Ulwell Holiday Park Wins Silver at the Dorset Tourism Awards 2026
Ulwell Holiday Park in Swanage has won Silver in the Holiday Park of the Year category at the Dorset Tourism Awards 2026. It is one of the county’s top holiday parks for creating happy holiday memories and the result is all the more notable because this was the first time the family-run park had entered the competition in its 80-year history.
To find out more or plan a stay, visit the Ulwell Holiday Park website.
Silver for Holiday Park of the Year on a First Ever Entry
The award was announced at a ceremony at Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth on 22 October 2026, attended by business leaders from across Dorset. Managing director Kevin Orchard and fellow director Alan Scadden collected the award jointly on behalf of the park.
Kevin said he was both proud and humbled by the judges’ decision. He admitted to some surprise, given it was Ulwell’s first ever entry. He described the award as the icing on the cake after a busy and successful season, during which the park welcomed visitors from across the UK and mainland Europe.
The result follows Ulwell’s earlier shortlisting as a finalist in the Dorset Tourism Awards 2026.
Why the Judges Recognised Ulwell’s Team
The Dorset Tourism Awards judges assess more than facilities. Alongside quality standards, they look at the hospitality and service a park provides. Kevin was quick to credit the park’s staff:
“Our entire team also need to take a bow for helping us achieve this honour, not least because the Dorset Tourism judges base their decisions on a number of different factors,” said Kevin.
“As well as parks’ quality standards, they also look at the hospitality and service provided – and delivering this is entirely in the hands of our loyal and hardworking team.
“Our staff members also go the extra mile in helping Ulwell Holiday Park engage with the local community, including the charity fundraising events which we stage.”
Ulwell’s Summer Fun Week and Fete
Community fundraising is a big part of life at Ulwell. This year’s highlight was a summer fete in August, held as part of the park’s three-day Summer Fun Week. The event was the idea of reception manager Stephen Norman, who also ran it on the day.
“Everyone had a fantastic time, and after the fun was over we were delighted to be able to make a sizeable donation to Motor Neurone Disease Association,” said Kevin.
A Local Beer and Produce Festival Planned for 2027
Ulwell plans to expand the fete in 2027 with a local beer and produce festival featuring live music. It will run alongside the fete games and activities guests enjoyed this year.
Recent Investment at Ulwell Holiday Park
The award follows a programme of improvements across the park, including:
- A new reception building
- A SPAR shop
- The Pantry coffee shop, next to the shop
- Enhancements to The Village Inn and its beer garden
About Ulwell Holiday Park, Swanage
Ulwell Holiday Park is a family-run holiday park in Swanage, Dorset. It has been owned by the Orchard and Scadden families for over 80 years. Guests can stay on touring pitches, in glamping pods or in holiday homes to rent and holiday homes are also available to buy. The park sits beneath the Purbeck Hills and is an active member of the Holiday and Residential Parks Association (HARPA).
Exploring Swanage and the Isle of Purbeck
Ulwell’s location makes it a strong base for exploring one of Dorset’s most popular coastal areas. Within easy reach are:
- Swanage beach and seafront: a traditional seaside town with a sandy bay
- The Jurassic Coast: England’s only natural World Heritage Site, including Old Harry Rocks at Handfast Point
- Studland Bay: sandy beaches and heathland cared for by the National Trust
- Corfe Castle: the famous castle ruins and village, also linked by the Swanage Railway heritage steam line
- South West Coast Path: walking routes along the Purbeck coastline
To check availability, accommodation options and holiday homes for sale, visit the Ulwell Holiday Park website or view Ulwell Holiday Park on UK Parks.
FAQs
What award did Ulwell Holiday Park win in 2026?
Ulwell Holiday Park won Silver in the Holiday Park of the Year category at the Dorset Tourism Awards 2026.
When and where were the Dorset Tourism Awards 2026 announced?
The winners were announced at a ceremony at Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth on 22 October 2026.
Was this Ulwell Holiday Park’s first time entering the Dorset Tourism Awards?
Yes. 2026 was the first time Ulwell Holiday Park had entered the competition in its 80-year history.
Who owns Ulwell Holiday Park?
Ulwell Holiday Park has been owned by the Orchard and Scadden families for over eight decades. Kevin Orchard is managing director and Alan Scadden is a director.
Where is Ulwell Holiday Park?
Ulwell Holiday Park is in Swanage, on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, close to the Jurassic Coast.
What accommodation does Ulwell Holiday Park offer?
The park offers camping, touring pitches, glamping pods, and holiday homes to rent and to own.
What facilities does Ulwell Holiday Park have?
Recent additions include a new reception building, a SPAR shop and The Pantry coffee shop. The park also has The Village Inn and beer garden.
Does Ulwell Holiday Park support charities?
Yes. In August 2026, the park’s summer fête during its Summer Fun Week raised a donation for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. A larger fête with a local beer and produce festival is planned for 2027.
How do I book a holiday at Ulwell Holiday Park?
Holidays can be booked directly through the Ulwell Holiday Park website.