By Emma Dodd
A touring park in Leicestershire has been named among the best staycation sites by VisitEngland in its annual awards.
Eye Kettleby Lakes has taken the bronze award in the category of England’s best Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the year.
It was pipped to the gold and silver spots by Derbyshire’s Landal Darwin Forest and Swallowtail Hill in Sussex, which offer lodges and glamping facilities respectively.
Eye Kettleby Lakes sits on the edge of Melton Mowbray and is a family-run site with added touches of luxury like hot tubs.
A spokesperson for the park said: “Our tranquil luxury park is the perfect destination for guests looking for a peaceful location with beautiful long walks, wildlife and scenery.”
These elements have become all the more sought after in the wake of lockdown, with outdoor activities at the top of most people’s staycation wish lists.
Usually, visitors would benefit from an on-site bar and tearoom, but current coronavirus restrictions mean the kitchen remains closed.
Those keen to taste local delicacies can still buy pork pies and Stilton cheese in the nearby market town.
The highlight of any visit to Eye Kettleby Lakes for those who like to fish will be the nine coarse fishing lakes. Anglers can try to catch fish up to 30lbs in weight in the two specimen carp lakes.
Caravanners can choose from 61 pitches in the northern area of the site, complete with luxurious log cabin style amenity blocks, or 69 pitches on the southern side with stone bathrooms and views of the surrounding countryside.
Eye Kettleby Lakes is a dog-friendly site and even has a warm water dog shower for any pooches that get muddy during their outdoor adventures.
Nigel Huddleston, tourism minister, said: “I would like to congratulate all the winners and businesses around England who are doing an outstanding job in showcasing the best in tourism. I encourage everyone to get out, enjoy summer safely, and experience everything England has to offer.”
