ULWELL HOLIDAY PARK in Swanage has been named at the Dorset Tourism Awards as one of the county’s top destinations for creating happy holiday memories.
The family-run business was declared by judges as the winner of the Silver accolade in the Holiday Park of the Year category of the closely-fought competition.
The announcement was made at a glittering awards ceremony held at Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth in October 2026.
It was attended by business leaders from across Dorset, and Ulwell’s award was presented jointly to managing director Kevin Orchard and fellow director Alan Scadden.
Kevin said he was both proud and humbled by the judges’ decision – and admitted an element of surprise as this was the first time the park had entered the competition in its 80-year history!
The award, he added, was the icing on the cake after a busy and successful season for the park during which it welcomed visitors from across the UK and mainland Europe:
“Our entire team also need to take a bow for helping us achieve this honour, not least because the Dorset Tourism judges base their decisions on a number of different factors,” said Kevin.
“As well as parks’ quality standards, they also look at the hospitality and service provided – and delivering this is entirely in the hands of our loyal and hardworking team.
“Our staff members also go the extra mile in helping Ulwell Holiday Park engage with the local community, including the charity fundraising events which we stage,” he said.
These included a summer fete which took place in August as part of Ulwell’s three-day Summer Fun Week, and was the brainchild of reception manager Stephen Norman who also oversaw the event.
“Everyone had a fantastic time, and after the fun was over we were delighted to be able to make a sizeable donation to Motor Neurone Disease Association,” said Kevin.
Plans for 2027 include expanding and enhancing the fête with a local beer and produce festival featuring live music, alongside the fete games and activities enjoyed this year.
The park has been owned by the Orchard and Scadden families for over eight decades, and provides touring pitches as well as glamping pods and holiday homes to rent and own.
Ulwell’s recent improvements include a new reception building, plus a SPAR shop and the adjoining Pantry coffee shop.
There is more information about the park, an active member of the Holiday and Residential Parks Association (HARPA), on its website at www.ulwellholidaypark.co.uk