Dorset holiday parks centre stage in Broadchurch boom

Fans of TV drama Broadchurch have set the scenes for a record year of visitors to West Dorset, according to a major holiday parks group in the region.

West Dorset Leisure Holidays says bookings are currently up 25% on last year’s figures as families go in search of the picturesque vistas and seascapes seen on screen.

The final series of the award-winning drama finished in April, and the parks’ general manager James Cox said that enquiries began to swell from the first episode.

“We experienced similar uplifts during the first two series of Broadchurch, and many of those guests became repeat visitors – so obviously the county lives up to expectations!” he said.

“Now with this latest wave of demand, we are expecting to see the busiest year yet for our business, and will be helping to point families to some of the locations seen on television.

“Our holidaymakers spend literally millions of pounds each year in the region, and support many local small businesses and the people they employ.

“So overall, Broadchurch has proved a massive boom for Dorset’s visitor economy,” added James.

Family-owned West Dorset Leisure Holidays owns five holiday parks in the region, including its flagship Highlands End Holiday Park in Bridport.

The parks variously provide luxury holiday caravans, lodges, apartments and bungalows for rent, plus “glamping” stays and pitches for touring caravans, motorhomes and tents.

All parts of the business have seen booking figures rise, says James, and there has also been an uplift in sales of new and pre-owned caravan holiday homes.

This is especially encouraging, he says, as it shows evidence of people making a long-term commitment to taking holidays in Dorset.

James says the company has invested heavily over the past 12 months in increasing the number of facilities and types of accommodation it offers.

At Highlands End, the doors opened this year on Martin’s Bar and Restaurant after a full refurbishment, and where specialities include fresh Dorset produce and locally brewed ales.

There is also an acclaimed leisure club which incorporates a pool, sauna, and fully-equipped gym.

Highlands End, like others in the group, has received a host of awards for the quality of its surroundings and for the parks’ care for the natural environment.

There is more information about West Dorset Leisure Holidays at www.wdlh.co.uk