West Sussex

AA REVEALS TOP UK STAYCATION SPOTS FOR 2025…

Posted on February 12, 2025

As UK travel trends continue to favour local and sustainable tourism, the annual AA Caravan & Camping Awards have announced the top outdoor accommodation spots for the 2024-25 season.

This year’s winners offer the best of scenic retreats and luxurious glamping, with a new Sustainable Park award showing a growing preference for eco-friendly and unique staycations among UK travellers. The awards celebrated 12 exceptional sites across the country, selected by the AA’s expert inspectors for their outstanding quality and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Categories included AA Glamping Site of the Year, AA Campsite of the Year, and AA Most Improved Campsite of the Year. This year’s winners span the UK, from the rich history and sweeping views from the Isle of Anglesey in Wales to the stunning ancient woodlands nestled within the South Downs of West Sussex.

Hosting the awards, Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Media, said, “As local travel continues to grow and sustainable tourism gains momentum, we are excited to announce the best camping and caravanning destinations for the upcoming year.

This year’s winners have demonstrated outstanding quality along with a strong dedication to eco-friendly practices and customer satisfaction, making them excellent options for UK travellers.” All winners of the awards feature in the 57th edition of the AA Caravan & Camping Guide, which is £14.99 and available to buy in bookshops now.

Congratulations to all 2024-25 winners, the full list of this year’s AA Caravan and Camping Awards winners can also be found on RatedTrips.com.

Rated Trips by AA Media
The UK’s top campsites and caravan parks for 2025 | AA RatedTrips.com

THE BEAUTIFUL SOUTH ANNOUNCE PARK OF THE YEAR

Posted on February 11, 2025

STUBSCROFT FARM PARK receiving their GOLD award, photos credit to Photographer Nick Williams

The 2024 Beautiful South Awards have honoured exceptional camping and caravanning sites in the region, celebrating their contributions to tourism excellence. Stubcroft Farm Campsite in Chichester secured the prestigious Gold award in the Camping and Caravanning Park of the Year category.

This family-run site is renowned for its commitment to sustainability and high-quality facilities, offering visitors a serene countryside retreat near the Sussex coast. The Silver award was presented to Badgells Wood at Birling Estate in Meopham.

This woodland campsite provides a back-to-nature experience, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Kent countryside. Lytton Lawn Touring Park in Lymington received the Bronze award, recognized for its well-maintained facilities and proximity to the New Forest and Hampshire coast, making it a popular choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

These accolades highlight the diverse camping experiences available in the South East, from eco-friendly farms to woodland retreats and coastal parks, each contributing uniquely to the region’s vibrant tourism industry.

The 2024 Beautiful South Awards winners were:

  • Gold - Stubcroft Farm Campsite, Chichester, West Sussex
  • Silver - Badgells Wood at Birling Estate, Meopham, Kent
  • Bronze - Lytton Lawn Touring Park, Lymington, Hampshire

NEW NORTHUMBERLAND DESTINATION UNVEILED

Posted on August 2, 2023

NEW NORTHUMBERLAND DESTINATION UNVEILED

THE NEW PARK HOLIDAYS UK destination will have waterside holiday homes similar to those at other parks in the group, such as Chichester Lakeside in West Sussex

Intending to put the region firmly on the tourist map, Park Holidays UK is investing in a major new holiday park in North East England. Widdrington Lakes Holiday Park is still around 12 months away from welcoming its first guests, but Park Holidays UK is promising ‘our most ambitious and exciting new park to date’.

Located near the village of Widdrington in Northumberland, the 300-plus acre park is close to both Druridge Bay with its seven miles of sand dunes, and the Northumberland National Park. When it opens next spring, the development will provide in its first phase up to 475 pitches for luxury holiday lodges to own and rent, plus facilities for touring caravans, motorhomes and tents.

Outline consent has also been obtained for a second phase of development which will further increase the park’s capacity in the future. Many of the holiday homes will have spectacular views across the two lakes which sit at the heart of the park, and around which extensive landscaping and biodiversity work will be taking place.

Both lakes attract a myriad of wildlife, including many different migratory and native bird species which the park is working closely with Northumberland Wildlife Trust to help protect. There will also be many other conservation projects in the park’s grounds, including the creation of new wildlife habitats and the planting of native trees and shrubs.

Also planned is a wildlife meadow to provide foraging for honey bees and butterflies, plus wetland areas in which protected plants and animals can flourish. Leisure facilities on the multi-million-pound development will be provided for guests and holiday home owners, plus a bar and restaurant where locally sourced food will feature on the menu.

ARGYLL HOLIDAYS JOIN COVE UK

Posted on April 27, 2022

ARGYLL HOLIDAYS JOIN COVE UK

ALLAN CAMPBELL (Argyll), Mark Seaton (Cove UK), Keith Campbell (Argyll) pictured at Loch Lomond Holiday Park.

One of Scotland’s leading holiday brands has been sold to international resort operator Cove Communities. Argyll Holidays, which owns eight holiday parks across Argyll and Bute, will be the fifth acquisition by Cove Communities under Mark Seaton as Managing Director of Cove UK.

Cove Communities is continuing its UK expansion following its first purchase which was the Bunn Leisure Family Resort, a 300 acre site in Selsey, West Sussex, now marketed as Seal Bay Resort. Cove also recently bought Medmerry Park, near Chichester which adds to its previous acquisitions of Gwel an Mor in Cornwall and Kings Park in Essex. Owned by the Campbell family who started out as sheep farmers, Argyll was established in 1967 with the development of its flagship park, Drimsynie Estate. Since then, it has grown to a group of eight holiday parks in and around the breathtaking Loch Lomond and Trossachs region of Scotland, just an hour’s drive north of Glasgow.

Keith Campbell, Director of Argyll Holidays, said: “Whilst we have been approached over the years by different buyers, Cove was the first company that we felt understood what we stand for and could continue what we started.” Cove UK is intent on building on Argyll Holidays strong reputation and commitment to serving its owners, guests and the local community for years to come. Cove UK has a pledge to source at least 20% of produce locally, build local partnerships and actively engage in local community initiatives. Cove UK’s Go Wild outdoor activities and environmental education programme is already flourishing at its other Parks including Seal Bay Resort (formerly Bunn Leisure) in West Sussex and Gwel an Mor in Cornwall.

Mark Seaton, Cove UK Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to add Argyll to our portfolio and will continue the exceptional work that the Campbell family has started. “Most importantly we will grow and develop the vision of Argyll under Cove, through sustainable business practices, a commitment to environmental conservation and investment in people and the local community.”

AN INSPECTOR CALLS

Posted on February 16, 2022

AN INSPECTOR CALLS

AA unveil latest national destination gongs…

 

SOUTH EAST ENGLAND regional champions were Swiss Farm Touring & Camping, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire

 

Returning for the first time since 2019, the AA has unveiled its UK’s top campsites and caravanning UK destinations with the announcement of the 2021 Caravan and Camping Award winners in a virtual ceremony.
This year’s Campsite of the Year for England, and Overall Winner, was revealed as South Lytchett Manor Caravan & Camping Park, Poole, Dorset. Brighouse Bay Holiday Park, Brighouse Bay, Dumfries & Galloway took the prize for Scotland and Pencelli Castle Caravan & Camping Park, Brecon, Powys won the top award for Wales.
In addition to regional campsite categories, other awards included Holiday Centre of the Year, which was awarded to Park Foot Caravan & Camping Park, Pooley Bridge, Cumbria and Glamping Site of the Year, which went to Concierge Glamping, Chichester, West Sussex, which previously won Regional Campsite of the Year South East in 2019.
“We are delighted to announce the winners of the Caravan and Camping Awards 2021 and have the opportunity to celebrate those sites offering holidaymakers the highest quality camping and caravanning experiences,” Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Media.

 

 

“As the hospitality industry has reopened over the past few months, we have seen British tourists exploring the UK more than ever, enjoying incredible campsites and caravan parks across the country. We hope that our latest Caravan and Camping Guide helps them discover even more fantastic holiday destinations, including our wonderful winners.”
All Caravan and Camping Award winners are featured in the 54th edition of the AA Caravan and Camping Guide 2022, the ultimate guide to the UK’s best camping and caravanning destinations.
Each site included in the guide have been visited by one of the AA’s experienced Campsite Inspectors, grading sites from one to five Pennants, based on their facilities and hospitality.
Only the parks of the very highest standard are awarded the coveted Platinum Pennant award. Each entry within the guide includes location, ratings, contact details, directions, prices, opening times, facilities and a description to help select the right site for your needs.

 

SIX-UP FOR CENTER PARCS IN UK

Posted on August 6, 2021

SIX-UP FOR CENTER PARCS IN UK

WEST SUSSEX has been identified as the sixth UK village site for Center Parcs with trademark accommodation like these waterside lodges at Elveden Forest.

Center Parcs has confirmed it has identified a site for its sixth UK village having secured an option agreement to acquire 553 acres of woodland off Balcombe Road in Worth, West Sussex. The forest at Oldhouse Warren, near Crawley, has been chosen because of its location (to the south of London) and its excellent transport links. The development is expected to cost between £350m and £400m and will create around 1,500 permanent local jobs once operational, as well as around 1,000 jobs during construction.

Center Parcs anticipate the development will add an additional £40m to the local economy each year. CEO Martin Dalby said: “It’s really exciting to have identified a potential site for another Center Parcs village in the UK. “The proposal we will be submitting will create a significant number of jobs and bring major benefits to the local and national economy.” Center Parcs has five villages across the UK and Ireland; Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, Elveden Forest in Suffolk, Longleat Forest inWiltshire, Whinfell Forest in Cumbria,Woburn Forest in Bedfordshire and Longford Forest in County Longford, Ireland.

Each village is nestled within 350- 400 acres of woodland with a variety of activities to choose from, restaurants and cafes. There is also a Subtropical Swimming Paradise and award-winning spa called Aqua Sana. As the leader in the UK short break holiday market, Center Parcs achieves average annual occupancy in excess of 97%. Center Parcs’ villages are sympathetically designed to blend into the existing landscape, with no visual impact on the surrounding area, and the company is committed to both protecting and enhancing the forests in which their holiday villages are located.

Sustainability is at the heart of the Center Parcs ethos and the new village will be constructed and operated in the most sustainable way possible. Hoping to submit a planning application in 2022, work is now underway on rigorous site surveys, detailed designs and pre-planning works to make sure the woodland meets the specific requirements for a Center Parcs village, as well as beginning a programme of community engagement with the local area. In line with the other Center Parcs villages, it is intended that the site at Oldhouse Warren will include lodges, a range of indoor and outdoor leisure facilities, a Subtropical Swimming Paradise, a variety of restaurants and shops and an Aqua Sana Spa.

Seaside Specials

Posted on June 29, 2018

Seaside Specialsseaside specials

Award-winning holiday park business Bunn Leisure has announced new plans for its 300-acre holiday complex on the stunning Selsey Peninsula in West Sussex.
Midway through a £17m investment programme, the family-run holiday park company is continuing to reap the rewards of a buoyant domestic tourism market, reporting a five per cent increase in turnover from 2016 to 2017.

Split into three holiday villages and a touring park, Bunn Leisure has already built a £5m new head office and reception building and is due to open a £12m new state-of-the-art entertainment complex at the end of the year, which will include a Riviera-style swimming pool and changing village, fully covered multi sports zone, numerous restaurants and bars and an exclusive lounge, a full size 10-pin bowling alley and a new entertainment venue seating 1,250. Boasting a beautiful seaside location in Selsey on the West Sussex coast, happy campers can pitch a tent or roll up in a caravan or camper and enjoy the park’s luxury 5-star facilities – perfect for when the weather doesn’t play ball. Warner Farm offers blue skies and fresh air, backed up by a host of children’s clubs and activities, and a fun leisure complex.

PRIVATE BEACH

Bunn Leisure’s mile-long stretch of sand and shingle beach runs in front of the park, perfect for sandcastle-building, swimming and sunset strolls.Warner Farm
All of the holiday park’s villages and attractions are linked by a free bus service and Bunni Express road train, and there are plenty of activities to make the week fl y by, from a fun leisure pool and spa to tennis, football, go-karts and fairground rides.
Bunn Leisure spends nearly £2m on its entertainment every year, with headline acts such as Billy Ocean, Gareth Gates, Heather Small, Right Said Fred, Robin Windsor and many more.
Managing Director John Bunn has now announced plans for the holiday park’s exclusive mile of private beach, which will include a new fi sh and chip shop, a beach side café and a beach shop to be built next year.
Continued investment across the parks will also see an extended go kart track, introduction of branded quick service restaurants, and further holiday homes sited on a new 92-base development on Claudia’s Field.
John Bunn said: “With the continuing growth of domestic tourism and the rise of the staycation, we are busier than ever, and 2017 was a record-breaking year for us.”
“We are investing in fantastic new facilities across all our parks - clearly demonstrating our ongoing commitment as an innovative leader in the UK family holiday sector.
“The money we are putting into these latest improvements takes the total reinvestment in the parks to over £40m since 2012.”

 

AT A GLANCE

Location : Selsey, West Essex
Season : March To January
Accommodation : 2500 static caravan pitches on a 300 acre site
Owner Occupied : Over 2000 Holiday homes
Other Attractions : Kids's clubs, evening entertainment and access to the Oasis pool complex is completely free.

 

£14m Upgrade

Posted on March 7, 2017
Bunn Leisure is investing heavily this year in improving its on-site facilities.

Bunn Leisure is investing heavily this year in improving its on-site facilities.

£14m Upgrade

Bunn Leisure, a five-star holiday village complex in West Sussex, has embarked on an ambitious £14m refurbishment programme, which will create jobs and provide a welcome boost to the local economy. The first phase of the plans passed by Chichester District Council will see the creation of a new head office and main visitor reception, with a new entertainment complex and improvements at the White Horse and Green Lawns sites following 12 months later.

John Bunn, managing director of the 300-acre park, said: “Bunn Leisure offers outstanding family holidays at our four wonderful parks and this refurbishment programme will enable us to provide an even better service. “We begin 2017 investing heavily in our facilities and it shows our ongoing commitment to be an innovative leader in the family holiday sector. “Our park employs 350 full-time and 350 seasonal staff, and we welcome 100,000 holidaymakers every year.

Bunn Leisure already generates more than £60m for the local economy, and we hope these developments will create future employment opportunities and increase our popularity as a tourist destination.”