Dorset Holiday Park Replaces Pitch and Putt with Footgolf Success

A Dorset holiday park is signalling what it calls game over for traditional pitch and putt after a dramatic rise in visitors following the launch of a new Footgolf course. Highlands End Holiday Park in Bridport has seen a major surge in interest since replacing its former pitch and putt attraction with an 18 hole Footgolf course in May 2024.

Footgolf delivers rapid growth in visitor numbers

According to the park’s marketing chief James Loveridge, more than 15,000 people have already visited the new Footgolf course since it opened. That figure represents a 20 fold increase in revenue compared with the park’s former pitch and putt facility which had been declining in popularity.

“Traditional games such as pitch-and-putt have been on the wane for a number of years, while new sports like Footgolf have caught the public’s imagination,” said James.

“I decided to research how we could convert the existing pitch-and-putt fields into a Footgolf course, and found it didn’t require a great deal of investment or re-development work. I designed the course and obstacles myself and sourced local suppliers for various features on the course, such as ramps, tunnels, hoops, loops, nets and local landmark-themed signs. Footgolf is a very family-friendly activity and brings youngsters and adults together in a way that pitch-and-putt doesn’t – and with the ‘crazy’ element we’ve added with our range of obstacles, it is frankly a lot more fun.

We’ve been staggered at just how quickly the course drew in additional visitors, not just from Highlands End but also other nearby holiday parks and other visitors to the region.

As well as representing a growing profit centre for the business, it also introduces many more local residents and holidaymakers to the facilities the park provides, as well as other areas of the business like holiday accommodation and holiday home sales. There is, I believe, a strong argument for re-thinking some of the attractions our industry has long provided and Footgolf is a perfect illustration of this,” added James.

Wider recognition for Highlands End Holiday Park

The success of the Footgolf course comes during a strong period of recognition for Highlands End Holiday Park. In the most recent Dorset Tourism Awards, the park was named among the county’s top three parks in both the Holiday Park of the Year and Regenerative Tourism categories.

Highlights

• Footgolf replaces pitch and putt at Dorset holiday park
• New attraction delivers significant growth in visitors and revenue
• Course attracts guests from other holiday parks and the wider region
• Success supports wider holiday accommodation and holiday home sales

FAQs

What is Footgolf?

Footgolf is a sport that combines elements of football and golf where players kick a football into holes using the fewest possible shots.

Why did Highlands End replace pitch and putt?

The park replaced pitch and putt after demand declined and Footgolf proved more popular with families and mixed age groups.

When did the Footgolf course open?

The Footgolf course at Highlands End Holiday Park opened in May 2024.

How successful has the Footgolf course been?

More than 15,000 people have visited the course which has generated a 20 fold increase in revenue compared with the former attraction.

Is the Footgolf course only for park guests?

No. The course attracts visitors from other holiday parks as well as local residents and visitors to Dorset.