Secret Garden Glamping launches first overseas location thanks to franchise scheme
Britain’s highest profile glamping firm – Secret Garden Glamping – has opened its first accommodation outside of the UK – just over the water in the Republic of Ireland. The new location near Wexford, in the south eastern corner of the country, launched in February thanks to the company’s new franchise scheme – which seeks to leverage the brand name, first made famous on BBC Dragon’s Den. Derry Green, founder and owner of the Secret Garden Glamping, said he was delighted that their first international expansion site was on the Emerald Isle; and he revealed they had further ambitions to launch in the USA. He commented: “We are expanding to new locations in the UK; we’ve got six more opening in the UK this year. “As we’ve got a massive UK audience that’s been relatively simple but Ireland’s been a target for us for a little while now. “One of the questions that has come up is would our audience migrate over from different countries because we have a huge audience across the world from a social media point of view? “We have been asking ourselves, can we do it in a different territory, so Ireland is the kind of test bed for that. “If we can get an Irish audience to go to an Irish location then that gives us data on what we need to do when we go to the US, to get a US audience going to a US location! “I had planned to open there in 2027 but if Ireland goes well I may bring it forward to this year.” Derry, whose business has been picking up a host of awards over the past few years, including being named the AA Glamping and Camping Site of the Year, said customer demand had made the expansion plan a no-brainer. He added: “We’ve just celebrated our six year anniversary and our audience and our bookings haven’t slowed down. “It’s been continuous for the past six years, every time we do something new it elevates not only the brand, but also what we’re doing going forward. “So the right time to expand is always ‘now’, and we want to try and make sure that over the next 12 to 18 months we become the go to brand for the whole of the UK and Ireland for glamping. “We are seeing a boom again within the UK and Ireland with the issues around the US and the Middle East. “People are always looking for alternatives and it has been like that since Covid, but what we’re looking at doing now is how do you cater for all these different types of people with all different reasons for wanting to travel in the UK?” Plans are now afoot to open in a range of UK locations, including Wales and north east England. As reported, Derry, who was recently re-elected as Chairman of the Glamping Industry Trade Association (GITA), has begun the franchise scheme to get people away from the OTA (Online Travel Agency) booking sites such as Booking.com and AirBnB, who normally take 15-20% of revenue.To find out more call Derry on 07732 812409 email him directly via info@thesecretgardenglamping.uk or visit www.thesecretgardenglamping.uk/franchise
Yorkshire holiday park business announces acquisitions for 2026 summer season
A family-owned East Yorkshire holiday park business has expanded its portfolio across the wider county, as more than a decade’s growth is marked with expansion of the original site. Larkham Leisure, headquartered at Cowden Holiday Park, near Hornsea, started out in 1991, with 60 non-serviced caravans on a then 20-acre coastal site. Now after seven park purchases across Yorkshire in a 14-year-period that has seen sustained investment in the quality of facilities – with English Tourist Board five-star ratings proudly achieved – it is growing significantly on its own doorstep. The addition of Southfield Caravan Park, beside Cowden, stretches the flagship park to more than 85 acres, with restaurant, bars, coffee shop, convenience store, fishing lake and neighbouring beach access all for holiday homeowners to enjoy. Three brothers, Tyrone, Rolson and William Larkham are the second-generation team behind the brand. “We take pride in what we do, having started from a small family business we are now helping thousands of families make memories on holiday parks away from their everyday lives,” Tyrone said. Bought in the early Nineties, having launched in the late 1940s, Cowden operated with toilets and shower blocks only when the Larkhams arrived, with the cliff-top on-site accommodation not supplied with water, electricity or drainage. Now the wider portfolio includes glamping pods, lodges, cottages and a golf course, and expansion has led to more than 100 staff being employed. “We are very keen to support local businesses wherever our parks are located,” Rolson added. “We know those holidaying with us will want to get out and explore all of what Yorkshire has to offer, supporting the economy around us as they do, and we are keen to work with as many local businesses as possible – from the many manufacturers in the region, to trades and service providers within the park locations. “We look forward to creating exciting new growth opportunities alongside those eagerly-awaited family breaks.” The first additions were Maustin Park and Springmoor Lodge, both located by the River Wharf between Harrogate and Wetherby, and acquired in 2012. Centre Meadows at Ulrome, near Bridlington, followed in 2014, with Jamie’s Cragg Holiday Park, close to Castle Howard, added in 2016. High Farm at Routh, near Beverley, became part of Larkham Leisure in 2018 – the single largest acquisition by the team – with South Lea near Pocklington added in 2022, Orchard Farm near Filey and Fox Hill Holiday Park at Claxton, near York in 2024, before the flagship site’s recent expansion. Larkham Leisure has also added a distribution business, The Holiday Home Centre, at Beeford, near Driffield, which supplies parks with brands including Europa Caravans, Carnaby Caravans, Love Holiday Homes and Sunseeker Holiday Homes.
Navigating Growth and Financial Pressures in the UK Holiday Park Sector
While the holiday park sector experienced a strong resurgence following the pandemic, recent months have exposed areas of financial pressure. The administration of Cove UK, which operated 11 sites, serves as a reminder that growth and popularity do not insulate operators from underlying financial strain. The UK holiday park and campsite sector continues to play a vital role in the domestic tourism economy. Generating billions in visitor expenditure and supporting thousands of jobs, it remains a significant contributor to regional growth and employment. In 2025, around 2,643 caravan and camping sites were operating across the UK, reflecting modest year-on-year growth of 1.4%. Diverse occupier landscape Holiday parks and campsites are often discussed as a single asset class, but the operational and financial characteristics vary considerably. Touring and camping sites, for example, frequently cater to guests seeking relatively low-cost, spontaneous breaks. Revenue is typically driven by short-term pitch fees and seasonal fluctuations with demand closely tied to weather and broader consumer confidence. By contrast, parks operating static caravans or holiday homes often rely on longer-term ownership models. These businesses benefit from more predictable recurring income streams, such as annual pitch fees and service charges. However, they also face more complex considerations, including caravan sales cycles, asset depreciation, licence agreements and customer financing arrangements. Recognising these differences is fundamental when assessing financial performance, risk exposure and funding requirements. A touring park with a loyal base of repeat campers will present a very different lending profile to a multi-site operator dependent on strong annual caravan sales to underpin cash flow. The sector also encompasses a wide spectrum of operators. At one end are family-run or “lifestyle” businesses, often operating a single site with deep local roots. At the other are sophisticated, multi-site platforms backed by private equity, sometimes pursuing rapid expansion and consolidation strategies. Each model brings its own opportunities and risks. Lifestyle operators may benefit from lower leverage and hands-on management but can be exposed to succession challenges or underinvestment. Larger, investor-backed groups may achieve economies of scale and operational efficiencies yet can become vulnerable if expansion is aggressively financed or if projected sales fail to materialise. Location and offering remain central to long-term success. Parks that combine strong geographic positioning with ongoing investment in facilities, amenities and guest experience have generally outperformed. The post-pandemic boom saw many operators reinvest in upgraded accommodation, leisure facilities and digital booking systems to capitalise on increased demand for domestic holidays and short breaks. However, that investment often came with additional borrowing, and the servicing of that debt now requires careful management in a higher interest rate environment. Operational complexity and financial pressures Holiday Park operators are required to wear many hats; they must manage cost inflation across utilities, staffing and maintenance, all while navigating seasonal income patterns that can place significant pressure on working capital outside peak months. At the same time, there is an ongoing need to invest in infrastructure, comply with evolving regulatory requirements and maintain the quality of accommodation stock. Static caravans and holiday homes are depreciating assets; without a structured replacement and capital expenditure plan, parks risk eroding both appeal and value. From a lender’s perspective, several recurring themes influence appetite. Concerns often arise where businesses are overleveraged relative to sustainable earnings, overly reliant on caravan or holiday home sales to generate cash, lacking diversified income streams or operating with poor license agreements. Aggressive fee structures can also raise concerns given the potential to undermine long-term customer relationships. Lenders will generally favour businesses with themes such as recurring revenue, strong levels of repeat bookings, stable long-term ownership income and demonstrable ability to forecast income and costs. Strong cash generation during peak season, coupled with prudent cash management in quieter periods, is particularly important. Funding in an evolving market It’s important to remember that lender appetite is not static; it evolves alongside economic conditions and sector performance. In the current environment, lenders are increasingly focused on resilience, transparency and robust financial planning. For operators seeking finance – whether to expand, refinance existing facilities or invest in improvements – preparation is key. A clear understanding of the business model, income streams, asset age profile, capital expenditure and medium-term strategy is essential. So too is an honest appraisal of risk. Be mindful that no two parks are the same. A touring site in a coastal location with predominantly seasonal trade will require a different funding structure to a mixed-use park with significant holiday home ownership and year-round facilities. Matching the right business to the right lender is therefore critical. At Leonard Curtis, we work closely with operators to understand the nuances of their business; the people behind it, its modus operandi and long-term ambitions. Our role is to structure funding solutions that work for both borrower and lender, highlighting and mitigating risks where possible. That may involve renegotiating existing facilities, sourcing alternative lenders or reshaping debt to better reflect seasonal cash flow patterns. Planning ahead and avoiding pitfalls The sector remains fundamentally robust, underpinned by enduring demand for domestic tourism and high-quality leisure experiences. However, as recent events demonstrate, success is not guaranteed. Operators should be thinking proactively about their funding strategy well before pressure points arise. Is current debt aligned with realistic trading projections? Are capital expenditure plans adequately funded? What is the long-term strategy for the business; is it growth, consolidation or succession? Leaving these questions unanswered can limit options when challenges emerge. Early engagement with advisers and lenders often creates more flexibility, better outcomes and financial discipline. Strategic planning and the right funding partnerships are essential to sustaining growth and protecting long-term value. By understanding the specific dynamics of each park and anticipating both risks and opportunities, operators can position themselves to thrive in an evolving and competitive market. By Sarah Hewitt, Head of Commercial Real Estate, Leonard Curtis
Silent reviews for caravan park operators: a smarter way to check your insurance cover
For busy caravan park owners, insurance can sometimes feel like a checkbox exercise. But in today’s environment, where risks are constantly evolving and expectations are on the rise, insurance isn’t just about protection, it’s a strategic tool that helps businesses to build long-term resilience. At Everywhen, we’ve supported the site operator sector for over 20 years. During this time, both the industry and the risks it faces have changed. Against that backdrop, having the right insurance is more important now than ever before. It gives owners protection and confidence, and it gives parks the flexibility to grow without unexpected barriers. A fresh chapter for Everywhen If you’ve known of us for a while, you’ll have noticed that we’re looking a little bit different this year. Our rebrand reflects the coming together of 35+ legacy brands now working together to give you broader expertise and support. Though our name and our identity have changed, our commitment to providing specialist insight for site operators remains just the same. We know that changes in the market have created new questions for operators, particularly around what their current cover is actually doing for them. That’s why we offer free silent reviews to all site operators. They’re designed to give you a clearer picture of your insurance without disturbing your existing arrangements. What is a silent review? A silent review is a discreet assessment of all your existing insurance arrangements. One of our specialists will take the time to review your policy documents from top to bottom to see what you currently have in place and highlight any areas that you might want to look at more closely. Your existing brokers or insurers won’t be contacted or made aware that the review is taking place. It’s simply a way to sense-check your existing arrangements and get practical insight and confidence, while at the same time remaining completely free to decide what you want to do with that information and determine your next steps. We don’t charge for our review and there aren’t any hidden fees. Our aim is to impress you to a level where you may consider working with Everywhen in the future. We believe we’ll demonstrate our value as a trusted advisor. Why choose a silent review It’s easy to assume that if your cover has recently been renewed, it still reflects your current business needs. But policies don’t always evolve in line with how a business grows. New facilities, changes in staffing, rising guest expectations or shifts in how you operate can all impact your risk profile over time. When you’re constantly spinning plates, it’s hard to find time to go through each line of your policy to see what’s happening on the ground. Getting a silent review done can help highlight any areas that you may wish to consider further. Let’s talk A silent review can provide peace of mind and sometimes, identify important areas of cover that require further review or improvement. This process is designed to be discreet – your existing arrangements will remain untouched, and your current brokers or insurers won’t be aware that a review is taking place. Please note, upon undertaking a silent review, we cannot guarantee that your current cover is sufficient for all potential exposures. Its purpose is to highlight potential areas of cover for further review. We accept no liability for any loss, damage, or claim arising from reliance on this review, including any omissions or oversights that may also have been present in the original insurance arrangements. If you have more questions, or you’d like to request your free silent review, our team are here to help. Contact Joseph Aspinall on:T: 07967 850 015E: joseph.aspinall@everywhen.co.uk
Training Requirements for Caravan Park Staff (Complete UK Compliance Guide)
Training is a legal requirement for many roles within caravan and holiday parks. This guide outlines the essential training every operator must provide — and the optional training that improves safety, service and operational efficiency. Why This Matters Training isn’t just a compliance obligation. Well‑trained staff reduce accidents, improve guest satisfaction and protect the park’s reputation. Local authority inspectors routinely ask for training records, so documentation is essential. Key Regulations & Standards Mandatory Training Areas 1. Health & Safety Awareness All staff must understand basic safety procedures, reporting lines and emergency actions. 2. Fire Safety Training 3. Manual Handling Essential for housekeeping, maintenance and grounds teams. 4. First Aid Provision 5. Food Hygiene (Where Applicable) Role‑Specific Training Maintenance Teams Reception & Guest Services Housekeeping Pool & Leisure Staff Training Records & Documentation Operators should maintain: Common Mistakes Operators Make Training Checklist for Operators FAQs How often should training be refreshed? It depends on the topic — many operators adopt annual refreshers for core safety training. Do volunteers need training? Yes — anyone working on the park must be trained appropriately. Final Takeaway Training is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk and improve guest experience. Parks that invest in structured, documented training programmes consistently perform better during inspections and peak‑season operations.
Staffing Challenges in Caravan & Holiday Parks — And How UK Operators Can Solve Them
Recruitment, retention and seasonal staffing pressures continue to affect UK caravan and holiday parks. This guide breaks down the most common workforce challenges and offers practical, operator‑tested solutions. Why This Matters Staffing issues directly impact guest satisfaction, safety compliance, operational efficiency and profitability. With many parks relying on seasonal labour and rural labour markets, operators need structured, repeatable workforce strategies. Key Regulations & Standards (UK‑Specific) The Most Common Staffing Challenges 1. Seasonal Recruitment Gaps Parks often struggle to recruit enough staff for peak season, especially in rural areas. Solutions: 2. High Turnover in Guest‑Facing Roles Housekeeping, reception and F&B roles often see the highest churn. Solutions: 3. Skills Shortages Technical roles (maintenance, gas, electrical) are increasingly hard to fill. Solutions: 4. Inconsistent Service Standards Seasonal staff may lack experience, leading to variable guest experience. Solutions: 5. Accommodation for Staff Some parks struggle to house seasonal workers. Solutions: Common Mistakes Operators Make Staffing Toolkit for Operators FAQs Can I hire overseas workers for seasonal roles? Only under specific visa routes — most parks rely on domestic recruitment. Do seasonal staff receive holiday pay? Yes — holiday entitlement applies to all workers. Final Takeaway Parks that treat staffing as a year‑round process — not a last‑minute scramble — consistently achieve better service standards, lower turnover and stronger compliance.
Best Practices for Caravan Park Maintenance & Upkeep (Complete UK Operator Guide)
A well‑maintained park is safer, more efficient and more profitable. This guide outlines the essential maintenance routines every UK caravan and holiday park should follow — from infrastructure and utilities to accommodation and guest facilities. Why This Matters Maintenance failures are one of the biggest causes of complaints, downtime and unexpected costs. A structured maintenance plan protects assets, improves safety compliance and extends the lifespan of caravans, lodges and park infrastructure. Key Regulations & Standards Core Maintenance Areas 1. Accommodation Units (Caravans & Lodges) 2. Roads, Paths & Hardstanding 3. Utilities & Infrastructure 4. Communal Buildings 5. Grounds & General Upkeep Preventative Maintenance Schedule (Example) Daily: Visual checks of facilities, waste points, lighting. Weekly: Road/path inspections, fire point checks. Monthly: Water temperature monitoring, gutter checks. Quarterly: Electrical hook‑up inspections, drainage checks. Annually: Gas safety, full electrical inspection, tree surveys. Common Mistakes Operators Make Templates & Tools FAQs How often should electrical hook‑ups be tested? Frequency depends on risk, but many parks adopt annual or biennial testing. Do I need a formal Legionella risk assessment? Yes — all parks with water systems must assess and manage the risk. Final Takeaway A structured maintenance plan is one of the most cost‑effective investments a park can make. Consistency, documentation and proactive planning are the foundations of safe, compliant and guest‑ready operations.
How Caravan & Holiday Park Operators Can Reduce Energy Costs (Practical UK Guide)
Energy costs remain one of the biggest operational pressures for UK caravan and holiday parks. This guide breaks down the most effective, evidence‑based ways operators can cut consumption, improve efficiency and protect margins without compromising guest experience. Why This Matters Rising wholesale prices, ageing infrastructure and increased guest expectations mean parks are using more energy than ever. Reducing consumption isn’t just about cost control — it directly affects sustainability targets, EPC performance, and long‑term asset value. Key Regulations & Standards (UK‑Specific) Practical Ways to Reduce Energy Use 1. Upgrade to Efficient Heating & Hot Water Systems 2. Improve Insulation & Heat Retention 3. Smarter Lighting Across the Park 4. Sub‑Metering & Usage Transparency 5. Maintain Plant & Equipment 6. Renewable Options for Parks Common Mistakes Operators Make Checklist for Operators FAQs Do I need planning permission for solar panels? Often no, but it depends on location, visibility and whether the park is in a protected area. Can I charge guests for energy use? Yes, but charges must be transparent and compliant with Ofgem resale rules. Final Takeaway Energy efficiency is one of the fastest ways to improve margins and sustainability performance. Small upgrades compound quickly — and parks that monitor usage consistently see the biggest savings.
Welcoming Neurodiverse Holidaymakers with My Safe Place Southern.
When a significant segment of potential holidaymakers feels excluded from mainstream travel, it presents not only a social challenge but a commercial opportunity. Across the UK, millions of neurodivergent families quietly opt out of breaks that many others take for granted. The reasons are rarely about a lack of desire to travel. More often, they stem from environments that are overwhelming, staff who feel unprepared, and accommodation that has never been designed with their needs in mind. My Safe Place was created to change that. Founded by industry veteran Karen Mason, My Safe Place is more than a product line or a marketing initiative. It is a movement towards inclusion within the holiday park sector one rooted in lived experience, decades of professional insight, and a clear recognition that the industry can, and should, do better. A Conversation That Sparked Change The catalyst for My Safe Place was deeply personal. Karen, who has spent more than 36 years working within the holiday park industry, was speaking with her brother, a father of three neurodiverse children. His words were simple but devastating. Because overseas travel felt impossible, the family had tried several UK caravan holidays. Both experiences were so stressful that they vowed never to return to a holiday park again. For Karen, the comment landed hard. She understood exactly what he meant. Holiday parks, despite their family-friendly branding, are rarely designed with neurodivergent guests in mind. Bright lights, unpredictable noise levels, crowded entertainment venues, unclear signage, rigid check-in systems and staff lacking specialist awareness can turn a hopeful getaway into an exhausting ordeal. The very features that create energy and excitement for some visitors can become overwhelming sensory triggers for others. Yet Karen also saw something else — potential. If parks could be adapted thoughtfully, they would not only become accessible but genuinely welcoming. And if anyone understood how to navigate manufacturers, operators and supply chains to make that happen, it was someone who had spent over three decades in the sector. Rethinking the Holiday Experience For many neurodivergent individuals, preparation for a holiday can feel like a military operation. Parents must anticipate every possible trigger, pack specialist equipment, research environments in forensic detail, and develop contingency plans for every scenario. The cognitive and emotional load can outweigh the promise of rest. My Safe Place challenges that reality by asking a simple question: what if the environment did more of the work? Imagine arriving at a park where signage is clear, consistent and easy to follow. Where lighting in accommodation can be adjusted to suit sensory preferences. Where décor is calm rather than visually overwhelming. Where quiet zones are available away from high-traffic areas. Where check-in procedures allow flexibility rather than queues and confusion. And where staff understand that a meltdown is not “bad behaviour” but a sign of distress requiring calm, informed support. Inclusion, as Karen frequently emphasises, is not merely an ethical stance. It is sound business. By widening accessibility, parks expand their customer base, build loyalty within a deeply connected community, and differentiate themselves in a competitive leisure market. Word-of-mouth recommendations within neurodivergent networks carry enormous weight. A positive experience can ripple far beyond one booking. Designing Safe Holidays That Feel Like Home My Safe Place was born as the vehicle to turn vision into reality. Months of research followed that initial conversation, with Karen collaborating closely with families, therapists and neurodiversity specialists to ensure authenticity and practicality. The result is bespoke holiday accommodation designed from the ground up with neurodivergent needs at its core. Key features include sensory-considered bedrooms with low-stimulation décor, adjustable lighting to reduce harsh glare, carefully planned layouts that minimise clutter, and dedicated quiet spaces. Central to many designs is a specialist neurodiverse safe bed, offering both physical security and soothing reassurance for individuals who require enclosed or protective sleep environments. Karen has worked alongside established manufacturers and are bringing these designs to market, including Sunseeker Holiday Homes, Beverley Leisure Homes, Omar Group, andaims to work with all holiday home manufacturers in the near future.. This collaboration signals something important: mainstream manufacturers are recognising that inclusive design is not a niche add-on but a forward-thinking evolution of their core offering. Beyond Accommodation: A Multi-Faceted Approach My Safe Place also delivers staff training programmes for park teams, equipping them with practical tools to understand, interpret and respond appropriately to neurodiverse guests. This includes guidance on communication differences, sensory sensitivities, de-escalation strategies and the importance of predictability. The initiative extends into the wider park environment. In some cases, this may involve the creation of sensory rooms or designated calm areas. In others, it could mean improved step-by-step visitor information, visual guides, clearer maps or adjustments to entertainment schedules to offer quieter sessions. Karen envisions My Safe Place as a consultative, one-stop resource for parks, seeking to improve, and rather than offering a single product they will support parks through the full process from design and sourcing to staff development and marketing. Importantly, the My Safe Place website will also function as a trusted directory for families, signposting parks and venues that have committed to inclusive standards. For parents who currently spend hours researching suitability, that reassurance alone could transform decision-making. A Sector Ready for Evolution The holiday park industry has evolved dramatically in recent decades, embracing luxury lodges, experiential stays and digital transformation. “Inclusivity is the next frontier and we are excited that not only do we have the support of industry giants like Hoseasons, but The National Autistic Society is exploring endorsements for the My Safe Place Southern accreditation scheme and bespoke accommodation. There have also been recent conversations with VisitEngland who are broadly supportive of initiatives that improve accessibility and inclusivity within England’s tourism offer” says Karen Mason Neurodiversity is not rare. It is part of the fabric of modern society. When parks fail to accommodate this reality, they inadvertently exclude a substantial audience. When they For an industry built on the promise of creating happy memories, the challenge is clear. True hospitality means designing spaces where everyone can participate and not as an afterthought, but as standard.
