Waterside Park makes a big splash at national tourism awards

Northumbrian Water’s lodges and caravan park are officially among the top five in the country.

Leaplish Waterside Park at Kielder Water, Northumberland, has been awarded bronze for Best Holiday Park at the Visit England 2014 Awards – held Monday May 12 at Cheltenham Racecourse.

The shore of the biggest man-made lake in northern Europe is home to 32 luxury four and five star lodges and 99 touring pitches, each with panoramic views of the lake and Kielder Forest, the largest working forest in England.

Northumbrian Water’s Commercial Director, Maxine Mayhew, said: “We are thrilled to have been recognised as one of the cream of the crop of best holiday parks in the country and it’s been an honour to represent Northumberland and the North East in the national awards.

“Over the last year we have made significant improvements to the guest experience at our visitor centre, including five star upgrades to our lodges and we have seen overnight stays at Leaplish increase by 20% as a result.

“I’d like to pay a special tribute to our team who have worked exceptionally hard to deliver the very best experience to our guests, for their talent, commitment and creativity. It’s a great privilege to work with such a professional team.

“This award comes quickly on the heels of winning Best Holiday Park in the North East and is an important milestone on our journey from good to great. I know the team will be working hard to secure the gold award in the future.

“We are proud to have been a key partner of Kielder Water & Forest Park ever since the build of our giant reservoir more than 30 years ago, and with over 250 square miles to enjoy, the Park is an unrivalled, must-visit destination in Northumberland.”

Last year, Kielder Water & Forest Park, part of Northumberland International Dark Sky Park – the largest Dark Sky Park in Europe, scooped Gold for Best Tourism Experience at the Visit England Awards 2013.

Jude Leitch, General Manager of Northumberland Tourism, said: “We’re delighted to see Northumberland so strongly represented at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence and congratulate Northumbrian Water on Leaplish Waterside Park’s achievement in reaching the finals and achieving bronze.

“The quality of our tourism offer increases year on year and Leaplish is providing the lead in innovation and creativity that other tourism businesses in Northumberland will inspire to follow.”

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Waterside Park makes a big splash at national tourism awards

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