Devon Family’s Holiday Park Celebrates 90 Years
A family-run holiday park in Devon has celebrated a remarkable milestone, marking 90 years since the business was granted its first camping licence in 1936.
Andrewshayes Holiday Park in East Devon is one of the UK’s longest-established holiday parks and has remained in the ownership of the same family for nine decades.
Almost a Century of Welcoming Holidaymakers
The 12-acre park, located just a short distance from the popular resort of Lyme Regis, actually has an even longer history than its first camping licence suggests. The dairy farm on which Andrewshayes is based began welcoming campers in 1929, seven years before park licensing was introduced.
The farm’s then new owners, Stan and Marjorie Lawrence, offered camping pitches to supplement their income. News of the park’s picturesque location quickly spread and the business began to grow.
From Dairy Farm to Award-winning Holiday Park
Succeeding generations of the Lawrence family continued to expand Andrewshayes, introducing more guest facilities and additional accommodation options. In 1997, the family sold its dairy herd to concentrate entirely on tourism, developing the business further with an emphasis on quality and sustainability.
One of the park’s proudest achievements came in 2020 when Andrewshayes was named Holiday Park of the Year at the Devon Tourism Awards. It has since received further regional and national accolades recognising its high standards and commitment to providing guests with the best possible experience.
Fourth Generation Continues the Family Legacy
The holiday park in Devon is today under the stewardship of fourth generation family members Josh and Grace Lawrence, who are determined to carry forward the values which have underpinned the business for almost a century.
“We are proud of our heritage but also excited about the future, and would like to thank every member of staff, every local supplier and, above all, the thousands of guests who have supported us over the years,” said the couple.
“Many families who first visited as youngsters now return with their own children and grandchildren, and that’s something which makes us feel extremely happy,” they added.
Summer Celebration Marks 90-year Milestone
A special anniversary party was held at the park this summer, bringing together current and former visitors, past employees and friends. Guests enjoyed a barbecue, traditional Devon cream teas, live music and entertainment as they celebrated nine decades of the family business.
Today, Andrewshayes offers luxury holiday caravans for hire and sale, together with pitches for touring caravans, motorhomes and tents. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, clubhouse, play areas and a private woodland walk.
Highlights
- Andrewshayes Holiday Park is celebrating 90 years since receiving its first camping licence in 1936
- The site first welcomed campers in 1929
- The park has remained in the same family for nine decades
- Fourth generation family members Josh and Grace Lawrence now oversee the business
- The dairy herd was sold in 1997 as the family focused entirely on tourism
- Andrewshayes was named Holiday Park of the Year at the 2020 Devon Tourism Awards
- Accommodation includes luxury holiday caravans, touring pitches, motorhome pitches and camping
- Facilities include an outdoor pool, clubhouse, play areas and private woodland walk
- A special summer celebration marked the park’s 90-year milestone
FAQs
How old is Andrewshayes Holiday Park?
Andrewshayes is celebrating 90 years since it received its first camping licence in 1936. However, the site actually began welcoming campers in 1929.
Where is Andrewshayes Holiday Park?
Andrewshayes Holiday Park is located in East Devon, a short distance from the popular coastal resort of Lyme Regis.
Is Andrewshayes Holiday Park family-owned?
Yes. Andrewshayes has remained in the ownership of the Lawrence family for nine decades and is now run by fourth generation family members Josh and Grace Lawrence.
What accommodation does Andrewshayes Holiday Park offer?
The park offers luxury holiday caravans for hire and sale as well as pitches for touring caravans, motorhomes and tents.
What facilities are available at Andrewshayes Holiday Park?
Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, clubhouse, children’s play areas and a private woodland walk.
Has Andrewshayes Holiday Park won any awards?
Yes. Andrewshayes was named Holiday Park of the Year at the Devon Tourism Awards in 2020 and has since received further regional and national recognition.