Top Dorset caravan and camping park gets three stars in a row

South Lytchett Manor caravan and camping park near Poole, Dorset has had a star-studded summer.

The top park got star treatment from the worlds of sport, tourism and entertainment.

VisitEngland, the national tourism organisation which promotes England’s finest holidays and travel destinations, announced its 2020 gradings. South Lytchett Manor gained five stars as a camping and touring park. And, the park was awarded gold for the quality of its accommodation and customer service.

That was not all. VisitEngland also awarded South Lytchett Manor its top grade for the welcoming approach its has towards older and less mobile guests. The AA also awarded the park its platinum award, its highest recognition.

Ex-Only Fools and Horses actor, John Challis, who played Boycie, was on site too filming an advertisement for Automotive Leisure, the caravan distributors. The former BBC comedy actor proved popular with guests on site who flocked to see him.

The third star was gained from closer to home, namely Emily Freeman, the park’s marketing manager. Emily took part in and came second in the Ironman Triathlon. Her performance means she now qualifies for the Ironman World Championships which happen in Hawaii this October.

Emily swam 2.4 miles, cycled 112 miles and then ran a full marathon. Her weakest discipline was her cycling, in part because she did the race on a £500 bike she bought on Gumtree. She’s now fundraising to buy a professional triathlon bike for the championships in October.

South Lytchett Manor co-owner, Joanne Bridgen, said:

“Our VisitEngland and AA awards were fantastic news, not least because both put a big emphasis on the high standards of hospitality and welcome given to guests.

“Delivering this is very much in the hands of our loyal and hardworking staff, so they deserve a big share of the credit for these accolades.

“The icing on the cake was, of course, Emily's Ironman success – and we're all very proud of her achievement, and are crossing our fingers for October!”