Holiday Park in Ambleside Earns Prestigious AA Five-star Platinum Rating
Staff at Skelwith Fold, a family-run holiday park in Ambleside, are celebrating after a “secret shopper” visit from the AA helped the park secure one of tourism’s most prestigious accolades.
The park heard this month that the incognito visit had contributed to it earning the AA’s five-star Platinum rating, the highest grade awarded by the organisation.
Undercover AA Inspection Puts Skelwith Fold to the Test
Skelwith Fold’s undercover inspection was just one part of the AA’s assessment process, which saw its facilities, services, hospitality and guest reviews all put under the microscope. Award judges said that in every respect Skelwith Fold was “a holiday park right at the top of its game” and was truly deserving of its top honour for 2026/2027.
Henry Wild, whose family has owned the park for almost 30 years, said the achievement was a team effort in every sense and that all its staff should take a bow.
“The AA’s Platinum award is much more than just a reflection of the quality standards of the facilities and accommodation which we provide for guests,” he said.
“Its inspectors also look closely at what customers are saying about their overall experience here, including the welcoming atmosphere and level of hospitality they receive.
“Providing this is very much in the hands of our staff team, and underlines their passion for providing the best experiences possible for guests from the moment they arrive.
“This award is the icing on the cake for us after a very busy summer, and we give a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who has left glowing reviews of their stay,” said Henry.
Award-winning Holiday Park near Windermere
Skelwith Fold provides 450 touring, glamping and holiday caravan pitches across 130 acres of countryside near the shores of Windermere.
The AA Platinum rating is the latest in a series of awards and accolades received by the park. Skelwith Fold was named overall winner of the Holiday Park of the Year award in 2025 by Cumbria Tourism and holds a top five-star quality grading from the region’s tourist board.
Recognition for Wildlife Conservation
Skelwith Fold has also been recognised by the David Bellamy Conservation Award scheme for its initiatives to protect the park’s many wildlife inhabitants, including red squirrels. The park’s countryside setting provides a home for a wide variety of wildlife, with conservation forming an important part of its approach.
Henry Wild is a former national chairman of the Holiday and Residential Parks Association (HARPA), to which around 3,000 UK parks belong.
Highlights
- Named Cumbria Tourism’s Holiday Park of the Year in 2025
- Holds a five-star quality grading from the region’s tourist board
- Recognised by the David Bellamy Conservation Award scheme
- Works to protect wildlife living on the park, including red squirrels
- Guest reviews and the park team’s hospitality contributed to the AA assessment
- Henry Wild is a former national chairman of HARPA
FAQs
What AA rating does Skelwith Fold have?
Skelwith Fold has received the AA’s five-star Platinum rating for 2026/2027, the highest grade awarded by the organisation.
How was Skelwith Fold assessed for the AA Platinum rating?
The AA assessment included an undercover visit as well as scrutiny of the park’s facilities, services, hospitality and guest reviews.
Where is Skelwith Fold?
Skelwith Fold is a family-run holiday park in Ambleside, set across 130 acres of countryside near the shores of Windermere.
What accommodation does Skelwith Fold offer?
Skelwith Fold provides touring, glamping and holiday caravan pitches, with 450 pitches across the park.
Has Skelwith Fold won other tourism awards?
Yes. Skelwith Fold was named Holiday Park of the Year by Cumbria Tourism in 2025 and also holds a five-star quality grading from the region’s tourist board.
Is Skelwith Fold involved in wildlife conservation?
Yes. The park has been recognised by the David Bellamy Conservation Award scheme for its work to protect wildlife, including red squirrels.