Family’s Dorset 5 Star Holiday Park Celebrates Its Star-Studded Summer
A successful summer at South Lytchett Manor Camping and Caravan Park in Poole has been crowned with the news of two star-studded awards – confirming its reputation as one of the best Dorset 5 star holiday parks.
In the first, business owners Joanne and David Bridgen learned that their park has earned the AA’s Five-Star Platinum rating, the highest grade awarded by the organisation.
Platinum awards given by the AA – based on guest reviews and a “secret shopper” visit by inspectors – are regarded as the Oscars of the holiday park industry.
South Lytchett’s facilities, services, and levels of hospitality all went under the microscope – and each was found to meet or exceed the platinum standard on every level.
It is the tenth consecutive year that South Lytchett has attained the AA’s maximum grading, placing it among an elite of UK and Dorset parks celebrating a decade of excellence.
And there were again stars in the eyes of the park and its team when Visit England announced that South Lytchett had achieved a 99% excellence rating in its most recent assessment.
The rarely-given high score means that the business retains its top five-star rating in the Holiday, Touring and Camping Park category of the tourist board’s grading scheme.
It followed a detailed audit made by inspectors of South Lytchett’s facilities and services as well as the levels of hospitality on offer and the many glowing reviews posted by guests.
A Family Business at the Heart of Dorset
Joanne and David Bridgen took over the glamping and camping park almost 20 years ago and now run it with their son Matt and daughter Megan.
The park provides glamping pods, Romany caravans, shepherd’s huts, and recently introduced eight luxury Mongolian yurts with decor and furnishings inspired by North African design.
The dome-shaped yurts have been hand-built in neighbouring Devon using sustainable ash hardwood and feature Moroccan-themed lanterns, mosaic tiles, and ornamental mirrors, adding to the park’s charm and five-star guest experience.
Recent additions also include The Manor’s Tap, a chic Airstream bar with cosy outdoor seating, upgraded café services, and new Nomadic Bell Tents, enhancing the park’s already rich range of accommodation options.
Recognition for Excellence
Joanna Bridgen said that both the family and the park team were delighted to see their busy summer season finish with a flourish of stars from both the AA and Visit England.
“We are a family business, and everybody here shares our passion for providing the best experiences possible for guests from the moment they arrive,” said Joanna.
“That’s why these awards mean so much because they are based not just on our quality standards, but also the welcoming atmosphere and level of hospitality provided,” she added.
There is more information about the park, as well as its new yurts and glamping options, at [www.southlytchettmanor.co.uk](http://www.southlytchettmanor.co.uk).
Key Facts
- Park Name: South Lytchett Manor Camping and Caravan Park
- Location: Poole, Dorset, near the Jurassic Coast
- Rating: AA Five-Star Platinum and Visit England Five-Star
- AA Grading: Held consecutively for ten years
- Visit England Score: 99% excellence rating
- Ownership: Family-run by Joanne, David, Matt, and Megan Bridgen
- Holiday Accommodation: Glamping pods, shepherd’s huts, Romany caravans, Mongolian yurts, and touring pitches
- New Features: The Manor’s Tap bar, upgraded café services, and Nomadic Bell Tents
- Recognition: Consistently ranked among the best Dorset 5 star holiday parks
Highlights
- Ten consecutive years achieving the AA Five-Star Platinum Award
- 99% excellence rating from Visit England
- Family-run park offering luxury glamping and traditional camping
- Eco-conscious builds including sustainably crafted Mongolian yurts
- Expanding facilities with stylish bar and upgraded amenities
- Recognised nationwide as one of the best 5 star holiday parks in Dorset
FAQs about South Lytchett Manor
- Where is South Lytchett Manor located?
The park is located in Poole, Dorset — ideally placed for exploring the Jurassic Coast and the county’s award-winning beaches. - Why is South Lytchett Manor considered a Dorset 5 star holiday park?
It holds both the AA Five-Star Platinum Award and a 99% Visit England excellence rating, recognising outstanding quality, facilities, and hospitality. - How long has the park been family-run?
Joanne and David Bridgen took over nearly 20 years ago and continue to run it with their children, Matt and Megan. - What types of accommodation are available?
Guests can choose from glamping pods, shepherd’s huts, Romany caravans, luxury Mongolian yurts, Nomadic Bell Tents, and touring caravan pitches. - What makes the holiday park unique?
Its award-winning mix of sustainability, luxury glamping, and family warmth — combined with beautiful Dorset surroundings — makes it one of the best holiday parks in Dorset. - Where can I find more information or book a stay?
Visit www.southlytchettmanor.co.uk for bookings, accommodation details, and the latest offers.
