Best South West Touring and Camping Park 2024

A Dorset holiday park family celebrates gold in the South West Tourism Awards, making them the best South West Touring and Camping Park.

The South West’s top destination for campers and the owners of motorhomes and touring caravans has been officially named as Wareham Forest Tourist Park near Poole.

The family-owned business was awarded the top gold accolade against fierce competition in the Camping and Caravanning Park category of this year’s South West Tourism Excellence Awards.

Judges announced their decision at the glittering awards ceremony at the Great Hall of the University of Exeter, attended by finalists and sponsors from the tourism and hospitality industry across SW England.

Celebrating the Best South West Touring and Camping Park

Stepping up to receive their family’s winning trophy at the South West Tourism Awards were Chrissy and Ben Bracey, Chrissy’s parents Tony and Sarah Birch and their park managers Adam and Nicky Wake.

Tony and Sarah acquired the caravan park just over 20 years ago, and have since worked tirelessly – latterly with Chrissy and Ben’s help – to constantly maintain and further improve the five-star surroundings for new and returning guests.

Their reward has been to see a year-on-year rise in visitor numbers from across the UK and overseas, and a host of awards for the park’s high standards and care for the natural world.

They include the AA Campsite of the Year, South West England 2022/23 and earlier this year, the top gold accolade in the Dorset Tourism Awards.

Located in the heart of tranquil Wareham Forest and just a short drive from the Purbeck Coast, the holiday park provides delightful nature discovery walks throughout its 55-acre wooded grounds.

Awards galore at the Dorset Caravan Park

Chrissy says that Wareham Forest Tourist Park is also proud of its dog-friendly reputation, and even provides a warm shower to pamper pooches after their countryside rambles.

Guests can also enjoy a heated outdoor pool with sunbathing area during the summer, children’s adventure playground, first-class washroom facilities, and a park shop with local specialities.

According to Chrissy, everyone at the park is over the moon following its gold award from South West Tourism:

“This is a fantastic achievement, and our hard-working team deserves a big share of the credit for helping to provide a warm welcome and a friendly, relaxing atmosphere.

“As a family business we go all out to create memorable holiday experiences, and the vast majority of our guests are repeat visitors or coming as a result of a personal recommendation.

“This award has provided us with a wonderful start to the new holiday season, and we’re delighted that our guests will also benefit other local businesses during their stay,” said Chrissy.

There is more information about Wareham Forest Tourist Park, which is open all year round, on its website at www.warehamforest.co.uk