Locally Sourced Ingredients

HIGHLAND HOLIDAYS

Posted on July 31, 2025

Highland Holidays prides itself on delivering unforgettable holidays in the most iconic and beautiful parts of Scotland. Led by the Campbell family, with Andrew and Emily at its helm, Highland Holidays operates three holiday parks across the Scottish Highlands and Argyll: Ben Nevis Holiday Park situated close to Fort William, Oban Holiday Park on the scenic west coast, and Tyndrum Holiday Park, nestled in the heart of the Highlands.

Ben Nevis Holiday Park opened in 2020, shortly before the world faced its first lockdown. Undeterred, the Campbell family used the time wisely to set about transforming the park into a contemporary and quality destination that offers its guests exceptional access to the incredible beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

Ben Nevis Holiday Park is just ten minutes away from the Outdoor Capital of the UK, Fort William. With a location literally in the foothills of Ben Nevis itself, hikers and outdoor adventurers would be hard pressed to find a better basecamp for a holiday. The broad choice of accommodation with 15 accommodation types means that the park has wide appeal.

Guests can choose from standard and hot tub lodges, caravans, camping pods, as well as touring and camping pitches. Common across all accommodation types are the spectacular mountain views! In 2023 & 2024, Ben Nevis Holiday Park won the Hoseasons Diamond Award for ‘Relax and Explore – Scotland’.

HIGHLAND HOLIDAYS aim to create an authentic Scottish experience for their guests.

The park has been widely praised for the high quality of its accommodation and outstanding guest satisfaction. “Being a family-owned, independent group deeply rooted in the Scottish Highlands gives us a unique advantage,” explains Andrew Campbell, Director.

“We truly understand the local landscape and culture, and we use that insight to craft truly memorable guest experiences. We’ve turned potential challenges into opportunities - for example, the growing demand for diverse accommodation has led us to expand our offerings, from spacious hot tub lodges to rugged camping pods, catering to both comfort-seeking travellers and adventure lovers.”

In 2022, the Campbell family acquired Tyndrum Holiday Park (formerly Pinetrees Caravan Park) and set about modernising it. Positioned on the West Highland Way, this park primarily offers holiday and short-stay accommodation for walkers and road trippers, with 11 different accommodation types on offer.

The park’s location is the perfect stopover for those travelling through to Glencoe, Oban or the Scottish islands, but its stunning setting also makes it ideal for a longer stay. The hot tub pods are a standout feature, offering guests a luxurious glamping experience in a picturesque Highland setting. Holiday home ownership is also on offer with a range of modern lodges and caravans available.

BEN NEVIS HOLIDAY PARK has an outstanding location in the foothills of Ben Nevis itself

A mix of holiday rental accommodation and holiday home ownership is also on offer at Highland Holidays’ most recent investment – Oban Holiday Park (previously known as Gallanach Caravan & Camping Park), which opened in July 2023. This stunning park has a prime location on the scenic west coast, overlooking the Isle of Kerrera and Oban Bay.

Oban Holiday Park offers an impressive 16 different accommodation types but there is a focus on providing high-specification lodge experiences. “We introduced luxury waterfront hot tub lodges at Oban,” explains Andrew Campbell. “Now the primary accommodation on the park, these lodges offer front- row views of the sea, stylish interiors, spacious decking with a private hot tub, and direct access to some of Scotland’s most stunning sunsets - perfect for couples or small groups seeking comfort, relaxation, and a view.”

Another new development on the park is a series of four-bedroom hot tub lodges. Recently introduced, these spacious, premium lodges are ideal for families or groups. Featuring modern interiors, open-plan living areas, private hot tubs, and outdoor decking, the new lodges offer a high-end retreat in a coastal setting.

Holiday home buyers can choose from a selection of stylish new lodges and static caravans. Ownership at Oban offers the opportunity to return time and again to a personal coastal retreat in one of Scotland’s most scenic locations, with the option to sublet when not in use. More exciting new additions at Oban Holiday Park are in the plans for the coming years.

LUXURY WATERFRONT Hot Tub Lodges offer front-row views of the sea and stunning sunsets

The holiday parks business comes with its fair share of challenges – from changing guest expectations to increased competition and the need for sustainable tourism. Highland Holidays has responded by staying true to their core strengths while continuously evolving to meet modern demands. Their business model hinges on quality informing every aspect of the guest experience, as well as a keen understanding of what modern holidaymakers seek.

Each park is pet-friendly, family-friendly, and designed to offer both adventure and relaxation in equal measure. “With multiple parks, our focus is on maintaining consistently high standards across every touchpoint,” explains Andrew Campbell.

“We aim to create memories that last a lifetime through exceptional customer service, carefully selected park locations in stunning natural surroundings, and a range of high-quality amenities and accommodation to suit every guest.” There’s more than a nod to sustainability and seamless integration with those stunning surroundings too.

TOURING AND CAMPING options are also available at Oban Holiday Park.

Oban Holiday Park gets its water supply from nearby hillside springs, making it a particularly environmentally friendly choice. Tyndrum Holiday Park is surrounded by pine forests, home to a variety of wildlife, and offers a children’s quiz to encourage early adoption of eco-responsibilities.

At Ben Nevis Holiday Park, Campbell’s Café serves meals made with locally sourced ingredients, giving visitors a chance to enjoy delicious native Scottish cuisine. Through Highland Holidays, the Campbells are particularly proud to present an authentic Scottish experience for their guests, set against breath-taking landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

“With travellers now prioritising flexibility, pet-friendliness, and multi-generational appeal, we’ve designed our parks to be inclusive and adaptable,” says Andrew Campbell. “Highland Holidays embodies the spirit of togetherness. As a family-run business we truly recognise the importance of family time and the joy of shared experiences. Our mission is to offer our guests unforgettable family holidays in Scotland.”

Highland Holidays
0333 188 1930
www.highlandholdiays.com

GO-TO DESTINATION

Posted on October 25, 2023

GO-TO DESTINATION

Beth Connor enjoys a memorable escape to John Fowler's St. Ives Holiday Village...

COMMODATION BOASTS comfortable furnishings and well-equipped kitchenettes.

A charming resort, John Fowler’s St Ives Holiday Village is the go-to destination for travellers looking to experience the best that Cornwall has to offer. Nestled near to the charming coastal town of St Ives, the tranquil family retreat is ideal for those seeking an escape from the daily hustle and bustle.

As soon as guests arrive, guests are immediately captivated by its idyllic setting, camouflaged within lush greenery, surrounded by rolling hills with a hint of the nearby ocean breeze. The well-maintained grounds, adorned with colourful flowers and quaint pathways, create an inviting atmosphere that instantly sets the tone for a relaxing getaway.

Accommodation at St Ives Holiday Village cater to various needs and preferences. The charming holiday lodges exude a homely ambiance, featuring modern amenities, comfortable furnishings, and well-equipped kitchenettes. Each lodge offers privacy while maintaining proximity to the resort’s central facilities.

Additionally, the resort provides options for larger groups, with spacious cottages and villas designed to accommodate families or friends traveling together. The woodland walk is an exceptional feature of the village that draws in visitors.

It has a carefully designed and maintained pathway that meanders through a lush and enchanting forest, offering a unique and immersive experience with nature. In the centre you will find a Play Area HUB with plenty of informative nature boards as you walk through.

 

 

HEATED POOL
One of the highlights of the St. Ives Holiday Village is its range of leisure facilities. The heated swimming pool attracts visitors of all ages, providing a delightful way to unwind. For those seeking more active pursuits, the resort offers a fully equipped gym and sports courts for tennis, basketball, and football.

The children’s playground keeps the young ones entertained, ensuring that families can enjoy quality time. A standout feature of the village is its entertainment programme. The dedicated team hosts various activities and events throughout the day, catering to guests’ diverse interests.

From interactive games and arts and crafts sessions for the kids to evening performances, quizzes, and live music for adults, there is never a dull moment at St. Ives Holiday Village. Food enthusiasts will find a satisfying selection of dining options on-site. The village boasts a restaurant with a diverse menu featuring local delicacies and international dishes.

The talented chefs prioritise fresh, locally sourced ingredients, elevating the dining experience to a memorable one. Those looking for a more casual setting can head to the village’s pub, which offers a relaxed atmosphere and a great selection of beverages to complement hearty pub-style meals.

THE TALENTED CHEFS prioritise fresh, locally sourced ingredients on the restaurant menu.

SHUTTLE SERVICE
One of the resort’s undeniable advantages is its proximity to St Ives, one of Cornwall’s most enchanting towns. The village provides a convenient shuttle service to the town centre, allowing guests to explore its charming cobbled streets, art galleries, and beautiful beaches effortlessly.

Whether visitors want to savour fresh seafood at a local restaurant, immerse themselves in the town’s artistic heritage, or simply relax on the sandy shores, St. Ives has something for everyone. John Fowler’s St Ives Holiday Village proves to be a delightful destination for those seeking a memorable escape in the heart of Cornwall.

Its tranquil setting, well-appointed accommodations, excellent leisure facilities, and proximity to St Ives make it an ideal choice for families, couples, and friends alike.

John Fowler Holiday Park, St. Ives Holiday Village, Lelant, Saint Ives TR26 3HX
www.johnfowlerholidays.com/cornwall-holiday-park/st-ives-holiday-village

Recipe For Success

Posted on September 10, 2019

Recipe For Success

ABOVE: Fish and chips are the Brits third favourite savoury treat after Yorkshire puddings and Sunday roasts.

Running a restaurant alongside a holiday park can be a huge undertaking, involving some big decisions… and not just with the menu, writes Karen Cotton.
Catering to a wide range of budgets and tastes can create challenges for operators – particularly when you’re looking after diverse needs and expectations on the same site, from campers in tents to guests in luxury holiday lodges
It’s an issue they recognise at the award-winning Tyddyn Isaf Camping and Caravan Park in Dulas, Anglesey.
“Our guests expectations vary a lot,” explains Hayley Mount-Leonard, who looks after front of house. “While our campers are looking for the little extras to enjoy with their barbecues, holiday home owners are typically looking for a higher quality of food,” Hayley continues.
“We’ve found that the key is to ensure the quality of our food is as high as possible,” she continues. The Anglesey campsite has been owned and operated by the Hunt/Mount family for 45 years. Long before a restaurant was created on site, however, food was still on offer, thanks to a very forward-thinking purchase.
“About 40 years ago, we invested in a pizza oven and it all grew from there. Of course, we do a lot more than pizzas now and, unlike back then, it’s all made in-house.” The decision to take cooking in-house was borne from a desire to ensure guests were satisfied with what was on offer.
“Enjoying the outdoors and camping is what we are all about,” says Hayley of the site which holds a regional title for Best Park in Wales is has won a David Bellamy Gold Award.
“We wanted to make sure that our diners were enjoying the hearty, homemade meals that encourage them to be active.” Nine years ago, Hayley’s father, site owner Arthur Mount took up the role of head chef and the restaurant has gone from strength to strength – winning rave reviews and awards. The menu includes signature dishes, such as homemade pizzas, tiger prawns sautéed in white wine and sambuca, seafood linguine and homemade curries. Recipes are kept top-secret – including ‘Nan’s’ recipe for cheesecake.

ABOVE: Chef/owner Arthur Mount making one of Tyddyn Isaf’s signature, homemade pizzas.

LOCALLY SOURCED
While guests can enjoy a casual meal in the restaurant, there are also options available for those who want to dine alfresco.
“All of our meals can be ordered for takeaway,” says Hayley. “It ensures our guests can enjoy them in whatever setting they wish.
A firm believer in supporting local businesses, Tyddyn Isaf partnered with The Great Orme Brewery to create their own range of four local ales and a craft lager.
“Summer of 76, for example, is a light hoppy summer ale that its name from the legendary hot summer of 1976 that heralded the start of Tyddyn Isaf under our ownership. Over 40 years and four generations later we are still going strong,” enthuses Hayley.
Switching location to Cornwall’s rugged North Coast, Landal Gwel an Mor aims to deliver guests with a memorable eco-escape.
Resort Director Matt Way ensures their eco-friendly ethos extends to every aspect of the business across the entire resort.
A fleet of electric buggies and vans allow staff to move easily on site – without emissions, while its luxury eco lodges, with their low-maintenance gardens and high-efficiency LED lighting, have been built to have a reduced impact on the environment.
Earlier this year, lights were dimmed throughout the site to mark Earth Hour 2019. “We wanted to make this an opportunity for our guests,” suggests Matt. “As well as dining by candlelight, our guests had an opportunity to see a flying display put on by one of our rangers and an owl.”
With such green credentials, Matt ensures their eco-friendly ethos extends to every aspect of the business across the entire resort and with catering this means, straw and plastic free. “We are continuing to reduce our use all the time. Our takeaways, for example, are provided in paper bags and cardboard boxes,” explains Matt.
Landal Gwel an Mor’s Terrace Restaurant, which has just launched a new menu, tries to source ingredients locally wherever possible. Seafood, for example is supplied by Matthew Stevens Cornish Fish in nearby St Ives. Because it is sustainably and ethically sourced, it ensures The Terrace’s inclusion in the Cornwall Good Seafood Guide.
Mounts Bay Dairy, some 15 miles away in Penzance, is the chief supplier for local cheese and milk, while St Austell brewery supplies beverages.
Not all ingredients need to be sourced on site, as Matt explains.
“We keep a well-stocked herb garden just by the kitchen. It gives our chefs a convenient way of adding fresh flavour into our dishes as and when they need it.”
“Being in Cornwall, it’s hardly surprising that the Cornish Camembert with house chutney is a favourite,” Matt reveals.
“With the coast just metres from us, the same can be said for seafood dishes like our shellfish linguine and mussels with skin-on chips.”

ABOVE: Fresh seafood dishes are popular with guests at Landal Gwel an Mor in Cornwall.

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COMPANY CONTACTS
Gwel an Mor
Tel. 01209 842354
www.gwelanmor.com
Tyddyn Isaf Camping and Caravan Park
Tel. 01248 410203
www.tyddynisaf.co.uk
White Lodge Caravan Park & Campsite
Tel. 01248 440230
www.whitelodgecaravanpark.com