Nostell Priory Holiday Park has reached the finals of the “Tourism Oscars” for the 5th time in 6 years.

Battle for Tourism Oscars

Nostell Priory Holiday Park

Following a record breaking number of entries to the White Rose Awards, Welcome to Yorkshire has today revealed which tourism businesses will battle it out for the most prestigious tourism awards in the UK.

The eagerly awaited list boasts 90 of Yorkshire’s best attractions, hotels, venues and individuals from the tourism industry. The list covers 16 categories (*categories and finalists listed at end), the winners from which will be announced at a glittering gala awards ceremony on the evening of 4^th October at the Yorkshire Event Centre based at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate.

Tickets for the White Rose Awards are being snapped up and the 90 finalists will be on the edge of their seats as the winners are announced in front of an estimated 1,000 guests.

Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said:

“The quality of this year’s White Rose Awards entries is so incredibly high we had no choice but to increase the number of those shortlisted. This clearly demonstrates that the Yorkshire tourism industry has really stepped up its game in terms of quality and presence, both of which are vital if we are to achieve our aims to be the UK’s best.”

The award categories range from Best Visitor Experience of the Year and the Access for All Tourism Award to the Sustainable Tourism Award and Business Tourism Award. Nostell Priory is nominated for the Caravan Holiday Park and Holiday Village Award. There is also a new category, Visitor Information Award, announced for 2010.

Previous winners have included: The Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa, Helmsley; Swinton Park, Masham; The Railway Children produced by York Theatre Royal and performed at The National Railway Museum; Sheffield City Hall, Sheffield; Residence 6, Leeds; The Yorkshire Waterways Museum, Goole, and Green’s Restaurant, Whitby.

Judging is undertaken by a panel of independent judges and as in previous years this has been no easy task. Independent Chair of Judges, Barbara Woroncow OBE, complimented the standard of 2010’s finalists:

“It is never easy to create a shortlist when the overall quality of submissions is of such an excellent standard. What is certain is that the finalist list really does represent some of our very best tourism attractions across the county, accommodation and experiences, from glamping to castles and mazes.”

All winners from the national categories are automatically entered into the national Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2010.

People interested in attending the White Rose Awards should visit www.whiteroseawards.com, email info@whiteroseawards.com or call 0113 3223564.

For more information on Nostell Priory Holiday Park visit www.nostellprioryholidaypark.co.uk.

Springhouse Country Park, near Hexham, Northumberland, has become one of only a handful of British holiday parks to receive a David Bellamy Conservation Award of Special Distinction.

The 35-acre park, owned by Blue Sky Resorts, has been awarded the accolade for the way it introduces children to wildlife.  The new award follows the park’s achievement in gaining a David Bellamy Gold Award last autumn.

In a letter to Andrew Blackie, the Springhouse General Manager, David Bellamy praised the holiday park for its “kids club and the work you do to introduce children to wildlife and the local countryside.”

He said: “The award recognises that your environmental work is truly innovative and something of which you can be rightly proud.”

Mr Blackie commented:  “This extra award was a complete surprise to us and is a great start to the new holiday season.  Our countryside has an abundance of wildlife and we want all our visitors – especially the children – to enjoy it as fully as possible.”

Since acquiring Springhouse in 2008,   Blue Sky Resorts has spent some £275,000 upgrading the facilities and improving the landscaping.  

The park has 79 fully-serviced pitches for static caravans and 20 for touring caravans, as well as facilities for tents.

Luxury Holiday Homes at Springhouse Country Park

Springhouse Country Park is a beautiful countryside retreat nestling in a peaceful and picturesque forest boasting a magnificent depth of wildlife and a variety of breathtaking scenic walks. Springhouse is the perfect place for you to relax and to experience holiday home ownership.

Imagine leaving work on a Friday evening, collecting the family, and arriving at your luxury holiday home before the sun goes down. Then relax, enjoy a glass of wine and watch the squirrels play in amongst the trees, and unwind from the stresses of the working week. In the summer months you could even base yourself in the caravan, commuting to work, content in the knowledge that your family is enjoying a luxury lifestyle in a safe and healthy environment.

Call our friendly team for more information and arrange your VIP Park Tour today…
Tel: 0800 111 40 50
Email: enquiries@bluesky-resorts.co.uk

SpringHouse Country Park, Slaley, Hexham, Northumberland, NE47 0AW

Nestling in a forest glade within the expansive grounds of the National Trusts Nostell Priory Estate, this park has been tastefully developed to provide residents of West Yorkshire with a relaxing environment in which to enjoy holiday home ownership.

With attention to detail, personable and friendly park staff, thoughtful layout and design and a great choice of luxury caravan holiday homes, Nostell Priory Holiday Park is the ideal place for your new holiday home in Yorkshire.  The team at Nostell pride themselves in ensuring their owners experience is 5 star all year round!  Events are regularly organised and enjoyed by all at Nostell, it’s this community feel and 5 star surroundings that make this a very desireable location for your very own home-from-home! 

Here are some of the pictures of recent events held at this award winning holiday park in Yokshire:

Margaret’s 80th Birthday Bash was a great success, very well attended and enjoyed by all, Nostell Priory made sure Margaret celebrated in style with her friends and family…

Margaret - 80th Birthday Celebrations

Dancing the night away...

• Email: park@nostellprioryholidaypark.co.uk
• Tel: 01924 863938

 Secure your holiday memories, safe in the knowledge that you are in control of you and your family’s precious time…

Make the most of the World Cup this year … SCORE with US!   The full time whistle is about to blow on this fantastic offer, visit our parks website to find out more details and arrange your VIP Park Tour.

You do not need to be a massive football fan to qualify for this fantastic offer.  Simply invest in the holiday home of your dreams OR upgrade your existing holiday home during the World Cup and receive your very own Holiday Home Entertainment Package!

North Wales has long been a favoured destination for caravan owners and the advent of ever more luxury caravans has made it an even more sought after location. The holiday park is nestled between the magnificent sandy beaches of Prestatyn and the spectacular backdrop of the Clwydian Range Hillside.

Attention to detail, personable and friendly park staff, thoughtful layout and design, and a choice of caravan holiday homes for you to choose from make Tan-Y-Don Holiday Park ideal for your new holiday home.

Tan Y Don Holiday Park, North Wales

In approximately one hour from Manchester or Liverpool, you could be experiencing the benefits of owning on this 5-Star holiday park in North Wales.  A safe, tranquil and friendly setting for the whole family to enjoy!

This 3 acre, beautifully landscaped park is situated to give you a choice of sandy beaches, coastal towns and Snowdonia National Park.  Enjoy numerous weekends, Easter holidays and summer sun holidays with your whole family.

Tan Y Don Holiday Park, North Wales

New and used caravan holiday homes are available for you to enjoy from March to November; all are located to ensure you enjoy your very own coastal retreat. Its prime location makes visiting local areas of interest and outstanding beauty easy. You and your family have the choice of miles of safe sandy beaches, coastal towns, picturesque villages or Snowdonia’s National Park. Or you can simply unwind in the tranquility of the park, replacing the hustle and bustle of everyday life with fresh sea air and relaxation time.

Call our friendly team for more information and to arrange your VIP Park Tour:
Tel: 0800 111 40 50
Email: enquries@bluesky-resorts.co.uk

Nestling in a forest glade within the expansive grounds of the National Trusts Nostell Priory Estate, this park has been tastefully developed to provide residents of West Yorkshire with a relaxing environment in which to enjoy holiday home ownership.

Imagine leaving work on a Friday evening, collecting the family, and arriving at your luxury holiday home before the sun goes down. Then relax, enjoy a glass of wine and watch the squirrels play as you unwind from the stresses of the working week. In the summer months you could even base yourself in the caravan, commuting to work, and content in the knowledge that your family is enjoying a luxury lifestyle in a safe healthy environment.

Holiday Home at Nostell Priory Holiday Park

Imagine the pleasure of relaxing outside your very own holiday home… This is the life! Sip a chilled glass of wine in the afternoon sun, enjoy a bar-b-q as the birds sing in the trees around you, or walk arm in arm through the meadows and fishing lakes that provide the setting for this beautiful park.

Caravan Holiday Homes start from as little as £15,000 fully sited, connected and ready to use on one of our beautiful forest glade pitches. Due to the popularity of the park & its exclusive nature pitches are strictly limited.

Holiday Home Ownership at Nostell Priory offers you the following:

• 11 month season, 15th February – 13th January
• Private & secluded setting
• Beautifully landscaped plots
• An abundance of wildlife
• 24 hour security
• Walking, fishing, & golfing
• Request more information about Holiday Home ownership

This 5 star, award winning holiday park has been so popular there are now only 3 plots remaining!  It’s not too late, you can still invest in your very own holiday home and ensure your summer is spent relaxing in the blissful surroundings that are Nostell Priory Holiday Park.

Call Lee today for more information and to arrange your VIP Park Tour:
Tel: 01924 860909  OR Email: enquiries@bluesky-resorts.co.uk

Fix your Site Fees for 5 Years

ONLY £995 per year for 5 Years … you’ll save thousands!

This fantastic Site Fee offer is available at Heathergate County Park for a limited time only.  Simply invest in the holiday home of your dreams this June and you will benefit from this offer and save thousands!  You can buy the prefect retreat for you and your family to enjoy this summer…guarantee your precious time is spent the best way it can be!  No flight delays, no cancellations, just you and your family in charge of your holiday times!

Heathergate Country Park is a haven of peace & tranquillity nestling amongst acres and acres of beautiful parkland on the outskirts of the North Pennines & within 5 miles of the Northumberland National Park . Just 30 minutes drive from Newcastle , you could be in another universe such is the contrast. The hustle & bustle of city life make way for relaxed pleasure. Traffic noise & pollution are replaced with gentle walks and fresh country air.

Heathergate Country Park, Northumberland

Heathergate is owned and operated by Blue Sky Resorts. We are a small company specialising in exclusive holiday home environments for people who demand the best. Our philosophy is to offer the highest levels of customer service and to develop our parks in harmony with the natural surroundings. Our advisors are here to assist you in choosing the perfect holiday home for you, and then it’s time to start enjoying your new lifestyle.

CLICK HERE to view a list of luxury caravans and lodges currently available…

Imagine leaving work on a Friday evening, collecting the family, and arriving at you luxury holiday home before the sun goes down. Then relax, enjoy a glass of wine and watch the squirrels play as you unwind from the stresses of the working week. In the summer months you could even base yourself in the caravan, commuting to work, and content in the knowledge that your family is enjoying a luxury lifestyle in a safe healthy environment…

Luxury Lodges at Heathergate Country Park

Call our friendly team now for more information and to arrange your park viewing…
Freephone: 0800 111 40 50
Email:  enquiries@bluesky-resorts.co.uk

Inspiring Children

BH&HPA Journal – Issue 143 – Environmental Best Practice

Getting children excited about the environment is important.  The great thing is that is doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.  For example, Springhouse Country Park in Northumberland has started a Children’s Club.  A caravan has been allocated for the use of visiting children and decorated by them with a wildlife theme.

The brains behind this project is the park’s housekeeper Christine. ‘She set it up from nothing’says Springhouse’s Andrew Blackie.  ‘It’s not official or commercialised. Instead, the children tend to take the lead and Christine tries to make it as interesting as possible by making up wildlife activities that are far removed from school lessons and as interesting as possible.’

The club runs during the main season and there is a weekly activity, which introduces the children to wildlife and the local countryside.  For example, bee-friendly planting which helps them to understand the role these and other insects play and to value them as pollinators.

All the park’s staff are immensely proud of the club and supportive of Christine’s work.  The children just love the opportunities for wild play that the club gives them, as well as the informal learning opportunities it offers.  One other eco-benefit is that the unit that is used as the clubhouse would otherwise have been scrapped (although it is serviceable).  It is also worth noting that the space that it takes up could also have been used for another paying unit.

For 2010, the park is moving forward with the club idea ‘This year we will be focusing on the garden, perhaps putting in a new pond’, says Andrew. ‘It should be a great year for the children and the club.’

Content taken from article as it appeared in BH&HPA Journal, Issue 43, Page 70.

Springhouse Country Parkis a beautiful 4 star, award winning countryside retreat nestling in a peaceful and picturesque forest boasting a magnificent depth of wildlife and a variety of breathtaking scenic walks. Springhouse is the perfect place for you to relax and to experience holiday home ownership … the holiday park now offers an 11 month season!! 

Springhouse Country Park, Northumberland

Caravan Holiday Homes start from as little as £11,995 fully sited and connected on one of our “Super Saver” pitches, or you can choose one of our new high quality pitches in the “Elm Gardens” section starting from only £19.995. 

CLICK HERE To see a full list of the holiday homes currently available.

Contact our friendly team today…
Tel: 0800 111 40 50 50
Email: enquiries@ bluesky-resorts.co.uk  

As we near the end of a very successful 2009, Blue Sky Resorts is preparing to charge forward in to 2010, paving the way for another exciting and successful year, helping yet more customers to discover their perfect holiday home on their dream holiday park!

The newest member of the Blue Sky Resorts Team is Lyn Pearson. Lyn joins the team as Marketing and Commercial Manager. Using her expertise Lyn will be leading the marketing efforts accross all areas of the business. Lyn says “This is a very exciting time to join the team at Blue Sky Resorts. As 2010 fast approaches, I am looking forward to working with the team and growing the business … reaching new heights of success with many more happy customers. Blue Sky Resorts are large enough to offer a wide range of idyllic locations accross the UK, yet small enough to care for each individual need of their customers.”

Lyn joins the company at a very exciting time indeed, as we extend our office space and our team, and prepare to make even more customers holiday dreams come true!

Nostell Priory Holiday Park, situated within the ancient woodlands of the 200 acre Nostell Priory Estate, has again been recognised by the Yorkshire Tourism Authorities for its high standards and exceptional service.

The annual White Rose Awards organised by Yorkshire Tourism are regarded as the “Oscar’s” of the tourism industry in the area and recognise those business that provide exceptional standards of service and presentation. Nostell has now been a finalist in 4 of the last 5 years, recognition of the parks commitment and consistency in providing a memorable holiday experience for its guests.

Nostell Priory Holiday Park

The park is home to 84 caravan holiday home owners who enjoy holiday breaks as often as they like during the parks long season which has just been extended to 11 months of the year. Existing happily alongside these regular visitors who bring £000′s into the local economy each year are the 60 touring pitches which attract visitors from far and wide.

Many families come to Nostell because they are keen to enjoy a lifetime of holidays in the own caravan holiday home and are looking for Yorkshire caravans for sale which the park has a wide selection of. The fact that the park has now been recognised for this prestigious accolade for a 4th year is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team at the park who all enjoy a fantastic sense of achievement from working on the park.

John Conlon, General Manager of the park says: “coming to work in such a beautiful place is a pleasure. The whole team works exceptionally hard to provide our customers with the best possible experience while they are on the park. The many, well attended owner events that we hold during the season, show just how much our customers enjoy being part of this special place.”