When you think of iconic throwbacks, quite frankly, it doesn’t get more British or more memorable than a holiday park from the 1970s and 1980s. Back then, folks would trundle off to the coast every summer. Two penny slot machines, donkey rides and spending pocket money on candy floss – there’s nothing quite like a UK holiday park. Of course, holiday parks have evolved over the years.
Hoseasons Beverley Park in the 1980's
There’s little surprise that almost 9 million Brits are feeling nostalgic about their childhood holidays this summer. An independent survey from self-catering specialists Hoseasons reveals that half (50%) of holidaymakers have returned to a UK holiday destination they went on as a child, and with 43% saying multiple generations in the family have visited the same destination together.
Here at Female First we love a staycation. We’re now a nation of foodies, so eating out is better than ever. Plus there are a plethora of hidden beaches and other little countryside gems just waiting to be discovered. You can even have the best of both worlds and include a day-trip to a nearby city for a mooch around independent shops and the bigger stores you might not have back home.
However, if you stay at a holiday park often you won’t need to leave! Many of these parks have one or more swimming pool and a huge range of activities, restaurants, and some even have an in-house spa and gym. Plus, the thing is with staycations these days, you can avoid airport chaos, the strikes, and extreme heat in Europe, but above all, there’s so much to love about the UK, that we sometimes take it for granted.
Paul Evans, Vice President - Portfolio, at Awaze – the parent company of Hoseasons –said, “Whereas it used to be about arcades and fruit machines, nowadays holiday parks also feature private hot tubs, spa treatments and tons of activities where you can paddleboard or hire a Segway or a Land Zorb. You can even stay in a luxury two-storey caravan at Beverley Park, in Devon, for example.”
According to Hoseasons’ survey, these kind of holidays give parents such nostalgic feelings that half of them want their child to experience a UK staycation park holiday and 43% want to recreate their own memories for the new generations in the family. Interestingly, the 30% of the nation’s best UK holiday memories include fish and chips, amusement arcades were loved by 28%. Building sandcastles were loved by 24%, sending postcards 17%, waiting for holiday photos to be developed, 14%, and donkey rides 12% also ranked highly in peoples memories. Unsurprisingly, the least nostalgic UK holiday memory is the neon swimsuit with only 2%.
UK holidays really are filled with love and laughter as a third (33%) of those surveyed admitted to having an embarrassing childhood holiday story which they still retell (33%) and reminisce (37%) about to this day. Even though some (29%) were left cringing, whereas, 38% say the more embarrassing the better the memory!
It’s clear the nation has some cherished memories of holiday parks, which is why holidaymakers keep returning. For those yet to book a last min summer holiday in the UK, Hoseasons has some great deals. Go to www.hoseasons.co.uk for short summer breaks from £249.
Typical Hoseasons Nostalgic Present Day Holiday Sites
Situated on the picturesque North Devon coastline near the sandy beach of Woolacombe Bay, Golden Coast Holiday Park is a family favourite with a wide selection of on-site activities and entertainment for everyone to enjoy, including a games room, arcade, outdoor play area and fishing. Ride the thrills of the on-site surf simulator, bowl a lucky strike at the ten-pin bowling alley or take a leisurely dip in one of the four swimming pools. After a long day out, head back to a cosy apartment offering a fully-equipped kitchen, open-plan living area and spacious bedrooms.
A 3-night break for up to 4 people in August costs from £629 (£52.42pppn). Book online at hoseasons.co.uk or call 0345 498 6060. *Prices accurate at the time of writing and subject to availability.
2) Henlle Hall Woodland Lodges, Henlle, Nr Oswestry , Shropshire
Tucked away in 17 acres of glorious parkland on the English-Welsh border is Henlle Hall, which features a selection of luxury camping pods, lodges and tree houses, all designed to combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. The contemporary accommodation options offer spacious kitchens, open plan living spaces, cosy bedrooms and woodburning stoves. Some even come with a bubbling hot tub – perfect for sinking into to enjoy the forest views.
When not relaxing at base, guests can immerse themselves in nature with strolls through rural Shropshire, before stepping back in time at the many nearby historical sites including Chrik Castle, Erddig Hall and the Old Oswestry Hill Fort.
A 3-night break for up to 4 people in August costs from £515 (£42.92pppn). Book online at hoseasons.co.uk or call 0345 498 6060. *Prices accurate at the time of writing and subject to availability.
For more informaton on all Hoseasons holiday parks visit www.hoseasons.co.uk
Tagged in UK Holidays