William Coleman
The AA have named the Skelwith Fold caravan park, in Ambelside, as North West England’s top holiday destination for touring caravan, motorhome owners as well as glampers.
An AA award is something all sites and holiday destinations strive to achieve. An award win brings a level of prestige and validation. The family run Skelwith park bested hundreds of other eligible parks to take the NW Campsite of the year title. The award was presented to business owner Henry Wild at a special award ceremony at February’s NEC Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show.
The site sits on an 130-acre park which achieved its high award following a visit from a secret shopper visit from an AA inspector. Following the visit the secret shopper reported that this is one of the best campsites I have ever stayed on. Some incredibly high praise for the park and its owners.
Henry Wild said that the AA’s top regional accolade was a fantastic start to the 2018 season for the park which his family has owned for over 20 years.
The award follows the park being crowned last year as Lakeland’s top holiday park in the Cumbria Tourism Awards when it took the overall gold place in the competition.
However, said Henry, the AA award has a special significance because it looks particularly closely at the standards of service and levels of hospitality provided for touring guests:
“We know that the memories which visitors take away are fashioned not just by the quality of the surroundings, but also by the warmth of the atmosphere of the park,” he said.
“Providing this is very much in the hands of our staff team at Skelwith, and they must take a major share of the credit for our friendly reputation.
“They are always prepared to go the extra mile to make holiday guests feel welcome and at home, and to help them get the most out of their stay.
“We knew we were up against some extremely tough competition in these awards from other excellent North West parks, so everyone is naturally delighted with the result,” he added.
So it seems that 2018 has started off well across the board for the industry. With high awards being given as well as extremely high numbers of tourers embracing winter holidays.
The AA report on Skelwith Fold said: “This exceptional park is very much in tune with the natural oak woodland in which it sits, and through which a network of paths has been created.
“Very high quality is at the forefront of every aspect of this park, with first-class toilet facilities.
“The needs of tourers are met through generously-sized pitches in peaceful woodland glades, and the views of the fells from the five-acre family recreation area are truly outstanding.
“Wildlife watching and walking are readily available, and four luxurious Hideaway pods with every amenity are located in a tranquil clearing on the park.
“Skelwith Fold is a unique blend of modern and extremely high quality amenities which deliver exactly what the discerning visitor looks for in the beautiful Lake District,” it concluded.
