A family-run caravan and glamping park in Poole has been recognized as Dorset’s top holiday destination in the 2026 Top 100 Sites awards, organized by Practical Caravan and Practical Motorhome magazines.
South Lytchett Manor received the regional title for Dorset in the caravan and motorhome category, while also placing among the United Kingdom’s top 10 sites for glamping and touring. The park further achieved second place nationally for both camping and motorhome facilities, reflecting strong performance across multiple accommodation types.
The annual awards are based on customer feedback from visitors who have stayed at participating sites over the previous season, making them a measure of guest satisfaction rather than solely industry judging criteria.
For operators in the outdoor hospitality sector, these rankings provide insight into the features and service standards that resonate most with guests, particularly as demand for diverse accommodation options continues to grow.
Megan Aspden, director at South Lytchett Manor, told the Daily Echo: “We are absolutely thrilled and extremely proud to retain our title as Dorset Regional Winner.”
“To also be recognised across three major national categories is a fantastic start to our 2026 season at South Lytchett, which could be one of our busiest on record.
“These awards are especially important to us as they are based on the feedback of guests who have stayed on the park, and who were clearly delighted with what they found.
“Their votes were not just for our quality standards, but also the friendliness and hospitality provided by our staff team, and they deserve a big round of applause for their efforts.”
Owned by the Bridgen family for nearly 20 years, the park has expanded its offering to include a mix of traditional and alternative accommodations such as glamping pods, Romany caravans, shepherd’s huts, and Mongolian yurts.
This diversification reflects a broader trend within the sector, where operators are balancing conventional touring pitches with higher-margin, experience-driven lodging.
For business owners, the results highlight the continued importance of customer experience as a competitive differentiator. Guest-reviewed awards emphasize not only facility quality but also service delivery, staff engagement, and the overall atmosphere of a site.
As the 2026 season begins, parks that invest in both infrastructure and hospitality may be better positioned to capture repeat visits and positive reviews, which increasingly influence booking decisions across caravan, camping, and glamping segments.