A TRANQUIL ECO-RETREAT

Posted on November 12, 2024

Landal Rockingham Forest Holiday Park is a tranquil, eco-friendly resort nestled in the heart of Northamptonshire, offering a perfect escape for nature lovers, families, and couples alike. Known for its luxurious, self-catering lodges, this relatively new holiday park promises a peaceful retreat, surrounded by lush woodlands and scenic countryside.

I recently had the opportunity to stay at the resort, and this review reflects my comprehensive experience with its accommodations, amenities, location, and overall atmosphere. One of the main attractions of Landal Rockingham Forest is its idyllic setting. Situated within the historic 200 acre Rockingham Forest, the holiday park is surrounded by sprawling woodlands and gentle rolling hills.

This location offers a great sense of seclusion, providing the perfect environment for a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Despite this rural location, the park is relatively easy to reach from major towns and cities such as Peterborough, Northampton, and Leicester, making it a convenient choice for weekend getaways.

The forest itself is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Numerous trails meander through the woodland, offering visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area. Whether you’re interested in hiking, cycling, or simply strolling through the forest, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in nature.

WINNER OF THE ENGLAND Rose Award, London & South East England Prestige Awards Nature Retreat.

During my stay, I found these forest walks to be one of the highlights of the trip – the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to spot local wildlife, such as deer, butterflies and various bird species. The lodges at Landal Rockingham Forest are designed with luxury and sustainability in mind.

These eco-conscious cabins are spacious, stylish, and equipped with modern conveniences to ensure a comfortable stay. I stayed in one of the two-bedroom lodges, I was impressed with the quality of the furnishings and the attention to detail in the lodge’s design.

The interiors feature a Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic, with neutral tones, wood finishes, and large windows that flood the space with natural light. Each lodge is fully self-catering, with a well-equipped kitchen, including all the necessary appliances.

We found the kitchen to be perfect for preparing meals during our stay, and the open-plan living and dining area provided plenty of space for relaxing together in the evenings. One of the standout features of the lodge was the outdoor decking area, complete with a private hot tub – the ideal spot for unwinding while enjoying the tranquil woodland views.

SITUATED WITHIN the historic 200 acre Rockingham Forest, the holiday park is surrounded by sprawling woodlands.

For those looking for larger accommodations, the park offers a selection of three and four bedroom lodges, which are perfect for bigger groups or families. These lodges also come with the same high-end amenities and are equally stylish and comfortable. Landal Rockingham Forest excels in providing a range of high-quality amenities that enhance the holiday experience.

Although the park’s focus is on offering a peaceful, nature-based retreat, there are still plenty of on-site facilities to keep guests entertained. For those looking to stay active during their holiday, the park has several outdoor activities available. Cycling is particularly popular here, and bikes can be rented on-site for guests wishing to explore the forest trails.

There’s also a small fitness area and several play areas for children, making the park a family-friendly destination. While the self-catering nature of the lodges encourages guests to prepare their own meals, there are a few other options of dining without leaving the park.

There’s an on-site Bistro, recommended pizza delivery, locally sourced luxury hamper ordering service and there are also several charming pubs and restaurants in the nearby villages, and we enjoyed exploring these during our stay. Sustainability is a core value at Landal Rockingham Forest, and this is evident in the park’s design and operation.

THE LODGES ARE STYLISH and equipped with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay.

The lodges are built with eco-friendly materials, and the park aims to minimise its environmental impact through energy efficiency, waste reduction, and the promotion of sustainable tourism practices. I was pleased to see that recycling bins were provided in each lodge, and there were clear efforts made to reduce plastic waste, such as the use of refillable toiletries in the bathrooms.

The resort also works to preserve the natural beauty of Rockingham Forest, and it was clear that a great deal of care has gone into maintaining the surrounding environment. The friendly staff are knowledgeable about the local wildlife and the conservation efforts in place, which added a sense of purpose to the park’s operations.

It was reassuring to stay somewhere that actively prioritizes the preservation of the natural world while still offering a luxurious holiday experience. The service at Landal Rockingham Forest was, in general, excellent. From the moment we arrived, the staff were welcoming and helpful. Check-in was contactless, quick and efficient, and we were provided with all the information we needed to make the most of our stay.

The staff were always available to answer any questions, whether it was about activities in the park or recommendations for nearby attractions. The park’s family-friendly atmosphere was reflected in child-friendly activities on offer. For families traveling with their furry friends, the park is a Pet Paradise with miles of woodland trails that start right from the door of your lodge.

THE LODGES ARE STYLISH and equipped with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay.

Venture further afield and visit the grounds of Rutland Nature Reserve, Ferry Meadows and Fineshade Wood, all nearby and offering a great space for dogs to explore. Overall, my experience at Landal Rockingham Forest Holiday Park was highly positive.

The combination of luxurious, eco-conscious accommodation, stunning natural surroundings, and excellent service made for a memorable and relaxing holiday. The resort’s emphasis on sustainability and connection with nature is particularly commendable, making it a great choice for those looking to escape to the countryside without compromising on comfort.

Whether you’re seeking a romantic retreat, a family holiday, or an active outdoor adventure, Landal Rockingham Forest offers something for everyone. It’s a place where you can unwind, reconnect with nature, and enjoy quality time with loved ones in a serene and beautiful setting. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful yet luxurious countryside escape.

Landal Rockingham Forest Holiday Park
01780 432250
www.rockinghamforestpark.co.uk

: THERE’S ALSO A SMALL FITNESS area and several play areas for children, making the park a family- friendly destination

: IT’S A PLACE WHERE you can unwind, reconnect with nature and enjoy quality time with loved ones

TRANSFORMING THE BRITISH HOLIDAY PARK EXPERIENCE

Posted on August 7, 2024

As Hoseasons celebrates its 80th Anniversary, we ask four Holiday Park Owners why they have built such long-lasting and lucrative relationships with this iconic British holiday brand. Acquiring Marine Holiday Park in North Wales back in 2007, the Williams family has significantly diversified its service offering.

Joining the family business full time in 2014, Director Paris Williams explains the benefits of remaining with Hoseasons and the importance of continually transforming the guest experience as they look to expand their existing fleet and attract new and returning guests. “Customers want higher quality accommodation and superior amenities, like their own private hot tub even when booking to stay in a more traditional holiday park.

Hoseasons offers a personal touch through dedicated consultation on product development and diversification from account managers which we really value. As a partner they understand our goal to offer different types of holidays across our parks”. Crowhurst Park Lodges in Battle, East Sussex approached Hoseasons in the 1990s to explore how they might enter the holiday park market.

Owner Colin Simmons says the long-term partnership that has developed since has been a big factor in the park’s success. “Upon our decision to partner with Hoseasons, we successfully established 12 new pine log cabins the following year. We now have 65 lodges in our portfolio. Our Business Development Director advises us on the best growth opportunities to suit our customer base, such as whether to invest in a four-bedroom lodge versus a more luxury option.

Their comprehensive market data is invaluable for us to improve our business.” “After we installed 12 lodges, they recommended building an indoor swimming complex,” he continues. “Since opening our Leisure Centre, we have become an all-year-round resort, significantly impacting our booking numbers. This success can be traced back to Hoseasons guidance on how best to invest in our facilities to attract new customers, as well as retain our more loyal holidaymakers by elevating their holiday experience.”

Hoseasons’ tailored promotions and marketing campaigns, such as Pets Go Free have also led to increased returns for Holiday Park Owners. Karina Gallagher, General Manager at Crake Valley in the Lake District has experienced these benefits first hand. “As a small family run business, we have limited resources to grow our online presence, but Hoseasons has advertised Crake Valley several times, which is phenomenal.

They have a larger reach, and people have positive associations with Hoseasons as a brand. By partnering with them, it can only be good for us, and helps us to grow our business,” explains Karina. The ‘Pets Go Free’ campaign in particular has been a significant draw for Crake Valley. “Pet friendly accommodation, especially those with hot tubs are our main selling points here at Crake Valley. Support with these campaigns help showcase extra incentive for people to visit our beautiful location,” he adds.

The use of Hoseasons’ unique dynamic pricing framework has also allowed holiday park owners to benchmark their service offerings against nearby parks, resulting in higher occupancy rates and rising profits. “In previous years, pricing was fixed, whereas dynamic pricing allows us to adjust our prices reactively. We can respond to rises and falls in demand and remain super responsive to the market, adds Paris.

“It also allows us to list our lodges more competitively against the local market as required,” affirms Leanne Lewis, Office Manager at Ashlea Pools Lodges, Shropshire. “If we feel our prices are too high or too low, we can then adjust accordingly.” Whether the long-term goal is to acquire new parks, invest in an existing fleet, build new unique products or renovate older accommodations, development is underpinned by Hoseasons’s commitment to helping holiday park owners positively transform their guest experience.

“You must constantly ensure that guests feel special,” says Leanne. “We’ve introduced welcome baskets which have been positively received by guests.” Responding to accommodation trends is also imperative, with Hoseasons supporting owners looking to reach new audiences through diversification. “At Crowhurst, we’re looking to develop some unique lodges,” states Colin.

“We’re located on a country estate, so we plan to turn some wooded sections into luxury treehouse accommodations.” It is the continuing mutually beneficial relationship between Hoseasons and its holiday park owners that will ensure these locations remain well-positioned to offer exceptional experiences and stay in the hearts of holidaymakers for years to come.

Hoseasons
0345 268 1500
joinus@hoseasons.co.uk

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

BIGGER NOT ALWAYS BETTER

Posted on August 2, 2023

BIGGER NOT ALWAYS BETTER

THE TWO CENTRE RESORT Potters tops the Which? holiday park survey

Butlins, Pontins and Center Parcs were all beaten by smaller independents in the Which? annual survey of holiday park destinations published this summer. The consumer group asked 1,355 Which? members and members of the general public to complete an online survey about their experience of recent stays at UK holiday parks and resorts.

Which? rated 18 holiday parks for cleanliness, accommodation, facilities, customer service, entertainment, food and drink, value for money and costs per night. It was the lesser known names that triumphed over their megabrand rivals in the results which were undertaken from April 2022. Only the top performing parks and resorts have been awarded Which? Recommended Provider (WRP) status.

Respectable marks were attributed to Center Parcs at 72% and Butlins with 71% but Pontin’s could only manage 59% based on reviews of ‘grotty chalets’ and ‘lacklustre’ entertainment. First and second-placed Potters Resorts and Waterside Holiday Group, are both family-run brands that have been in the business for decades. They scored five stars in every category, including customer service and value for money.

Operating for over 100 years, Potters was opened by founder Herbert Potter after he won £500 in a competition. With all-inclusive resorts in Norfolk and Essex, Potters scored top marks with an impressive overall score of 88%. More a resort than a park, accommodation at Potters is in bungalows, hotel rooms and suites. Nudged into second spot with 87%, the small regional brand, Waterside Holiday Group has four luxurious parks, three in Dorset, one in Cornwall.

INDEPENDENTS like Fowlers scored highly in the Which? survey

Their caravans are as classy as they come – at least 3.6 metres wide, with central heating and double glazing, plus fully equipped kitchens and widescreen TVs. Or you can glamp in a safari lodge with a private hot tub. Unlike Potters, Waterside does not offer an all-inclusive rate, meaning visitors pay extra on top to dine at its beachfront bars or restaurants.

A close third, Bluestone Wales attracted a customer score of 81%. Founder William McNamara originally opened up his dairy farm to guests in the 1980s when milk quotas threatened his livelihood. Today this single five-star resort has expanded to a sprawling 500 acres, where rolling countryside meets rugged coastline within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Scoring 78% in fourth spot, John Fowler began in 1953 as one caravan in a field but has expanded to 11 coastal locations across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset, with a wide range of accommodations and prices. Like many independents, John Fowler Holidays stood out for its customer service – rated five stars with the Which? verdict: “It’s cheaper than Pontins and about the same price as Butlin’s, but better than both.”

Holiday Park Scene Magazine

BIGGER NOT ALWAYS BETTER