London

NACO WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD

Posted on February 12, 2025

NACO SERVICES TEAM at the Insurance Choice Awards.

NACO Services (the National Association of Caravan Owners) from based in Essex, has been awarded the prestigious title of ‘Customer Service Champion’ at the recent Industry Choice Awards 2024. The black-tie awards ceremony, held at the iconic Banking Hall in London, was hosted by comedian and actor Hal Cruttenden, where some of the biggest names in insurance gathered in hope of victory.

The awards span 24 categories and are the only industry awards where winners are chosen solely on customer reviews. Run by Smart Money People, the UK’s dedicated financial services review website, the event is deemed one of the most well-respected awards ceremonies in this sector.

Now in its ninth year, the Industry Choice Awards recognise excellence in businesses of all sizes. Succeeding with a win in the highly competitive Customer Service Champion category, NACO’s 4.94/5- star reviews ensured they were clear winners. Boasting over 300 reviews such as those below, NACO were clearly well deserving of this title.

NACO - National Association of Caravan Owners
01255 820321
www.nacoservices.com

THE STAYCATION IS BACK FOR 2025!

Posted on February 3, 2025

More Brits plan to holiday in the UK than travel abroad this year, according to research from holiday park operator Away Resorts. Scotland tops the list of most desirable UK destinations for 2025, followed by the South West and Wales.

Yorkshire, London, and Northern Ireland also rank highly, while the West Midlands was deemed the least desirable. The survey of 2,000 adults revealed that 76% feel there are still plenty of UK spots they’d love to explore.

Top motivations for a staycation include rest and relaxation (36%), a change of scenery (26%), and quality family time (25%). Key 2025 travel trends include train travel (21%), nostalgia trips to childhood destinations (18%), and cold-weather “cool-cations” (15%). Solo travel is also gaining popularity, particularly among 25–40 year olds, with 21% planning solo trips, as well as 7% of over 65s.

AWAY RESORT’S PRESTIGIOUS Gara Rock Penthouse.

Inspired by 2024’s UK sightings of the northern lights, 14% of Brits aim to stargaze or chase the aurora borealis this year. Carl Castledine, Founder of Away Resorts, noted, “It’s encouraging to see the appetite for staycations remain strong. The UK offers incredible opportunities for adventure and relaxation in stunning surroundings.”

Planning habits vary, with 37% booking holidays far in advance for better deals, while 17% prefer last-minute spontaneity. This year, 28% of Brits aim to take more UK breaks, with 23% resolving to embark on small monthly adventures.

The staycation trend is alive and well, as Brits rediscover the beauty and variety of their own backyard. Away Resorts is one of the UK’s most-popular holiday park operators, with 25 locations across the UK, including Scotland, Lincolnshire, Isle of Wight, North Wales, Hampshire, Dorset, Cornwall, Hayling Island and Essex.

Away Resorts
0330 127 7834
www.awayresorts.co.uk

 

AWAY RESORTS St Ives Bay Holiday Park.

AWAY RESORT’S Glendevon Residential Country Park.

TRUSTED SITE TRANSPORTATION

Posted on August 7, 2024

In order to get the job done properly staff need the right equipment and when it comes to being fast and efficient across large sites, your team will thank you for the STAR Capella Work Machine from Reesink e-Vehicles.

This buggy is already preferred by venues across the UK, from lugging mannequins, balls and airbed walls for training, fulfilling housekeeping duties for the 46-bedroom lodge and supporting the gardens maintenance team at London’s Tottenham Hotspur campus, to the grounds maintenance of Wales’ Three Cliffs Bay’s five-acre holiday park.

It’s also trusted by Royal Dornoch Golf Club in Scotland to carry defibrillators to provide quick potentially life-saving treatment. All this goes to show the machine’s sheer versatility. Add to that the fact that, ultimately, it’s a really solid transportation option. Three Cliffs Bay is a case in point, it now has plans for expanding the job requirements of the Capella vehicles and hiring them out to guests to navigate the site with ease for the duration of their stay.

But why, exactly, is this such a good choice for those in the leisure industry and industrial sites? It all starts with a 48v 5Kw motor and the choice of two high powered Lithium-ion batteries (charged via an on-board Lester charger). With a 450A AC Curtis controller and direct drive, the Work Machine offers a range up to 60 miles going at a maximum speed of 20mph for the ultimate productivity from an electric vehicle.

Market-leading when it comes to its towing capacity, it has a hydraulic lift rear cargo utility box with an impressive 670kg (1477lbs) carry capacity and then there’s the option to customise the body to suit the venue’s requirements and workload with a cargo box or van body, with or without a full cab.

For example, the van body is available as an insert inside the cargo tray with rear facing double doors; or a larger replacement for the tray, with drivers side double opening doors, makes it ideal for carrying refreshments, food stores, linen or goods. When it comes to providing your team with a load-lugging, easily organised and reliable method of transport, look no further than the STAR EV Capella Work Machine to get the job done fast.

Reesink UK Ltd
01480 226800
www.reesinkturfcare.co.uk

REAPING WHAT THEY SOW

Posted on October 25, 2023

REAPING WHAT THEY SOW

Jane Herbert meets the personalities behind the thriving Beston Group...

YAXHAM WATERS HOLIDAY PARK in Norfolk offers a stunning setting for holidays

On a cold winter’s day in the mid to late nineties, Timm Hay and Steve Johnson stood on a hill overlooking a rather tired-looking Beeston Regis Holiday Park on the North Norfolk coast wondering how to buy it!

At that time, Beeston Regis comprised 60 acres with 120 static caravan plots and roughly 400 tent and tourer plots, with a handful of hook-ups and a very old-fashioned shower block that hadn’t much changed from the original 1950s. The owner had sadly passed away, and the bank had taken control of the site.

On face value, it didn’t look like much of an investment but to Timm and Steve, Beeston Regis offered the ideal opportunity to cement their burgeoning business partnership. “We were young and keen,” says Steve. “Having done some research, Timm had discovered that Beeston Regis benefited from Section 17 of the 1960 Caravan Site Act.

“This was at a time when park owners, usually landowners, were required to apply for planning for the use of their land when used for six months of holiday use and six months grazing rights for cattle,” Steve continues. “The permission was granted if the local council didn’t reply within six months, which became deemed as unconditional planning permission with no time constrictions.”

TIMM HAY AND STEVE JOHNSON, the founders of The Beeston Group.

INSIDE KNOWLEDGE
Timm’s inside knowledge from his first job as a planning consultant for a holiday park specialist in London came in very useful when he realised that this was the case at Beeston Regis. Says Steve: “Uncovering the Park’s unutilised planning permission was a pivotal moment for us. This was extremely valuable, and so we just had to find a way to buy the Park.”

Timm and Steve had found their first joint investment. Beeston Regis Holiday Park is now a thriving park with 300 holiday bases and 190 camping and touring plots. Moving forward, the duo soon expanded into another small park which they later sold at a profit, and also added Cliff House Holiday Park in Dunwich to their portfolio.

At the same time, they undertook a major project to build The Hollies, a 30-acre park in Kessingland, Suffolk, on former farmland and a derelict house. Timm invested in five further parks which he still owns: four in Norfolk - Gold Coast and Hazelbury Holiday Parks in East Runton, Yaxham Waters Holiday Park and Mundesley Holiday Village: as well as New Hall Lodge Park in Dovercourt, Essex.

Over time, the eight parks co-owned by Timm and Steve all came together under the one umbrella of The Beeston Group. Today, with just under 800 lodge and static caravan plots, 750 camping and touring plots, and around 150 self-catering units, The Beeston Group is wholly concerned with holiday home ownership and rental, camping and touring. “With large holiday park groups owning a big percentage of the holiday parks in the UK, we really try to set ourselves aside,” explains Steve.

GUESTS STAYING AT CLIFF HOUSE Holiday Park have access to the lovely beach below

“We pride ourselves on offering great holidays in superb locations, mostly on the beautiful East Anglian coastline, and many of our parks offer guests direct access to the beach. Most importantly, however, the majority of our customers know us as Steve and Timm. As business owners and operators, the personal touch is very important to us.” The Beeston Group employs around 160 staff who support Steve and Timm across the individual parks.

Cliff House Holiday Park is considered the flagship of The Beeston Group. The scenic lodge plots take full advantage of the Park’s enviable location on the idyllic Suffolk Heritage Coast and it is considered to be one of the top locations in East Anglia to own a holiday lodge. The 30-acre park is situated on the cliff top between the popular coastal towns of Southwold and Aldeburgh.

Visitors benefit from the stunning heath and woodland surroundings, as well as direct beach access below. Cliff House Holiday Park has won many accolades, including East of England Park of the Year in the National Tourism Awards, as well as numerous regional awards and The David Bellamy Gold Award for conservation many times. Since purchasing Cliff House Holiday Park in February 2000, The Beeston Group have invested heavily.

At the centre of the Park is the eponymous Cliff House, a large Victorian property built originally as a merchant’s house, and later owned by the family of the famous Aston Martin racing driver Jock Horsfall. Cliff House is currently being renovated to a high standard at a cost of £1.5 million. “We’ve very excited about the development of Cliff House,” explains Steve.

“It’s a lovely historic building and the careful renovation is taking around two years. When it’s finished, the nine-bedroom house will be rented out to single parties of up to 18 people for family gatherings and the like. “The rooms are to be named after James Bond films, and the house will feature a ‘secret room’ hidden by a bookcase containing a casino for the guests!” The Park’s existing popular bar and restaurant has also been extensively renovated since opening in 2010.

It’s named ‘The 12 Lost Churches’ in recognition of the tragic destruction of 12 local churches during three major storms over a period of 100 years during the 1100: 1200’s when Dunwich was actually the capital of East Anglia. With updates to their portfolio of parks an ongoing project, Timm and Steve are keen to ensure that any developments are as sustainable as possible.

“We use ground heat source pumps to heat our bar and restaurant,” says Steve. “We also have banks of solar panels dotted around all our parks and electric car charging points. Staff can choose to opt into a salary sacrifice scheme to buy or lease new electric vehicles. All our parks are also very active in conservation projects. For example, this year our teams have installed 50 bat boxes and 100 bird boxes across our developments.”

Mundesley Holiday Village has also received significant investment since it was acquired by Timm. Originally built in the 1930s, Mundesley was one of the first holiday camps on the North Norfolk coast. The holiday village now boasts luxury accommodation including lodges, bungalows, cottages and barns (some with hot tubs). The site occupies a prime clifftop spot with a beautiful beach just a short walk away.

THE PURPOSE-BUILT HOLLIES Camping & Leisure Resort in Kessingland, Suffolk

Guests staying at Mundesley are spoilt for choice with the outstanding beauty of the local countryside, as well as the excellent on-site facilities that include a games room, gym, sauna and spa. The Park works closely with Hoseasons and is pretty much full all-year-round. Despite the challenges of doing business over the last couple of years that have affected all industries, Steve is quietly confident that The Beeston Group’s ethos continues to stand them in good stead for the future.

“There’s no doubt that the conflict and cost of living rise have had a knock-on effect,” says Steve. “Customers are definitely being more cautious with their spending but that gives us even more incentive to renovate and refurbish our Parks so that our product is the absolute best that it can be. We already offer great quality and excellent value to our guests and holiday homeowners. Continuing on that path, we hope to share many more years of success together.”

A DECADE OF DESTINATIONS

Posted on May 11, 2023

A DECADE OF DESTINATIONS

Celebrating Holiday Park SCENE's tenth anniversary...

Flip the rewind switch on the time machine to 2013 and we find British Prime Minister David Cameron publishing a draft European Union Bill aimed at holding a referendum on Britain’s membership of the European Union by 2017. It was the year that former Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher died, following a stroke, while Catherine, now Princess of Wales, gave birth to George Alexander Louis at St Mary’s Hospital, London.

On the sports scene, Andy Murray became the first British man to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936; defeating Novak Djokovic of Serbia in straight sets. Rising temperatures led to health warnings being issued, for Southern England and the Midlands, in the UK’s first prolonged heatwave since 2006. The weather continued to be challenging as, at the end of October, what became known as the St Judes’ Day storm, brought with it gusts of 99 mph at The Needles on the Isle of Wight.

2013 also saw the launch issue of Holiday Park SCENE, a new print and on-line magazine, packed with fresh ideas and a must-read for anyone who runs or works in a holiday park sector. The Holiday Park SCENE team set out its ambition to work as an extension of destination management teams. These core aims have stayed entrenched in the magazine’s mission statement to inform and inspire UK holiday destinations, boosting visitor experiences and reaping rich returns on investments.

For more than a decade now, Holiday Park SCENE has offered the inside track on the latest market news and reports covering all aspects of holiday park management. We have brought you behind the scenes news on destination businesses that are performing well as generously, they shared their experiences. But most importantly, we have talked to the people who matter – people who add the experience, energy and enthusiasm to keep raising standards across all areas of the UK and Eire holiday park sector.

With the help of our knowledgeable writing team over ten years, we have covered subjects as varied as holiday lodges, glamping, hot tubs, catering and entertainment. The Holiday Park SCENE team has looked at some of the latest options from camping to glamping and investigated the potential for health and wellness as an added value income for business, not just in the summer but all year through.

Over the course of its first decade, Holiday Park SCENE has held hands with some of the biggest names in UK holidays from Butlin’s to Parkdean and from Park Holidays to Hoseasons. Throughout ten busy years, that have simply flown by, the magazine has featured more than 250 destinations and well over 1,000 businesses within the magazine. Holiday Park SCENE has been granted a ten-year long front row seat as the boost in staycations and investment in family time saw the holiday sector enjoy a sustained boom period.

A fountain of inspiration, Holiday Park SCENE supported the networking opportunities at some of the industry’s leading trade shows and event to find out what they can offer businesses in the way of fresh ideas as well as new products and services. Holiday Park SCENE has frequently relied upon some of the UK’s leading parks to share their tips for an effective entertainment programme that will keep guests coming back for more through play and on-site attractions.

We have discussed the e-marketing revolution with the rise and rise of social media which we warned you would ignore at your peril. The New Year is often the traditional time to re-evaluate our business goals. An opportunity to take stock of the previous 12 months and resolve to make a difference for the year ahead. We examined the Winning Ways of maximising the potential of amusement and arcade game attractions.

The holiday park industry has always been ahead of the field when it comes to preserving the business development balance with Mother Nature. David Bellamy was a holiday park ambassador when it came to highlighting the eco-factor, building in green spaces and protecting nature. Holiday Park SCENE has reflected this with frequent looks at everything from eco-friendly accommodation and energy-efficient business choices like heat pumps and electric vehicles.

The first rule of marketing is that it is not good enough to be good. You have to be perceived to be good. So Holiday Park SCENE urged you to pick up your bucket and spade with a heap of tips and ideas that will enable your business to stand out from the crowd. We looked at the increasing use of automated control systems to dramatically reduce the risk of human error in the management of holiday park swimming pools. Holiday Park SCENE has regularly tackled the thorny issue of security with features like Lock Down.

We frequently carried advice on how holiday park destinations can maximise the potential of their water leisure offering, with the addition of splash pads, flumes and water play equipment. We urged you to put up the ‘do not disturb sign’ as we invited you to relish this packed edition with a wealth of inspiring initiatives and ideas to weave into your future business planning.

Probably our most popular and ‘stand-out’ cover of the first ten years, the September 2019 front cover featured one of the life-size wooden horse sculptures now on permanent display at two holiday destinations. More soaring temperatures had accommodation booked to full capacity and then some rain which had the happy visitors spending more on site activities, arcades and in the bars and restaurants. We regularly urged decision-makers to take time away and weigh-up the highs and lows for the season.

What worked well? What could have worked better and what short and long term improvements can be introduced. As well as our regular tips from fellow operators, we brought you timely features like Fashion Statements with the case for quality investment that some argue is crucial for the holiday park sector. We shared the catering thoughts of three holiday park businesses with their Recipe For Success. We also took a look at minimising hassle and maximising sales with our look at on-line management systems in, Click Here.

Like the rest of the sector, Holiday Park SCENE was eagerly anticipating the peak summer season ahead. There had been a general feeling of optimism and positivity in the air with early bird bookings up considerably, even on 2019’s high-flying figures. Then the small matter of COVID 19 hit. Not just the holiday sector but the entire plant. Official figures confirm the travel and tourism industries contributed 6.7% of all gross value added in the UK in 2018.

Since then, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic impacted the sector heavily in 2020 and into 2021, with government restrictions both in the UK and worldwide preventing tourism for large periods of time. Within the UK, unnecessary travel was first discouraged on 16 March, before a nationwide lockdown was announced on 23 March. Travel was again impacted by the second and third English lockdowns in November 2020 and January 2021 and travel corridors were suspended on 18 January 2021.

Heavily into a stop-start-stop-go scenario, government measures helped in the retention of key staff with some timely business funding initiatives. Restrictions-permitted, the industry’s quick-thinkers took an opportunity to rethink and reinvest in facilities, while the customers were forced to stay away. Holiday Park SCENE reported on the top holiday accommodation trends and revealed the UK’s most popular holiday park destinations while raising the emerging issue of on-site e-charging.

Bonkers busy we knew, but we encouraged managers to locate a quiet cupboard or handy hidey-hole, to escape to, as they soaked up the packed ideas and inspiration throughout the latest edition of Holiday Park SCENE. With the pandemic truly behind us, we challenged business development planners to create an action list with at least five short and long term goals that will help you future-proof business.

The Holiday Park SCENE team pulled out all the stops to keep you abreast of industry trends; sharing good practice with a lodge-full of ideas on maximising the boom in the UK holiday sector. With nearly half of all businesses reporting cyber-crime security issues as well as crucial advice, you could not afford to miss in Lock It Or Lose Out. As we set out on the second decade of reporting on the vibrant UK holiday industry, we feel proud and privileged to work alongside some exceptional businesses and some outstanding people.

We will continue to recommend a pack of sticker notes to mark those pages that you would like to share with the team and to contact some of the advertisers that make Holiday Park SCENE possible. Three cheers to the first ten years as we toast the second decade yet to come!

PLAY AWAY

Posted on August 2, 2022

PLAY AWAY

A wealth of inspiration for outdoor holiday location play...

CLIMBING WALLS are all the trend for both adults and children. Pic. Innovative Leisure

 

The last three years have posed some unique challenges to all sectors of the leisure industry, not least for the provision of play facilities in holiday parks and resorts. So ideal timing, for the presentation of some inspirational ideas, to reinvigorate play offerings at Europe’s premier international attractions conference and trade show at London’s Excel from September 12. Attendees at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe can expect to discover the industry’s latest products and services, including play equipment, water slides, play structures, and much more. IAAPA - it stands for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions – boasts a worldwide membership of nearly 5,000.

The trade show will feature IAAPA’s signature combination of exhibits from manufacturers and suppliers, food and beverage vendors, merchandising specialists, and innovation leaders that strive to develop the attractions and theme parks of tomorrow. When the education conference opens September 12, it will mark the first return of IAAPA Expo Europe to London since 2011. “We are bringing a jam-packed programme, full of inspiration, top-notch education, and ideas regarding the issues that the attractions industry is facing—such as energy costs, labour shortages, revenue streams, and more,” promises Peter van der Schans, Executive Director and Vice President of IAAPA.

 

A WEALTH OF INSPIRATION is on offer at the IAPPA Expo Europe at Excel this September.

 

JAM-PACKED
“We will showcase the opportunities our members can gain from these challenges, as well as explore trends in technology, sustainability, and guest experience,” Peter continues. “Attendees will learn the latest industry trends from leaders across the world and discover insights to improve campground operations, address holiday resort needs and enhance caravan park offerings.” While targeted events like IAAPA Expo Europe help focus the mind, another vital source of learning is from our fellow holiday park operators.

With the current boom in British staycations following the pandemic and the ensuing travel chaos, many parks are choosing to add to their adventure activities which involve the whole family and attractions such as high ropes and climbing towers are perfect for keeping everyone active whilst having fun and creating perfect holiday memories. The key message is: invest in outdoor play and you will be rewarded with happy families who are much more likely to return to your park – and tell their friends about it.

 

 

EARTH-FRIENDLY
Standing out from the crowd for its eco-credentials, play specialists, Kompan can now deliver a full circular playground using sustainable materials, including ocean waste. Green panels on the company’s BLOQX range are made of 75% post- consumer ocean recycled waste. The dark teal panels on their green play units and freestanding items are made of 100% post-consumer recycled waste.

All decks for our largest product series are made of 75% post-consumer ocean recycled waste. “We don’t just claim we are green,” declares Kompan’s Gary Wallis. “We want to validate our claims with a third party to be as open and transparent as possible about our green initiatives. “Therefore, we have worked with Bureau Veritas, the organisation behind the global ISO certifications, to verify our calculations of recycling and carbon emission.”

As a member of The British Holiday and Home Parks Association, Sovereign Play understand how important it is to stand-out in such a competitive staycation and leisure market. A Sovereign play area will do just that. Together with construction companies and architects, Sovereign work diligently transform open spaces and dull tarmac areas into exciting environments for all ages and abilities to enjoy. Parents will often take into consideration the available facilities when deciding on where to stay, and research shows that families are significantly more likely to visit a site with a playground. “Having a safe and secure play area for children to socialise, have fun and stay active will keep families on site for a larger portion of their stay with you and increase your value to customers,” advises Sovereign’s Jordan Randall. “If you are unable to find the perfect equipment for your space, we can also work with you to create bespoke and one-of-a-kind items that fit your space and clientele.”

 

SECONDARY SPEND
The perfect business recipe for play success is to create ‘stay and play’ zones where all the secondary spend benefits such as a café and ice cream bar are close at hand and reaching their full potential. During May, June and into July of 2022 the Innovative Leisure team have been busy around the UK coastline installing a whole variety of adventure equipment at UK resorts. Many of these are now open and being enjoyed by customers. Back in 2020, Innovative Leisure were part way through installing their Sky Trail High Ropes and Sky Tykes Junior Ropes Courses at two Haven Holiday Parks when COVID-19 first struck.

Despite the pandemic, the new attractions were well received by guests when the parks were able to open. Simon Palmer, Head of Activities and Leisure at Bourne Leisure explains: “These new high ropes activities fit in with our strategy of improving the on-site offering to our owners and guests. They create an exciting focal point for family groups and allow us to do more hourly capacity than previous traditional versions. “The junior courses have already performed well at two other Haven sites. Innovative Leisure has supported us throughout the projects and helped overcome some unique pandemic challenges.” The high ropes courses each have a capacity of 25 participants, allowing for approximately 50 people per hour throughout the day, and are suitable for all but the very youngest of visitors. The Sky Tykes junior ropes courses are seven pole courses and feature the exciting Sky Rail Zip element.

With a capacity of 15 participants at any one time, the Sky Tykes low ropes courses offer a fun, safe experience for adventurers as young as two-years- old, as well as being an excellent introduction to the excitement and challenges of ropes course attractions. Park Holidays have introduced Innovative Leisure Climbing Towers into their range of attractions at two sites and John Flack, Head of Entertainment and Security comments: “Bringing climbing walls to our holiday parks, has brought new energy and excitement to what we can offer our guests at our parks.” John shares: “The value the walls have brought to our entertainment programme has been immense and it is wonderful to see three generations of families enjoying the climbing walls. Innovative Leisure have made the process so simple and helped us at each step of the way.”

 

Due to the high demand for exciting new attractions and experiences,World of Rides have upgraded their twin seat soft-Impact Bumper Cars and Bumper Boats, which are recommended to be suitable for use by eight-year-olds and upwards or as a ‘Parent & Child’ family ride. Bumper Boat Aqua-Football and Bumper Car Bumper-Ball are also a very popular variation game, by including a large inflatable ball into the pool or track and erecting goal areas at either end. The Bumper Splash Boats can either be used in a free-standing above-ground pool or on roped-off area of an existing lake or pool. The self-programmable digital timer unit can easily program the speeds, length of time of ride, and price of play as well as alter the volume of the sound effects. They can also be run on cash or tokens, cashless, or on free play at all-inclusive priced parties, and the current UK price of play is £2 to £3 per three-minute ride! However, a number of major UK resort and holiday park operators have been testing the market at £4 per three-minute ride since Easter 2022.

 

FUN FACTOR
Meanwhile, Devon-based Beverley Holidays has upped the fun factor with the opening on its brand new £300k Land Ahoy Adventure Island, complete with seaside-inspired play park and mini golf course. The all-new £300k attraction is a welcome addition to the family run holiday park group in Paignton, where guests can practice their putting skills surrounded by giant ice creams or slide down a life-size lighthouse.

Designed by Greenspan Projects Ltd, Land Ahoy Adventure Island allows little ones to let their hair down on a selection of slides, swings and climbing nets, or pose for a picture on the giant Beverley deckchairs. The accompanying mini golf course scores highly in the fun stakes, with putters put through their paces around a seaside-inspired course complete with a giant sandcastle and other beach- themed favourites. Beverley Holidays director Claire Flower tells us: “It’s great to see our guests making a beeline for our brilliant new Land Ahoy Adventure Island which opened just in time for Easter, with our very own Beverley Bear and Sandy Starfish mascots being the first to give it a whirl.

“It’s a great addition to our holiday parks, providing a safe and secure space where families can get out in the fresh sea air and create holiday memories they’ll treasure forever away from iPads and TV screens. The feedback has been fantastic and the mini golf really is the best by par.” Project consultant Matt Young of Greenspan Projects Ltd says: “It’s been an absolute pleasure working with the team at Beverley to design and build such and inspiring play space, not just for young ones, but for all ages to enjoy.”

 

 

GREAT TIMES
The project concept was developed around the history of Beverley Holidays’ from when they started out in the late 1950s, by incorporating nostalgic seaside elements from that era, into both the golf and play areas. Matt adds; “We are extremely pleased that the launch has been a huge success and hope that the attraction will provide fun and enjoyment to all for many years to come.”

Claire, whose family has owned Beverley Holidays for almost 65 years, continues: “Holidays are all about creating memorable experiences that stay with you forever.” “There’s absolutely no doubt that letting your hair down and enjoying the company of other youngsters in a safe environment has a massive part to play. “That’s why we have always put a big emphasis on giving children a great time, be it joining our organised park activities or having fun in the pools. Claire adds: “Our new play zone was a big investment, but we’re delighted with the results – and happy that it also gives parents the chance to enjoy a well-earned breather!”

Unfortunately, the days when children played out on the street all day are long gone. For many children today – especially families without gardens – outdoor play only happens on trips to the park or on holidays. From conventional playgrounds and rides to more nature-based facilities, the onus is on holiday park owners and operators to ensure the play facilities they offer are the best they can be.

 

Adam Henson, of Countryfile fame, heads a rural business portfolio initially started by his father, Joe in the 1940s. The award-winning Cotswold Farm Park boasts a variety of outdoor play equipment such as pedal tractors, swings and two large sandpits – one for the smaller tots and one for the bigger kids. Visitors can climb through a combine harvester attraction and test their balance across a log assault course. They offer heaps of fun to be had in two new areas broadly termed as Aerial Play and Quarry Play. Whilst the grown-ups grab a coffee and an ice cream from Dolly’s, the kids can work on their acrobatic skills on the popular Bouncy Pillows feature - gauging who can jump the highest and who has the best star-jump form!

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

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

IAAPA Expo Europe
Education Conference: Sept. 12-15, 2022
Trade Show: Sept. 13-15, 2022
www.iaapa.org/iaapaexpoeurope

Innovative Leisure
Tel: 0116 271 3095
www.innovativeleisure.co.uk

KOMPAN
Tel: 01908 201002
www.kompan.co.uk/sustainability

Sovereign Design Play Systems Ltd
Tel. 01702 804299
www.sovereignplayequipment.co.uk

World Of Rides
Tel. 0191 492 0999
www.worldofrides.com

CARAVAN GUARD WINS NATIONAL AWARD

Posted on February 15, 2022

CARAVAN GUARD WINS NATIONAL AWARD

CARAVAN GUARD sustains its award-winning insurance delivery.

Insurance specialists Caravan Guard, incorporating Leisuredays, were thrilled to be crowned silver winners of the Personal Lines Broker of the Year at the Insurance Times Awards 2021.
The caravan and motorhome insurance specialists went head-to-head with nine other companies at a prestigious national awards event at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London last week after being shortlisted for two awards.
The flagship awards celebrated excellence and innovation and recognised the very best companies across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Caravan Guard collected the silver winners trophy after showcasing high levels of customer loyalty, business growth and excellent customer feedback.
The Halifax-based company was also a finalist in the Customer Champion of the Year – Broker category for its passion for delivering brilliant customer experiences and highlighting improvements in its already highly-rated service.
Caravan Guard’s Managing Director, Ryan Wilby, said he was delighted the family business had been recognised at these high-profile awards.
“It was fantastic to be finalists for two awards on this national stage, and to bring back some silverware for our team was the icing on the cake,” said Ryan. “We’re very proud of the work we do to deliver great service to our customers as well as providing specialist, market-leading insurance cover for their pride and joy.”
Caravan Guard has already been crowned winners of What Motorhome magazine’s insurance provider of the Year 2021 and was also a finalist in the UK Customer Satisfaction Awards 2021 but was pipped at the post by UK online business directory Yell.
Caravan Guard, incorporating Leisuredays, has a strong culture of supporting charitable causes. Each year it donates tens of thousands of pounds to local and national charities, including Overgate Hospice, Heart Research UK and Yorkshire Air Ambulance and caring completely is at the heart of its company values.

Caravan Guard (Leisuredays)
Tel. 01422 396 693
park-operator@leisuredays.co.uk
www.leisuredays.co.uk