Outdoor Hospitality News

For owners, operators, team members, and anyone else interested in camping, glamping, or the RV industry.

Catgill Farm Named Outstanding Campsite for 2026 by Campsites.co.uk

Catgill Farm Camping and Glamping at Bolton Abbey has been recognized as an Outstanding Site for 2026 by Campsites.co.uk, placing the family-owned business among the camping, glamping, and touring destinations identified for consistently delivering positive guest experiences across the United Kingdom.

The annual Outstanding Sites list highlights campgrounds that have maintained strong visitor satisfaction based on guest feedback and reviews. The recognition follows another active year for Catgill Farm, which is owned and operated by Cat and Oliver Barker in the Yorkshire Dales.

The latest recognition builds on previous industry acknowledgment for the business. During the 2025 Camping and Glamping Awards, Catgill Farm was named runner-up for Best Campsite in North East England, with the top honor going to its sister property, Howgill Lodge. According to the announcement, the campground currently maintains a guest rating of 4.89 out of 5, while 99% of visitors recommend the site.

Oliver Barker told the Craven Herald & Pioneer: “Camping has always been about helping people make the most of the outdoors and spending quality time together, so it’s incredibly rewarding to know our guests feel we’ve created somewhere special. We never stand still and are always looking at ways to improve the experience, whether that’s investing in our facilities, introducing new ideas or simply making sure every visitor receives a warm Yorkshire welcome. To be recognised in this way, based on genuine guest feedback, means a huge amount to us all.”

The recognition comes during the peak summer travel period, as many families across the United Kingdom continue to take vacations before the end of the school holidays. Catgill Farm reported that limited camping availability remains for August, with both electric and non-electric pitches still open for reservations.

Located near Bolton Abbey in the Yorkshire Dales, the campground offers a mix of traditional camping, glamping accommodations, and touring pitches. Visitors can access nearby walking trails and attractions in the surrounding countryside, while on-site amenities include opportunities to meet resident alpacas, purchase food from Cat’s Kitchen, and gather around campfires.

Catgill Farm was not the only regional business included in the 2026 Outstanding Sites list. Thornbrook Barn in Ingleton and Riverside Caravan Park in Bentham also received recognition from Campsites.co.uk, reflecting continued representation from Yorkshire destinations on the annual list.

For campground, glamping, caravan park, and RV park operators, awards based on verified guest reviews can serve as more than a marketing distinction. Recognition tied to customer satisfaction may help strengthen online visibility, reinforce pricing strategies during peak travel periods, and build consumer confidence when travelers compare destinations.

As more guests rely on review platforms and independent rankings when planning outdoor vacations, maintaining consistent service quality, investing in facilities, and responding to visitor feedback can contribute to long-term occupancy and repeat business.

The announcement also underscores the continued importance of guest experience as a competitive factor in outdoor hospitality. 

While accommodations and amenities remain important, consistent customer service and ongoing operational improvements continue to influence guest recommendations and industry recognition, particularly during the busy summer season when demand is at its highest.

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