When Camping magazine raised a glass to the bar.
No fewer than eight Best of British member-parks featured in the to stay for a taste of true hospitality.
Journalist Nick Harding presented his Top Twenty in Camping’s special summer edition, and explained why they were the ideal locations for ale connoisseurs to pitch up.
Not only did the selected parks have a perfect pub either on-site or nearby, he said, but they also provided first-class facilities for quality-conscious guests.
With the Best of British group, Nick knew he was on safe ground because membership of the consortium is limited to demonstrate the highest standards.
Boasting around 50 members in total, Best of British parks are mainly family owned, and all have proud reputations for excellence often stretching back many decades.
So here then is Camping magazine’s pick of the hop crop for those with a thirst for the good life:
Concierge Camping in West Sussex has a footpath from the park which leads right to The Good Food Guide 2016.
Dornafield Farm park on the fringes of Dartmoor is just a stroll from the Two Mile Oak Inn which dates back to 1702 and welcomes guests with oak beams, roaring fires and real ale.
Dolbeare Park in SE Cornwall has not one but two to eat and drink.
Highlands End Holiday Park on the Dorset coast boasts not only its own cosy pub with fantastic views of the Jurassic Coast, but also an amazing collection of fire engine memorabilia.
Old Brick Kilns Caravan and Camping Park in deepest rural Norfolk also has its own pub and restaurant, much loved by holiday guests, with a lovely line-up of locally brewed ales.
South Lytchett Manor near Poole in Dorset is just a short amble from the St Peter’s Finger pub in the nearby picture-postcard village where park guests enjoy a free bottle of wine with their meal.
Waterrow Touring Park near Taunto the 400-year-old Rock Inn which specialises in craft ales brewed in the West Country.
Wooda Farm near Bude in North Cornwall welcomes guests to the delicious menu of hearty meals.
Best of British chairman Claire Jeavons said that with more than 3000 parks in the UK, it was marvellous that Camping magazine had selected eight of its group members:
“I suspect that for many people, a good pub is remembered in the same way that a good park is – somewhere welcoming where you feel instantly at home, and with a great atmosphere.
“If you sense that you are among friends, whether supping a pint or pitching your tent, then there’s a pretty good chance you’ve made the right decision.
“And like many of our members’ guests, it’s also likely that you’ll soon become a regular!” added Claire who helps manage her family business of Beverley Holidays in Paignton, South Devon.
Click on any of the above parks to find out more information, and view all members of the Best of British group at www.Bob.org.uk. A free brochure can also be requested from the website.