By William Coleman
The hopes are running high at a North Yorkshire Dales holiday park this month as the family, as well as the hard working staff, who own the site work their way to the finals of the prestigious 2018 White Rose Awards this summer.
Judges of the awards have declared that Riverside Caravan Park in the village of High Bentham to be among the very best holiday providers in the country. Something I feel all sites should be striving towards to help the continued growth and success of the “staycation” movement.
Now that the business have been announced and finalists the owners, Thomas and Jane Marshall, must wait with on tender hooks until 12 November to find out if they will take away the top prize as overall winner in the holiday parks category.
The finals will take place at a glittering ceremony at Harrogate Conference Centre attended by top tourism chiefs and other VIP guests from across North Yorkshire.
The White Rose Awards are described as Britain’s biggest regional awards scheme for the tourism and hospitality industry which is worth around £8 billion to North Yorkshire’s economy.
Riverside’s shortlisting comes during what Thomas Marshall says could be the park’s busiest ever summer in its 49-year history.
In its tranquil rural setting, Riverside provides over 250 caravan holiday homes and luxury lodges, as well as glamping pods and pitches for touring caravans and motorhomes.
Blossoming in the White Rose Awards: judges say that Riverside is among the best parks in North Yorkshire
Thomas says that everyone was delighted with the news that the park would be put under the spotlight in the finals of the White Rose Awards:
“It’s an especially pleasing because an important criterion of these awards is the hospitality and quality of welcome which is provided to holiday guests,” he said.
“Delivering this is very much in the hands of our loyal and hardworking staff, so they deserve a large share of the credit for this achievement.
“I hope the publicity will also benefit other tourism businesses in the area by putting the focus on North Yorkshire as a fantastic place for family holidays,” Thomas added.
Thomas and Jane are helped in the running of their business by their daughter Isabel. There is more information about the park at Caerphilly County Borough Council
