Whitefield Forest Touring Park on the Isle of Wight has marked its 20th season by receiving two national camping and caravanning awards, including being named AA Campsite of the Year for the third time in the past two decades.
The family-operated touring park, located in Ryde, was also included in Practical Caravan’s 2026 Top 100 Sites Guide for the fourth consecutive year. The campsite earned the regional winner designation based on visitor reviews submitted to the publication.
Owners Pat, Simon, and Louise described the recognition as an important milestone for the business as it enters its third decade of operation. They said they were “very proud” of the achievements and expressed hope that the awards would encourage more visitors to choose the Isle of Wight for vacations during the summer season.
The park is operated by the family with support from their three children. According to the owners, the business has focused on maintaining a quiet and relaxing environment for guests using the site as a base to explore the island.
The awards come as the company continues to invest in upgrades and diversification efforts. During the winter months, the business carried out maintenance work across its woodland areas and visitor facilities. In 2024, the site also added two luxury lodges aimed at attracting guests who do not own caravans, motorhomes, or tents.
The lodges operate year-round and provide an additional revenue stream during the touring park’s seasonal closure period, which runs from October through March, according to IsleOfWightRadio.
The move reflects a broader trend across the outdoor hospitality sector, where campground and caravan park operators are increasingly expanding accommodation options beyond traditional pitches in order to reduce seasonality and appeal to a wider customer base.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality and caravan industries, Whitefield Forest Touring Park’s latest recognition highlights the growing importance of customer satisfaction, online reviews, and accommodation diversification in maintaining competitiveness.
Industry awards and guidebook placements can also serve as marketing tools that help independent parks strengthen visibility and attract repeat visitors in a crowded tourism market.
The campsite’s latest accolade is featured in the 2026 edition of the Practical Caravan Top 100 Sites Guide, which recognizes parks across the United Kingdom based on customer feedback and industry assessment.