Verdant Parks has invested £2 million to expand accommodations at two of its holiday parks, including the addition of new glamping units at Heather View Holiday Park in County Durham, as the company responds to continued interest in UK staycations and alternative outdoor lodging.
The investment includes two new “Hideaway” glamping pods with private hot tubs at Heather View Holiday Park, located near Stanhope along the River Wear. Designed to accommodate up to six guests, the units feature outdoor decking, countryside views, and amenities intended for families and couples seeking short breaks in a natural setting.
Heather View Holiday Park, located off the A689, has earned a 4.4-star rating on TripAdvisor, where visitors have highlighted its on-site facilities and proximity to local attractions. Verdant Parks also operates Kingfisher Holiday Park in Bishop Auckland and Riverside Leisure Park in Wooler, alongside several other properties across northern England and Scotland.
The County Durham investment follows additional accommodation upgrades at Verdant Parks’ Thurston Manor Holiday Park near Dunbar, Scotland. Earlier this year, the company introduced glamping pods at the property and has since added four new lodges featuring two- and three-bedroom layouts, private hot tubs, outdoor patio areas, parking, and open-plan interiors.
According to ChronicleLive, the latest investments build on accommodation and facility improvements made across its portfolio of 11 holiday parks during the spring. The projects are intended to expand lodging options in response to evolving guest preferences, particularly demand for glamping experiences and domestic vacations.
Jonathan Alcock, CMO of Verdant Parks, said: “Hot on the heels of investment put into our accommodation and facilities across our 11 holiday parks this spring, we are excited to invest in our parks even further this summer, allowing us to address consumer trends and offer experiences we know our customers are seeking.”
“We are pleased to enhance our accommodation offering, which was in response to the feedback of our customers and demand for glamping and UK staycations.”
“There is a rise in consumers booking UK staycations instead of – or even as well as – going abroad and we’re seeing a rise in holidaymakers wanting a short break without a long travel time. Consumers are also looking for new and different staycation options as an alternative to more traditional camping or hotel holidays as a means of getting away from it all and taking a deserved pause in nature.”
“Our new accommodation offers more ways to spend quality time with friends and loved ones in serene surroundings. Holiday parks are perfect for those wanting to stay close to home and discover what’s on their doorstep this summer and our new accommodation including The Hideout, The Hideaway and the new lodges are already proving very popular.”
For outdoor hospitality operators, Verdant Parks’ latest investment reflects a broader strategy of expanding accommodation types to appeal to travelers seeking shorter, experience-focused stays.
Glamping accommodations with premium amenities such as hot tubs continue to be adopted by holiday parks as a way to diversify inventory, attract higher-value bookings, and appeal to guests looking for alternatives to traditional camping or hotel accommodations.
As domestic tourism remains an important segment of the leisure market, investments in upgraded lodging and guest experiences may help operators broaden their customer base while increasing occupancy during peak travel periods.