A holiday park in the Forest of Dean, Whitemead Forest Park, has been recognized as a runner-up for Best Holiday Park in the UK at the UK Camping and Glamping Awards, hosted by Campsites.co.uk.
The awards are based on visitor feedback, and Whitemead earned a 4.82-star rating, with 98% of guests saying they would recommend the site.
The park, located near Coleford, has benefitted from a £3 million investment in 2017, and it continues to receive positive reviews for its indoor heated pool, entertainment options, and on-site dining facilities.
Lauren Bynon, the park’s revenue and reservations manager, attributed the park’s success to its appeal, which includes a range of accommodations from traditional camping to glamping in chic pods, chalets, and apartments.
“Whitemead has had a great year in 2024, what’s great for us is that we are a popular holiday and short break destination – all year round,” Bynon told Punchline Gloucester.
Looking ahead to 2025, Bynon expressed confidence, noting strong bookings and recent improvements such as a refurbishment of the Foresters and Venue Bars. The park also added a pet-friendly coffee shop, catering to the increasing number of dog owners among guests.
Owned by Boundless, Whitemead currently employs about 150 people, ranging from contracted staff to casual workers. Bynon highlighted the park’s role in providing local employment opportunities, particularly in hospitality.
The park plans further investments in leisure facilities, accommodation upgrades, and improvements to its swimming pool changing rooms in the coming year.
Despite economic pressures, including the rise in the national living wage following the Autumn Budget, Bynon believes the park will continue to thrive. She emphasized the Forest of Dean’s status as a year-round destination, which attracts visitors even during the off-season.
Its proximity to other popular locations, like the Wye Valley and the Cotswolds, is also an advantage in attracting tourists.
Whitemead’s success is also attributed to its commitment to continuous improvement, with plans to enhance the glamping pods in 2025. Bynon noted that glamping remains a strong revenue stream for the park.
“Investment for improvement never stops in terms of assuring value for our local community and guests. Being prepared to adapt to market changes also remains crucial: we find that within hospitality we have to be prepared to adapt quickly and efficiently. And lastly, but most important, it’s about the people who make it all happen, so we continue to invest in the training and development of our great team,” Bynon added.
Bynon also discussed the broader benefits of working in the hospitality and tourism industry, particularly in Gloucestershire. She noted that the industry offers flexible working hours and opportunities to develop skills that are valuable both within and outside of the sector.
Despite challenges, Bynon sees the work as rewarding and believes it contributes to the local community.
