much more and a hot tub can help with this – soothing aches and pains, reducing anxiety and stress and relieving headaches. All reasons that may inspire a customer to book a holiday property with a hot tub.”

 

OFFERING A HOT TUB with your holiday let will increase bookings on average by 60 per cent. Pic. Rotospa

 

HOLIDAY LET
Jonathan Pritchard owns a holiday let based in Anglesey, he recently made the decision to add a Vacation Social hot tub, from the Superior Wellness stable, to his property. Jonathan purchased the hot tub from Superior Wellness’ partner at Concept Spa in Wales and he explains: “We wanted to increase bookings and people always say that it’s a bonus to have a hot tub, we were also recommended to get one by Sykes.

“I was recommended by Concept Spa to go for the Vacation social based on the value for money, the fact it’s simple and easy to use, less hassle/ maintenance, less things for people to break. “It has most definitely made a difference to my bookings; we are noticing that the winter months are also filling up much faster.”

If you are looking to purchase a hot tub for your holiday let, Superior Wellness recommend the Vacation Range or their Platinum Spas Holiday Let 5 hot tub. Both offerings are perfect for holiday homes, cottages, B&Bs and Airbnb as they designed specifically for the holiday let market these hot tubs offer a basic layout with no breakable or removeable components and are designed for heavy usage.

The robust but minimalistic design perfectly complements any garden, decking or outdoor environment. Gareth Ward again: “We do get a number of queries from potential buyers and this is a common question. But is the constant upkeep, care and maintenance is going to offer a decent return on your investment?

Gareth Ward again: “You need to look after your hot tub and ensure you provide the care and maintenance it needs and stick to the guidelines. However, the increase in revenue you will receive in terms of price per night and occupancy will outweigh any time and money spent on the upkeep.”

 

 

HEAT TIMES
Waiting around for a hot tub to warm up isn’t a holiday guest’s idea of fun, so Golden Coast’s exceptionally fast hot tub heat pumps are ideal for ensuring the spa is ready to enjoy in no time. The inverter-driven Golden Coast air source pump heats water quickly and efficiently.

During a test conducted on a hot tub in an ambient air temperature of 12 degrees, Golden Coast found that it took three hours and 40 minutes to heat the hot tub water from 10 degrees to 38 degrees. This was much faster than the electric heater previously being used.

A Golden Coast heat pump operates on a lower current so uses much less energy than electric heaters without compromising on performance. For each kilowatt of energy consumed, the heat pump offers an output of up to 13 kilowatts of heat – that’s 13 times more efficient than a standard electric heater.

A Golden Coast pump can reach an extremely high coefficient of performance meaning that once the water reaches the desired temperature (up to 40°C) the heat pump turns off while maintaining the temperature. “It is quicker to heat a hot tub with warmer air temperature, but a Golden Coast heat pump performs even in cold weather, so hot tubs can be enjoyed all year round,” says Adam Clark, General Manager at Golden Coast.

“Our heat pump is extremely energy efficient, allowing park owners to make significant savings on their bills. The more hot tubs a holiday park has, the more savings that can be made. Golden Coast has supplied air source heat pumps to a number of holiday parks with great success and with extremely positive feedback from park managers.

Golden Coast’s General Manager, Adam Clark, advises: “Whereas some heat pumps can be loud, a Golden Coast heat pump uses a unique ventilation structure enabling it to maintain noise levels as low as 25dB — ensuring peace and quiet for guests and peace of mind for owners.” When it comes to holiday hot tub insurance, Compass Insurance advise, to make sure that your insurance covers you for loss or damage as well as any possible legal liability arising from them being used.

 

GREAT FOR FRIENDS and family who want to relax on holiday, the Vacation Lounge hot tub is for 5-6 people and offers the perfect combination of one lounger and five seats. This 13 amp hot tub has R10 insulation and 25 jets.

 

INSURANCE COVER
Most insurers will include hot tubs in their general definition of structures, hire fleet or caravans (at Compass they do) but it’s worth checking the definitions in your policy to make sure. From there it’s also really important to make sure that the replacement cost of the Hot Tub is factored into any sum insured you have for your hire fleet. As well as the Hot Tubs themselves being insured your legal liability to the public using them should also be checked.

Have clear and documented guidance as to who should and shouldn’t use Hot Tubs. Holidaymakers with health conditions, including those with serious illnesses, respiratory and cardiac conditions and diabetes, as well as pregnant women or those on certain medications, should seek advice from their doctor before using a hot tub. Similarly, infections and disease can be spread, so those with body infections and open sores/ wounds etc, should not use a hot tub.

Comprehensive signage and instructions on the use of the hot tub are also important. Most of the claims we see in relation to Hot Tubs, and wet areas in general, relate to slips and trips when getting in and out. Cleaning and maintenance are critical and any hot tub owned by the park should follow a documented and robust process. Where possible this should also be in line with the manufacturer guidance and regular evidence, checks and logs kept.

Regularly checking the water, systems and filters is also essential. Parks have responsibilities even where they do not own the hot tub in question. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 does not apply to privately-owned hot tubs where there is no financial gain and they are used exclusively by the private owner, family members and occasional guests.

Park owners should also consider the matter of Employers’ Liability. We have seen a case in the past where an employee was known by their employer to have a reaction to chemicals, but the wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) was not enforced. It is almost impossible to defend a claim when a relaxed approach to employee safety is taken. This highlights the importance of training staff appropriately and having systems in place for them to follow when they are involved in the cleaning and maintenance of hot tubs.

 

 

COMPANY CONTACTS

Golden Coast
Tel. 01271 378100
Email: swimmer@goldenc.com
www.goldenc.com

SuperiorWellness
Tel. 01246 559071
Email: info@superiorwellness.co.uk
www.superiorwellness.co.uk

Compass Insurance
Tel. 0344 274 0276
Email: enquiries@compass.co.uk
www.compassparks.co.uk

FARMING SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Posted on October 27, 2022

FARMING SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Beth Connor reports from Adam Henson's Cotswold Farm Park...

THE CHOICE OF ACCOMMODATION includes popular Sunset Lodges.

 

We were delighted when the Holiday Park Scene team were invited to test out the facilities at Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park. Adam Henson is perhaps the best- known farmer in the UK, presenting his own section on BBC’s Countryfile to millions of viewers each Sunday evening.

Farming and conservation are Adam’s first passions and when the camera stops rolling, there is still plenty of work to be done. In 1971, Joe Henson founded Cotswold Farm Park to help protect some of our rare breeds of farm animal. Today, it’s Adam Henson, his business partner Duncan and of course the enthusiastic team, that are proud to be continuing in Joe’s wellington-booted footprints.

“We have passion for all we do here and are dedicated to delivering the best of British farming, through a sustainable and authentic approach,” says Adam.

 

 

The site has some outstanding qualities including:
• Very friendly staff
• Farm Park - free entrance
• Restaurant and Farm Park Shop
• Mapped on-site Wildlife Walk
• Dog Welcome Pack – Bed, Bowls, Long Leash & Peg, Blanket, Treats, Poo Bags
• Hot Tub

 

 

There’s regular excitement on the farm, whether it be lambing season, harvest time or the arrival of new calf; there’s always something new to see at the farm. Visitors have the opportunity to meet more than 50 rare breeds, have a go on pedal-tractors, fly along the zipline and hold little chicks.

Visitors can even book in for a day visit with their own horses to experience the 50-jump riding course in gorgeous woodlands, streams and valleys. The site offers a wide range of accommodation options including Sunset Lodges, Songbird Safari Tents, Camping Pods, Camping and Motorhome pitches and a seasonal Glamping Field.

The on-site facilities were outstanding including The Ox Shed Bar & Café, Farm Park Shop with home reared produce, beautiful, heated shower block, laundry facilities, picnic area, campers’ kitchen and of course the farm which provides a full day out for all the family.

 

Cotswold Farm Park
01451 850307
www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk