pet-friendly

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

10 EXPERT TIPS FOR DESIGNING A LUXURY LODGE

Posted on July 31, 2025

With nearly four decades of experience, timber lodge specialists Pinelog Ltd have helped shape some of the UK’s most stylish and successful holiday park accommodation. Their expert design team has shared ten essential tips for creating a luxury lodge that delivers comfort, visual appeal and long-term guest satisfaction.

1. KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE
Design decisions should start with a clear understanding of your target market. One-bedroom retreats with hot tubs or saunas suit couples, while families seek larger lodges with open-plan layouts. Pet-friendly additions like boot rooms and dog showers are increasingly in demand.

2. PRIORITISE SUSTAINABLY
Guests are more eco-conscious than ever. Using responsibly sourced timber, adding renewable energy systems and prioritising insulation all reduce environmental impact and operational costs.

3. HEAT EFFICIENCY
To extend the rental season, modern heating solutions like panel heaters or wood burners should be paired with top-grade insulation.

4. MAXIMISE NATURAL VIEWS
Lodges should feel connected to their setting. Floor-to-ceiling windows and well-placed glazing bring in light and scenery, enhancing guest wellbeing.

5. DESIGN SMART LAYOUTS
A flowing kitchen-dining-lounge “triangle” supports social interaction and suits a wide variety of users, from couples to multigenerational families.

6. INVEST IN BEDROOM COMFORT
Spacious bedrooms with ample storage are a must, even in compact designs. Guests staying longer appreciate thoughtful design.

7. MAKE BATHROOMS BRIGHT
Smart storage, walk-in showers and features like skylights help small bathrooms feel luxurious and practical.

8. HIGH-QUALITY INTERIORS
Durable and attractive materials extend the lifespan of your lodge. High-spec finishes improve resale value and require less maintenance.

9. USE LOW-MAINTENANCE EXTERIORS
Pinelog - bedrooms with storage and pace Natural materials such as timber, ceramics and metal age well and maintain kerb appeal over time with minimal upkeep.

10. DESIGN FOR PURPOSE
Lodges for personal use can reflect individual taste, while rental lodges benefit from neutral palettes, robust finishes and ease of maintenance. Always design with the end-user in mind. Pinelog’s designs are renowned for their timeless style, comfort and robust performance.

Whether you’re looking to add new accommodation or start a holiday park from scratch, their expert guidance ensures every lodge delivers long-term value and guest satisfaction.

Pinelog Ltd
01246 942842
www.pinelog.co.uk/holiday-park-expertise/

£3 MILLION UPGRADE FOR WOOLACOMBE BAY

Posted on February 11, 2025

Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks is set to launch its luxurious Emerald caravans in 2025, part of a £3 million investment to meet rising demand for high-end caravan holidays, which has grown by 77% over five years.

The caravans, in prime locations with stunning views, offer 15% more space, en-suite master bedrooms, family bathrooms with tubs, fully-furnished interiors, and private decking with gas barbecues. Pet-friendly options are also expanding, reflecting a 72% rise in families traveling with pets.

This includes designated caravans, dog-friendly café bars, and the popular Woof Park play area. New attractions for 2025 include a Wavesurfer simulator at Twitchen House and an energy-efficient outdoor pool with a splash pad.

Upgraded dining options will feature extended café bars with quality, affordable meals. Woolacombe Bay’s facilities across its three parks offer something for everyone, from spas and swimming pools to water activities like Aqua Inflatables.

The parks’ commitment to reinvestment ensures top-tier experiences at reasonable prices. To make holidays more accessible, an interest-free monthly payment plan launches in 2025, with early booking discounts saving up to £300 and family stays starting from just £99.

THE PET POUND

Posted on May 17, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UK STAYCATION TRENDS

Posted on March 5, 2024

UK STAYCATION TRENDS

Holiday bookers would rather staycation than go abroad in 2024, according to new research – but it’s a close call. When 1,000 UK holidaymakers were surveyed by Thermos, 52% chose staying close to home, while 48% would choose to head overseas this year. One in three said they had a staycation at some point in the last year (30%).

Only one in 10 (10%) said they felt a staycation wasn’t as much of a break as a holiday abroad. When asked about preferred destinations for a UK getaway, 11 per cent said they kept theirs secret from wider acquaintances, as they feared them becoming too touristy. One in five (22%) said they actively avoided tourist hot spots because they were too busy.

BEST THINGS ABOUT A STAYCATION:
1. Saves travel time – 45%
2. Supports local businesses – 39%
3. There are still lots of places I haven’t explored and want to – 38%
4. Better for the environment – 36%
5. Saves money – 33%
6. No issue with language – 30%
7. Less stressful – 30%
8. No restrictions on luggage – 25%
9. Know I will like the food – 22%
10. I can take my pets - 20%

THE TOP 10 UK STAYCATION DESTINATIONS:
1. East of England - incl. Norfolk and Cambridgeshire
2. South West England - incl. Cornwall, Devon and the Cotswolds
3. North West - incl. the Lake District
4. East Midlands - incl. Derbyshire and the Peak District
5. North East - incl. Northumberland
6. South East - incl. Oxfordshire, Kent and the Isle of Wight
7. Greater London
8. Yorkshire
9. Scotland
10.Wales

Other reasons quoted were it makes it easier to take family and friends for a group holiday (19%), and enjoying the weather more (12%). The Staycation report also revealed that generally holiday makers will be heading South – with 31% saying that would be their preferred option, whilst 19% would head North.

James Sheldon, Trading Manager at Thermos, said: “Obviously the pandemic necessitated a change in travel habits, and no one was quite sure how that would impact things longer term. It seems the trend for holidaying closer to home is going to continue into 2024, for reasons of ease, cost, the environment and the fact we’re lucky enough to have so many wonderful places in easy reach.

“Twenty per cent of respondents said they preferred a self-catering holiday, so they can choose what and when they eat. In Thermos’ 120-year history we’ve accompanied many families on a Great British getaway, and we are delighted that tradition continues. A flask of tea and fish and chips on the beach remains one of life’s great pleasures!”

WISH YOU WERE HERE – Treasure Chest

Posted on February 15, 2023

WISH YOU WERE HERE - Treasure Chest

We pay a visit to Dorset's Wareham Forest Tourist Park...

Named as the South West’s Campsite of the Year 2022 by the AA in its annual celebration of Britain’s top park destinations, Wareham Tourist Park stood out for its high-quality standards, first-class hospitality and tranquil location. Not far from Poole, Dorchester and the Purbeck coast, Wareham Forest Tourist Park was acquired 20 years ago by husband-and-wife team Tony and Sarah Birch.

Since then, they have invested much time and energy into creating five-star facilities and surroundings for campers and owners of touring caravans and motorhomes. Today, the park draws guests from all over the UK and mainland Europe and says that 70% of its customers comprise people making repeat visits. As well as paths to explore around the park’s wooded grounds, there is a heated outdoor pool, children’s play area, park shop, and comfortable modern shower and toilet facilities.

 

 

Wareham Forest Tourist Park also has a reputation for its pet-friendly nature, and even provides a warm shower to pamper pooches following their countryside rambles. Highlights include an outdoor heated swimming pool, open from late May to early September, a popular play area and the Park organises regular visits, for the convenience of guests, of a wide range of street food stalls.

The park is managed today by Tony and Sarah, assisted by their daughter Chrissy and her husband Benn the park is open all year round, enabling touring guests to enjoy the countryside throughout the four seasons, and when nearby visitor attractions are less busy. Wareham Forest is also a member of the Best of British group of independently-owned parks in Britain and has won other awards for helping to sustain wildlife.

Wareham Forest Tourist Park
Tel. 01929 551393
www.warehamforest.co.uk