Bristanbul – Site Review 3 Camping Fontanelle Lake Garda Italy

Posted by

William Coleman

Lake Garda is considered by many as one of the most stunning locations in Italy. Known for its crystal clear waters and awe inspiring views it is a must visit location when you’re touring the northern Italy. Rumour has it that even Mr. Ocean’s 11 himself George Clooney has a house on the lake. After a quick google I can confirm that George does have a lake house here. It’s ok we are on first a name basis now.

The site itself sits right on the banks of the Lake Garda so you have a view that makes buying an extremely expensive camera more than worth it. With a circumference of 160 kilometres the site has a perfect location to take in the beauty. Our plots were water front so we got to see it all right from our Bailey Pegasus.

Onsite there is restaurant/pizzeria that service quite a large menu of salad, pizza, pasta and main courses with a Italian wine list that would make Pavarotti blush. Not to mention world class home made tiramisu!

For supplies the site has a mini market that serves fresh warm pastries in the morning along with a lot of Italian goods and a hand full of your normal day to day products. The good thing about sites in Italy is they have a lot of local products so you get to taste the real Italy. And if you have a sweet tooth I highly recommend trying a cannoli or some Baci and Venchi chocolate.

Both pet and child friendly, not that I put the two in the same category, so you do not have to worry if you want to bring the little ones or pets with you. An onsite pool, with plenty of bed chairs and seating, will no doubt keep the kids entertained for hours on end. You could even pop to the onsite gift shop and buy a couple of rubber rings and make the most of it yourself. After all it’s yours holiday too.

Of an evening you can sit at the lakeside bar and enjoy an espresso or the Peroni red label beer that’s is pretty much only sold in Italy and is quite different from the Peroni Nastro Azzurro we get in the UK.

Just a stones throw from the site is the local town where you can visit the castles, cafés, pizzerias and my personal favourite the tradition Italian bakery. With plenty of shops and things to see and do you could happily spend a whole week, or two, on the banks of the lake and touring the town sipping espresso and eating pasta and pizza.

The site boasts all touring accommodation as well as cottages, statics and camping areas. So this site is open to any and every keen tourer.

Todays Adventure 3 Countries In 1 Day And Border Crossings

Posted by

By William Coleman

Today is a big day on the tour as we embark on our journey to cross 3 countries in 1 day. Although we are only traveling 10 miles more than yesterday we are still managing to tick as many countries off of our list as possible. By the end of today we will be setting up camp at Lake Garda in Italy, which just so happens to be a destination that is right at the top of my bucket list of places to visit. Happy days!

So we set off from Gigny-sur-Saone at around 9am, it would have been earlier but the decision was made to give the team a bit of extra time in bed to recharge the batteries, to start making our way to land that created Velcro, Switzerland. The journey is roughly 272 miles and took around 7+ hours due to the speed limits we face towing.

As we drove through France toward to Mont Blanc tunnel we entered the skiing town of Chamonix which was amazing. You really do have to envy the folk who get to wake up every morning to the massive mountain range that surrounds them. The pictures I took simply not does not do the scenery justice. Absolutely amazing! For me one of the constant highlights of the trip is just how much you see. Europe is such a massive place with so many different terrains and settings that you are constantly gobsmacked at sights around you.

Once to convoy was back together we got down some lunch down us and headed into the Mont Blanc tunnel. I was in the driver’s seat for this. I will be honest and say there were one of two butterflies in the tummy about driving in the tunnel but like most new experiences as soon as you are doing it you realise that there is zero to be concerned with. Take your time, obey the limits and laws, be aware of what is around you and most importantly, enjoy yourself.

Once we left the tunnel we were in the Italy, somewhere close to my heart, in another skiing town. The architecture and buildings in this town are clearly influenced by their French neighbours and is very much a skiing hotspot. The main hotel even calls itself the Mont Blanc Mountain Hotel. The border crossing was simple, just drive into and then out through the tunnel so no issues or stories on that front.

Today has been a pretty driving heavy day but I was able to take in a lot of scenery at it was not constant motorway driving. To best part of today was trying 3 separate vehicles. First off I was I the support vehicle, the ever reliable and luxury Mercedes Vito, where we were able to catch up with the convoy who had a few miles on us as we opted to go shopping for supplies. Sitting very comfortable on the motorway teetering at the speed limit. The best thing about the Vito is how well it performs at high speed. There were 3 of us on board with a full production kit, luggage and all manner of touring essentials provided by Prima, and you would think you were transporting a bag of feathers. Like most Mercedes this is an absolute joy to drive on any road type or surface.
I spent the second half of the day with Lee Davey in the motorhome and opted to drive the whole distance from the Mont Blanc tunnel all the way to Lake Garda, another place that I promised I would visit at least once in my life.

So after a full 13 hour of travelling, we did have some quick pit stops on the way for tea, coffee and sandwiches, we have arrived at our site located on Lake Garda, Italy. I will not go into too much site detail, as I will be posting up a review once I had spent more time on site but one thing I will say is that this part of Italy is a sight to behold. The scenery is something straight out of the pages of a James Bond novel.

We did arrive a bit late to the site, as we had the lay in this morning and the huge traffic delay through Milan, so myself and Wes from Bailey will be making a three course feast for the team. The third of which is a French apple tart so do not tell the Italians! Wes and I fancy ourselves as culinary skilled travellers so and we put our hands up and nominated ourselves to cook for the team. Unfortunately due to the 1 hour stand still traffic on the motorway through Milan we simply did not get enough time in the evening. Something tells me that the team will not forget the self-nomination and hold us to the cooking challenge we set ourselves.

Once we arrived on site we were hit with pretty heavy rain and were pitching up in quite poor light with monsoon like condition, but that is a part of travelling. The reality of it, like every holiday type that exists, is sometimes weather will work against you no matter how glorious the location is.

So in summary we managed to cover 3 counties in one day with a convoy of three leisure vehicles, 2 of which are being towed, and a support vehicles. Tunnels, snowy mountains, blistering sunshine, we saw it all in one day.

Bristanbul Site Reviews – Camping Château de l’Epervière – Burgundy

Posted by

By William Coleman

Our #Bristanbul adventure continues, and we endeavour to keep you up to date all along the way. So here’s our second site review (our first really as last night was a bunk on a ferry).

It really is going to be hard to put this into words (hence the pictures) so let me start by simply saying stunning.
After a 5am start following a 3.5 hour sleep and then covering 375 miles this is just what the doctor ordered. The site boasts more than just impressive looks. The onsite facilities are spot on and plentiful. The shower block has enough showers for everyone as well as separate changing rooms with sinks and benches. The only thing that bothered me was he stop start shower but that’s not uncommon so just a personal snag for me.

There are three pools, 2 outdoor 1 of which is for the children, perfect for the summer dipping, and if it’s a tad on the mild side you can use the indoor pool. The pitches are a very good size and set in idyllic French countryside. For those who want to visit, and trust me you should, you can use both static and touring accommodation. There are also glamping huts available which are located at the front of the park.

Of an evening you must visit the onsite restaurant and sample the home made authentic French cuisine. Simon Howard, Baileys Marketing Director, decided to fully embrace the French cooking and ordered the snails. When in Rome (France). Good size portions packed with flavour that comes with a very, very reasonable price tag. As we are in wine country it would be rude not to try a locally made red wine which was glorious. As was the second bottle.

This is a family friendly site so we do have some children on site which for me personally is never an issue. There are enough activities on site to keep the children happy and entertained while the adults can relax and soak in all the perfect scenery. The site is large with lots of different accommodation types and an onsite restaurant that serves the best French food I’ve eaten in quite some time. So if you like wine country, stunning scenery and generous on site facilities this is the site for you!

You can check out the site in more detail here or look through our pictures below, and remember to check back tomorrow for a review of our next stop in Lake Garda, Italy! You can also stay up to date with Bailey’s Bristanbul trip via our Facebook and by following #Bristanbul across social media.

See you soon!

Take a scroll through here and tell us if you’d like to visit!












My First Day Driving Abroad With Help From Lee Davey And Simon Howard- Bristanbul

Posted by

By William Coleman

So when I was first invited onto Bailey’s Bristanbul tour the first thing that popped into my head was that I had never driven abroad in a motorhome let alone towed a full size caravan. I was overcome with a sense of nerves and doubt, after all driving on the right side of the car on the wrong side of the road is a very daunting challenge when you have a caravan following you. So how does one prepare for something like travelling across 21 countries in 21 days? Get stuck in, do you research and listen to the professionals like, fellow veteran caravaner, Lee Davey and Bailey of Bristol’s Marketing Director, Simon Howard.

Following my towing refresher course I had last week, big thank you to the Caravan and Motorhome Club for helping me arrange that, it was decided that myself and Wes Terry, Bailey Marketing Assistant, would spend all of day one driving the Bailey Advance 76-4 motorhome to get use to the European roads before we start to tow the Pegasus and the Pursuit.

As soon as it was my turn to drive, which was about 100 miles into France once we left the ferry, it did not take long for my driving skills to kick in. As soon as I joined the motorway from the rest stop I felt totally at ease and any apprehension that I had soo vanished. Without trying to sound too overly dramatic the thought of doing something as big, well big to me, as driving a good sized leisure vehicle around France for the first time was quite intimidating. As soon as I applied the training and advice I was give any fears or doubts that I had went away. So before I share the advice I was given, as I feel this will help many people who may be wary of towing abroad, let me just say a massive thank you to my co-pilot Wes and tutors Lee and Simon.

William Coleman- Before we set off I was somewhat apprehensive about driving such a big vehicle in another country as I have only done this in the UK. Right side of the car wrong side of the road. Any advice you can give to ease my pain?

Lee The best bit of advice I can give people who are doing this for the first time is that as soon as you get off of the ferry hang back in one of the laybys so you follow the traffic so you’ve got all the ferry traffic to follow. Once you follow that out onto some roundabouts, some smaller roads and then out onto the motorway chances are that would help you dial in. Simple as that, hang back, follow the traffic and get the hang of the road. That will help you enormously.

Simon First of all well done for today. The first time abroad in a motorhome of this size and abroad, so you’ve taken down two birds with one stone and no pedestrians. We have arrived in the beautiful region of Burgundy in France. We’ve covered 375 miles today without incident so fair play to you. Obviously some of the advice and Bernie’s training as rubbed off on you (Bernie is the instructor who trained me last week at the CAMC towing experience).

Lee From that it just goes to prove that if you have not driven a motorhome or towed, the value of taking a course. You’re not going to learn everything but it will demystify a lot of it and you will realise it is not that scary. Some people may be worried about towing 10 miles away from their house but you have properly been thrown into the deep end. 375 miles on the wrong side of the road, in a vehicle you are not familiar with, we are on a schedule with a deadline and having not slept that well you’ve done exceptionally.

Simon- To put it into perspective we’ve covered 375 miles, 4 vehicles and we have 4 new drivers today towing vehicles and driving large motorhomes. Having a co-pilot always helps as driving solo is always a little more daunting, especially in a foreign country. Bring a friend as it always helps. Especially with changing lanes and manoeuvring.

William – For the UK holiday makers who are used to towing around Britain what do they need to be aware of when embarking on their first driving trip abroad?

Simon Become used to the way that other countries drive as sometimes It can be unpredictable.

William OK, so someone who have been towing for years around the UK and is pretty seasoned can they just get off to say Germany, for instance, and just get along issue free?

Simon- You really do have to try and anticipate as some drivers may not behave on the road the same way that you are used to. Reduce your speed, allow plenty of time for your journey and try and anticipate what people are going to do. Today for instance we had people joining the motorway from the right hand side, which is totally alien to us. So you just need to take your time. And most importantly be a bit more passive and calm that what you would be when you are at home as you are having to adapt to their style of driving.

Lee Simon’s advice there spot on. Things maybe happening too fast that you are not used, simply slow it down and take your time until you build up that confidence. It’s then where you can speed up. Everyone is on this trip to enjoy it. So if you are planning a trip like this and you are unsure of what things you may need you can visit the Caravan and Motorhome Club site and go to the advice page everything you need is listed there. If you combine what Simon just said and check what requirements you need for each country there is nothing stopping you from booking for your trip abroad.

William I think it is safe to say that a lot of people’s apprehension is simply that, apprehension. It is fear of the unknown. Now that I have tried it I am extremely confident on completing another few thousand miles.

So there you have it. With just a little bit of confidence and training there really is nothing to fear from driving and towing abroad. Especially with help from the pros.

At Bailey HQ Gearing Up To Leave On The Bristanbul Tour

Posted by

By William Coleman

So the day is finally here! Today I will be embarking on a multi country tour covering 21 countries in 21 days with the Bailey of Bristol team. I am currently sat at Bailey HQ going over the mountain of kit we are taking away and to say I am slightly excited is an understatement.

I set off from London this morning at around 7am and was quickly met by a storm of thick traffic on the M25 which made the journey 3 hour and 40 instead of the pleasant 2 hours 20 I have become accustomed to.

Once I arrived at Bailey HQ in Bristol, at around half 10, I meet the guys and see what preparation we needed to do before we set off for Portsmouth to hop on the ferry over to France. I have done my fair share of holiday prep work before but I certainly underestimated the work needed to get three touring vehicles and 2 touring cars for a 21 day tour across Europe and back, a tip of the cap for the sheer amount of work that has gone into planning this trip. The guys at Bailey really have thought of everything and were still working away crossing the T’s and dotting the I’s when I arrived.

One thing that Bailey have provided all of us going on the tour is a goodie bag full of touring essentials. When travelling across the 21 countries I am sure we will encounter many different types if weather, so we have been provided with a waterproof coat, and size up jacket, caps and 2 different towels, for those rainy days. As well as that we have 2 watcher bottler, thermos and a fantastic backpack to carry it all in. They are taking great care of the crew going and we have not even turn an engine on yet.

At this stage we are almost all prepped and ready. Now the Pegasus, GT70 Ramini, Pursuit 550-4 and the Advance 76-4 are all packed with the gear we are almost ready to drive away. We are completing some final safety checks and making sure we have not left the kettle unpacked. At 6pm you can tune into a Facebook Live Broadcast on Bailey’s official Facebook page, CaravanTimes will also be sharing the broadcast to make sure everyone gets to see it.

Tyco BMW Pick Up Their Auto-Trail 2018 Comanche

Posted by

By William Coleman

I have said it before and I will say it again, motorsports and leisure vehicles go hand in hand. Having spent a weekend at the races with both Auto-Trail and the BWM Tyco Team, whom are sponsored by Auto-Trail, we can see why the two companies work so well together. In continuing their support for the BMW Motorrad team Auto-Trail have supplied them with a bespoke 2018 Frontier Comanche, which has been modified to suit the needs of a Superbike rider.

This brand new 2018 Comanche has been built on the market leading Fiat Ducato platform but has an uprated 5000kg Al-Ko heavy duty chassis. Out of the entire Auto-Trail motorhome range the Comanche is the largest. Due to the amount of travelling, and hard days on the track, this makes for the ideal touring home for the Tyco BMW team. After spending all day racing hundreds of laps you really do want a high end luxury space to lounge and relax, something the Comanche provides perfectly. Another important factor Auto-Trail have considered is the storage space the team need when on and off the road. To help the guys and gals out they have added a much larger 8.73m chassis for added room, storage and flexibility.

Christian Iddon, International motorcycle racer and Tyco BMW Motorrad team member, has used the team’s previous motorhome in 2017, the Frontier Serrano. Christian, who has owned caravans before, is now an avid motorhome user and enthusiast and was more than excited about the team’s new upgrade to the Comanche. Once he saw the large Island bedm walk-in shower and L-shaped kitchen he knew there was no turning back and could not wait to board his new home away from home.

When designing the Comanche Auto-Trail left nothing out of consideration. The Comanche truly is an uncompromising luxury leisure vehicle for extended tour. Making is the best choice for the British Superbike Championships.

Russell Hensman, Auto-Trail’s Marketing Manager says: “Everyone here at Auto-Trail is thrilled to continue to support one of the most recognisable international motorcycle teams on circuit. Tyco BMW Motorrad are looking on great form this year and we wish them all the success throughout the 2018 season.”

We Get Hands On With The Skoda Kodiaq

Posted by

By William Coleman

When I was young I remember the name Skoda being met with jokes, laughs and chuckles, even Jeremy Clarkson felt compelled to poke fun. Fast forwards a couple of decades and here I am test driving a brand new Skoda Kodiaq, which was voted The Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Tow Car Of The Year, and I am finding it very hard to find anything dislike about this award winner.

I have been fortunate enough to be selected as one of the keen eyed adventurers to go on the 2018 Bailey Tour. We will be travelling through 21 countries in 21 days, starting at Bristol and travelling to Bosphorus which will be around 5,000 plus miles. Ahead of embarking on this multi country tour I wanted to test out the Kodiaq as I have never towed on foreign soil before and certainly want to get a head start on the driving before we leave, nothing to do with bragging rights or anything like that…

When the Kodiaq first arrived I was surprised just how smart looking it is. I had seen many photos but like most fine works of art you have to see them in the skin to fully appreciate just how smart they care. Inside and out the car just screams modern and once you turn on the 2.0 TDI engine and see all the options available, both engine and media, you will be blown away. In regards to how it looks you need to be thinking for Range Rover Evoque than Skoda Yeti.

The one thing that stood out to me was all the bells and whistles that Skoda have been able to fit into Kodiaq. The model I drove was the top spec model but the model below it does not have a hell of a lot missing, which goes to show that for a good price bracket Skoda are deliver above and beyond. The stereo interface was touch screen which included sat nav, bluetooth connection as well as the pretty hand Apple CarPlay. The once drawback the stereo has is the hand motion controls. I wave my hands a lot and I kept switching back and forth over the same track. All I had to do was change the menu on the screen and then that tiny issue went away so a small issues that was easily resolved.

I will not give away too much as the video gives you some first hand insight into the Skoda. One thing I will say is that if you are in the market for a new towing car/vehicle you should seriously consider the Skoda Kodiaq. I am so confident that you guys will love it that I urge you to go for a test drive and see for yourself and tow car of this spec for well under £40k you cannot go wrong.

Bristol to Bosphorus The 2018 Bailey Tour

Posted by

By William Coleman

The day is almost upon and we are more than ready. The #BristanBul tour for me really is a once in a lifetime and in this video you see how the trip came about when CAMC Director General Nick Lomas and Simon Howard, Bailey Marketing Director bumped into one another.

The leisure manufacturers Bailey of Bristol, who are being supported by The Caravan and Motorhome Club will be embarking on an epic adventure, which will be documented by yours truly, through some of the most picturesque cities and locations all across Europe.

The aim behind the adventure is to inspire holiday makers to travel beyond the borders of the UK and explore new lands in their touring homes. When you own a caravan or motorhome the world really is your oyster and we are going to show how easy and enjoyable it is.

For me this will be a first. I have travelled the UK in caravans and motorhomes, I was even driven to the south of France on a caravan holiday when I was 17. But I have never been on such a big scale multi country adventure. So you will be getting first hand updates of what it is actually like doing something like this for the first time. I will also be travelling with veteran caravaners who have not been on such an epic trip.

Design Award Winner- A Class Over £90k Winner Announced By The Caravan And Motorhome Club

Posted by

By William Coleman

Back in February, at the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show at the NEC, the Caravan and Motorhome Club held their annual ‘Motorhome Design Awards’. The awards celebrate the variety of makes and models of the motorhome industry all while choosing the best the market has to offer to ensure the public make the best decision they can when purchasing.

The independent panel of judges picked 97 vehicles for this years awards. Each judge assessed a wide range of essential criteria which included comfort, electrics and safety, air-con, heating to name just a few.

A Class Over £90k Winner- SMC Motorhomes The Frankia i680 RL Plus

The newly award winning Frankia i680 RL Plus is well deserved of this win and from this video you can really see how much it means to the team at SMC Motorhomes. Collecting the award on behalf of SMC was Aleister who could not have been happier. The recognition that the award win will bring the company really makes all the efforts they have put in worthwhile. The accolade highlights the design and research that goes into creating such luxury touring homes.

The round seating at the rear of the motorhome provides a very comfortable leisure area that frees up a lot of space to have a good size kitchen along with spacious bathroom that can be combined with a shower.

Another feature that I always appreciate is light flooded living space as when touring I love to let as much natural light and sunshine into where I am living.

Design Award Winner- A Class Under £90k Winner Announced By The Caravan And Motorhome Club

Posted by

By William Coleman

Back in February, at the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show at the NEC, the Caravan and Motorhome Club held their annual ‘Motorhome Design Awards’. The awards celebrate the variety of makes and models of the motorhome industry all while choosing the best the market has to offer to ensure the public make the best decision they can when purchasing.

The independent panel of judges picked 97 vehicles for this years awards. Each judge assessed a wide range of essential criteria which included comfort, electrics and safety, air-con, heating to name just a few.

A Class Under £90k Winner- Marquis Leisure with the Mobilvetta Fiat K-Yacht 85 Techno Line

With 3 different models in their portfolio Marquis Leisure are doing their very best to bring you high end luxury at a very competitive price. This maritime themed range has not been available in the UK for the past few years so this win means a lot to Marquis as they put in a lot of hard work to source the right vehicle for the UK Market. The Mobilvetta won the Marquis team over and now it is winning them awards.

Their sales for the Mobilvetta have increased massively since its introduction and Marquis are now shifting 160 units a year. Usually an A Class does not cooperate well with the wallet but being priced in at under £90,000 makes this a stand out model for both price and quality, which makes it great for the UK market.

4 berths can sometimes compromise on comfort but the eye catching Mobilvetta. Each bed is a manual fold out that delivered two generous sized beds that make for a very comfortable sleep.

This A Class comes with come with under floor heating and a rear lounge which is not usual for a vehicle of this price range, which for me is a stand out feature deserved of winning this award.

The Aquaforno II Kitchen In A Backpack Crowdfunding Success

Posted by

By William Coleman

As some of you may be aware a large part of my touring holidays include getting as much food on the BBQ as possible. So when I see something like the Aquaforno I cannot help but share the love. This is a must have have kit for anyone who enjoys their cooking when touring, especially with the great weather this summer is going to produce.

Award-winning outdoor cooking stove specialist, Aquaforno, has started a craze for its next generation “Kitchen in a backpack”, after breaking through 850% of its Indiegogo crowdfunding target.

“We’re over the moon with the interest and the backing we’ve received from people so far. There has been a strong reaction in all corners of the world recently which shows that it really resonates with those that love being outside and enjoy eating good food.
“With only nine days left before we have to close the campaign we are trying to let everyone know they can still get an Aquaforno at our cheapest ever pricing.”

The huge rise in outdoor living is adding the the unit’s success. Globally there are a lot more people embracing the outdoors and taking a lot more holidays close to home, AKA the ‘Staycation’. People are keen to buy into the idea of lifestyle enhancing products – Aquaforno does exactly that for people who are passionate for the great outdoors and love great food.

The highly desirable Aquaforno II adds split level grill, rotisserie, smoking hangers, and double insulated lid to the original concept’s feature set which already encompasses a BBQ grill, pizza oven, smoker and water boiler in one collapsible unit.

This new ‘Swiss army-knife’ of outdoor cooking has been received with incredible enthusiasm since it was unveiled at the UK’s Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show the home of Britain’s RV sector.

The portable kitchen has yet another fantastic feature, a 3 minute assembly time. So if you are super hungry you can get cooking in just 3 minutes flat.

The Aquaforno II cooks anything from a Sunday roast to breakfast pancakes, to paella, with consummate ease. It is the ultimate combination of Hunting, tailgating, Prepping and glamping product and can even cater quickly and efficiently for large groups, e.g. cooking as many as twenty delicious restaurant quality pizzas per hour.

“Aquaforno II is designed to bring people together outdoors,” continues Rhodes. “Whether you’re at a camping site, on the beach, on a fishing expedition or in the back yard, it can go where you go and cater for all your outdoor needs”.
This little gem is more than just a kitchen. You can use it as a fire pit, dry your clothes with a hand clip on hook as well as enjoying hot drinks with its unique removable dishwasher-friendly boiler that provides a litre of boiling water in as little as minutes.

In addition to the new outdoor gastronomical possibilities, the Aquaforno II includes a double insulated lid for enhanced temperature stability. Its adjustable vent and new thermometer allows for temperature control, and a clever spark arrestor has been built in for extra safety. It also has spring-loaded legs to reduce set-up time and a more user-friendly, sturdier, door mechanism.

If you are in the market for a new BBQ/grill for your touring home, even if you are not you may want to upgrade to this, the Aquaforno II will make you the one to watch on site while you make pizza and roast whole chickens.

Cumbria Park Cracks Easter Deadline

Posted by

By William Coleman

Despite what some may say, hard work does pays off. And that has never been truer for the dedicated ground staff at Silverdale Holiday Park in south Cumbria as they beat their deadline on a major development project.

The half a million pound makeover project on January 1st this year and the race was on to get the work finished before the Easter weekend rush. The project was not a smooth sailing venture though but despite the setbacks March’s snow brought the team pulled it out of the bag and complete the task with just days to spare.

The works on the site included a total refitting if the bar and restaurant, the building of a new luxury amenities for touring guests and the gym had a whole load of the latest exercise technology added.

On top of all the nice new guest facilities Silverdale have not forgotten about the local wildlife as they add new habitats as part of a major landscaping and conservation initiative.

According to business owner Michael Holgate, the deadline was successfully beaten by a team effort involving the park’s own ground staff and local contractors. The ground workers, said Michael, included extra new employees taken on this year at Silverdale and the five other nearby parks belonging to the Holgates Group.

They have brought the total number of staff to over 150, and all the new recruits came from nearby communities and have been offered training opportunities.

The additional ground staff, said Michael, were needed to help in a variety of roles, including putting the half-million pound investment programme into action: “It was a very time-critical exercise as we had only a few months when the park was less busy to complete all of the work before welcoming thousands of guests over Easter,” he said.

“We are anticipating another record year for visitor numbers and holiday home buyers, and we wanted all the new facilities in place for the new season.

“There was a lot of construction, maintenance and re-equipping work to do – but despite some very challenging weather at times, the April deadline was met.

“We are very fortunate to be able to recruit such excellent staff from the local area, and this winter has provided them with a great crash course in holiday park management!” said Michael.

Among those joining the Holgates team were Michael Finch (aged 20) and Steven Sharpe (aged 19) who both live in Silverdale, and who are now enrolled on the group’s training scheme.

The park provides around 500 caravan holiday homes to own and to rent, plus glamping pods for hire, and pitches for touring caravans, motorhomes and camping guests.

It also provides a leisure club with a strong local membership, and its facilities include the now re-equipped gymnasium together with a swimming pool and sauna and spa.