AA names Britain's best holiday park

Family's Poole Holiday park is crowned by AA as Britain's best

South Lytchett Manor holiday park in Dorset has been named by the AA as the UK's top holiday destination for campers, glampers, caravanners and motorhome owners.

The family business beat thousands of other eligible parks to take both the England and the overall British Campsite of the Year titles in the AA's 2021 Caravan and Camping Awards.

Awards given by the AA – based on guest reviews and a "secret shopper" visit by inspectors - are regarded as the Oscars of the holiday parks industry.

The park's facilities, services and levels of hospitality all went under the microscope – and each was found to meet or exceed the platinum standard on every level.

South Lytchett Manor's owners, Joanne and David Bridgen, say they were "stunned but absolutely delighted" when news came through that they had clinched the major honour:

"We are so proud to be able to bring this title home to Dorset, and I hope it will help throw the national spotlight on all tourism businesses in the county," said Joanne.

"The AA award is particularly special to us because the judging is based not just on our quality standards, but also the experience which guests enjoy during their stay.

"Providing happy holiday memories has always been our main priority, and our friendly and helpful team here deserve a big vote of thanks for helping us achieve this," she added.

The AA accolade completes a triple triumph of successes this year for Joanne and David who run the park with the help of their son Matt and marketing manager Emily Freeman.

In spring, South Lytchett Manor took the overall gold title in the Camping and Caravanning Park of the Year category in the South West Tourism Excellence awards

And this autumn, Joanne and David were again flushed with success when the park won a regional diamond award in the Loo of the Year competition, propelling them to the national finals next year.

Guests at the park can bring their own motorhome, touring caravan or tent, or choose to stay in one of South Lytchett Manor's many glamping options.

These include picturesque Romany caravans fully fitted out with all home comforts, cosy shepherd's huts, and six new glamping pods.

"It's been a fantastically busy year for us and bookings for 2022 are at record levels, so these awards have really helped us to finish the season on a high!" said Joanne.

The park is a member of the Best of British group which comprises some 50 independently-run parks with top quality ratings based throughout the UK.

There is more information about South Lytchett Manor, as well as its range of accommodation, on its website at www.southlytchettmanor.co.uk