Latest news with #holidaypark
BBC News
2 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Ministers stall plans for Loch Lomond Flamingo Land resort
The Scottish government has stalled plans for a controversial holiday park at Loch had previously been set to give permission for the development, overturning the national park authority which said it did not comply with environmental and nature conservation park operator Flamingo Land believed it would be given the go-ahead to build a £40m resort called Lomond Banks, featuring a waterpark, monorail, hotel and Scottish government's Minister for Public Finance, Ivan McKee, has now said he will recall the plans because "the development raises issues of national significance in view of its potential impact on Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park". This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest can receive Breaking News on a smartphone or tablet via the BBC News App. You can also follow @BBCBreaking on X to get the latest alerts.
The Sun
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
I live in a caravan on a holiday park – it costs HALF of my old flat & there's great perks, I use the swimming pool too
A YOUNG woman has revealed that she lives in a caravan on a holiday park for 11 months of the year. Not only does it cost half of the price of her old flat, but there's loads of perks too, including full use of the park's swimming pool and sauna. 2 2 Posting on social media, Katrina, who lives in the south of England, opened up on why she chose to live this way - and it's not just that it's ' much cheaper ' and more affordable. The brunette beauty, who bought her caravan outright and spends just £528 a month, which includes her pitch, bills and insurance, revealed the five reasons why she chose to live in a caravan. Prior to this, Katrina was paying over double to live in a flat, as she expressed: 'It costs half of what my old flat did - my life quality is way better now, I can do things I could have never afforded to do before.' Not only is caravan life easier on her purse, but she also explained that it enables her to "be different", as she added: 'I like being alternative, I don't wanna follow what the societal norm is - I'm happy to break it and have people question me and that is fine, I get that it's not for everyone, but living this way really is for me.' Katrina then got candid on the additional benefits of caravan life, as she said: 'Living on a holiday park comes with so many perks - I love being able to use the swimming pool, the sauna all the time, I love just roaming the grounds, looking at all the different wildlife here.' But that's not all, as Katrina stressed that not having 'junk' around her has made life feel 'much more simple now.' 'Living in a small space really teaches you what is important and what isn't - I've had to minimise my life and I really like it this way,' she added. Finally, Katrina confessed her thoughts on the positive vibe of the caravan park, as she concluded: 'There's a really sweet community feel here - I'm loving that aspect of it and getting to know my neighbours and becoming friends.' Having said that, the content creator, who has amassed 29,900 followers since opening up about her life in a caravan, acknowledged that she 'can't do anything mischievous' without her neighbours noticing and questioning her. The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ katrinascaravan, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 112,200 views. Hidden gem Scots caravan park with luxury hot tubs that's just five steps from the beach Not only this, but it's also amassed 2,979 likes and 305 comments. Social media users were gobsmacked by Katrina's way of life and many eagerly raced to the comments to share their thoughts. One person said: 'I would love to live in a caravan.' Another added: 'I'd live in one… half the cleaning time and less stuff.' At the same time, one woman explained: 'We are looking to do this as a family of five! Like you said, it makes you appreciate things more and actually be able to afford to have a life and have fun, that's our main reason.' Meanwhile, someone else asked: 'How are you able to live on a holiday park? Didn't think it was allowed?' To this, Katrina replied and confirmed: 'I'm here for 11 months, I have a residential address for the other month.'
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
English seaside holiday park reveals plans to open new Wetherspoons pub
AN English seaside holiday park has revealed plans to open a new JD Wetherspoon pub. The Haven holiday park near Prestatyn will be getting a new Wetherspoon pub called The Boathouse pub. 3 3 The design, according to the architects planning the site, will prioritise "natural light" and an "eco-conscious design". It hasn't been confirmed when it will open. Last January, Haven signed an exclusive agreement with JD Wetherspoon to operate at its parks. New Wetherspoons pubs will open at sites in Devon, Lincolnshire, Kent and Northumberland by the end of 2025, costing a total investment of £6.7million. The first JD Wetherspoon pub at a Haven park opened at Haven Primrose Valley Holiday Park in North Yorkshire last spring. The planning statement said: "This development not only supports the resort's growth but also reinforces our commitment to sustainability and accessibility, ensuring that Presthaven Beach Resort remains a premier destination for leisure and relaxation. "We believe this extension will contribute significantly to the local economy and community, fostering an inviting atmosphere that attracts both new and returning guests." The Haven holiday park is home to a heated indoor pool, outdoor lazy river, bungee trampolines, a climbing wall, crazy golf course and a 'jump tower'. There are also miles of sandy beaches and protected dunes full of rare wildlife. There are range of other places to eat at too, including Chopstix, Burger King, Cook's Fish and Chips and Papa Johns. The Sun visits Wetherspoons largest pubin Ramsgate Away from the holiday park itself, the seaside town of Llandudno is nearby and features an array of shops and arcades - especially on the town's 19th century pier. Rhyl is also nearby - another seaside town, in Denbighshire, Wales. The town has long beaches, with a lively promenade and family-friendly attractions. Rhyl also has the oldest miniature railway in Britain, offering a scenic ride around the Marine Lake. Haven Holidays' boss also has his eyes more on-site Wetherspoons pubs and rival takeovers. Plus, one mum also visits Haven holiday parks every year with her family… here are some secret areas guests don't know about. 3
The Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Best holiday parks, hotels and pubs in England 2025 revealed – with soft play, safari lodges and floating pods
VISITENGLAND has revealed the best holiday parks as well as hotels and pubs across the UK for 2025. Polmanter Holiday Park in St Ives has won ' Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year'. 6 6 Run by the Osbornes for over fifty years, the campsite in Halsetown is just a three-minute drive to the middle of St Ives and six minutes from the beach. One of the reasons for its popularity is the many on-site activities, from golf on the putting green to tennis on the all-weather tennis courts, a football pitch and plenty of walking routes. For any keen walkers, you can pick up the famous Salt Path (South West Coast Path) from St Ives, or towards Zennor. There's also a heated outdoor swimming pool open from May until mid-September. The 20m long pool has the room for serious swimmers, as well as a shallow end to splash about. On the banks are plenty of sun loungers to laze about on when the sun shines. Outside are also two playgrounds, one designed for younger children with a wooden camper van and tractor. The second for slightly older kids with a zip wire and wooden pods. And recently added to the site is an outdoor playground and indoor soft play area. There's areas dedicated to kids of all ages from toddler area to a teenage hangout in the games room. When it comes to food and drink, there's The Stable Bar is open from 9am, with food available until 9pm (8pm on Sundays). During the week, there's entertainment in the bar from bingo and quiz nights to live music sessions from local musicians. Award-Winning Campsite Has Floating Hideaways 6 6 Pitches welcome tents, caravans, campers and motorhomes with all pitches are self-catered with views across the Atlantic. Anyone who doesn't fancy pitching up, but wants to stay on the site, can also stay in the two luxury self-catered apartments that sleep up to four people. Or there's the two country cottages that each sleep up to six, and each has its own hot tub. 6 The holiday park that came in second place was Mendip Basecamp, Somerset. The site has glamping safari tents, nomandic bell tents and an activity centre with over 20 activities to book from archery to snowsports. In third place was the Hippersons Boatyard, Suffolk which is a unique holiday park with floating pods. The self-catering, holiday destination in Beccles, is known for its houseboats and pods that sit on the river. Mallory Court Country House Hotel & Spa in Warwickshire, bagged top spot for Large Hotel of the Year. It boasts luxurious accommodation and is set in 10 acres of grounds. While Summer Lodge Country House Hotel in the village of Evershot in Dorset got gold for Small Hotel of the Year. Visitors can stay in the main hotel, or in the private cottages - and use the on-site spa. The Farmers Arms in Devon scooped up Gold for 'Pub of the Year'. Here are more UK campsites that have 10/10 reviews with honesty shops and resident deer. And more of Britain's best family-friendly campsites – with free-roaming wallabies, farm parks and tractor rides. 6
The Sun
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I stayed at the English seaside caravan park with private lido, Vegas-like cabanas and cosy pub
THE West Sussex town of Selsey famously has just one road in and out of it – but the seaside spot is so fun-packed, the exit lane should be scrapped. My family and I had just spent a long weekend at the Cove's Seal Bay resort, where every lodge, caravan and holiday home sits just a short stroll from the ocean. 5 5 We were staying in Green Lawns, the most rural of the site's four themed sections, which lives up to its name with a pond and trees that my sons were constantly scaling. Our classic lodge was filled with mod cons, including a deep bath, huge shower, washing machine, dishwasher and classy electric fire. For nearby food, this zone is also home to the giant Viking Bar which, despite looking like an imposing cowboy saloon from outside, is like a warm and welcoming local pub. A little farther away, the burgers, beers and ice creams at Cafe Lido are of bafflingly good quality — yet the 'double burger' is just £9.99 and the classic hotdog not even a fiver. We have holidayed on caravan sites for almost 40 years and having affordable restaurants and action-packed activites within walking distance of your home is a huge perk. But only now, after all those years, do I recognise how vital holiday parks might be for little ones with special educational needs, or even younger kids who tire more easily. When long flights, unfamiliar surroundings or sensory overloads might be too much for someone, places like Seal Bay are so important. You can choose to have the most secluded and private break or throw yourself into eight hours of non-stop activities and entertainment. A short stroll from our lodge was the White Horse area, offering lots of sporting action. Then there's the Dockyard, which has a stunning lido, with a splash area and swimming pools surrounded by bright-orange cabanas that wouldn't look amiss in Vegas — these come at an extra charge. Martin Lewis gives travel advice about checking your passport Indoors there is a nine-hole crazy- golf course, state-of-the-art climbing wall and a death-defying bounce- playground above your heads. And around the corner is the vast and lush sports field where the Seal Bay Soccer Academy is run by brilliant staff with grade-A equipment — Mitre balls, goals, bibs, cones, hurdles and slalom poles. We had a family match against new friends Taylor, Sarah, Mick and Archie, who made the hour fly by. The largest zone in the holiday complex is West Sands, which sits right on the beach. It even has a wave simulator, Wave Rider, open May to September. We had blistering weather so spent as much time as possible on the beach or in the ocean, but the indoor Oasis Bay pool is ideal for wetter weather. We ventured down to this area on Saturday and found a giant TV screen, on the beach rocks, showing the FA Cup Final. 5 5 My boys split their time between watching Crystal Palace spring a brilliant upset over Man City and diving into the waves. Then we headed for a BBQ dinner at Smokey's Ocean Bar. There, the lads demolished the Pitmaster's Feast of brisket, pulled pork, ribs, buffalo wings, sausage, chilli and sides and somehow had room for ice-cream sundaes. A family of three were stuffed for just over £50. We used our stroll back to base camp to walk off the meat sweats but there is a courtesy bus — that loops around the park, stopping at all the key areas — plus electric bikes and pedal go-karts to hire. On Sunday we finished off with the brilliant Zorbing experience — you strap your child into a giant bubble and let them play crash-test dummies — then another swim and an archery session, before my kids slept the whole way home. And I would love to tell you we partied all weekend into the early hours but we were shattered and asleep by 8pm every day, dreaming of the next day's adventure. 5
