The Quiet Site on Ullswater has been crowned as the UK’s Sustainable Family Business of the Year 2026 in a special ceremony held at London’s National Geographic Society.
The accolade was presented to the holiday park by Family Business United which celebrates and supports family-run businesses across the country.
Stepping up to receive the award from judges was Daniel Holder who, with his wife Anne and their son George, are now marking 20 years as owners of The Quiet Site.
Their glamping and camping park near the shores of Ullswater has long been a cheerleader for the principles of green tourism in the Lake District.
Daniel said that The Quiet Site had now achieved carbon neutral status, and is today generating 80% of its energy needs from renewable sources on-site.
The park has also joined with other local businesses to introduce a community bus service in the Ullswater area which is helping to drive down congestion and carbon emissions.
Speaking after receiving the Sustainable Family Business of the Year award, Daniel said that tourism and the natural world can be perfectly compatible partners:
“Families taking holidays in Cumbria are vital to our rural economy and support thousands of local jobs and training opportunities,” he said.
“Our visitor sector is perfectly sustainable if we all play a part in minimising our impact on the environment – and that has been our mission for over two decades.
“We have invested heavily in sustainable technologies, including solar panels, heat pumps and biomass heating – and also operate a “zero waste” food shop for local people and guests.
“Our family is incredibly proud of our new sustainability award, and we owe a big thanks also to our staff team who support our work and deliver a great experience for customers.”
Energy-efficient staying options at The Quiet Site include luxurious underground “Hobbit Holes”, glamping cabins and holiday cottages, as well as tent and motorhome pitches.
Also this summer, the park was named as national runner-up in the Federation of Small Businesses Innovation Awards held at London’s Savoy Hotel.
It has additionally received the AA Sustainable Holiday Park of the Year award for 2026, and holds the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainability Development.
More information about the park, which is an active member of the Cumbria branch of the Holiday and Residential Parks Association (HARPA), is available at www.thequietsite.co.uk
