The family-run business trumped more than 100 eligible parks in the county to take the overall gold accolade in the holiday parks category of the competition. And now park director Henry Wild says he will use the award to shine the national spotlight on Cumbria’s “amazing and diverse” parks industry.
Stepping up to receive the Cumbria Tourism honour at the awards ceremony at Cartmel Racecourse were Henry and members of the park team. It was a proud moment too for Henry’s father Syd who has been involved in the parks industry for more than 40 years, and who with Henry acquired Skelwith Fold two decades ago.
They immediately set about transforming the park and its neglected 130-acre grounds, creating an idyllic retreat with 450 pitches for holiday home owners and touring guests. Their reward has been to see a continuing increase in customer numbers, glowing reviews, and a succession of regional and national accolades for Skelwith Fold’s achievements.
Henry said that the Cumbria Tourism award has a special significance as it also pays tribute to the park’s hard-working staff, “An important component of these awards is the hospitality and quality of service provided to guests, and our team at Skelwith must take a major share of the credit for providing this. They are always prepared to go the extra mile to make holidaymakers feel welcome and at home, and to help them get the most out of their stay.
“We knew we were up against some extremely tough competition in these awards from other excellent Lakeland parks, so everyone is naturally delighted with the result.
“Now we intend to use this award to highlight Cumbria generally as a wonderful place to enjoy a fresh-air holiday on one of its many first-class parks,” added Henry.
Also shortlisted for the 2017 Cumbria Tourism awards were Waterfoot Park in Pooley Bridge, Silverdale Holiday Park near Arnside, and The Quiet Site near Penrith.
The Quiet Site was also named as the sustainable business of the year at the awards ceremony which was attended by hundreds of tourism professionals from across the county.