Lakes holiday park chiefs turn tourist at visitor hot-spots

Caravan park owners from Cumbria swapped their pitches for a peek behind the scenes of two top Lakeland tourist destinations in the run-up to Easter.

The group of mainly family-owned businesses said they wanted to experience first-hand the type of attractions they so often recommend to their guests.

On their itinerary were Ullswater Steamers in Glenridding and Lowther Castle near Penrith, and at both the delegates were provided with a private tour of the enterprises.

It’s the first of what is hoped will be a series of visits this year to visitor hot-spots by members of the Cumbria branch of the holiday parks’ trade association BH&HPA.

The branch represents around 100 parks in the Lake District, and is chaired by David Jackson of Castlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping Park in Keswick:

“All of our parks welcome thousands of visitors each year, and we’re often asked by families for tips on the best places to visit in Cumbria,” said David.

“We know from the feedback we get that suggestions such as cruising on Ullswater and exploring the grounds of Lowther Castle are always well received.

“But this year we decided we wanted to add a personal slant to our recommendations, and are taking time out to see Cumbria as others see it.

“Our first tour left us in no doubt that the Lake District’s attractions are absolutely unbeatable!” added David whose park has been owned by the Jackson family since 1938.

Other officials of BH&HPA’s Cumbria branch include branch director Henry Wild of Skelwith Fold caravan park in Ambleside, branch treasurer Daniel Holder of The Quiet Site in Penrith, vice chairman Mark Molyneaux of Kendal Caravans, and branch secretary Andrew Morris of Avon Wood Holiday Park in Newby Bridge.