English holiday park in ancient woodland reveals new expansion plans with more lodges plus pool and spa
The site will welcome new lodges, plus a swanky pool and spa, making it the ultimate
4
A popular English holiday park tucked away in historic woodland has just unveiled big expansion plans
Credit: Rockingham Forest Park Ltd
4
The site opened in April 2021 with 50 plush cabins – and it's already proving a hit with families, couples and nature lovers alike
Credit: Landal Greenparks
A luxury lodge park hidden deep in an ancient royal forest is fast becoming one of the UK's best-kept
Rockingham Forest Park, tucked away in the historic woodlands near King's Cliffe, sits on what was once a World War Two airfield – but these days it's all hot tubs, hammocks and heavenly views.
The site opened in April 2021 with 50 plush cabins – and it's proved to be a hit with families, couples and nature lovers alike.
Set on former royal deer hunting grounds, the woodland retreat is packed with wildlife including deer, red kites and even rare butterflies.
more on holiday parks
THE EXPANSION
Rockingham Forest Park in North Northamptonshire has been granted permission to build 64 more luxury lodges along with a brand-new leisure hub, as part of a huge expansion.
Bosses say demand for the woodland retreat has boomed since launch – with bookings soaring as holidaymakers swap beach breaks for
The new phase will include lodges ranging from two to five bedrooms, plus a gym, swimming pool, spa, restaurant and bar, and a whopping 156 extra parking spaces to cater for more guests.
THE OBJECTIONS
The park's expansion hasn't come without controversy – with earlier plans for 80 extra lodges slammed over fears they'd wreck the local wildlife and clog up roads.
Most read in News Travel
North Northamptonshire Council's planning authority initially raised concerns about flooding, environmental damage and traffic, with one resident branding the site a "notorious accident blackspot."
But despite the objections, the local highways authority gave the thumbs up – and the revised proposal for 64 new lodges finally got the green light.
Holiday Park in UK village that looks like Greece
Anglian Water also objected, warning of pollution risks and capacity issues, but said the project could go ahead if a proper waste strategy is put in place.
Speaking on behalf of the developer, Becky Brown insisted the park is being built with nature in mind, saying: 'Phase one of the park was designed and has been built out with environmental stewardship at its core.'
She added the expansion will create 31 full-time and multiple part-time jobs and boost the local economy – all while respecting the area's sensitive surroundings.
THE REVIEWS
Guests are going wild for the scenic surroundings, swish kitchens and welcome packs filled with local treats.
One holidaymaker even spotted a stag strolling past their lodge.
The peaceful setting gets top marks from guests, with plenty of praise for the friendly staff, stocked kitchens and the bistro – where you can even order a pizza to your pod.
And it's not just the park that's worth a visit – nearby hotspots like Burghley House, Stamford and the stunning Fineshade Wood nature reserve offer perfect day trip options.
Throw in forest trails, off-road adventures, a microbrewery and local farms, and you've got all the ingredients for a proper countryside escape.
4
North Northamptonshire Council's planning authority initially raised concerns about flooding, environmental damage and traffic
Credit: Landal Greenparks
4
The new phase will include new lodges, a gym, swimming pool, spa, restaurant and bar, and a whopping 156 extra parking spaces to cater for more guests
Credit: Rockingham Forest Park Ltd
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
TUI launches ‘extreme day trips' to Lapland from 11 UK airports – including first-time regional base
TUI has launched a new 'extreme day trip' to Lapland for winter 2026. Flying from 11 airports , families can head to Lapland and back with TUI in just a day. Advertisement 4 TUI has launched an 'extreme day trip' to Lapland Credit: Getty 4 Throughout the day, families get to go on sleigh rides and meet Santa Credit: Getty 4 Then on the plane back they even get a Christmas dinner Credit: Getty There will be flights from Cardiff for the first time to Kittila, pandemic . The 'Search for Santa' day trip will see families fly to Kittila, with a traditional cooked English breakfast served to you on the flight. After landing at midday, you'll grab your snowsuit and boots before heading to the Snow Village. At the Snow Village you will be able to see an ice hotel with igloo-inspired rooms, an ice bar, ice chapel and numerous ice sculptures. Advertisement Read more on travel inspo Families will then hop onto a sleigh ride led by Rudolph. After this, you'll head off on another animal-based adventure with a husky-led sleigh ride. And if those rides weren't enough, you'll then be able to explore the snow wonderland more by learning to drive your own snowmobile. Away from the different 'rides', you'll get to meet one of the Lapland locals and listen to stories and legends about the area. Advertisement Most read in News Travel For kids, there are some arts and crafts too. Then the big moment of the day arrives with a magical journey through a snow-covered woodland to meet Santa. My trip to Lapland with TUI Once you have met with Santa and his elves, you'll head back into the snow where you will have some time to build a snowman, ride a sleigh or even start a snowball fight. A little chilly? Well, there is a Advertisement At the end of your 'extreme day trip', you will then be delivered back to the airport by Santa's elves and once airbourne, you will have a Christmas dinner in the sky as you fly home. Flights will run between December 5 and 23, 2026 with departures from London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester , Newcastle , Bristol , East Midlands, Glasgow , Birmingham, Bournemouth, Cardiff and Dublin . Tickets to see Mr Christmas himself don't come cheap though, starting at £750 per person. But every child does get a gift and the chance to make memories that will last a lifetime. Advertisement What is LaplandUK like? The Sun's LaplandUK promises to transport children on a magical Christmas adventure without need of a plane or even flying sleigh. Nestled in Whitmoor Forest near Ascot, Berkshire, even the walk through the car park manages to be exciting with lights twinkling in the trees as you approach the cluster of Finnish-style cabins at this magical destination in the woods. It is the fine details that really set this woodland wonderland apart. From the miniature doorways, just for 'small folk' to use, to the beautifully fashioned individualised costumes worn by all the elves- and the big man himself-details are styled to perfection. And the experience of meeting Father Christmas is a far cry from a quick grip and grin at the shopping centre. It was pure joy to watch their jaws drop when Santa started congratulating them on recent achievements and quoting small details about them, thanks to an online form you fill in about each child before you go. Whilst LaplandUK is not a cheap day out, it certainly comprises many activities which would add up considerably for a family of five if you did them separately over the holidays. We enjoyed a top-notch theatre show experience, crafting, skating, a grotto visit and the children came away with two beautiful toys and a lot of amazing memories. There is also a Plus, why you should have a 4 Prices start at £750 per person Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Shortest flights in UK including route that's quicker than making a Pot Noodle
With the kids breaking up for the school summer holidays today, many families will be gearing up to jet off to exotic locations abroad. And while many of us are used to sitting on planes for hours on end to get to our favourite destinations, you can actually take flights from the UK that last just minutes. Advertisement 3 The shortest passenger flight in the entire world is the Loganair flight between Westray and Papa Wrestay Credit: Alamy 3 The flight holds a Guinness World Record 3 Journeys on the tiny plane cost from £8 Credit: Alamy Westray to Papa Westray The Passengers can travel between the two tiny islands in just one and a half minutes, with the record for the fastest flight just 53 seconds. The Tickets will set you back just £8, and the flight is much quicker than the alternative option, a 25 minute ferry. Advertisement Read more travel stories Other Orkney Inter-Island Flights Although the Westray to Papa Westray flight is by far the UK's shortest, there are also a number of other short flights connecting the Orkney Islands. These Loganair flights connect the islands to Kirkwall, Orkney's main hub. For example, Kirkwall to Westray takes between 10 and 15 minutes, and Kirkwall to Sanday takes around 15-20 minutes. London to Channel Islands Anyone looking for a holiday close to home this summer can fly from the capital to the Channel Islands, such as Jersey and Guernsey in around 30-40 minutes. Advertisement Most read in News Travel , the largest of the . Its beaches are well known for their beauty, with a range of landscapes on offer, from wide, open spaces to secluded coves and lunar-like expanses, making it the perfect destination for anyone who isn't a fan of long haul flights. Travel chaos as TWO flights have mid-air emergencies within A MINUTE at major UK airport UK mainland to Isle of Man Another popular tourist destination within the UK is the You can access the island by ferry (as influencer Advertisement Regular flights take off from airports such as Manchester and Liverpool, and take between 30-50 minutes. Flights from mainland Scotland to Scottish Islands Loganair also runs short flights connecting people in other remote Scottish Islands to the mainland. For example, a flight from either Glasgow or Edinburgh to the Outer Hebrides takes around 50 minutes, and a flight from one of the main Scottish cities to Shetland takes approximately one hour. None of these islands are far from the mainland, but due to challenging ferry conditions, are often the preferred option for travellers . Advertisement If you're looking for an adventure a bit more long haul, Qantas has unveiled plans to launch the The non-stop flights are expected to take over 19 hours, and are set to launch in 2026. How to get a free upgrade to first class on a plane Travelers often wonder how to secure an upgrade to first class without paying the premium price. According to a flight attendant, there are several strategies passengers can employ to increase their chances. Firstly, loyalty to an airline is crucial; frequent flyers and those with elite status are more likely to receive upgrades. Additionally, booking directly with the airline rather than through third-party sites can improve your odds, as can being flexible with your travel dates and times. Dressing smartly and arriving early can also make a difference. While airlines generally prioritize upgrades based on status and fare class, a well-dressed passenger who checks in early may catch the staff's attention. It's also beneficial to be polite and friendly to the airline staff, as they have the discretion to upgrade passengers at their own judgment. Lastly, if you're celebrating a special occasion, such as a honeymoon or birthday, it doesn't hurt to mention it. While not guaranteed, some flight attendants might consider this when deciding on upgrades. Overall, while there's no surefire way to get a free upgrade, combining these strategies can certainly improve your chances.
The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Massive Spanish hotspot introduces 10 new rules for tourists including bikini bans – you can risk a £650 fine
A POPULAR Spanish holiday hotspot has launched a set of new rules for tourists including 'dressing completely'. Those planning a trip to summer should watch out for the new regulations that tourists need to follow. Advertisement 4 Malaga has introduced a set of new tourist rules Credit: Getty 4 In addition to basic rules such as not leaving rubbish, there are some slightly more odd rules Credit: Getty Among the 10 rules launched in Malaga Tourism's 'Improve Your Stay Campaign', holidaymakers must 'dress completely' and 'not be conspicuous'. The set of rules - which initially were introduced last summer - has been updated as part of a behaviour campaign in an attempt to curb The list of 'strongly suggested' rules has been plastered across buses, billboards as well as social media. In a post on social media platform X, Malaga Tourism shared more information about some of the rules. Advertisement Read more on Spain Under the 'do not be conspicuous' rule, the post states: "Do not shout, sing or turn up the volume of your music. "Respect the resting hours of your neighbours , including the elderly, the sick, students, children and essential workers." Under the 'dress completely' rule, the post states: "Both on the street and in public places, always wear an upper garment for respect and hygiene." The post adds that scooters should only be ridden by one person, and cyclists should stick to bike lanes - not the pavement. Advertisement Most read in News Travel In addition, visitors are expected to not litter and use designated bins and toilets. Those who break the rules could be handed a The Spanish region undiscovered by Brits despite seaside views and ancient Roman cities Back in January, it was announced that Malaga was banning the registration of new holiday lets in 43 districts of the city. The ban will be in place for three years, though it could be extended. Advertisement The different areas where the rules apply have all reached or exceeded eight per cent of houses in their region being An additional 32 secondary zones have also been identified where the proportion of New short-term holiday lets will be allowed in these areas until the eight per cent threshold is reached. 4 One rule tells tourists to 'dress completely' Credit: Getty Advertisement Malaga is loved by many Brits for its host of beaches, vibrant live music venues and top dining spots. And what is even better is that the holiday hotspot gets more than 300 days of sun a year. In the city itself, the old town is mainly pedestrianised - making it perfect to explore on foot. The city also has an 11th century forest with Advertisement Holidaying in Spain this summer? The Plus, from sea pools to hidden caves - S 4 The rules follow the city clamping down on the amount of short-term holiday lets available Credit: Getty
