Awards stage is set for Dorset park family
The family owners of a Dorset holiday park are celebrating this autumn after learning that their business has been short-listed for a major regional tourism award.
Newlands Holiday Park in Charmouth has beaten scores of other eligible parks in the county to win a place among the finalists in the 2016 Dorset Tourism Awards.
Now the Ireland family must wait for the finals of the awards in mid-October to discover if they have won the overall accolade in the camping, caravan and holiday park category.
News of the park’s success came as an especially welcome surprise to the family as this was their first ever entry into the awards since acquiring Newlands 18 years ago.
The 23-acre park was bought in 1998 by Jackie and Rex Ireland, and is managed by them today with help from their family.
Over the years, the family has invested much time, energy and resources into creating a first-class holiday centre in picture-postcard countryside near Dorset’s spectacular Jurassic Coast.
Their reward has been to see an ever-growing number of visitors from the UK and overseas, and a raft of awards for the quality of their surroundings and facilities.
Honours include a top five-star tourist board grading, a maximum five-pennant award from the AA, an environmental accolade, and many glowing online reviews from holidaymakers.
Guests can purchase holiday homes, use its seasonal pitches, rent one of the park’s holiday homes, which include lodges, apartments and holiday caravans, stay in a glamping pod, or bring their own touring caravan, motorhome or tent.
Within the last year, Newlands has invested around a half-million pounds in guest facilities on the park, and this winter the family are planning phase two of the development.
Among the projects has been a major make-over of the park’s visitor complex which includes the popular Tow Bar, restaurant, and lounge with entertainment in summer months.
Guests also have use of heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools, play areas, a recreational field and a huge choice of delightful walks starting and finishing on the park.
Natalie Ireland said that Newlands’ shortlisting in the 2016 Dorset Tourism Awards was very much the result of a team effort:
“We know from the many comments we receive on social media that people love not just our location and facilities, but also the friendliness and welcoming atmosphere.
“Great credit for this must go not only to the partners but our dedicated and hard-working team for helping to create the amazing loyalty which Newlands enjoys among guests.
“I hope the publicity from these awards will also help other local tourism providers by shining the spotlight on West Dorset as a holiday destination,” added Natalie.
Natalie also paid special tribute to park receptionist Joanna Boschis who co-ordinated the business’s entry into the Dorset Tourism Awards.
The winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony due to be held on 13 October at the Bovington Tank Museum.
There is more information about the park at www.newlandsholidays.co.uk
