York House Leisure Group Celebrates Diamond Anniversary

Yorkshire House Leisure Group celebrates diamond anniversary with sparkling six-figure investment.

A family-run parks group in North Yorkshire is celebrating its sixtieth anniversary this summer – and marking the event with news of a new £1 million investment.

York House Leisure, based near Thirsk, plans to spread the spending across its portfolio of holiday parks, residential parks and visitor attractions in the county.

The company’s diamond year comes six decades after Neil Brierley – a dentist by profession – and his wife Patricia bought a plot of land on the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland.

The venture was a success, and five years later the couple decided to return to England, and to focus their energies on developing new park businesses.

Celebrating 60th Years of Family Holiday Park

Neil, who continued practising as a dentist until the mid-1990s, and Patricia made their first acquisition that of York House Holiday Park in the village of Balk.

Over the coming years they invested much time and energy into creating family retreats for visitors to North Yorkshire, winning a large and loyal customer base.

Today the business comprises three award-winning holiday parks, two residential parks for people in retirement, and a hugely popular visitor attraction: Monk Park Farm near Thirsk.

At the helm of the group are brothers Phil and Tim Brierley – plus their sister Heather working part-time – who say they are shaping an exciting and ambitious future for York House Leisure.

The company currently employs around 50 full and part-time staff, largely recruited from within the county and to whom the business provides training and career opportunities.

According to Phil, York House Leisure today draws over 80,000 holiday visitors annually, and their spending in the area supports many other local businesses and the jobs they provide.

There are also around 200 people living in the park homes across the company’s residential parks, said Phil, all enjoying a relaxed retirement lifestyle in tranquil landscaped surroundings.

The number is set to increase soon following a new development at Gateforth Park in Selby.

The semi-sheltered environments and friendly, mutually supportive communities created on residential parks, he adds, help people maintain their independence into later life.

Part of the new £1 million investment, said Phil, is being focused on Monk Park Farm which York House Leisure rescued from likely closure when it was put up for sale four years ago.

The 84-acre family attraction – which includes farm-themed fun activities – draws over 80,000 visitors each year, and now boasts a new animal barn enjoyed equally by children and grown-ups.

“The determination to maintain the highest quality standards is a hallmark of the YHL portfolio,” said Phil.

“We are immensely proud of the business our parents pioneered, and work hard to keep alive their philosophy of always putting customers first and foremost.”

“York House Leisure is really all about making people happy and getting the most from their lives, be it children and families on holiday or those slowing down after a lifetime’s work.

“Our aim is to continue raising the quality bar by constant reinvestment in our parks and providing the best experience possible for everyone with the help of our amazing teams,” he added.

There is more information about York House Leisure at www.yhlparks.co.uk.

Key Facts

• Business: York House Leisure (YHL).
• Founded: 1964 by Neil and Patricia Brierley.
• Celebration: 60th (Diamond) anniversary in 2025.
• New Investment: £1 million, spread across holiday parks, residential parks, and Monk Park Farm.

Portfolio:

• 3 holiday parks (award-winning).
• 2 residential retirement parks.
• Monk Park Farm visitor attraction.
• Visitors: Over 80,000 annually to the holiday parks, plus 80,000+ to Monk Park Farm.
• Residents: Around 200 people across residential parks.
• Employment: Around 50 full and part-time staff, mostly from North Yorkshire.

Yorkshire House Leisure Group Highlights

• York House Leisure marks 60 years with major reinvestment in parks and attractions.
• Family legacy started by Neil and Patricia Brierley continues under the next generation.
• Significant focus on sustainability, community, and raising quality standards.
• Monk Park Farm, rescued from closure, is now thriving with new facilities.
• YHL contributes heavily to the local economy through tourism and employment.

FAQs about York House Leisure

What is York House Leisure (YHL)?
York House Leisure is a family-run group operating holiday parks, residential retirement parks, and the Monk Park Farm visitor attraction in North Yorkshire.

When was York House Leisure founded?
The company was founded in 1964 by Neil and Patricia Brierley.

How many parks does YHL operate?
The group runs three award-winning holiday parks, two residential parks, and Monk Park Farm.

How many visitors does YHL attract each year?
Over 80,000 people visit the holiday parks annually, with a similar number enjoying Monk Park Farm.

What is included in the new £1 million investment?
The investment will be spread across the group’s holiday and residential parks as well as Monk Park Farm, enhancing facilities and raising quality standards.

Where can I find out more about York House Leisure?
Visit www.yhlparks.co.uk for more information.