ONE OF THE SOUTH WEST’S top destinations for campers and the owners of motorhomes and touring caravans has been officially named as Lynmouth Holiday Retreat near Exmoor.
The family-owned business beat hundreds of other eligible parks to take the silver accolade in the Camping and Caravanning Park category of this month’s South West Tourism Excellence Awards.
Judges announced their decision at the glittering awards ceremony at the Great Hall of the University of Exeter, attended by tourism chiefs and other VIP guests from across SW England.
Stepping up to receive their family’s winning trophy at the South West Tourism Awards were the park’s founders Ian James and his son Chris, plus Ian’s wife Francesca.
The verdict of the award judges was based on a detailed study of Lynmouth Holiday Retreat’s high standards of excellence, and the glowing feedback provided by customers.
Also commended was the park’s commitment to sustainable tourism, and its achievements in protecting wildlife and creating new habitats, including the planting of over 500 native trees.
Lynmouth Holiday Retreat is one of four award-winning holiday parks in Devon, Somerset and Cornwall owned by the family’s 35-year-old business, Coast & Country Parks.
The group’s parks provide not just pitches for tents, touring caravan and motorhomes but also luxury holiday homes to own and to rent.
Ian said everyone was delighted that Lynmouth Holiday Retreat had been singled out by judges as one of the South West’s top destinations for people seeking a perfect rural escape:
“It’s fantastic to receive this award at the start of the 2024 holiday season, and it underlines our commitment to excellence and providing the best possible experience for customers,” he said.
“What makes us especially proud is that the South West Tourism Award judges looked not just at the quality of our facilities, but also at the high standards hospitality we provide.
“Delivering this is largely in the hands of our park team, and they deserve a big share of the credit for their crucial role in creating a warm, welcoming and friendly atmosphere,” said Ian.
He said that plans to enhance the guest experience even further at Lynmouth Holiday Retreat were planned for 2024, and included the introduction of new luxury glamping accommodation.
A series of wellness events is also being planned along with other activities, plus an extension to the range of locally-sourced food and drink available from the park’s mini-farm shop.
Taking the gold award in the competition was Wareham Forest Tourist Park near Poole in Dorset.
Wareham Forest, like Lynmouth Holiday Retreat, is a member of the British Holiday & Home Parks Association of which Ian James was recently elected as National Chairman.
There is more information about Lynmouth Holiday Retreat and other members of Coast & Country Parks on the company’s website at www.coastandcountryparks.co.uk