Ambleside Holiday Team Takes a Bow as Park Clinches Prestigious AA Platinum Plaudit
Staff at Skelwith Fold Caravan Park in Ambleside have been thanked for their pivotal role in helping the business achieve a top national honour.
The park learned this month that it has been awarded the AA Five Star Platinum rating, the highest grade possible in the organisation’s annual assessment of UK tourism providers.
The result means that family owned Skelwith Fold now joins a select group of British businesses judged to be at the top of their game in delivering outstanding visitor experiences.
Platinum awards given by the AA are based on guest reviews and a secret shopper visit by inspectors. They are widely regarded as the Oscars of the holiday parks industry.
Award-winning Lake District Park
According to park director Henry Wild, the AA accolade holds special significance because it recognises much more than the quality of the facilities and attractions on site.
“The AA inspection team puts all aspects of the business under the microscope with a particular emphasis on hospitality” said Henry.
“They look closely at how guests are welcomed and supported during their stay and whether the park provides a warm and friendly atmosphere that encourages people to return.
“Delivering these elements is in the hands of our staff team and they deserve a large share of the credit for persuading the AA to give Skelwith Fold their top excellence award.
“We are proud of our business’s family values and everyone here shares our passion for creating the best possible holiday memories for guests from the moment they arrive.
“In fact most bookings at the park come from people returning after a previous visit or from personal recommendations from friends or relatives.
“This tells us that our team has got the formula just right and this award is a fantastic way to wrap up the 2025 season as we close our gates for the winter months.”
Henry added that all park staff are retained during the off season and many help with the winter wildlife feeding programme.
Skelwith Fold, owned by the Wild family for almost 30 years, has 450 pitches set within 130 acres of countryside with staying options such as luxury safari tents and facilities for touring caravans.
The AA Platinum award follows Skelwith Fold being named the Lake District’s Holiday Park of the Year in 2025 by Cumbria Tourism.
“We are certainly finishing on a high this season and I hope that the publicity from these awards will also help highlight all of Cumbria’s fantastic hospitality businesses” said Henry.
As one of the most established holiday park in Ambleside destinations, Skelwith Fold continues to attract guests seeking tranquil woodland surroundings and exceptional service.
Key Facts
- Location: Skelwith Fold Caravan Park, a leading holiday park in Ambleside in the Lake District
- Award: AA Five Star Platinum rating for 2025
- Additional recognition: Lake District Holiday Park of the Year 2025
- Ownership: Owned by the Wild family for nearly 30 years
- Size: 450 pitches across 130 acres of woodland and parkland
- Accommodation: Luxury safari tents, touring caravan facilities, glamping pods and holiday cottages
Highlights
- Recognised as one of the highest rated holiday parks in the UK.
- Celebrated for exceptional hospitality and guest experience.
- Strong team culture credited for the AA Platinum award.
- Significant repeat visitor levels showing long term customer loyalty.
- Positioned in beautiful countryside just outside Ambleside.
FAQs About Skelwith Fold Caravan Park.
Where is Skelwith Fold located?
The park is in Ambleside in the Lake District and is well known for its peaceful woodland setting.
What award has the park received?
Skelwith Fold has been awarded the AA Five Star Platinum rating, the highest grade available.
Why is the AA Platinum award significant?
It is based on guest feedback and secret shopper inspections and is seen as one of the most prestigious awards in the UK holiday park sector.
Who owns the park?
The Wild family has owned and operated Skelwith Fold for almost 30 years.
What accommodation is available?
Guests can enjoy luxury safari tents, touring caravan facilities and a variety of other stay options, including glamping pods and holiday cottages.
Does the park stay open in winter?
The park closes to guests in winter but staff remain in place and help run the winter wildlife feeding programme.
Why do so many guests return?
Friendly staff, strong family values and outstanding hospitality contribute to very high levels of repeat bookings.
