NORTH NORFOLK leisure group The Holkham Estate has announced its acquisition of six holiday parks belonging to major regional operator McDonnell Caravans.
The deal also includes the company’s flourishing holiday caravan and luxury lodge distributorship.
The award-winning parks are based in Snettisham, Heacham, Thornham, Holme-next-the-Sea and Brancaster, and McDonnell Caravans has now become a subsidiary of Holkham Holiday Parks.
McDonnell Caravans has been led by Mike McDonnell for over 30 years, and Mike is now acting in a consultancy role with Holkham whilst retaining ownership of two holiday parks in Hunstanton.
Holkham Holiday Parks’ MD Darren Williams said that the company was delighted to welcome the existing team at McDonnell Caravans to the company, and that they will continue in their present roles.
“We have acquired a well-run business and will be bringing to it a commitment to provide holiday caravan owners with a place where they can always look forward to staying,” said Darren.
“In addition, we are equally committed to running a caravan distribution and sales business which provides choice, value, efficiency and full-service support to caravan park owners throughout our region.
“I very much look forward to working with the McDonnell Caravans team and helping them to continue running this admirable business,” he added.
Mike McDonnell commented, “My father founded the company in 1966, and I took it over in 1983. After 41 years at the helm, this is the right time for me to scale back my involvement.
“I am very proud of the business I have built and the quality of all its parks, and I am now pleased to see six of these being taken forward by the Holkham Estate.
“They will, I am confident, carry on with the same commitment to running exceptional parks that has worked so well for me,” said Mike.
Holkham Estate is a highly diversified rural estate on the North Norfolk coast which has successfully embraced visitor, tourism and leisure activities.
Holkham welcomes over one million visitors each year to the visitor destinations and businesses which it owns and manages.
These include the award-winning Wells-next-the-Sea beach, Holkham beach, Holkham National Nature Reserve, the magnificent Holkham Hall and Park, Pinewoods Holiday Park, and The Victoria hotel and restaurant at Holkham.