Ulwell Holiday Park Beer Garden
Guests raise glasses to Ulwell Holiday Park beer garden – a fabulous newly-opened addition where sustainability sits alongside al-fresco drinking and dining. Ulwell Holiday Park in Swanage, owned by the Orchard and Scadden families for over 40 years, unveiled the new feature at its Village Inn this summer, and guests are delighted.
A popular meeting venue for both park customers and local residents, the pub’s garden aims to create all-natural surroundings where local produce is a main focus of the menu.
Guests can choose from a variety of outdoor seating areas, including intimate tables tucked away in the woodland where native trees provide wildlife habitats.
Popular Swanage Holiday Park with Village Pub
Much admired is the garden’s new willow walkway crafted from willow stems – known as “withies” – grown on the park, and once used by local fishermen to craft crab and lobster pots.
Many of the timber furnishings and other features of the garden are hand-built, using traditional carpentry skills, from a large oak tree which was felled by recent storms
In order to minimise food miles and to showcase West Country cuisine, ingredients for many of the restaurant’s freshly prepared dishes are sourced from local suppliers.
Ales also have just a short distance to travel, and are supplied by Palmers Brewery in Bridport which has been producing craft beer for more than 230 years.
Outdoor TV, BBQs and Evening Activities
After dark, the Ulwell Holiday Park beer garden takes on a magical quality with festoon lighting glowing among the trees.
But the Village Inn doesn’t ignore more modern attractions, and guests can also enjoy watching sport and other not-to-be-missed broadcasts on a wide-screen outdoor TV.
Special events are also laid on, ranging from barbecues and a Caribbean night – and youngsters are also well provided for and can let off steam in an adjacent active play area.
Ideal for Locals and Holiday Guests
Nestled beneath the Purbeck Hills and just a short walk from Swanage town centre and its popular beach, Ulwell Holiday Park boasts a host of guest facilities including a swimming pool.
Park managing director Kevin Orchard commented: “The decision to invest in this project followed a thorough review of the Village Inn’s facilities during the winter months.
“This assessment identified a unique opportunity to create a distinctive environment that serves both the local community and visitors to the holiday park. Insightful discussions with Josh Palmer-Ramus of Palmers Brewery in Bridport were pivotal in shaping the project.
“Palmers provided essential support, not only with the cellar work required to facilitate the outdoor bar but also by sharing their extensive experience of how other hostelries had benefited from similar developments.
“This insight was incredibly helpful in verifying the project’s viability The initial project was executed in just 12 weeks under the expertise of main contractor and project manager, Phil Watkins of Rene William, and Howard Day of Day Carpentry.
Family Fun Holiday Park in Swanage
“Their commitment, skill, and innovative use of materials, including many sourced from the site itself, have achieved a natural and cohesive space that has far exceeded our expectations.
“Despite the beer garden only opening ahead of the May Day weekend and the adverse early season weather, initial observations indicate that the investment is yielding very favourable outcomes.
“While the new space has already attracted attention and positive feedback from park guests and locals, the increased footfall and trade, especially from non-residents, has underscored its potential as a valuable addition to the park’s infrastructure,” said Kevin.
A member of the British Holiday & Home Parks Association, the park provides luxury holiday caravans to rent and to own, plus pitches for touring caravans, motorhomes and tents.
There is more information about the park at www.ulwellholidaypark.co.uk – and the Village Inn has its own website at www.villageinn-swanage.co.uk
