Park peaks in Lake District tourism awards

Tuesday, 12 July 2011 15:07

Visitors to Park Cliffe in Windermere this summer may well be greeted by even broader smiles than usual - for the business has just been named as Cumbria's top spot for park holidaymakers.

The family-owned enterprise has beaten over 100 other holiday parks in the Lake District to take the Holiday Park of the Year accolade in the 2011 Cumbria Tourism Awards.

Announced in July, it means that Park Cliffe will now go on to represent Cumbria in the national "Enjoy England Awards" early next year.

For Susan and Derek Dickson, the award crowns their fourth year as owners of the business which they took over from Susan's parents in 2007.

Since then, the couple have invested much time and energy into creating a first-class holiday experience for guests at the 25-acre park above the eastern shores of Windermere.

As well luxury holiday homes to hire and own, Park Cliffe provides panoramic pitches for the owners of touring caravans, motorhomes and tents, and also provides camping pods.

Facilities include a newly refurbished restaurant specialising in Cumbria cuisine, luxury shower facilities with private bathrooms, and children's play area.

However, said Susan, what made the Cumbria Tourism award particularly satisfying to win was the emphasis put by judges on the quality of service provided by staff.

When it was "mystery shopped" as part of the judging process, said Susan, the park's team earned glowing commendations for friendliness, caring attitude, and desire to help guests.

Not that Park Cliffe is any stranger to appearing in the awards limelight.

It has previously been named by the AA as the best place in North West England to pitch a tent - and frequently appears in magazine polls of readers' favourite parks.

Park Cliffe is also a favourite of TV botanist David Bellamy who this year presented it with his prestigious Gold Conservation Award for protecting the natural environment.

Congratulations Park Cliffe!