Latest news with #RockinghamForestPark
The Sun
17-07-2025
- The Sun
English holiday park in ancient woodland reveals new expansion plans with more lodges plus pool and spa
A HOLIDAY park tucked away in ancient English woodland is set for a major glow-up. 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
BBC News
16-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Holiday park near King's Cliffe woodland set to be expanded
Plans to expand a holiday park site set in an ancient woodland have been approved. North Northamptonshire Council gave the green light on 9 July for Rockingham Forest Park, near King's Cliffe, to provide a further 64 static caravan lodges and facilities hub on the site. The park, which is located on the site of a World War Two airfield, opened in April 2021, offering 50 to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), designs included a new central facilities building, which would feature a restaurant, bar, gym, swimming pool and spa. Rockingham Forest Park said the second phase of development sought to respond to a demand for additional units and feedback from its guests. Lodges with two to five bedrooms and an additional 156 parking spaces would be provided. North Northamptonshire Council's planning authority previously objected to plans after the developer sought an extra 80 holiday lodges. Concerns were raised about the impact on wildlife, flooding, and increased traffic. The LDRS said one resident called the area a "notorious accident blackspot", but the local highways authority did not raise on behalf of the applicant, Becky Brown said: "Phase one of the Park was designed and has been built out with environmental stewardship at its core. "By granting planning permission, the Park will continue to attract visitors to the area and contribute to the local economy without having any adverse impact on the sensitive environment."The applicant said the expansion would generate 31 new full-time positions as well as several part-time Water objected to the expansion due to capacity constraints and pollution risk but said it would be acceptable if a strategic foul water strategy was submitted and approved. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
