Skelwith Fold crowned as Lakeland's top park
Skelwith Fold Caravan Park in Ambleside is the Lake District's new holiday champion. That was the decision of judges in the 2010 Cumbria Tourism Awards who this month (11 May 2010) presented the Holiday Park of the Year accolade the business's Henry Wild.
Skelwith Fold shares the honour with Woodclose Park of Kirkby Lonsdale on the Lancashire border, and means that both parks now go through to represent Cumbria in the Northwest Tourism Awards later this year.
The Holiday Park of the Year prize for Skelwith Fold came with two special tributes from the judges. They singled out both the quality of the welcome provided by staff, and the park's commitment to conservation, sustainability, and helping visitors to enjoy its abundant wildlife.
Both factors, they decided, were major contributors to Skelwith Fold's success in "offering a world class experience for its guests".
The 130-acre park - set in the former grounds of a country mansion - provides secluded woodland pitches for touring caravans and motorhomes. It is also has 300 luxury caravan holiday homes which are privately owned, plus facilities including a park shop specialising in local produce.
Skelwith Fold's championing of the natural world has previously been celebrated by various bodies. Last year, it scooped a top gold accolade in the prestigious David Bellamy Conservation Awards, and was also praised by Prince Charles on its success in establishing red squirrel colonies.
Helping guests to explore and enjoy the surroundings - which include a mystical tarn in a wooded glade - is a network of paths and trails around the park. In addition to red squirrels, Skelwith's wildlife residents include red deer, badgers, foxes and a wide variety of bird species.
The decision to award Skelwith Fold the joint overall award for Cumbrian Park of the Year was made after a judging process which included site visits from an independent inspection team, and "mystery shopper" tests to evaluate the quality of visitor experience.
According to Henry Wild, this latest accolade for the park has special significance as it recognises two important aspects of what Skelwith strives for:
"Many guests' memories of a holiday are formed by the quality of the welcome they receive, and the friendliness of staff. We have tried to develop customer-focused policies across everything we do, and I think this pays real dividends in helping visitors get the most from their stay here.
"At the same time, we want to help guests enjoy the natural world and come closer to the countryside, and I'm delighted that the judges also saw as an important part of what we offer.
"Everyone here is absolutely delighted with Cumbria Tourism's award, and it's wonderful to have received it right at the start of the holiday season," added Henry.
More information from Skelwith Fold's brochure (call 015394 32277), and from its website at www.skelwith.com. Or follow the park on Facebook at www.facebook.com/skelwithfold