The Quiet Site at Ullswater has been named UK Sustainable Family Business of the Year 2026, recognising more than two decades of investment in sustainable tourism and protecting the Lake District’s natural environment.
The award, presented by Family Business United at the National Geographic Society in London, celebrates the achievements of the family-run park, which has made environmental responsibility central to its operations.
Owners Daniel and Anne Holder are marking 20 years at The Quiet Site, which is now run alongside their son George. During that time, the family has introduced a wide range of initiatives designed to reduce the environmental impact of holidays while supporting the surrounding community.
The park has achieved carbon neutral status and generates around 80% of its energy requirements from renewable sources on site, using technologies including solar panels, heat pumps and biomass heating.
Its commitment to sustainability extends beyond energy generation. A zero-waste food shop serves both holidaymakers and local residents, helping reduce packaging waste while providing a useful community facility.
The Quiet Site has also worked with neighbouring businesses to introduce a community bus service around Ullswater, offering visitors and residents an alternative to travelling by car and helping tackle local congestion and emissions.
These initiatives demonstrate how holiday parks can play an active role in protecting the destinations they depend on, while continuing to welcome visitors who contribute to local businesses and employment.
Daniel said:
“Families taking holidays in Cumbria are vital to our rural economy and support thousands of local jobs and training opportunities.
“Our visitor sector is perfectly sustainable if we all play a part in minimising our impact on the environment, and that has been our mission for over two decades.”
The park offers a range of accommodation, including underground Hobbit Holes, glamping cabins, holiday cottages and pitches for tents and motorhomes, demonstrating how different types of holiday experiences can be delivered with sustainability in mind.
The latest award adds to an impressive list of achievements, including AA Sustainable Holiday Park of the Year 2026 and the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development.
Through its investment in renewable energy, sustainable transport and community facilities, The Quiet Site demonstrates how holiday parks can support local economies, benefit residents and help protect the landscapes that make their destinations special.
This is part of the #ParksMakePlaces campaign, celebrating how holiday parks support people, places and the planet.
