tourism

MEADOWBAY CELEBRATES DOUBLE WIN

Posted on February 11, 2026

MEADOW BAY VILLAGES’ team celebrates after winning two top awards at the British Travel Awards.

Meadow Bay Villages is celebrating a double triumph at the British Travel Awards, taking home accolades as Best Small Company for UK Family Holidays and Best Small Company for UK Short Breaks.

The awards, voted for by nearly half a million consumers, are widely recognised as the most influential in the UK travel industry. Winners were announced at a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Mayfair, attended by senior figures from across the tourism and travel sector.

Chief Executive Geoffrey Smith said the recognition was particularly special given the group has only been operating for 18 months. “To be recognised so early in our journey is incredible and reflects the commitment of our amazing team to providing outstanding holiday experiences,” he said.

Meadow Bay Villages operates four parks, including Billing Aquadrome in Northamptonshire, a peaceful lakeside retreat, and Hayling Island Holiday Park in Hampshire, which now offers luxury platinum-grade caravans with private hot tubs, as well as dog-friendly gold standard units.

The group also runs Golden Leas and Hollybush Farm Holiday Parks on the Isle of Sheppey. Over the past 18 months, Meadow Bay Villages has invested £17 million in regenerating its parks, enhancing leisure facilities and accommodation for guests and holiday homeowners.

THE UK’S BIGGEST TOURISM & LEISURE EVENT RETURNS

Posted on November 4, 2025

Taking place on 5-6 November 2025, NEC Birmingham...

The Land Leisure & Tourism Show is the UK’s largest event dedicated to holiday parks, leisure, attractions and rural businesses. Welcoming over 400 exhibitors and thousands of visitors, the show provides a creative space where you can gather ideas and learn from other experts in the field.

Whether you’re an established industry professional seeking fresh concepts or a newcomer looking to maximise your land’s potential, this event provides a unique platform for networking, learning, and innovation.

A HUB FOR INDUSTRY GROWTH AND INSPIRATION
This year’s show brings together three sectors under one roof, Holiday Parks, Family Attractions and Resorts, and Hospitality, creating an unmissable opportunity to explore the latest trends, connect with leading suppliers, and discover innovative solutions to enhance your business.

Plus with the Farm Business Innovation Show running alongside, farmers and landowners can access even more expert guidance on diversification and land optimisation.

EXPERT-LED SEMINARS & INDUSTRY ROUNDTABLES
Gain valuable insights from industry experts through a packed schedule of seminars, workshops, and discussion panels. The show’s keynote, Geoffrey Smith, CEO of Meadow Bay Villages, will open with a fresh perspective on the UK holiday park sector, rethinking the holiday experience through innovation and investment.

Expect thought-provoking discussions, covering key issues, trends, and opportunities that will shape the future of land, leisure, and tourism. This unique platform provides both professionals and newcomers in the industry the opportunity to network, learn and explore new opportunities.

Gain valuable insights from industry experts through a packed schedule of seminars, workshops, and discussion panels.

NEW FOCUS ON HOSPITALITY & VALUE-ADDED SERVICES
For 2025, we’re placing an even stronger emphasis on hospitality offerings, helping holiday park operators and rural businesses expand their services and increase profitability.

Expect tailored insights into enhancing guest experiences, adding premium facilities, and implementing effective marketing strategies to drive success.

YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT & GROW
Whether you’re looking to source new products, gain expert advice, or network with industry leaders, the Land Leisure & Tourism Show is the must- attend event to take your business to the next level.

Join us on 5-6 November 2025 at NEC Birmingham and be part of the UK’s most influential event for the tourism sector.
Scan the QR code to register for your free ticket today!

SPEAKERS NOT TO MISS!

MEADOW BAY VILLAGES REIMAGINING THE UK HOLIDAY PARK EXPERIENCE
05 Nov 2025 @ 10:00 - 10:30
Land, Leisure & Tourism Theatre

Geoffrey Smith, CEO of Meadow Bay Villages, opens the Land Leisure Tourism Show with a fresh perspective on the UK holiday park sector.

Discover how Meadow Bay is rethinking the holiday experience through innovation and investment and explore the opportunities shaping the future of holiday parks and rural leisure.

THE REAL COST OF ENERGY METERING - HEAR FROM PARKS WHO HAVE MADE THE SWITCH
05 Nov 2025 @ 10:00 - 10:30
Land, Leisure & Tourism Theatre

Join industry leaders and park owners as they share their real experiences with energy metering.

From reducing costs to improving guest satisfaction, hear first-hand what works, what doesn’t, and how.

HOW GULLIVER’S WORLD IS SHAPING TOMORROW’S ATTRACTIONS - JULIE DALTON, MANAGING DIRECTOR - GULLIVER’S THEME PARK RESORTS
06 Nov 2025 @ 10:00 - 10:30
Land, Leisure & Tourism Theatre

In this opening address, Julie Dalton, Managing Director of Gulliver’s Theme Parks and Resorts group, which includes Gulliver’s World, shares the journey of the independent, family-run theme park group as it adapts to shifting visitor expectations and industry challenges.

From launching immersive events and unique guest experiences to navigating changing leisure trends, Julie offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Gulliver’s has evolved its offer while staying true to its core values of affordability, accessibility, and family-first fun.

THIS YEARS MUST-SEE EXHIBTORS INCLUDE: TOP TEN

 

 

THE OPEN ROAD TO OPPORTUNITY

Posted on July 31, 2025

There’s a quiet revolution rolling through the British countryside, and it’s running on diesel, solar and wanderlust… Motorhome ownership is booming and with it, a new kind of traveller is reshaping the tourism landscape.

Forget tour buses and pre-packaged trips, today’s explorers prefer self-sufficiency, open roads, and the freedom to choose their view each morning. For holiday park owners and managers, this is not a trend to watch from the sidelines.

It’s a golden opportunity to attract a growing, engaged and self-reliant audience that’s ready to spend, if you’re ready to welcome them.

WHY MOTORHOMES ARE NOT JUST PASSING THROUGH
Once considered the preserve of retirees and festivalgoers, motorhomes have gone mainstream. Driven by post-pandemic shifts, environmental awareness, and a craving for flexible travel, today’s motorhome owners are families, digital nomads, adventurers and comfort-lovers alike.

They’re skipping airports and checking out of hotels, opting instead for clean air, control, and communities on wheels. But here’s the catch: while they love the open road, they don’t want to rough it. They’re looking for safe, scenic, and well-equipped bases and that’s where you come in.

TODAY’S MOTORHOME GUESTS bring everything they need and they’re happy to pay for the things they value most: safety, service, and the freedom to roam.

FROM STATIC TO STRATEGIC
Traditionally associated with static caravans and summer getaways, holiday parks are now transforming into dynamic hubs for motorhome tourism. With the right facilities, you don’t just become a stopover, you become the destination. Motorhome travellers value:

• Full-service hook-ups: Electricity, water and waste disposal make extended stays easy.
• Flexible booking options: Cater to both overnight visitors and those settling in for the season.
• Modern comforts: Think laundry rooms, Wi-Fi, EV chargers, and even co-working areas.
• Scenic and secure settings: Gated access, helpful staff and quiet hours go a long way.

Add a view of the coast or countryside, and your park suddenly offers something that no roadside lay-by or city car park can.

WHY IT MAKES BUSINESS SENSE
Let’s break it down. Motorhome owners bring:

• Self-sufficiency: They don’t need you to provide beds or bathrooms, but they’re happy to pay for a clean, safe, connected space.
• Off-season income: Many tour year-round and actively seek out parks with winter availability.
• Repeat business: A good stay = loyalty. Many return to favourite parks annually or recommend them in active online communities.
• Low overhead for high reward: Unlike static units, touring pitches require less infrastructure and turnover.

With a little foresight, even under-used parts of your park can be turned into attractive hardstanding motorhome pitches, creating new revenue without major redevelopment.

WHAT MOTORHOMERS REALLY WANT (AND HOW TO DELIVER IT)
Meeting the needs of the motorhome market doesn’t mean luxury spas and nightly entertainment (although some will love that!). What matters most is a balance of autonomy and amenity. Here’s what they’re looking for:

• Ease of access: Wide, drive-through pitches and clear signposting.
• Solid ground: Hardstanding with level areas beats a boggy field every time.
• Connectivity: Reliable Wi-Fi and good mobile reception are now non-negotiable.
• Family & pet-friendliness: Play areas, dog walks, and fenced zones make a big difference.
• Social touches: BBQ spots, fire pits, or communal lounges help build community.

Add an online booking system (ideally with app functionality), and you’re ticking all the modern motorhomer’s boxes.

WHAT TYPE OF PARK ARE YOU?
It’s worth considering your niche. There’s space for everyone in the motorhome market—but your park doesn’t have to appeal to everyone.

• Family parks: Offer excitement, entertainment and practical convenience.
• Adult-only parks: Promise peace, quiet and curated experiences.
• Eco-retreats: Cater to conscious travellers with natural, minimalist setups.
• Luxury resorts: Attract those who want the comforts of a hotel with the freedom of the road.

By defining your offer, you can attract the right kind of motorhome guest, and keep them coming back.

DON’T GET LEFT BEHIND
So, if your pitches are ready, your facilities welcoming and your park easy to find and book, you’re not just accommodating motorhome guests, you’re becoming part of their story.

In return, they’ll bring loyal custom, word- of-mouth buzz, and a whole lot of wheels to your gates! It’s time to open up your park and your thinking, to the power of the self-sufficient traveller.

Motorhome Trader
www.themotorhometrader.co.uk

THE LAND LEISURE & TOURISM SHOW 2024…

Posted on February 12, 2025

The Land, Leisure & Tourism Show 2024, held at Birmingham’s NEC from November 5th to 6th 2024 this show is a B2B event for the tourism, leisure, hospitality, and rural industries. Drawing thousands of attendees and featuring more than 400 exhibitors, the show provided a dynamic platform for industry professionals to connect, share insights, and explore innovative solutions.

The event’s comprehensive agenda included over 50 seminar sessions, addressing key industry topics such as sustainability, digital transformation, and design innovations. Notably, discussions on eco-friendly practices and the integration of technology to enhance guest experiences resonated with many participants.

A highlight of the show was the recognition of excellence through various awards. The Farm Diversification of the Year award, sponsored by NFU Mutual, was presented to The Silly Sheep Fibre Company, applauded for its resource maximisation and community spirit.

WHEN VISITING the LLT show you discover new products and services, explore investment prospects and network.

Additionally, Padstow Holiday Village in Cornwall received the Gold award for Holiday Park of the Year, commended for its commitment to environmental practices and achieving B Corp status.

The show also emphasised the importance of future planning and asset management, with seminars like “Futureproofing your assets through strategic review” underscoring the need for strategic and collaborative approaches in the industry.

Overall, the Land, Leisure & Tourism Show 2024 successfully facilitated meaningful conversations, showcased industry innovations, and celebrated achievements, reinforcing its pivotal role in shaping the future of the leisure and tourism sectors.

The 2025 Land Leisure & Tourism Show will take place on 5th & 6th November 2025, register your interest today.

Land Leisure & Tourism Show
www.lltshow.com

PICTURE POSTCARDS FROM THE SHOW…

A HIGHLIGHT OF THE SHOW WAS THE RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE THROUGH VARIOUS AWARDS

HOLIDAY PARK OF THE YEAR

Recognises holiday parks, sites and villages that provide exceptional guest experiences across static vans, touring pitches and more.

CAMPING OR GLAMPING SITE OF THE YEAR

Recognises camping and glamping sites that provide exceptional guest experiences across tents, touring pitches, shepherd’s huts and more.

SCOTTISH ACQUISITION FOR PURE LEISURE

Posted on March 5, 2024

SCOTTISH ACQUISITION FOR PURE LEISURE

PURE LEISURE GROUP has taken over ownership of the Shin Falls Visitor Centre.

Award-winning holiday park operator, Pure Leisure Group, has announced the acquisition of Falls of Shin Visitor Centre in Lairg, Scotland, marking the first investment of this kind for the company. The Visitor Centre boasts a unique salmon viewing platform – one of the few remaining in the Highlands, a selection of woodland walks, a children’s playpark, as well as a soon to be reopened restaurant.

Located just a short distance from Pure Leisure Groups exclusive Gledfield Highland Estate, comprising 47 lodges set amongst 5,000 acres of woodland, it’s expected that holiday home owners, guests and members of the community alike will benefit from the takeover and the current renovations underway.

Commenting on the visitor centre announcement, founder of PLG, John Morphet said: “It’s potential to be a community hub is huge, as well as a go-to destination for tourists visiting the area year-round so we are confident this will provide a boost to tourism a well as supporting the local economy.

“We’re also investing in our Gledfield Highland Estate, with works in motion for a new bar, restaurant, swimming pool and leisure complex that will be accessible to the local community whom we want to support as much as possible, while also increasing staycations and holidays to this beautiful part of the world.”

UNLOCKING YOUR BUSINESS POTENTIAL

Posted on October 24, 2023

UNLOCKING YOUR BUSINESS POTENTIAL

Looking forward to an unmissable event...

HOLIDAY PARK & RESORT INNOVATION visitors can explore showcases offering an extensive range of products and services.

If you’re eager to stay ahead in the industry and unlock the latest trends, innovations and strategies to take your business to new heights, then mark your calendar for November 15th and 16th and set your SAT NAV to Birmingham’s NEC! The countdown is on to Holiday Park & Resort Innovation, the UK’s premier event for holiday park and resort professionals at the NEC Birmingham this November 15th and 16th.

The event will once again run concurrently with three other shows – Farm Business Innovation, Family Attraction Expo, and Leisure Food & Beverage Expo. Together, the four shows form the largest event for businesses in the fields of land, leisure, and tourism.

Whether you’re a seasoned industry player, or exploring the idea of starting your own business, join Holiday Park Innovation to discover cutting-edge products, strategies and insights to stay ahead in the leisure, hospitality and tourism industry.

The 2023 event promises to be the best yet, with visitors getting the opportunity to explore exhibition space spanning two halls that showcases an extensive range of products and services essential for building successful holiday businesses, as well as getting valuable updates and inspiration from the show’s insightful speaker programme.

TOURISM SECTOR
With new innovations reshaping the UK tourism sector by improving the planning and booking process, enhancing customer experience, promoting sustainability, and providing valuable insights to businesses, technology is a key theme through the exhibition halls and seminar programme.

Immerse yourself in a world of pioneering innovation, with 420 exhibitors across the four shows showcasing tailored products and services designed to meet your unique needs.

Confirmed exhibitors include Swift – the UK’s largest manufacturer of touring caravans, motorhomes and holiday homes, Hoseasons, TouchWood Play, the British Holiday & Home Parks Association, Tiny House Pro, Creative Play, Dale Leisure Supplies, Cubicle Works, Clear Sky Safari Tents, Innovative Leisure, Volta Compliance and Go Low Carbon.

Every aspect of providing a first-class holiday experience will be covered – from planning consultancy and booking management software, to safari tents, outdoor play equipment and washroom solutions.

THE HOLIDAY PARK & RESORT Innovation event covers every aspect of providing a first-class holiday experience.

SEMINAR HIGHLIGHTS
The extensive seminar schedule across both days of the show features experts from a wide range of specialisms sharing top tips and advice for start-ups and existing businesses. Across both the Keynote Theatre programme – sponsored by Cottages.com and Hoseasons – and the Seminar Theatre - sponsored by Maxxton – you can hear from dozens of industry experts across 90 sessions.

Tom Clark is General Manager of Brit Stops, and will host a seminar at the show. “From a small family business and passion project, we have grown Brit Stops into an established and recognised brand within the motorhome industry. At the show we’ll share our focus on driving innovation and expansion at Brit Stops and supporting the next chapter of UK motorhome tourism.”

Gillian Hare and Brodie Farrow of Pitchup.com will reflect on post-pandemic trends. “Rather than representing a one-off peak, the pandemic kickstarted a legacy of outdoor holidaying that will continue to benefit the industry for years to come,” says Gillian. “We’ll talk about emerging trends and provide tips on how you can successfully ride the new wave of outdoor tourism, including case studies from those that have been there and done it.”

WITH LONGER OPENING TIMES this year, Holiday Park & Resort Innovation looks to be the best ever.

NEW ZONE
New for this year is ‘Great Taste of the Country’ a dedicated zone for independent food businesses which will feature live culinary demonstrations, providing an opportunity for businesses to showcase their products in action. The line-up includes popular food brands Hello Fresh, Devil’s Bridge Rum, and My Gyros.

Verity Hyland, Events Director for Agriconnect, said “As the UK tourism industry continues to thrive, many business owners are looking to invest in their businesses with new innovations and diversification options,” she said. “Holiday Park & Resort Innovation provides a unique platform to learn from a diverse range of experts, connect with like-minded rural entrepreneurs, and acquire actionable takeaways to enhance the profitability and sustainability of your business.”

With longer opening times this year from 9am to 5pm on day one and 9am to 4pm on day two, entry to Holiday Park & Resort Innovation, and the other three events, is free of charge.

HOLIDAY PARK & RESORT INNOVATION provides a unique platform to learn from a diverse range of specialist suppliers.

REGISTER FOR TICKETS HERE

 

 

EV CONCERNS STALL STAYCATION GROWTH

Posted on May 10, 2023

EV CONCERNS STALL STAYCATION GROWTH

BBC CAMERAS ZOOM in on Martin Cox at his Dorset holiday park, Highlands End

Fears that ‘range anxiety’ amongst electric vehicle owners could put the brakes on domestic tourism growth have been voiced by a major holiday parks operator. Martin Cox, whose family business owns five holiday parks in Dorset, is now calling on government to address the lack of charging points in many rural areas. Their absence, he said, could dissuade visitors from venturing too far into the countryside because of uncertainty about being able to top up their electric cars.

Martin’s concerns were featured in a recent BBC television report in which he warned that rural economies could suffer substantial losses of tourism revenue as a result. Martin was filmed at his company’s flagship holiday park of Highlands End in Bridport which has six EV chargers – the maximum that the local power supply can sustain. “We have up to 500 cars a night in summer, and it simply isn’t enough to meet demand,” he told BBC Politics South reporter Frankie Peck.

“Many will have driven upwards of two hundred miles to get here, and their vehicles will need re-charging before they go out the next day, but we simply haven’t the capacity. “There are only around 275 charging points throughout the whole of Dorset, so the available options are very limited. “Nobody wants to spend their holiday in a state of anxiety about their car coming to a halt, and just one bad experience could deter a family from making a repeat visit.

“In our five decades of operating holiday parks, we have never supplied petrol or diesel to our customers, but there is now an expectation that we will be able to charge their cars. “It changes the dynamics of our relationship with guests who, of course, we want to keep happy - but who we know are sometimes frustrated at not being able to plug in,” he said. As vice president of the British Holiday and Home Parks Association, Martin says that many of the body’s 2,500-plus holiday park members report similar problems.

They would like to help EV owners, he says, but the limited electrical supply capacity in their regions is a major hurdle to them installing additional, or even any, EV charging points. “I am fully sympathetic with the government’s aim to drive up EV usage and have done all we can at present to provide charging facilities,” said Martin, himself an electric car owner.

“However, until the electrical supply infrastructure is improved in many rural areas, some EV owners may think twice about taking a holiday too far from home. “This will produce serious consequences for the visitor economy, and the victims will be the many small businesses who rely on tourism spending to survive and sustain jobs,” said Martin. Martin’s family has owned parks in Dorset for over 50 years, and in 2022 Highlands End Holiday Park won the top gold accolade in the holiday park category of the South West Tourism Awards.

MANY ELECTRIC CAR OWNERS are reluctant to travel far from home, says Martin Cox

ATTENTION GRABBERS

Posted on August 2, 2022

ATTENTION GRABBERS

Jaw-dropping aquatic attractions from ProSlide...

THE COMBINED WATER RIDE complex in Madrid is a first for the European market.

 

Parque Warner Beach is one of the main tourism and entertainment destinations in Madrid; the perfect place to enjoy a summer’s day, with 40,000m2 dedicated to attractions and entertainment themed around Warner Bros. favourite characters. Conceived as the perfect destination for a family getaway, Parque Warner Beach recently celebrated the opening of two new rides that include Europe’s first TornadoWAVE® 60/FlyingSAUCER® 45 complex, from the Canadian water ride manufacturer ProSlide.

The TornadoWAVE® 60 at Parque Warner Beach, named Black Manta, is a famous water ride feature for more than just a few reasons. In 2014 and 2017, it was part of installations that won first place at the IAAPA Brass Ring Awards, in the category of ‘Best New Water Ride’. The TornadoWAVE® at Parque Warner Beach immediately grabs the attention of anyone nearby. The first thing you notice is that it’s a striking spectacle of design and engineering, boasting what ProSlide calls “the only true arched wall in the industry”. The company custom designed the ride to give guests a thrilling experience that takes them through 120 meters of flumes and features.

 

THE TORNADOWAVE® at Parque Warner Beach immediately grabs the attention of anyone nearby.

 

Then there’s the ride experience, which uses five-person rafts to send the riders into “near-vertical, zero-G moments”. Riders begin as the rafts gather speed and then drops into the TornadoWAVE® 60 from above. Experiencing long hang times, the rafts are specifically designed to sweep across the width of the wall while keeping riders suspended in the air before descending into an out-run. Part of the same complex is Aquaman, ParqueWarner Beach’s FlyingSAUCER® 45 – also from ProSlide. The ride shares similarities with the TornadoWAVE® 60 in that they both have instantly recognizable profiles and have an award-winning pedigree; the FlyingSAUCER® has been the recipient of Golden Ticket Awards, IAAPA Brass Ring Awards and the coveted IAAPA IMPACT Award.

Aquaman’s FlyingSAUCER® is a patented, high-speed, accelerating turn that makes riders feel like a World Cup ski racer. Riders are accelerated through the turn and experience what’s described as a “drop and dive sensation” while they race along the outer wall. In keeping with the park’s Warner Bros. theming, each ride is visually designed to complement a character from Warner Bros.-owned DC Comics. The combination of both Black Manta and Aquaman into a single, jaw-dropping water ride complex is a first for the European market.

PROSLIDE
www.proslide.com

HAVE LOO BRUSH – WILL TRAVEL!

Posted on August 6, 2021

HAVE LOO BRUSH – WILL TRAVEL!

PATRICK LANGMAID hopes holiday guests will step up to join his toilet cleaning chain gang.

Guests taking holidays at a major Cornwall holiday park this summer are being asked to help keep the park open – by swapping the beach for a toilet brush.

Mother Ivey’s Bay Holiday Park in Padstow says staff shortages could force the closure of his toilet blocks and is trying to rally a volunteer army of loo legionnaires. More than 20 people have so far stepped forward with offers to help, according to Patrick Langmaid, owner of the 30-year-old family business.

“Like many tourism providers we are desperate to recruit staff, but the staycation boom and the easing of lockdown has created more jobs than there are people to fill them,” said Patrick. “Unless we can find enough volunteers to give up part of their holidays to keep our toilets spotless, we could have to start cancelling stays already booked for this summer.”

BLANK CANVAS

Posted on September 8, 2020

BLANK CANVAS

York House Leisure expands into the residential park sector...

With a solid background in owning and operating award-winning holiday parks in picturesque North Yorkshire, it was just a matter of time before York House Leisure expanded into the residential park sector. Now, this family-run business is launching its most ambitious development so far –Gateforth Park -- a large, luxury park home community on a 45-acre site, just minutes from the popular market town of Selby in the Vale of York. “My family had been looking for the right ‘blank canvas’ for many years,” reveals York House Leisure Co-Director, Phil Brierley. “York House Leisure was established in 1965 as a holiday park business, but we’ve grown naturally over the years into the residential market. “We were keen to further expand and offer something different when, four years ago, a chance meeting led to our discovery of the site at Gateforth.”

VANDALISED SITE

Phil says that looking at Gateforth Park today, with Phase One of its luxury development well underway, it’s hard to believe that this former mushroom farm site had stood derelict for a decade and was a regular target for vandalism, arson and fly tipping. Fortunately, York House Leisure Directors Phil and his brother Tim had the industry experience to see past Gateforth’s appearance as a dilapidated brownfield site and recognise its potential. York House Leisure purchased the site in August 2018 and drew up plans for a three phase re-development that would completely transform the neglected 45-acre site into a spacious park home development of 168 well-appointed homes. “We felt that Gateforth Park could be transformed into something really special,” says Phil. “Our vision from the start was to develop the highest quality residential park that offered the very best in over 50s living. And with planning permission awarded unanimously by the local District Council in January 2019, the hard work really began!” The development at Gateforth is situated next door to Selby Golf Club and makes the most of its attractive countryside surroundings, as well as excellent road and rail links to some of the area’s top leisure destinations. When complete, the park will include a fishing lake, community centre, woodland and recreational areas. The lake will be surrounded by homes, giving relaxing views of the water and the wildlife. York House Leisure’s four holiday parks – York House, Old Hall, Swaleside and Abbot’s Green – already hold David Bellamy Gold Awards for conservation, and the plan is to develop a similar scheme at Gateforth Park.

CUTTING TEETH

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, in front of the new Majestic 42x20 at Gateforth Park - Phil Brierley of York House Leisure, Silvano Geranio & Andrew Westwood of Prestige Homeseeker, and Dawn Hughes of Gateforth Park.

The York House Leisure team cut their residential park teeth on Quarry Moor and New Park, a 92 plot, traditional style park that has been in the family since the early 1980s. The park is popular with over 50s wishing to downsize within a small, friendly community that offers easy access to the area’s considerable attractions. The two side-by-side developments are situated on the outskirts of the historic cathedral city of Ripon, home to the World Heritage Site of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens, and a short drive from Harrogate and further afield, York. Quarry Moor and New Park is typical of the York House Leisure Park ethos. Phil says that they “aim to offer immaculately maintained parks, which offer quiet, private space with all the benefits of a real community.” “It might be traditional in style, but this park has been carefully developed over many years and is now filled with greenery and wildlife throughout the year,” explains Phil. “Each plot is set back from the main driveway, giving residents additional space and privacy that is a key selling point for re-sale of the homes there.” With a portfolio of successful parks, the York House Leisure team of 20 (35 in peak season) are happiest when looking after their customers, the majority of which are holiday home owners.

Flagship holiday park, York House, has won a raft of accolades including a Visit Britain 5 Star Award for Tourism, Hoseasons Diamond Finalist Award for Customer Service, and it was selected as a Finalist in the White Rose Awards 2019. With a bit of luck – and customary hard work – Gateforth Park will attract similar success. Fifty park home bases and eight show homes from Prestige Homeseeker Park and Leisure Homes are now in position at Gateforth as part of Phase One of the development. Already, the park has 10 reservations, which has exceeded expectations at this early stage, especially considering the challenges of operating over recent months. “What a difference a year makes!” says Phil, smiling. “We didn’t start redeveloping Gateforth until last August and we recycled many thousands of tonnes of concrete and demolished several huge industrial buildings on site. Not to mention the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic! But, all credit to our team, we are well on track with Phase One of the park and we couldn’t be more excited to start welcoming our first residents to Gateforth later this year.”