Holiday Park in Swanage Praised for Bringing Back Much-missed Local Shop
Swanage residents have celebrated the opening of a new convenience store and coffee shop at Ulwell Holiday Park, bringing a much-needed facility back to the local community. The new store was officially opened by Swanage Mayor Chris Tomes, who welcomed the initiative by the family-run holiday park in the north of the seaside resort.
New Convenience Store Opens in Swanage
The opening means people living in the area once again have convenient access to essential groceries and other provisions following the closure of Swanage’s previous local store three years ago. The well-stocked SPAR shop is located next to reception at Ulwell Holiday Park and is accompanied by an artisan coffee shop serving freshly baked pastries. Both facilities are available to the local community as well as guests staying at the park.
Ulwell Holiday Park Supports its Local Community
The new shop is the latest example of Ulwell Holiday Park’s involvement in the Swanage community. The five-star holiday park also owns the Village Inn, a popular meeting and socialising venue where fresh local produce is a major focus of the menu.
The inn has recently opened a new beer garden in peaceful natural surroundings, including tables tucked away within woodland where many native trees have been planted. Its growing popularity among Swanage residents and holiday guests also prompted the park to make a major investment in extending the Village Inn’s kitchens earlier this year.
Family Business Recognised in Regional Awards
The role played by Ulwell Holiday Park in engaging with its neighbours contributed to its recent success in the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) annual awards. The park was named among the top three firms in the Family Business Award category for the South & Thames Valley region.
Ulwell Holiday Park has been owned by the Orchard and Scadden families for more than 40 years and Managing Director Kevin Orchard said the business has always regarded itself as part of the community.
“We reach out as much as possible to local people, for example by providing swimming lessons and children’s swimming parties at our pool,” he said.
“We also sustain employment and training for people in the area, and many nearby businesses benefit from the spending of our guests and holiday caravan owners.
“Providing a convenience store with a wide selection of competitively priced produce was a logical step for us, and we are delighted that it has been so warmly welcomed.
“We are always looking to improve and develop the park, and have recently refurbishing our shower blocks and added glamping pods which have proved really popular.
“By doing so, I hope we can carry on increasing visitor numbers each year because this will enable us to continue sharing our success with our community,” added Kevin.
Five-star Holiday Park in Swanage
Set beneath the Purbeck Hills, Ulwell Holiday Park provides pitches for touring caravans, motorhomes and tents, together with luxury holiday caravans to rent and own. Guest facilities include an indoor swimming pool, adventure play park, sports field and enclosed dog exercise meadow.
The park continues to invest in its facilities, with recent developments including refurbished shower blocks and new glamping pods.
Ulwell Holiday Park is also an active member of the Holiday and Residential Parks Association (HARPA).
Highlights
- Ulwell Holiday Park has opened a new SPAR convenience store
- The store was officially opened by Swanage Mayor Chris Tomes
- An artisan coffee shop serving freshly baked pastries has also opened
- The new facilities are available to local residents as well as park guests
- Ulwell Holiday Park also owns the Village Inn in Swanage
- The park was recently a top-three finalist in an FSB Family Business Award
- The Orchard and Scadden families have owned the park for more than 40 years
- Accommodation includes touring, camping, holiday caravans and glamping pods
- Facilities include an indoor swimming pool, play park, sports field and dog exercise meadow
FAQs
Is there a convenience store at Ulwell Holiday Park?
Yes. Ulwell Holiday Park has opened a well-stocked SPAR convenience store selling essential groceries and other provisions to park guests and local residents.
Does Ulwell Holiday Park have a coffee shop?
Yes. The new shop is accompanied by an artisan coffee shop serving freshly baked pastries and coffee.
Where is Ulwell Holiday Park?
Ulwell Holiday Park is located in the north of Swanage, Dorset, beneath the Purbeck Hills.
What accommodation is available at Ulwell Holiday Park?
The park offers pitches for touring caravans, motorhomes and tents, luxury holiday caravans to rent and own, and glamping pods.
What facilities does Ulwell Holiday Park have?
Facilities include an indoor swimming pool, adventure play park, sports field, enclosed dog exercise meadow, convenience store and coffee shop. The park also owns the nearby Village Inn.
Is Ulwell Holiday Park family-owned?
Yes. Ulwell Holiday Park has been owned by the Orchard and Scadden families for more than 40 years.
Photo credits: Megan Coward