Holiday park celebrates ‘best summer ever’

One of Devon’s largest independent holiday parks is celebrating its busiest summer ever.

Ladram Bay Holiday Park, situated on the Jurassic coast between Sidmouth and Budleigh Salterton, saw nearly 6,000 holidaymakers stay in July and August.

The business, which has been in the same family for four generations since Devon farmer Bill Carter took on part of a small tenanted farm in 1942, had 7,640 people stay over the two summer months, with 1,800 bookings taken for a total of 15,300
‘nights’. Revenue was up eight per cent on the same period last year.

Director Zoe House said: “We’re delighted that new and returning customers are choosing Ladram Bay for their holiday. We’ve worked really hard to make sure we retain the magic of Ladram Bay – the beach, the fields, a place to unwind – whilst offering all the facilities and activities that people expect.

“I think being able to create the holiday you want is what appeals. For some, it’s the beach, with the boats and paddleboards. Others love the entertainment and activities, whilst for many it’s all about the location, being by the sea, enjoying the countryside, walking to Sidmouth or Budleigh Salterton along the coast path.”

The company also revealed details of its on-going refurbishment programme.

“We’re very careful to stage any work with holidaymakers and owners of holiday homes on site, and must minimise disruption,” said Claire Williams, General Manager.

“We’re focusing on upgrading the swimming complex and restaurant over the winter period. You can never stand still. Ladram Bay is a mix of holidaymakers and owners, with apartments, lodges, touring vans, holiday homes and campers – it’s a really good combination.”

The holiday park has also been keeping track of holidaymakers’ interests this summer.

‘Happy’ by Pharrell Williams was the most played song on the dance-floor, with Let it Go, from the Disney film Frozen, the most requested.

Within the Three Rocks Complex, 83,362 soft drinks, 15,680 hot drinks, and 87,661 pints of beer and cider were served. Staff dished up 7,817 carvery meals, whilst youngsters tucked into 6,533 children’s meals.

The park, which employs 160 people through the summer, also saw record numbers of day visitors, with 1420 day parking tickets sold.

Derek Philips, chairman of the Heart of Devon Tourism Partnership, said: “It’s great to see a family-run Devon business doing well but not resting on its laurels. Tourism is a competitive market and it’s important that companies know their customers, give them fantastic experiences and continue to invest to move forward, which is exactly what Ladram Bay Holiday Park is doing.”