Family’s joy as their Poole park is named best in South West

Holiday guests ride out to explore Dorset’s delightful scenery from South Lytchett Manor’s gated entrance

THE FAMILY OWNERS of a Poole glamping park, South Lytchett Manor, say they were “knocked for six” after learning they had scooped a major tourism award this April.

Judges in the South West Tourism Excellence awards (22 April) announced that the park had taken the overall gold title in the Camping and Caravanning Park of the Year category.

This year’s awards ceremony was held as a virtual event, and was watched by hundreds of tourism chiefs in Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and the Isles of Scilly.

Joanne and David Bridgen, who run park with their son Matt, said they were stunned to have beaten scores of other eligible parks across England’s South West.

“It’s wonderful that Dorset will be the home of this trophy for the next twelve months, and will help highlight the county as a fantastic holiday destination,” said Joanne.

Snug glamping accommodation also comes with all home comforts

“I hope this will benefit all parts of our tor spending.

“This award means a lot to us as the judges based their decision not just at the quality of our park’s facilities, but also the standards of hospitality we provide.

“Creating a happy and friendly atmosphere has always been important to us, and our staff team play a big part in ensuring that guests enjoy the best possible experience.

“That’s why they deserve a massive share of the credit for this achievement,” said Joanne.

Not that South Lytchett Manor is any stranger top VisitEngland grading and the AA five pennant platinum award amongst other honours.

Joanne said that in the weeks before holiday parks were allowed to re-open on 12 April, bookings had been pouring in – and had since gathered even greater momentum.

Guests at the park can bring their own moto stay in one of South Lytchett Manor’s many glamping options.

These include picturesque Romany caravans fully fitted out with all home comforts, cosy shepherd’s huts, and six new glamping pods which were installed during the recent lockdown.

The park is a member of the Best of British group which comprises some 50 independently-run parks with top quality ratings based throughout the UK.

There is more information about South Lytchett Manor, as well as its range of accommodation, on its website at www.southlytchettmanor.co.uk

Romany caravans hand-crafted and painted in Dorset provide guests with a memorable holiday experience