Lancashire

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY AT PARTINGTON’S HOLIDAY PARKS

Posted on February 13, 2025

Partington’s Holiday Parks has introduced an exciting “Try Before You Buy” initiative, letting prospective buyers experience the bliss of holiday home ownership before committing. This innovative program offers a no-pressure opportunity to explore Partington’s picturesque holiday parks, located across Lancashire, the Lake District, and the Yorkshire Dales.

From the tranquil countryside to lively coastal retreats, these parks provide the ideal escape for families and couples alike. Here’s how it works: book a short stay at one of the participating parks—such as Black Beck in the Lake District or Tarn House in Skipton—and enjoy a guided park tour along with a sales appointment.

If you decide to purchase a caravan or lodge following your visit, the cost of your stay is deducted from the price of your new holiday home. The scheme has already captivated visitors, like Lisa from Bolton, who shared: “Try Before You Buy is a great way to experience the park and explore the area.”

Another owner, Deborah from Windy Harbour, called the process “life-changing,” adding, “We’ve made so many special family memories.” Whether you’re seeking serene countryside views or fun-packed family adventures, Partington’s parks are equipped with top-notch facilities and near popular attractions like Blackpool and the Yorkshire Dales.

Partington’s Holiday Parks
01253 879911
www.partingtons.com

TRAILBLAZERS OF UK TRAVEL

Posted on November 12, 2024

Campsites across the UK have won in this year’s Caravan and Motorhome Club’s 2024 Awards for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, as well as best newcomer and the Sustainability Award that recognises valuable work being undertaken to protect the environment.

The awards celebrate privately-owned, maximum five-pitch campsites certified locations (CLs) – that are open exclusively to Caravan and Motorhome Club members. Many CLs are found in the countryside and remote locations such as farms, country estates and inns, providing a valuable and additional income stream for the campsite’s owners and local communities, whilst offering more choice for Club members to get out in the great outdoors.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club has been a cornerstone of outdoor adventure in the UK for over 116 years, proudly representing the interests of more than 1.1 million caravan, motorhome, campervan, and trailer tent owners. The Club champions the spirit of adventure, helping members make the most of the great outdoors— whether through glamping, touring, or simply enjoying nature.

With an annual membership fee of just £63, members gain access to over 2,700 high-quality campsites across the UK and Europe, all curated to ensure a great value experience. As the UK’s No. 1 rated touring club, the Caravan and Motorhome Club goes above and beyond to deliver savings and exclusive offers, both for touring adventures and at home.

Members can also explore a range of escorted European tours, all protected by ABTA, as well as independent tours in Australasia, North America, and Southern Africa, providing peace of mind during their travels.

With expert advice, comprehensive overseas travel services, and tailored insurance options, the Caravan and Motorhome Club is dedicated to enriching its members’ experiences. To discover more about the benefits of membership and join a community passionate about outdoor adventures.

The Caravan & Motorhome Club
01342 318 813
www.camc.com

THIS YEAR’S WINNERS INCLUDE…

BEST CL IN WALES & OVERALL CL WINNER
Brambles in Anglesey

Brambles is the only campsite to win two categories in this year’s CL awards. The adult-only campsite is perfect for those looking for beach, waterside or peaceful stays.

It is owned by Eric and Sue Marchbanks, avid caravanners themselves, who are members of the Caravan and Motorhome Club and have travelled far and wide in their motorhome, as far as Czechoslovakia.

The campsite offers scenic walkways among three ponds, trees and shrubs, perfect for dog walkers and offers plenty of wildlife for those who like to get close to nature, tourers can expect to find red squirrels, rabbits and ravens.

Owner, Eric comments: “Winning an award is recognition that we are making guests happy and they are wanting to stay here and are enjoying the area surrounding us.”

 

BEST CL IN ENGLAND NORTH
Drake House Farm in Lancashire

Drake House Farm is owned by Ann Chippendale and is located in the Ribble Valley just three miles from the market town of Clitheroe.

The campsite is known for its gorgeous views, excellent dog walks and wildlife. The campsite has peaceful pitches, is an area of outstanding beauty, with its own woodland with a brook.

Owner, Ann Chippendale comments: “It truly is a beautiful location, it’s like the Lake District without the crowds”.

 

 

 

BEST CL IN ENGLAND SOUTH
Goodleigh Hill in Worcestershire

Goodleigh Hill is situated in an ideal spot to explore South Worcestershire and the North Cotswolds.

The campsite is known for its scenic views, dog walks and its convenient location to nearby local eateries and pubs and a short walk to the town of Pershore.

Owners, Matthew and Emily Horton, have ensured the CL is peaceful and clean. It is convenient for those who want to explore the beautiful Malvern Hills and the Malvern Spring.

Emily comments: “Matthew really wanted to help increase the biodiversity here, and he saw that creating a CL that is viable in the fabulous rural countryside would allow him to fulfil his ideas and increase wildlife here.”

 

 

BEST CL IN SCOTLAND & NORTHERN IRELAND
Firbank Park in Aberdeenshire

Firbank Park is set in the beautiful Royal Deeside within Cairngorms National Park, perfect for those who enjoy nature and tranquillity.

The five-acre campsite has hardstanding pitches that are spaced out and each pitch offers an electric hook up and their own fresh water source.

The campsite, owned by Archie and Justine Buchanan, is close to an abundance of walking trails, cycling tracks, and Munros (mountains at least 3,000 ft high) to climb. Additionally, fishing and horse riding are available on the nearby Glen Tanar Estate.

Archie comments: “We have built somewhere that we would want to go to, so we’re hoping that other people will like that as well, and it seems to be the case. It’s like being on our holidays.”

 

BEST NEWCOMER
The Courts in Essex

The Courts campsite, owned by Paul and Collette Murphy, is set in the serene woodlands of Little Baddow and is great for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Tourers can access a multitude of forest rambles and embrace the local wildlife, head off on their bikes for an off-road adventure or visit the local dock for boat rides, canoeing and paddle boarding.

Despite the area’s rural setting, Little Baddow is also close to several larger towns and cities, including Maldon and Chelmsford.

Owner, Paul Murphy comments: “We have lovely walks through ancient woods directly from the site. We’ve got a local pub, local restaurant, paddleboarding and the river nearby so we have a lot to offer.”

 

SUSTAINABILITY AWARD
Birch Hill in Shropshire

Birch Hill campsite is located in the beautiful lake-lands of Shropshire. The campsite, owned by Major Ian and Janet Kelly, was established over 40 years ago and over the years has received various awards.

This is the 2nd year for the Sustainability Award and Birch Hill has been recognised in this category for its Dark Skies initiative, local links with shops, restaurants and pubs, promotion of formaldehyde-free chemicals on site, and use of renewable energy and water consumption controls.

The campsite is on one of the main Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle routes and Ellesmere is also a great spot for country walks, dog walking and bird watching. Owner, Major Ian Kelly comments:

“Sustainability is not just about what we do around the site, but it’s also about what our guests do - whether it is efficient recycling or helping our local economy, it’s important to note that they’re the ones helping to keep our local shops alive for us.”

SITES IN BLOOM AWARD
Pembrey Country Park Club Campsite & Fairlight Wood Club Campsite

The multi-couple campsite winner for 2024 is Pembrey Country Park Club Campsite in Wales for the second-year running.

Pembrey Country Park Club Campsite is known for its phenomenal summer flowers display and blend of coast and countryside. The 2024 single-couple campsite winner is Fairlight Wood Club Campsite in East Sussex.

This intimate campsite set in flower rich woodland has plenty of footpaths for tourers to wander along. The campsite’s surrounding woodlands are listed as a Biodiversity area that is ideal for nature lovers and spotting wildlife.

 

 

 

 

SITES TO INSPIRE AWARDS
MULTI-COUPLE SITE WINNER
Cayton Village Club Campsite

Cayton Village Club Campsite in North Yorkshire is the 2024 winner of the multi-couple campsite category.

Cayton Village Campsite has had some great improvements over the past few years which has helped to increase visitor satisfaction scores for overall facilities to 9.8 out of 10.

The new improvements include two brand new shower blocks, more touring pitches and new premium pitches, a new designated dog walking area, a multi-use games area and an enclosed playground.

Regional Manager, Phil Monkman, said: “Cayton Village is a relatively newly refurbished site and the campsite staff have worked very hard over the last few seasons to add a unique character.”

 

 

SITES TO INSPIRE AWARDS
SINGLE-COUPLE SITE WINNER
Baltic Wharf Club Campsite

Baltic Wharf Club Campsite in Bristol is the 2024 winner of the single-couple campsite category. This campsite is located in the heart of Bristol’s beautifully redeveloped dockland, near the city centre with lively shops and entertainment.

There is also a selection of boat trips available nearby for tourers looking to discover gorgeous scenic views in the county and many excellent cycling paths for those desiring for an adventure.

Regional Manager, Mark Houghton, said: “Despite the known and inevitable future closure of the campsite, newly promoted site managers Lyndsay & ‘Chelle have placed their hearts and souls into the campsite throughout the season and their comment sums up their enthusiasm: ‘We may not have any control over the campsite’s future, but we CAN control her last season, meaning Baltic Wharf won’t simply fade away with us here to see it out on a high.’”

 

 

SUSTAINABILITY CHAIRMAN’S AWARD
Blackpool South Club Campsite

Also running for its fourth consecutive year is the Sustainability Chairman’s Award, created to celebrate the campsite network’s environmental, social and economic commitments, actions and engagements.

From tree planting and waste reduction projects, growing wild meadows, hosting local food vendors and raising money for local charities, a great range of sustainable activities have taken place at campsites throughout the year.

The entrants were judged on the award criteria by the Club Chairman, David Turner, who made the final decision on the winner of the 2024 Sustainability Chairman’s Award. The 2024 winner is Blackpool South Club Campsite in Blackpool, Lancashire.

The campsite was awarded for its new improvements this year to establish a sustainable environment for their guests. This includes more serviced pitches, upgraded motorhome waste point, roadway resurfacing, solar PV roof panels which provide renewable energy, and ongoing pitch improvements and resurfacing.

 

HOSPITALITY HERITAGE

Posted on August 7, 2024

Preston-born entrepreneur John Morphet founded the Pure Leisure Group in 2004, having entered the tourism market with his inaugural South Lakeland Caravans business in 1988. With John at the helm, Pure Leisure Group is now a third-generation family-run businesses employing 230 staff across its portfolio of 19 holiday parks throughout the UK.

Pure Leisure Group operates 13 holiday lodge and caravan parks in the Northwest, one lodge park in Wales, one in Yorkshire and a further two in East Anglia. Tydd St Giles Golf and Leisure Estate in Cambridgeshire, and Bridlington Links Golf and Leisure Estate in West Yorkshire, complete the UK portfolio.

Most recently, the Gledfield Highland Estate also joined the business, a 6,500-acre estate with holiday cottages in northern Scotland. Overseas, the company’s flagship is Royal Westmoreland, Barbados, a luxurious 750-acre estate with a world class golf course and a choice of magnificent, newly built properties from luxury apartments to exclusive custom-built villas.

Pure Leisure Group’s success is an extraordinary rise from the relatively humble origins of John’s early steps into the park and leisure industry. As a fourteen year old lad, he started helping out at the small caravan park on his family’s farm in Westmoreland. By the early 1970s, John was running the combined business himself, but it was a farming accident a decade later, that secured his path as a park operator, leaving the farming life behind.

SOUTH LAKELAND Leisure Village has a Gold award from the David Bellamy Conservation Trust.

John’s dedication to the business is legendary and it is this, and the ongoing involvement of his family, that has laid the foundations for the success of Pure Leisure Group today. John’s son Will is the General Manager of the Docker Holiday Park, Sons Rob and Matthew are a Regional Manager and Head of Operations respectively, whilst daughter Rebecca works at head office in the sales and bookings team.

More recently, grandson Cameron has joined the team as maintenance and support services, also responsible for the farming, green keeping and environmental side of the business at each of the holiday parks. “Having three generations of the family working full time at Pure Leisure Group makes for a more exciting business,” explains Dean Turner, Group Marketing Manager.

“Each person brings a unique perspective and creative ideas. The door is always open to new initiatives and the team is flexible and keen to try them. It’s this breath of fresh air that the entire family brings to the table and one, particularly, that John is keen to nurture.” One of the key advantages to being family-run is the fact that there is no ‘board’ to answer to. According to John, this means that the team can adapt and change direction quickly.

“Sharing the same goals and vision for the group, the family works in the best interest of the business and its guests, and in the best interest of future generations that may want to join the business,” explains Dean. The family’s diverse skillset of expertise allows the business to embrace both the tradition of hospitality and heritage of the brand, alongside understanding and meeting the modern demands of consumers.

BOATING IS POPULAR with all the family at South Lakeland Leisure Village.

“This ensures that our parks develop appropriately and evolve their offering to suit,” explains Dean. “This can be seen recently with the introduction of new play areas, as well as the new rustic log cabins and hot tubs at four of our parks. Our focus on sustainability has led to the creation of camping pods created from the waste decking from the park creating a fully circular economic process.

Any excess wood is then used for the rustic pod wood fired hot tubs.” The Group is committed to maximising energy efficiency and sustainability across the board. A recycling initiative runs across all parks and both biomass heating and solar panels have been introduced to 50% of parks to date, with a full roll out due for completion by 2030. South Lakeland Leisure Village – known as the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ – is considered the flagship UK property in the PLG portfolio.

Set in the borders of the southern Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, the park boasts an award-winning restaurant and a whole host of leisure facilities including a sailing lake, indoor swimming pool and state-of-the-art gym to cater to guests staying at any of its 320 lodges and cottages. The park makes the most of its setting in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Recently, the team managed the successful retention of the five gold star rating from Visit England and Gold award from the David Bellamy Conservation Trust, for its ongoing work to enhance the South Lakeland Leisure Village environment for wildlife. Pure Leisure Group’s head office is located close to South Lakeland Leisure Village in Carnforth, Lancashire.

JOHN MORPHET Founded the Pure Leisure Group in 2004.

The purpose-built building is home to 30 of the Group’s 230 UK employees, although the staff total is closer to 400 globally including Royal Westmoreland. Careful expansion is always on the agenda at Pure Leisure Group. Planning has been agreed at Gledfield, the Royal Westmoreland Highland Estate and the Group has also recently acquired the Loch Ness Highland Resort.

Situated at the southern tip of the world-famous Loch Ness, this luxury glamping retreat’s cosy glamping pods and spacious holiday homes are perfect for the modern adventurer. Despite the cost-of-living challenges which have affected the majority of the industry, Pure Leisure Group has continued to grow and exceed targets.

The team has also continued to give back, whether it be in charitable actions or supporting other local businesses. “Corporate Social Responsibility underpins the running operation at Pure Leisure Group,” explains Dean. “At our parks offering food and beverage, we work hard to support local and, wherever possible, a farm to fork solution with chefs using the finest, freshest local produce. We also actively give back to the community.

GUESTS STAYING at Fell End Holiday Park in Cumbria can enjoy great leisure facilities.

Most recently, donating a £50,000 business profit and charity pot share to a hospice in Lancaster and a cancer care centre in Stockport.” A slew of awards is testament to Pure Leisure Group’s commitment to quality and care. The team recently won the coveted Red Rose Award for Best Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality business.

They were also a finalist in the Family Business of the Year at these same awards. Pure Leisure is also shortlisted for a trio of top accolades from the renowned BIBA’s run by the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce. The team is hoping to return from the ceremony at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom in September celebrating a hat-trick.

PURE LEISURE
01524 784290
www.pure-leisure.co.uk

AUTHENTIC GROWTH REWARDED

Posted on May 17, 2024

A COLLECTIVE TEAM effort has seen Pure Leisure Group clinch a coveted award.

Independent holiday park operator, Pure Leisure Group, has won the coveted Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Award at Lancashire’s prestigious Red Rose Awards 2024. The Group was recognised for its authentic and organic growth, unwavering commitment to community, charity and country and its contribution to the local economy, fighting off tough competition to be crowned winners of the sought-after accolade.

The awards, which are now in their 14th consecutive year, look to celebrate businesses and individuals across Lancashire, delivering outstanding service and performance, across 21 different categories. Winners were revealed at an exclusive ceremony hosted at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens in front of a 1,000-strong audience.

Commenting on the win, John Morphet, Owner of Pure Leisure Group said: “We are absolutely delighted and incredibly proud to have won the Red Rose Award for Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality and want to thank each of our team members for the hard work that got us here. Pure Leisure Group was founded in 2004 by local entrepreneur John Morphet and has gone from strength to strength since.

Today, it boasts over 1000 acres of land, over 4000 caravan and lodge bases, 154 touring pitches, 25 pods + three Rustic Glamping Pods across its portfolio of 19 holiday parks across England and Scotland. John added: “It is this collective effort that has led to our continued growth and success in Lancashire and beyond and we have enjoyed sharing our success with important community groups and organisations, most recently providing a £50,000 donation to Stockport’s Beechwood Cancer Care Centre and St John’s Hospice in Lancaster as part of our charitable initiatives.”

TOP MARKS FOR UK CAMPSITE

Posted on February 15, 2023

TOP MARKS FOR UK CAMPSITE

AA caravan and camping award winners...

 

LEADING CAMPSITES AND CARAVAN PARKS in the UK have been confirmed and are featured in the AA Caravan and Camping Guide

 

The leading campsites and caravan parks in the UK have been confirmed and are featured in the AA Caravan and Camping Guide 2023, out now from AA Publishing. Amongst those celebrating is Silverdale Caravan Park in Lancashire, the AA Campsite of the Year for England and this year’s overall winner.

A rise in eco-friendly camping has shown holidaymakers are looking for environmentally friendly destinations. Camp Katur, winners of the AA Glamping Site of the Year, focuses on upcycling materials with fire pits created from washing machine drums and galvanised bucket washbasins.

Among the regional winners is Beaconsfield Holiday Park, winner of AA Campsite of the Year Heart of England, a purpose-built, family-run park on farmland in open countryside which offers quality in every area. Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Media says: “With people spending their holidays in the UK and exploring the great British countryside, we are thrilled to celebrate the UK’s best campsites for 2022.

“This year’s winners have demonstrated outstanding quality, high levels of customer care and fantastic facilities which meet customers’ growing expectations. “With UK staycations continuing to prove popular among holidaymakers, the AA Caravan and Camping Guide offers an invaluable guide to holidaymakers choosing to stay in a tent, caravan, motorhome, or glamping site.

We hope this new guide inspires people who are set to embark on new journeys.” AA Media connects the UK with travel ideas and rated places to stay and visit. It includes AA Hotel & Hospitality Services, which rates and publishes information about the hospitality industry, including hotels, guest accommodation and restaurants.

They introduced the renowned star rating scheme for quality in 1908 and have inspected restaurants for the Rosette award since 1956. Ratedtrips.com showcases all AA-rated places to stay and visit, and they publish a well-established range of lifestyle publications such as their camping and restaurant guides.

 

MORE HOLIDAYMAKERS are looking for environmentally- friendly locations to pitch their tents and caravans.

 

BEST SELLER
Britain’s best-selling caravan and camping guide provides the very best places for people to take their tent, caravan, or motorhome across the UK. This guide enables travellers to discover over 580 sites from five Pennant premier parks to more affordable options. Now in its 55th edition; being in the guide means the sites have been professionally inspected by the AA’s highly experienced inspection team, it also features AA award-winning parks and.

Top sites with gold and platinum pennants across as well as AA’s Campsite of the year. The guide consistently sells year on year, which demonstrates a loyal readership. Just one or two bookings via the guide covers the outlay of the assessment fee. Inspectors look for best in class in any given region, where the owners and team have created a top-class experience within their site’s grading level.

All winners will feature in the 55th Edition of the AA Caravan & Camping Guide. All the destinations featured in the guide have been inspected and rated by AA professional inspectors, grading sites from one to five Pennants, based on their facilities and hospitality.

Each entry within the guide includes location, ratings, contact details, directions, prices, opening times, facilities, and a description to help holidaymakers select the right site for their needs. Mirroring the increasing popularity of luxury camping, this year’s winners include glamping facilities, including yurts, shepherd’s huts, and vintage caravans. The winners include a focus on family friendliness, eco-friendliness, fishing, best views and sites for lake lovers.

 

PARK HOLIDAYS UK FLEX MUSCLE

Posted on August 2, 2022

PARK HOLIDAYS UK FLEX MUSCLE

PARK HOLIDAYS UK takes its portfolio to 54 locations with the acquisition of Park Leisure.

 

Park Holidays UK has confirmed its acquisition of holiday parks group Park Leisure which owns 11 holiday parks in popular locations in England, Scotland and North Wales. It will bring to 54 the number of parks now operated by Park Holidays UK – and follows the company’s acquisition of nine parks from Bridge Leisure in 2021. The enlarged portfolio, says the group, will provide it with an even stronger national platform from which to serve Britain’s fast-growing domestic holiday market.

Park Holidays UK director Tony Clish said the coming together of the two well-established groups presented exciting new opportunities in one of tourism’s most dynamic sectors: “Both companies have invested substantially in their parks over recent years and created a range of high-quality holiday products which people clearly enjoy,” he said. “Park Leisure’s 11 parks have all gained top five-star tourist board awards and represent the high-quality standards we have been working towards in recent years.

 

“Whether customers are looking to rent or buy a holiday home, we can now offer a wide geographical spread of parks able to deliver a first-class experience at an affordable cost. “We will continue to invest in all of our parks to ensure that that their facilities and standards of service are maintained to the highest possible levels,” said Mr Clish. “The domestic holiday market continues to gain traction in the post-Brexit and post-pandemic market, and we are continuing to see an ever-increasing demand for UK holidays.

“Quality is the main driver of bookings and holiday home sales, and this union will consolidate some of the finest holiday parks in the UK into one single group,” said Mr Clish. Parks in both groups provide extensive leisure facilities and family entertainment, together with carefully managed landscaped grounds in which holiday lodges and caravans are located. Park Holidays UK was formed over 35 years ago, and its parks today span the length of Britain from Cornwall in the west to Moray in northern Scotland. Park Leisure has operated holidays parks for more than 20 years, and has a presence in Cornwall, Herefordshire, Lancashire, Northumberland, Yorkshire and North Wales.

BEACON PARK SELLS FOR £11M

Posted on August 5, 2021

BEACON PARK SELLS FOR £11M

THE BEACON FELL VIEW is licensed for 419 caravans with planning consent for further lodge development.

One of the UK’s biggest holiday park deals so far this year has seen Beacon Fell View, in Lancashire, sold off a guide price of £11 million to a cash buyer. It has been sold to Hill Brothers Residential & Leisure Parks, an expanding UK parks company that is looking to grow further, in an off- market deal negotiated by sector specialist Colliers on behalf of Hagans Leisure UK Ltd.

Tom Hill, of Hill Brothers, commented: “I would like to thank Hagans Leisure. We see it as a great opportunity to expand our portfolio in the Ribble Valley, as parks of this quality and size don’t often come to the market in the North West, and we look forward to further expansion in this sector.” The 4* holiday park is set in around 35 landscaped acres overlooking Dilworth Upper Reservoir in the picturesque Ribble Valley. It is licensed for a total of 419 caravans and has planning consent for further lodge development. Facilities include an indoor swimming pool, a bar, an amusement arcade, a gym, and an entertainment venue with food and beverage offer.

Holiday Snaps – ft Graham Hodgson

Posted on January 26, 2021

Holiday Snaps - featuring Graham Hodgson

Founder and Chief Executive of Verdant Leisure Limited and runs a group of 10 parks in North East England and Southern Scotland. Born in Morecambe, Lancashire, Graham is married to Louise and they have two sons, Martin and James.

WHAT WAS YOUR CAREER PATH INTO THE INDUSTRY?

As an HSBC Bank Manager I had several caravan park operators as customers, one of whom was John Morphet and his business, South Lakeland Caravans. In 2001, John tempted me away from the bank to join him as Chief Executive and so started my second career in the caravan industry. We quickly set about improving and professionalising the business before selling it towards the end of 2007, just before the financial crash, at a handsome profit. This enabled me, alongside Bev Dixon, who was then Operations Director, to set up Verdant Leisure in 2010, with a new Finance Director, Andrew Wall.

HOW HAS THE MARKET CHANGED?

The quality of both the parks and the accommodation that we offer in this industry has improved on all levels. Fundamentally, our customers still want the same thing, a place of their own to relax and get away with family and friends and our strap line ‘Relax, Explore, Experience’ remains as relevant now as it was when I started.

HOW DO YOU THINK THE INDUSTRY HAS RESPONDED TO COVID 19?

I think our industry has reacted fantastically to the pandemic to date. There was a lot of work going on collaboratively between the larger park operators including ourselves, and our trade bodies including the BH&HPA, NCC and UK Hospitality. I think that this coordinated approach was instrumental in enabling parks to re-open quite quickly following Lockdown.

BEST PIECE OF INDUSTRY ADVICE?

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.” While I think that this applies to life in general, it is equally appropriate to anybody in business. Too many people are focused on an end goal but that is just one moment in time. Whilst I certainly have a plan, I try to enjoy each experience as it comes, and, with hard work, success has followed.

HOW DO YOU FIND YOUR OUT OFWORK TIME?

I have always enjoyed lots of sports although playing has been replaced by watching over recent years! I spent 22 years as a Director of Morecambe Football Club, and this remains a big passion of mine

IF WE COULD GIVE YOU THREE GUESTS? WHO WOULD LIKE MOST LIKE TO SIT DOWN TO DINNER WITH AND WHY?

Winston Churchill – A flawed leader who achieved the most amazing things; Peter Kay – Always hilarious and would lighten the mood if the conversation became too intense; Mohammad Ali – One of the greatest sports personalities ever – and much more besides

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LIKELY TO BE LISTENING TO IN THE CAR?

Often ridiculed! I enjoy the classic groups from years ago – Dire Straits; Fleetwood Mac; Queen and the like. The music I grew up with has never really left me – some would say I should move on

ANY CLAIMS TO FAME?

I can juggle!

WHERE DO YOU PREFER TO TAKE YOUR HOLIDAYS?

Barbados is my ‘go-to’ destination. I love it and hope to be able to return there soon.

Wish You Were Here – Rimington Leisure Park

Posted on July 2, 2019

WYWHWish You Were Here - Rimington Leisure Park

The countryside haven that is Rimington Leisure Park, deep in the heart of the Ribble Valley, is the newest Park to join the award-winning family owned Holgates Holiday Parks.

Open 12 months of the year offering top quality holiday home ownership, the park is set for more than half a million pounds worth of investment before the end of 2020, which makes it an exciting time to be a new owner on Rimington.

With lush green panoramic views out to the beautiful Forest of Bowland and Pendle Hill, Rimington is perfectly situated (on the edge of a Designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty AONB – no less) for reaching the Yorkshire Dales, Morecambe Bay, and the Lake District.

It feels wonderfully remote and untouched by man, so its no surprise that the Forest of Bowland is home to some of the most unspoilt and picturesque rugged landscapes in the UK. Rimington really is the holiday park of choice for nature lovers and those who enjoy walking and spending time in the great outdoors.

Its tranquil location, in the shadow of the atmospheric Pendle Hill and surrounded only by fresh green countryside, provides peace and quiet in abundance – albeit mixed with the gentle tinkling of birdsong! Walks of varying effort can be enjoyed from the park – from short strolls to brisk climbs. Views from the 557-metre summit of Pendle Hill are certainly worth the effort as pretty much the whole of Lancashire opens up as a reward for reaching the top.

Two and three bedroomed pre-owned holiday homes priced from just £15,950 and brand new 2019 models available from £37,950.

Rimington Leisure Park
Tel. 01200 445355
www.rimingtonleisure.co.uk

Flushed With Success

Posted on February 28, 2019

Flushed With Success

Flushed With SuccessDonkey Creek Farm Caravan Park on Lancashire’s Fylde coast is officially one of the best place to ‘go’ in Britain, according to judges of the annual Loo of the Year awards. The park’s washrooms have been named as top platinum winners in the latest Loo of the Year awards, bringing a chain of honour to the family-run business. The prestigious accolade was made to Donkey Creek after the shower and toilet facilities provided for guests were ‘mystery shopped’ by inspectors. Celebrating the news of the award are Paul Lancaster and his wife Jane who opened the park last summer in a quiet rural location near the market town of Freckleton. One of their first tasks was a built a state-of-the-art washroom facility for guests pitching up at the park with motorhomes, touring caravans and tents. Paul and Jane also know that their success is not just a flash in the pan because, they say, advance bookings for 2019 are ‘way beyond our expectations.