St Helens Camping and Caravan Park, located on the Wykeham Estate in North Yorkshire, is preparing to mark its 50th anniversary in 2026. Established in 1976 on land previously used as a sand and gravel quarry, the 36-acre site has expanded into a mixed-use destination, combining traditional camping and caravanning with modern amenities and eco-conscious initiatives.
The park currently offers more than 150 touring pitches, two separate camping fields, glamping pods, under-floor heated toilet and shower facilities, launderettes, hot tubs, and a jacuzzi.
Site improvements also include a 150 kW solar array, providing approximately a third of the site’s energy needs, as well as a metered power system to manage electricity use among visitors. Recycling and waste diversion are integrated into daily operations, reflecting the park’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability.
St Helens has been recognized with the AA’s Five-Star Platinum Award and was named the AA’s top campsite in England for 2025/26.
Richard Dawnay, 12th Viscount Downe, credited the park’s team for its continued success: “I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our exceptional team, whose hard work has made St Helens a place our guests return to year after year. This award belongs to them as much as it does to the Estate.”
The Wykeham Estate, covering 7,000 acres, includes the campsite, a water park, Wykeham Mature Plants nursery, game shooting areas, a business center, and a hotel. The broader Dawnay family holdings also encompass the Danby Estate, extending to 14,500 acres, with tenanted hill farms, a grouse moor, and a wedding venue at Danby Castle.
Lord Downe highlighted the importance of diversification for the Estate’s financial sustainability, noting that about 80% of current revenue comes from leisure and business ventures outside traditional farming and shooting.
According to The Yorkshire Post, St Helens has also been engaging with the local community and environmental programs. The site participates in the David Bellamy ‘Blooming Marvellous’ Pledge for Nature and has allocated portions of land for educational use by local schools and nurseries.
Plans for the 50th anniversary include special events for corporate clients, seasonal guests, and charitable fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Long-term visitors, such as Jill and Peter Bamforth, illustrate the park’s multigenerational appeal. “It is like living in a country park rather than a caravan park,” said Jill, highlighting the mix of natural surroundings and modern facilities that contribute to repeat visits.
With ongoing investments in infrastructure, sustainability, and guest experience, St Helens is positioned to continue attracting visitors while maintaining its operational standards and environmental initiatives.