stylish interiors

LIFE’S BETTER AT THE BEACH

Posted on August 3, 2026

WHETHER IT’S A FAMILY MEAL, a light lunch or evening drinks, Ruda’s welcoming dining venues cater for every occasion.

Following its acquisition by family-owned operator John Fowler Holidays, Ruda Holiday Park delivers the ultimate Devon escape...

Few holiday parks in the UK can boast a location quite as spectacular as Ruda Holiday Park. Nestled on the golden sands of Croyde Bay in North Devon, this iconic destination has long been a favourite among families, surfers and holidaymakers seeking the perfect coastal escape. Now under the ownership of North Devon-based John Fowler Holidays, the park is entering an exciting new chapter.

Holiday Park Scene was delighted to be invited to experience Ruda first-hand and, after spending several days exploring the park, enjoying the facilities and relaxing in one of its luxury lodges, it quickly became clear why this destination continues to attract visitors year after year.

A STUNNING COASTAL LOCATION
The first thing that strikes you about Ruda is its exceptional setting. Positioned directly above the famous sands of Croyde Bay, the park offers something that many holiday parks can only dream of – direct access to one of the UK’s most beautiful beaches.

A short stroll from the accommodation brings guests straight onto the beach, where golden sands meet rolling Atlantic waves. Whether you’re looking to relax by the sea, enjoy a coastal walk or try your hand at surfing, the stunning surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable holiday.

The beach itself is widely regarded as one of Britain’s premier surfing destinations, attracting beginners and experienced surfers alike. Watching the sunset over the bay after a day exploring the park was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our stay.

RUDA HOLIDAY PARK enjoys an enviable position overlooking the golden sands of Croyde Bay, one of North Devon’s most popular coastal destinations.

LUXURY ACCOMMODATION WITH A TOUCH OF INDULGENCE
For our visit, we stayed in one of Ruda’s luxury lodges complete with a private hot tub, and it proved to be the ideal base for exploring the park and surrounding area. The accommodation was modern, spacious and exceptionally comfortable, featuring stylish interiors, well-equipped living spaces and everything needed for a relaxing break.

However, it was the hot tub that truly elevated the experience. After busy days enjoying the facilities and exploring the coastline, sinking into the warm bubbling water during the evening was the perfect way to unwind.

Whether enjoying an early morning coffee or relaxing beneath the stars after sunset, the hot tub added a genuine touch of luxury to our stay. The quality of accommodation across the park reflects the continued improvements being made at Ruda, helping to appeal to both traditional family holidaymakers and those seeking a more premium coastal getaway.

RECENTLY REFURBISHED, the Cascades Tropical Adventure Pool is one of Ruda’s standout family attractions.

MAKING A SPLASH AT CASCADES TROPICAL ADVENTURE POOL
No visit to Ruda would be complete without experiencing the impressive Cascades Tropical Adventure Pool. Recently refurbished as part of a wider programme of enhancements across the park, this standout facility combines fun, excitement and relaxation under one roof.

Designed to appeal to guests of all ages, the tropical-themed complex provides hours of entertainment whatever the weather. The flume was an immediate hit with our group and quickly became one of the most talked-about parts of the stay.

Whether racing friends to the bottom or simply enjoying the thrill of the ride, it proved impossible to resist. Beyond the flume, the tropical-themed environment creates a genuinely exciting atmosphere, with interactive water features and plenty of space for families to enjoy together. It’s easy to see why the pool has become one of the park’s most popular attractions.

John Fowler Holidays acquired Ruda Holiday Park from Parkdean Resorts in a multi-million-pound deal announced on 25 June 2025.

CATCHING WAVES AT THE SURF SCHOOL
Given Ruda’s enviable location overlooking one of the UK’s premier surfing beaches, it comes as no surprise that surfing plays a major role in the guest experience. The on-site surf school offers visitors the opportunity to learn from experienced instructors, with lessons available for all ages and abilities.

For beginners, it’s an ideal introduction to the sport, while more experienced surfers can take advantage of equipment hire and local expertise. One of the biggest advantages is the convenience. Guests can move seamlessly from accommodation to beach and into the water within minutes, making it incredibly easy to make the most of Croyde’s famous waves.

Even for those who prefer to stay dry, simply watching the surfers from the shoreline provides plenty of entertainment and adds to the unique atmosphere that makes Ruda such a special destination.

FROM FAMILY ACTIVITIES to live evening entertainment, there’s always something happening at Ruda Holiday Park.

ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
One area where Ruda truly excels is its extensive family entertainment programme. Throughout our stay there was always something happening, ensuring guests of all ages remained engaged and entertained.

From daytime activities and children’s events to live evening performances, there is a real sense of energy throughout the park. No traditional holiday park experience would be complete without bingo, and the lively sessions during our stay proved to be a real crowd-pleaser, delivering plenty of laughs, friendly competition and holiday fun.

Alongside bingo, guests can enjoy live entertainment, family games, children’s activities and evening performances, ensuring there’s always something to look forward to once the sun goes down. The entertainment team deserve particular credit for their enthusiasm and professionalism, helping to create a welcoming environment that encourages families to make the most of everything the park has to offer.

DIRECT BEACH ACCESS means guests are just moments away from the surf, sand and stunning scenery of Croyde Bay.

A BRIGHT FUTURE UNDER JOHN FOWLER HOLIDAYS
One of the most exciting developments for Ruda is its recent acquisition by John Fowler Holidays, one of the UK’s largest family-owned holiday park operators.

Based in North Devon, the company has been creating memorable holiday experiences for more than 70 years and now operates parks across the South West and Wales. Their local knowledge and long-standing commitment to quality tourism make them a natural fit for this iconic coastal destination.

Since taking ownership, John Fowler Holidays has invested around £1 million into the park, enhancing accommodation, facilities and guest experiences while ensuring Ruda retains the character and charm that generations of holidaymakers have come to love.

FINAL THOUGHTS
Ruda Holiday Park successfully combines everything guests could wish for from a modern seaside escape: an unbeatable beachfront location, quality accommodation, impressive facilities and a packed programme of family entertainment.

From relaxing in a luxury hot tub lodge and making a splash in the Cascades Tropical Adventure Pool to enjoying a game of bingo or watching surfers tackle the waves at Croyde Bay, every day offered something different to enjoy. With direct beach access, ongoing investment and the backing of one of the UK’s most respected family-owned holiday park operators, Ruda is firmly cementing its position as one of the South West’s leading holiday destinations.

Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a couples’ retreat or an action-packed coastal adventure, Ruda Holiday Park offers the perfect base from which to experience the very best of North Devon.

Ruda Holiday Park
01271 890671
www.johnfowlerholidays.com/devon-holiday-park/ruda-holiday-park

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