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 countryside escape for families and couples alike.
4
4
A luxury lodge park hidden deep in an ancient royal forest is fast becoming one of the UK's best-kept getaway secrets.
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.
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 cosy countryside escapes.
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.
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
4
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
28 minutes ago
- The Sun
I ditched tiny city flat for ‘UK's Costa Del Sol'…I live on £10 a day – you don't have to go abroad for dream beach life
LIVING in a cramped city flat, care worker Erin Temple struggled to get by - often relying on food banks when her salary would barely cover her rent. But now she owns her own home with picture-perfect sea views - and has slashed her monthly living expenses by a staggering 90 per cent. 14 14 14 And she didn't need to flee the country to beat the cost of living crisis. She simply bought a van for £650 and parked it on the Cornish coast. Erin, 25, tells The Sun: 'I swapped a tiny flat for an off-grid home on wheels. The savings are gobsmacking. "I'm proof you don't have to move abroad to live affordably near world class beaches." Fed up with working gruelling shifts as a dementia and end-of-life carer for a salary that barely covered the rent on her Tyne and Wear one-bedroom flat, Erin upped sticks and moved to Cornwall with just £1,000 to her name. She arrived in Truro with her two dogs, Rooster and Rebel, a backpack, and a tent - and was soon tipped off by a local at a camping site about an elderly couple who wanted to sell their van. Erin snapped up the 20-year-old green LDV Convoy, affectionately nicknamed Betsy, and secured a long term camping spot on a private airfield near Perranporth, North Cornwall surrounded by forest and with spectacular views over the Atlantic coast. She says: 'It's a beautiful life on a budget.' Betsy's interior includes a double cabin style bed, built-in stove, sink and solar powered electrics which keep her energy costs down. The van is also fitted with a portable camping toilet and shower, though the campsite where Erin pays £300 a month to park offers full facilities. Her only other major costs are £100 for diesel and insurance, and around £20 a week for groceries, meaning her monthly outgoings total just £460. She keeps costs low by shopping for yellow label supermarket bargains, buying from local farmers and finding free firewood for Betsy's log burner, which heats her home. She adds: 'I've even started growing vegetables in buckets outside the van. "I used to pay nearly £1,200 a month in rent and bills. 'Now I live on around tenner a day, including food and accommodation. And I own my home." I was broken by low wages, high rents, and exhausting and often dangerous work. Erin Temple It's a far cry from Erin's previous life in the north east town where she would work 50 hours a week but still struggle to pay her bills. She says: "I was broken by low wages, high rents, and exhausting and often dangerous work. "It got so bad that, on occasion, I used food banks despite working 12 hour shifts. 'Carers are the hidden workers who are chronically underpaid and caught in a constant cost of living crisis. Getting a foot on the property ladder seemed like an impossible dream. She admits: "Even with double shifts, I couldn't get ahead.' Turning point 14 Her turning point came after being pushed by a dementia patient during a 24-hour shift. She recalls: "I was exhausted. My knees were bleeding and my arms bruised. 'Other staff were meant to meet me at a local pub for an after work drink but didn't show. 'I looked around and realised I was standing there in the middle of the day surrounded by two old alcoholics. 'I knew then if I did not change my life I'd end up a boozing mess, with no savings and no hope. That moment changed everything." 'Make or break' Erin gave notice on her flat, sold most of her belongings, and headed south. "I'd heard it was quieter, cheaper and the weather was tropical compared to up north," she recalls. "People said I was mad. Friends told me to take a holiday. But I knew it had to be make or break." Now Erin is living the dream in Cornwall - which since the pandemic has overtaken London as the most-searched-for location for property in the UK according to Rightmove. Perranporth Beach, renowned as one of the most beautiful surfing spots in Europe and dubbed 'Costa Del Perran' - after Spain 's Costa Del Sol - by locals is on her doorstep. She says: 'I've never been happier. The weather's great, the people are kind, and the view is incredible. 'An elderly neighbour even brought me homegrown veg to welcome me when I first arrived. That never happened in the city." Saving thousands 14 14 14 Determined that Betsy will be her home for years to come, Erin is currently building storage, redecorating and expanding her bucket garden. She says: "My dogs love it here. I am planning on studying psychology and counselling at a local college next year and finally have a life I love. 'I'm saving money, making plans and my mental health has never been better.' Erin adds that she's happily single at the moment - which she's thankful for as a bloke might be a bit of a squeeze with her and the two dogs. She chuckles: 'Living in a van, you downsize and de-clutter. I might find myself a nice Cornish lad and we'll just have to make sure he can fit in somehow!' I'm saving money, making plans and my mental health has never been better Erin Temple Erin is one of many embracing the van life movement. Since 2019, the number of Brits living in vans, buses or converted vehicles has exploded by 2,280 per cent, from 21,000 to over half a million. Cornwall is a hotspot for digital nomads even in the off season, with van lifers lured by the mild winters, coastal beauty and affordability. Farmers are renting out fields and people in local towns rent out their driveways to meet demand. While Cornwall is known for its luxurious seaside mansions and celebrity residents, including Cate Blanchett, Gordon Ramsay and Dawn French, costs can be surprisingly low. A cappuccino in Cornwall costs an average of £2.80, a third cheaper than £4.05 in London. A pint of lager averages £4.79, compared to £5.99 in the capital, and a loaf of bread is 92p compared to £1.64. For Erin, it's the perfect balance of quality of life on a budget. She says: 'We're Gen Z - we don't want to work just to pay bills. We want purpose, nature, creativity, community. Cornwall gives us that. "I'm healthier, happier, and finally hopeful. I've swapped a high rise flat for a van on the Cornish coast, and I wouldn't change a thing.' 14 14 14
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
How much parents will save on holidays at the Norfolk schools offering an extra week off at half-term
Parents whose children are being given an extra week off this autumn half-term for 'cheaper holidays' can cut the price of a trip abroad by nearly 50 per cent. Pupils in some areas are having the break extended from one week to two – with school days then extended slightly throughout the year to make up the deficit. But critics have attacked the 'ridiculous' changes, warning that they are more about 'making life easy for teachers' and are 'dumbing down' education – while claiming parents will struggle to take time off or arrange childcare during the time off. Schools spearheading the revolution include North Walsham High School and Long Stratton High School, both run by the same trust in Norfolk. One of the headteachers claimed the change would help parents avoid price hikes by holiday firms at peak times and reduce staff absence by giving them a 'better break'. But Chris McGovern, from the Campaign for Real Education, said: 'We have to ask what's more important – a passport to Majorca or a passport to [children's] futures?' To analyse the difference, research by MailOnline looked at the comparative costs of going abroad during the autumn half-term later this year of Saturday, October 25 to November 1 - and the extra week for the schools between November 1 and 8. Prices were analysed for a family of four – two adults and two children aged 13, for the cheapest all-inclusive package holiday to Benidorm in Spain for seven days. The biggest difference was with easyJet Holidays, where a trip to the three-star Magic Cristal Park Hotel is £2,143 during the half-term week, or £1,189 the week after. The same hotel was available with Tui for £2,236 in half-term or £1,576 the week after; or with On The Beach for £1,813 in half-term or £1,440 the week after. Separate research by On The Beach has found more children are taken out of school for holidays this week than in any other term-time week of the year. What is the fine for taking your child on holiday in term-time? Parents in England can face paying a fine for unauthorised term time holidays under national rules – although individual councils decide when these should be issued. All schools have to consider a fine when a child has missed ten or more sessions – which equates to five days, morning and afternoon - for unauthorised reasons. Since August last year, the fine for school absences across the country has been set at £80 if paid within 21 days, or £160 if paid within 28 days. But if a parent receives a second fine for the same child within any three-year period, the fine will be charged at a higher rate of £160. Fines per parent are capped to two fines within any three-year period. Once this limit is reached, other actions can be considered such as a parenting order or even prosecution. Someone who is prosecuted and attends court because their child has not been attending school can be fined up to £2,500. It added that term-time breaks are up to £649 cheaper than school summer holidays, despite the threat of an £80 fine for a week's unauthorised absence. The difference was calculated by taking the average cost of all seven-night stays for families with children aged between four and 16 during term time, compared to all holidays during school holidays. Some 443,322 school holiday fines were issued in England for the 2023/24 year, according to the Department for Education (DfE). This was 24 per cent up on the year before, and three times higher than when records began in 2016/17. Zoe Harris, chief customer officer at On the Beach, told MailOnline: 'Time away together isn't a luxury - it's essential for children's wellbeing and learning about the wider world. 'Parents tell us they're fed up of being punished for wanting to give their kids these experiences and for many, the only way they can afford a family holiday is by travelling during term time.' More than 180,000 people signed a petition calling for an end to term-time holiday fines which closed in January, but MPs have not yet debated the issue. Ms Harris added: 'The Government needs to look at ways to support more families so they can afford a break. 'We need a solution that prioritises attendance and helps more families holiday for less, and we're more than happy to start having those conversations with senior figures.' The DfE's position is that evidence has diproved pulling a child out of education for holidays is harmless - and allowing them to regularly miss school can be detrimental to their chances in life. It comes as a separate survey revealed half of frazzled parents want summer holidays to be slashed from six to four weeks and half terms extended. Research by the charity Parentkind found many families think the summer break is too long, and would prefer time off to be spread more evenly throughout the year. Mr McGovern said decisions about school breaks should be based on children's education, rather than convenience to parents. He said: 'We need to be upping the academic demands on children. This is dumbing down.' He added: 'Children need to have shorter lessons, rather than longer lessons. They get tired during the day. 'They have to provide a minimum number of hours per year, so in theory they could just make days longer and longer and the number of days shorter and shorter. 'Education is not about making life easier for teachers – it's what's in the best interests for children. 'The workload for teachers has been reduced, for example school reports are now AI-generated. In some respects, they have never had it so good. 'It is still a hard job but it's a vocation as well. We shouldn't be changing the school year to fit in with the holiday plans of teachers.' Announcing the new school year – which includes adding ten minutes a day to make up for the extra week off - North Walsham executive headteacher James Gosden said: 'Over the past few years, we have had numerous requests for holidays which we cannot authorise. 'This would provide an opportunity for parents and carers to access cheaper holidays.' He added: 'At a time when sickness increases due to the winter months and fatigue, this would add a lengthier break into the longest term to support a reduction in absence – as students would have a greater opportunity to rest and enjoy the break. 'This would also give staff the chance for a better break and ensure less absence, thus minimising cover lessons and ensuring staff are rested, so they can continue to do an excellent job.' Parents had supported the change, Mr Gosden said, with 78 per cent of the 157 families who responded to a consultation in favour. But one parent, who asked not to be named, complained: 'It's ridiculous. October isn't when most families are taking holidays. 'I was against this because I don't see how it's going to benefit my kids. I've also got to make arrangements for them on these days, while teachers get more time off.' Another said: 'Ten minutes a day won't make up for losing a whole week in school. 'And a week either side of the summer holidays would have been better than a week at Hallowe'en.' There was further criticism online, with comments including: 'Are holidays more important than getting an education? 'And who can afford a two-week autumn holiday anyway except teachers?' Another said: 'Public schools have been doing this for decades, they don't think TUI has twigged?' Others supported the plans, with one saying: 'Good idea. My school day was much longer than most high school days at present.' Another commented: 'If 78 per cent of families responded favourably then it sounds like the trust is onto something with this. 'Two weeks for autumn half term makes a lot of sense, especially if the children don't lose any education as a result.' Priestlands School in the New Forest has already introduced a similar scheme, while three others in Hampshire – secondaries Wildern and Deer Park and Boorley Park Primary schools – announced in March they were looking into doing the same. But there was opposition from residents, with one, Stacey Rabbetts, arguing children rely on routine and the changes would 'give them great stress'. Claire Jenkins pointed out if only a few schools extended the autumn half term, there would not be sufficient demand for holiday clubs to take the pressure off parents who have to work and have no other options for childcare. The Enrich Learning Trust, which runs North Walsham and Long Stratton high schools, said there were no immediate plans for the changes to be introduced at its seven other schools in the area – but admitted other trusts had adopted it. A spokesman added: 'Having consulted with their school communities, they are planning a pilot of a two-week half-term in October 2025, with the aim of improving attendance in the second half of the autumn term, having had a slightly longer break. 'It is our understanding that this is something that is being tested by other trusts too.' In April, it emerged another Norfolk school was planning to close early on Fridays to reduce 'financial pressures'. Buxton Primary School said 8.30am to 3pm school days would become 8.10am to 3.05pm. A similar scheme launched at several English schools, particularly Birmingham, in 2019 led to protest marches in Westminster. Today's Parentkind research comes ahead of state schools starting to break up for the summer this weekend. It found that as well as parents, most teachers also support cutting the summer break from six to four weeks, as long as they do not lose the total amount of holiday they get throughout the year. Previous studies have shown pupils regress during the holidays because they get out of practice with their reading and writing. The charity's research is based on its own poll of 3,000 parents and a separate poll of 9,000 teachers by Teacher Tapp. It found that 53 per cent of parents would back plans to reduce the school summer break to four weeks from six and only 33 per cent would oppose this. Many parents would prefer two-week half-term breaks and a longer Christmas holiday. A shorter summer break was seen as a financial positive by 32 per cent of parents, compared with 17 per cent who saw it as a negative. Thirty-seven per cent of parents said a shorter break would be beneficial for childcare, compared with 14 per cent overall who said it would be detrimental. The Teacher Tapp polling found that 62 per cent of teachers would accept a shorter summer holiday, 38 per cent would support it being reduced from six weeks to five and 24 per cent were in favour of it being cut to four weeks. However, 35 per cent wanted to stick with the traditional six weeks, while the remainder gave other answers. Jason Elsom, the chief executive of Parentkind, told the Times : 'While children will no doubt be looking forward to extended time away from school, the long summer break is a challenge for some parents. 'Our large parent poll shows that most parents want to knock two weeks off the six-week summer break to give teachers and children a month off instead. 'Parents tell us that a shorter summer holiday would help with costs and childcare, which would be particularly welcome at a time when some families are struggling to keep their heads above water. 'We need to make sure the long summer break doesn't add further stress and hardship for parents, particularly those on low incomes.'
Telegraph
an hour ago
- Telegraph
The best pubs in England, according to you
The Telegraph's guide to the 500 Best Pubs in England prompted a flurry of responses from readers – clearly opinions are strong when it comes to your favourite traditional venues. We've poured over the hundreds of comments beneath the guide to highlight some of the pubs you recommended. The pubs you love from our selection In general, there was plenty of support for the pubs on our list, each chosen by guru Will Hawkes for 'their charming character, welcoming staff, rich history and – of course – award-winning beer'. Of The Strugglers Inn, Lincoln, D Richardson wrote: 'Unexpectedly finding an outstanding pub is one of the truly great experiences. One such example was walking into The Strugglers when looking for a pint in a 'proper pub' before going on for a meal. The exterior was inauspicious, but walking into the main bar, I immediately knew that I had struck gold. I ordered a pint of mild and wandered through to the snug. Within five minutes I was chatting with a group of locals. It was such a profoundly wonderful experience, I said to them that it was one of the occasions that proved God exists. I virtually had to be dragged out to go to dinner.' The discovery of an unexpected treasure also inspired reader Joe Rice to comment: 'Me and my brother were in Manchester recently searching for a drink after a Santana gig. Found The Circus Tavern – what a gem! A welcoming atmosphere and a great line-up of proper ales.' Meanwhile, John Moyes took the opportunity to shout about one of his locals: the Limeburners Arms in Nether Kellet, Lancashire. 'I regularly visit and there is no doubt it is a little gem,' he said. 'Wonderfully, it serves cask beer (usually just one) which is always well kept. It is owned and run by one man, Joe Moore, who is a full-time sheep farmer and he opens the pub when he is not working. He is well supported by his regulars and this was clearly demonstrated not so long ago when he spent some time in hospital. During that time, a small group of people ensured it remained open on a voluntary basis.' David Bissett was another reader to express approval for our list: 'Great to see so many good pubs,' he writes. 'I've just come back from one of these, The Coach and Horses at Weatheroak Hill, Worcestershire. The own-brewed IPA (Icknield Pale Ale) is very good, as is the Holdens Golden Glow they have on. The common denominator of all these pubs seems to be they are either independent free houses or not part of any of the large 'PLC' faceless chains – long may they continue, they are the fabric of the country.' Maxwell Sawyer's affection for one of our 500 pubs goes back a very long way. He explained: 'When my parents moved to Stamford from London in 1953, our first home was the small tied cottage at the right-hand end of the Jolly Brewer (it is now part of the pub), then called The Brewery Inn – kitchen and bathroom on the ground floor, one bedroom on the first floor and one (mine) on the top floor. My father was a drayman for Melbourn Brothers (the local brewers), hence the cottage, and my mother played the piano in the pub during the evenings.' What makes the perfect pub? Mr Bissett believes independent ownership is key, and other readers shared their thoughts on what makes the perfect pub. 'Great ale and staff, and their ability to look after that ale,' said Anthony Booty. 'No TV screens or fruit machines. Personally I hate music pumped through speakers at a volume that makes everyone speak louder. I miss bar stools in many pubs I have visited since the pandemic. In a good pub, regulars all have nicknames as no-one remembers their proper names. Nice to have customers who are chatty but not overly chatty. In winter, a nice fire is essential, even if it's a log-burner.' Emma Dixon added: 'I want different things depending on the season: in winter I want a fire or a burner at the very least. Dim lighting and an overall feeling of 'hygge' as well as decent beer and wine. In summer I want an agreeable beer garden – ideally with a view – and a Provençal rosé by the glass.' The price charged for a pint is also critical, according to readers. 'I paid a shade under £7 for a Guinness in my local last week,' said one. 'I won't be going back.' Thomas K added: 'The perfect pub is my local, which sells real hand-pulled ale at £3.80 a pint. Yes, £3.80 a pint!' The pubs you think should have been included Many readers took the opportunity to recommend pubs they felt deserved inclusion, and they weren't all independent businesses. 'Didn't see many 'Spoons' on here,' said John Smith, one of several to express his backing for the budget pub chain. Mark Turvey recommended The Folly at Napton in Warwickshire. 'The 'history' is to some extent manufactured, as it was not always a pub,' he admitted, 'but the decor, the proper pub atmosphere and the welcome extended to locals and visitors alike make this a canalside gem.' Richard Lotherington praised The Halzephron Inn near Gunwalloe, Cornwall, for its 'excellent food, well-kept beers and the best view in the country, over Mounts Bay'. Stephen Gibbs had yet another Liverpool-based pub to add to our pick of 10. 'Well done on your Liverpool choices, a very fair selection I think,' he said. 'But please note The Grapes pub on Roscoe Street in Liverpool city centre is my absolute favourite.' Alison Durham's favourite? 'The Princess Louise on Holborn… or The Crown in Belfast.' Rob Trevor suggested an extra pub in West Yorkshire, to go with our selection of 12. 'The Three Pigeons in Halifax is an absolute gem,' he said, 'with a faithfully restored 1930s interior, traditional cask ales from Osset brewery, and warm welcoming staff. Perfect for a visit to the Piece Hall or Halifax Town football club!' Paul Thomas directed fellow readers to The Plough & Harrow in Litlington, East Sussex. 'It has a great garden and the food is fantastic. It's quintessential pubbing in the heart of the cosy green hills of the South Downs.' R Lowth added: 'Can't believe The Old Crown in Hesket Newmarket [Cumbria] is not on the list! The first community-owned pub in Britain with a great selection of cask beers from the brewery next door.'
