LARGO LEISURE PARKS

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

TRAILBLAZERS OF UK TRAVEL

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.

 

PLANS TO DEVELOP DEVON LAKES

PLANS TO DEVELOP DEVON LAKES

CLAWFORD LAKES RESORT and Spa in Devon is scheduled to open this Autumn

Private equity-backed holiday operator Lakeshore Leisure Group has secured planning permission to develop Clawford Lakes, a stunning 80-acre property in Devon that is set to open this Autumn. Lakeshore Leisure Group is a UK leisure brand offering high quality holiday accommodation including self-catering rental cottages and lodges, hotel accommodation and privately owned lodges across three Devon locations; Otter Falls, Lakeview Manor and Clawford Lakes.

Acquired in 2019 with initial investment from Kings Park Capital, Clawford Lakes in Holsworthy, north west Devon is an holiday resort comprising of 17 man-made fishing and recreation lakes and 24 self- catering units, as well as a large bar and restaurant. With planning permission now approved, work is now underway on the major redevelopment which will include the build of 144 luxury lodges, 13 bespoke angling pods, seven unique luxury cocoons, nine floating lodges, and a Scandinavian- inspired spa with swimming pool and treatment rooms, set aside a stunning central lake. Lakeshore Leisure Group has also secured exclusive rights to the luxury cocoon units in the UK.

The new luxury holiday lodges will be available for both holiday rentals and for purchase as pre-furnished holiday homes, available to use year-round and with the option of subletting on a managed site. The refurbished Apple and Grape bar and restaurant will showcase dishes created using a variety of local produce and will also welcome local visitors. There will be a small provisions and fishing tackle shop on site, to support the high-quality fishing lakes, which have been invested in and restocked. In addition, leisure water sports will be added in 2022 including paddle boarding, kayaking, open water swimming and canoeing, and the new swimming pool and spa will open, all forming part of the visitor experience.