UK holiday parks are enjoying a renaissance, and it’s easy to see why. Let’s Stay takes a look at what went wrong, the reasons behind the revival and what’s on offer.
Holiday parks have been something of a national institution, and for years British families have made their annual pilgrimage to their favourite holiday camp looking for food, drink and family entertainment all under the one roof.
Holiday parks – or camps as they were better known – provided the affordable holiday option for millions of families. However, as overseas trips became more affordable in the 70s (mostly in the shape of cheap package holidays), the UK holiday park industry staggered into what appeared to be an irreversible decline, unable to compete with the guaranteed sun of the now more affordable foreign holiday.
The words ‘holiday camp’ began to leave people cold, conjuring visions of grotty accommodation, tawdry entertainment and abysmal food. It had all become very Hi-de-Hi, and the 80s saw several notable holiday camp firms closing numerous sites as the perception and reputation of holiday parks quickly went south.
Happily, the last ten years or so has seen a quiet revolution in the quality and range of holiday parks in the UK, and an increase in sales and rentals has duly followed.
The standard of accommodation has undergone a major shift, with a fortune invested in upgrading from basic digs to quality rooms with room service, flatscreen TVs and super-comfy beds. The days of cobweb-covered heaters hanging precariously off the walls and poky single beds are long gone, and the facilities now are first class with much-improved catering and entertainment also evident.
Let’s be fair – pre-1990s a standard day at a holiday park would likely involve an indoor swim, some chips for lunch and an Elvis impersonator or darts exhibition in the evening. And that was basically your lot.
How times have changed. You might want to stay in a delightful log cabin in a woodland setting, or even a treehouse, and indulge in some outdoor pursuits such as cycling or pony trekking. Safari tents, specialist themed parks, coastal waterparks, inland waterparks and luxury lodges are just some of the multitude of options available.
Holiday parks today are assessed, inspected and graded annually, and you can even find five star holiday parks. Darwin Forest Country Park is one, and has won the coveted David Bellamy Gold Conservation Award for the last 12 years running. Set in 44 acres of stunning woodland on the edge of the Peak District, Darwin Forest's self catering pinelodges provide an ideal setting for a memorable family break.
More and more parks now offer self catering options rather than providing full or half board only. Some of the more well-known chain parks have gone a step further and don’t offer any catering at all, instead inviting well-known restaurants and fast food outlets to provide food on the site.
Whitemead Forest Park is a great example of the diversity on offer. You can book one of the 110 pitches and come along with your caravan or tent, or alternatively stay in one of their detached log cabins. Providing dog friendly accommodation, Whitemead is truly one for all the family.
The experience has completely diversified, and with over 3,500 holiday parks in Britain you’re all but guaranteed to find one that suits perfectly your family’s needs.
Sean Cummins
April 2011
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