William Coleman
I think it is safe to say that Brexit has caused a fair bit of stress and turmoil for most of us here in the UK. So now that it seems to have been…paused…postponed…. why not find yourself a little slice of non Brexit relaxation time in Dorset.
Since the votes were counted back in the latter part of 2016 Brexit has dominated the news and has caused a lot of stress and anguish. Now it’s about time that we took a break, which genuinely has happened, from the Brexit battery and find an upbeat side to the saga.
The BBC have found the silver lining we have all been waiting for and its in a caravan back down south (west).
During the main evening news on the BBC one evening the question was asked: “Where can you go to escape all the gloom?” – and then provided a very attractive answer.
The BBC’s cameras had been to South Lytchett Manor holiday park near Poole in Dorset to find out if this was the perfect bolt-hole from Brexit fatigue.
Viewers were shown a drone’s-eye view of the park nestled in tranquil countryside: the ideal rural retreat from bickering politicians and curmudgeonly campaigners.
Brexit, said the reporter on the park, was creating both winners and losers – and Britain’s tourism industry was definitely one of the victors of the debacle.
The journalist spoke to David Bridgen who, with his wife Joanne, has owned South Lytchett Manor for the past 13 years, gathering a host of top tourism awards along the way.
David said that holiday bookings were far ahead of last year’s figures, suggesting that even more families than previously would be opting for a staycation this summer.
Many had expressed uncertainties about travelling abroad, he said, and the weakness of the pound also meant overseas visitors had to reach much further inside their pockets.
Guests on the park were then asked why they had decided to stay put in this country, instead of heading for one of the channel ports on the south coast.
The long list of reasons suggested why so many other parks in Britain are this year also looking at advance bookings stacking up like never before.
The varied from fears of delays on leaving ferries and possible passport problems to concerns over driving licences, mobile roaming charges, and pets needing rabies jabs.
By contrast, many families in previous years have found that Britain provides a much more relaxed holiday experience – and more for everyone, especially children, to enjoy.
David and Joanne said they were delighted to see their park named as a perfect comfort blanket from Brexit woes, and hoped it would also help highlight Dorset as a first-class holiday destination.
As well as touring facilities, Lytchett Manor provides glamping facilities including picture-postcard Romany caravans with a raft of modern comforts such as full-size beds and heating.
It is also a member of the Best of British group which comprises some 50 independently-run parks with top quality ratings throughout the UK.
More information about the park is available at www.southlytchettmanor.co.uk
