Holiday Parks in Cumbria Group Celebrates 70 years of Family Success
Family-owned holiday parks business Holgates has celebrated 70 years of welcoming guests with a special anniversary event at the park where its story first began.
Friends, customers, colleagues and team members gathered at Silverdale Holiday Park in Cumbria to mark the milestone and celebrate seven decades of memorable holidays across the North West.
Celebrating 70 Years of Family Ownership
The anniversary event took place at Silverdale Holiday Park, where the Holgate family established the business after moving from Lancashire in 1956.
Michael Holgate thanked everyone who has supported the family business throughout its journey, which has grown from a single holiday park into a collection of nine holiday parks across the region.
The Holgates originally arrived from Blackburn, where Michael’s grandfather Billy had built a successful caravan manufacturing business before expanding into holiday parks.
Following Billy’s death, his son Frank focused entirely on developing Silverdale Holiday Park, laying the foundations for the business as it exists today.
Award-winning Holiday Parks in Cumbria
Set within 100 acres of countryside overlooking Morecambe Bay, Silverdale Holiday Park has earned numerous awards for its quality standards and environmental stewardship.
This summer, the park was named Holiday Park of the Year at the Cumbria Tourism Awards.
Guests can enjoy a wide range of facilities, including a leisure centre with a swimming pool, spa, sauna, gymnasium, bar and restaurant.
Continuing the Family Legacy
Following the passing of Frank Holgate in 2015, Michael Holgate became Managing Director and has overseen the expansion of the business through a series of acquisitions and major investments across the group’s parks.
Today he is supported by his sons Tom and James as the next generation of the family continues to develop the business.
Speaking during the anniversary celebrations, Michael reflected on the values that have guided Holgates over the past 70 years.
“The foresight, determination, and hard work of my grandparents, and later my mum and dad, created the foundations that we continue to build upon today,” he said.
“Nothing about our journey has happened by accident. It has resulted from a commitment to creating a parks business rooted in a quality product and exceptional customer care.
“But the real driver behind Holgates’ success has always been the many people who give us their support, from customers and suppliers to neighbours and friends.
“We are also massively grateful to our park teams for their hard work, loyalty, and dedication to giving customers the best possible experience when they stay,” added Michael.
Recognising Loyal Team Members
The celebrations also provided an opportunity to recognise two members of staff who each reached 25 years of service with Holgates.
Michael presented both employees with commemorative books in recognition of their long-standing contribution to the family business.
Highlights
- Holiday parks in Cumbria group celebrates 70 years of family ownership
- Anniversary marked with customers, staff, suppliers and friends
- Silverdale Holiday Park named Cumbria Tourism Holiday Park of the Year
- Three generations of the Holgate family continue the business
- Long-serving team members recognised for 25 years of service
FAQs
Which holiday parks in Cumbria celebrated a 70th anniversary?
Holgates Holiday Parks celebrated 70 years with a special event at Silverdale Holiday Park, where the family business first began.
How many holiday parks does Holgates own?
Holgates now operates nine holiday parks across Cumbria, Lancashire and Northumberland.
Why is Silverdale Holiday Park significant?
Silverdale is the original Holgates holiday park and the place where the family’s holiday park business began in 1956.
What awards has Silverdale Holiday Park won?
Silverdale Holiday Park was named Holiday Park of the Year at the Cumbria Tourism Awards.
Who runs Holgates today?
The business is led by Managing Director Michael Holgate, supported by his sons Tom and James.