Back of Beyond Touring Camping & Glamping Park
St Leonards, DorsetThirty acres of woodland, heathland and lakes for you to enjoy at this peaceful, award winning park. An ideal base for exploring the New Forest and South Coast.
Tranquil Parks news February 2026
Spring is on the way!
And we’ve received some beautiful photos of snowdrops to prove it!
These photos show the pretty white flowers carpeting Bath Chew Valley Caravan Park’s woodland walk (top) and parts of Two Mills Touring Park in Norfolk (left), with 2 scenes from Eye Kettleby Lakes on the right. The early spring blooms are in good time for Valentine’s weekend, when visitors will also be able to enjoy the primroses, crocuses and other flowers which are just emerging now.
Good luck to the parks about to open
The pressure is on for just over a third of our Tranquil Parks. They’re are getting ready to open (or open fully) at the end of this month or early next month. We wish them and all their guests a wonderful 2026 season. See the 16 parks about to open at the bottom of this post.
New giveaway – 5-night stay at Briarfields to be won
This month we’re absolutely thrilled to have a 5-night stay at Briarfields Touring Park to be won! This beautifully landscaped park is just outside Regency Cheltenham in Gloucestershire, with easy access into town via a 24-hour bus and a new off-road cycleway. It’s on the route between Cheltenham and Historic Gloucester which is about 5 miles away.
Briarfields is run by a brilliant family team and it’s a great base for exploring the Cotswolds. Dogs are welcome and there’s a new large off-lead exercise area called Dorothy’s Field. It has modern heated washrooms and a fully equipped laundry, plus local amenities nearby, including places to eat, shops and local footpaths. The prize can be taken at any time except bank holidays and a few Cheltenham Racecourse events. Enter now.
The winner of our recent Somers Wood giveaway is L Ralph.
Hope to see you at the show!
We’re excited to be at the Caravan Camping & Motorhome Show next week. We have a bigger stand this year, no. 4030 in Hall 4. We’ll be represented by owners, managers and wardens who have kindly volunteered:
- Tues 17th Louise from Somers Wood with Simon & Sarah from New Lodge Farm
- Wed & Thur 18th & 19th Paul and Michele from Old Oaks
- Fri 20th Vicki & Martin from Back of Beyond
- Sat 21st Chris & Leeza from Cartref
- Sun 22nd Josie from Killiwerris with Hywel from South Wales Touring Park
- Special thanks to Hywel for organising it and Mark from Daisy Bank Caravan Park for setting up
Tickets are available at caravancampingshow.seetickets.com. Use code EX1 to get an extra £1 off the advance price (expires midnight 16 February).
An extra special thank you goes to the 21 Tranquil Park that have generously donated prizes for the show giveaway:
Back of Beyond Touring Camping & Glamping Park, Bath Chew Valley Caravan Park, Blue Rose Country Park, Brookside Country Park, Cardinney Camping Park, Cartref Caravan & Camping Park, Daisy Bank Caravan Park, Exe Valley Caravan Site, Eye Kettleby Lakes, Grooby’s Pit, New Lodge Farm (glamping prize), Parkland Caravan, Camping & Glamping Site Red Kite Touring Park, Somers Wood Caravan Park, South Wales Touring Park, Stretton Lakes Touring Park, Trethem Mill Touring Park, Waterrow Touring Park, York Caravan Park, Yr Helyg / The Willows Caravan & Camping Park (glamping prize).
Special offers update
There’s just time to take advantage of the 30th anniversary offer from Somers Wood Caravan Park in Meriden, which was named Best Caravan Park and Best Adult Only Site in the West Midlands by Campsites.co.uk last year. You can enjoy 30% off all pitch fees if you fancy a last-minute getaway before the end of February (excludes the NEC Caravan Camping & Motorhome Show).
Both Blue Rose Country Park in Brandesburton, East Riding of Yorkshire, and Brookside Country Park in Burton-upon-Stather, Lincolnshire are offering 3 nights for £60 until the end of February.
The Waterrow winter offers run until 12 March. Get one free night on stays of 4-7 nights and 2 free nights on 8+ nights. See Special Offers on the park’s website for discount codes and details of the Summer Sizzler 2026 and more.
Save ££’s off the price of a relaxing getaway in the lovely Chew Valley this spring. Book for three mid-week nights and you’ll have one free up to Wednesday 1 st April. This special offer applies Sundays through Thursdays and is available on the park’s website now. Visit www.bathchewvalley.co.uk/online-booking, select your preferred pitch type and insert discount code TT342. Then you can look forward to exploring the lovely Chew Valley while enjoying all the comforts a 5-star touring park can offer. Bath Chew Valley Caravan Park’s standard pitches are comfortable, all-weather hardstandings with electric hook-up (top left).
Exe Valley Caravan Site in Somerset (bottom left) is again offering 7 nights for the price of 6 on the basic pitch price throughout the 2026 season. It’s automatically applied to bookings of 7 nights or more
This year Two Mills Touring Park (right) will continue running the senior discount of £1 per pitch per night for anyone over 60 (excluding Bank Hols). The long stay laundry offer will also apply for stays of 14 nights or more, which means you get a free wash & dry included in your stay.
Two Mills have also partnered up with more local businesses to offer even more discounts to guests. These include 15% off your total food bill at The Crown in Smallburgh and a free 1 day pass at the local leisure centre, giving you access to their 6 lane, 25m pool and state-of-the-art gym!
New updates and upgrades
Somers Wood to open for Christmas
This year Somers Wood Caravan Park is going to open for Christmas and New Year from 21 December to 2 January 2027! (Bank holiday rates apply.) Expect a very convivial atmosphere on this friendly park with its firiendly team and proximity to a lively village. Winter sunsets can be awesome too (top left). The park had just received new badges for winning Best Adult Only Site and Best Caravan Park in the West Midlands from Campsites.co.uk last year.
At the time of writing, the team was very busy completing the new disabled facility (almost ready) and a host of jobs. These photos show Louise power washing, Marc levelling and Angie planting.
Say hello to Hampshire Hills for short and long or stays
The new name for our newest member park is ‘Hampshire Hills formerly known as Two Hoots Glamping, Caravan Park and Campsite’. It’s a great name for this hill top park near Winchester with its panoramic views towards the South Downs.
The park offers 10 XL grass pitches with electric hookup, grass pitches without electric and 5 glamping units – 3 luxurious retreats bookable through Hoseasons and 2 tiny homes.
For longer (or more frequent) stays there are introductory offers on seasonal pitches (12 months), suitable for touring caravans, motorhomes, 5th wheel caravans, campervans, tents and trailer tents. Holiday home ownership is now available to individuals and corporates for their exclusive year-round use with access to a bespoke range of concierge services, including the option to use the park’s managed holiday rental service with bookings powered by Hoseasons. Contact the park for further information.
Behind the scenes at Back of Beyond
It’s all go at Back of Beyond Touring Camping & Glamping Park in Dorset. Two new luxury shepherd huts are on the way with private bathrooms and kitchens for extra comfort and privacy. These will be in addition to the two existing shepherd huts and all four bases are now complete.
The Back of Beyond team has also built 6 new Astroturf touring pitches and is installing a new barrier system with automatic number plate recognition. An extension to Monty’s bar is underway, creating more space to unwind with a drink after a day exploring the New Forest, Dorset coast and surrounding countryside. Read more about what’s new on the park’s blog.
Upgrades for wildlife visitors at York Naburn Lock
At York Naburn Lock Caravan Park, which became a 5 star park last year following a tremendous amount of investment (bottom left), the team is making further improvements to the wildlife areas by expanding the wild meadow area by the river (top left), planting more shrubs and trees, and putting in bird boxes.
Busy winter for York Caravan Park
The team at York Caravan Park (above right) have been planting lots of new shrubs and flowers. They’re also refurbishing the individual shower rooms and upgrading the internet supply, giving guests faster, free Wi-Fi. If you’re travelling with four-legged companions you’ll be pleased to know that the team has expanded and improved the dog walk area.
You could win a 4-night stay on a super pitch at York Caravan Park by entering their Facebook giveaway which closes at the end of this month.
Fields End Water upgrade sparks toilet humour!
Refurbishment of the Main Park facility block at Fields End Water Caravan Park, Lodges & Fishery in Cambridgeshire looks like it’s going to be amazing. But on social media, this photo of the old toilets (above) gave rise to comments about the lack of elbow room and paper holders as well as concerns about rain, causing the park to respond: “You guys worry too much, we are all friends here, it’ll be fine!”
Extra pitch at Exe Valley
Exe Valley Caravan Site has now opened up Pitch 1 again. “It’s always very popular,” says park owner Tonia. This gives the park another hardstanding pitch close to the facilities, which is ideal for guests with reduced mobility. The park has availability throughout the season and will have the same team as last year, all of whom are locals who know the area well. The team is now gearing for all the maintenance preparations, ready to open on 13 March.
Beautiful gift for Grooby’s Pit guests
Every year guests who return to Grooby’s Pit near Skegness in Lincolnshire receive a unique gift. The gift changes every year and they always come up with a useful memento. This year the park has organised a very handy foldable shopping bag made from recycled plastic.
Old Oaks new cake shed and 2026 food lineup
The lovely Lavender Country Kitchen ladies are bringing their new cake shed to Old Oaks for 2026. This will be a self-serve and self-pay option to choose your own delicious home-baked cakes, brownies and other sweet treats and will be topped up daily. Luckily there are plenty of opportunities to walk off the calories in the area.
The park has also announced the full food line up for 2026: Mondays Fish & Chip delivery, Tuesdays Wood-fired Pizza truck, Wednesdays Indian delivery, Thursdays roast dinner by Lavender Kitchen, Fridays Wick Farm burgers & chips by Lavender Kitchen, Saturdays Thai, Guyanese/Caribbean, Pizza or Lasagne, Sundays Indian delivery. The Breakfast Club will run 6 mornings a week from 23 March to 17 Octover and 3 mornings (Monday, Friday and Saturday) outside those dates.
Delicious pizza and frothy coffee at Bath Chew Valley
Froth Café baristas Karina and Rachel (left) are on site at Bath Chew Caravan Park every Friday evening baking authentic fresh pizzas to order. The ladies return each Saturday with a selection of delicious cakes and freshly ground coffee featuring their ‘signature’ frothy coffee…
Briarfields work through long list
At the time of writing, Jo and Scott, the owners of Briarfields Touring Park, were taking a well-earned break from their long list of winter jobs. “We’ve just completed 28 pitch upgrades and put in what feels like miles and miles of more drainage over the past few weeks” said Jo. On their return they’ll be attacking the dog wash, laundry room upgrade and lots more.
Upcoming events to book
A reminder of important dates this season provided by Bath Chew Valley Caravan Park:
- 15 March, Mothering Sunday
- 29 March British Summer Time begins
- 2-6 April Easter Holiday
- 30 Apr-5 May, early May Bank Holiday
- 22- 26 May Spring (Whitsun) Bank Holiday
- 21 June Father’s Day
- 27-31 August Summer Bank Holiday Weekend
- 25 October British Summer Time ends
Looking forward to a tranquil Easter escape?
Don’t leave it too late to book your Easter holiday, says Bath Chew Valley Caravan Park. The 5-star touring park close to Chew Valley Lake in the Mendip Hills area of outstanding natural beauty, says bookings are brisk and ahead of last season with particular interest from guests wanting to visit Bath, Bristol and Cheddar Gorge (top left) .
Important 2026 booking dates for this park: 19-28 Feb Bristol Festival of Light, 15 May Bath Party in the City, 11 July Bath Carnival, 18-20 Jul Bristol Harbour Festival, 7-9 Aug Bristol International Balloon Festival, 4-6 Sep Bath Foodies Festival, 7 Nov – 23 Dec Bristol Christmas Markets (Provisional), Somerset Carnivals 16 Nov Midsomer Norton, 20 Nov Wells and 21 Nov Glastonbury, 26 Nov – 13 Dec, Bath Christmas Market, and 26 Nov – 5 Jan 2027 Christmas illuminations on the park.
Blue Rose Easter weekend
There will be an Easter Show at Blue Rose Country Park in the East Riding of Yorkshire on Saturday 4 April in the onsite function room with live entertainment, bar and bingo (shown ready for a jobilee celebration, top right).
Brookside local events
The Sheffield Arms, near Brookside Country Park in Burton-upon-Stather, Lincolnshire, is hosting several events in the next few months:
- Mothers Day Afternoon Tea Saturday 14 March (pre-book only)
- Mothers Day 15 March standard Sunday carvery
- St Patrick’s Day weekend Saturday 21 March – Live Music by James O’Roarty
Viking and other festivals near Two Mills Touring Park, Norfolk
11 April is the Sheringham Viking Festival. Reputed to be great local shindig, it’s a unique celebration of all sorts of Viking activities from battles to boat-burning ceremonies. There’s a lot more coming up including the popular Sheringham 1940s festival, all listed on the park’s Events Calendar https://www.twomills.co.uk/events-calendar/
York events
If you’re planning a stay at York Caravan Park or York Naburn Lock Caravan Park, the city will celebrate its pre-eminence in chocolate making at the York Food & Chocolate Festival 1-5 April. TheSpring Meeting at York Racecourse is on 23 May – fixtures and tickets.
Celebrating walking, nature and rock on Exmoor
Exe Valley Caravan Site is ideally placed for the ‘Walk Exmoor Weekend Porlock Pilgrim’s Trail on 28-29 March. See Visit-Exmoor for details. Exmoor Nature Festival runs from 16-31 May and the popular Xmoor Rox Music Festival, which is walkable from the site, takes place on Saturday 11 July this year. It’s very popular with guests – see the FB page for info.
A turkey mystery!
The Exe Valley Caravan Site team were surprised to find a turkey wandering around the campsite last week – a very unusual sight! After some sleuthing they found it had somehow reached the park from the top of their road. It had travelled a long way (for a turkey) and is now safely back at home.
Opening soon
Good luck to all the parks opening at the end of February / early March.
Opening 27 February
Old Oaks Touring and Glamping Park
Glastonbury, SomersetBeautifully landscaped, 5-star touring and glamping park, with panoramic views, spacious pitches and immaculate luxury facilities.
Opening 1 March
Overbrook Caravan Park
Pickering, North YorkshireOverbrook has hardstanding pitches, heated facilities and is just a pleasant stroll from the picturesque village of Thornton-le-Dale.
Cherry Tree Springs Touring Park
Sutton-on-Sea, LincolnshireDelightful park within a short walk from miles of ‘dog friendly’ golden sands and ‘blue-flag’ beaches at Sutton On Sea on the Lincolnshire coast.
Long Acres Touring Park
Boston, Lincolnshire5-star touring park with a warm and friendly atmosphere. Centrally located for exploring the market towns and seaside resorts of Lincolnshire.
Two Mills Touring Park
North Walsham, NorfolkIdeally placed between the coast and the Norfolk Broads, Two Mills is a family run country retreat, situated in superb countryside abounding in birds and wildlife.
Fields End Water Caravan Park, Lodges & Fishery
Cambridgeshire Doddington, MarchFields End Water, adult only 5 star rated touring park with luxury lodges and glamping pods, is the perfect place to go fishing in, or enjoy a peaceful dog walk.
South Wales Touring Park
Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, WalesLlwynifan Farm, located on a quiet hillside with stunning country views. The perfect base for touring the South Wales Coast and Pembrokeshire.
Woodland Springs Touring Park
Drewsteignton, DevonSet inside the Dartmoor National Park, with grass, hardstanding and fully serviced pitches, and excellent heated facilities make it the perfect base.
Opening 7 March
New Lodge Farm
Bulwick, NorthantsSet in an attractive rural location of the Rockingham Forest on a working farm. Immaculate five star facilities are in beautifully converted farm barns.
Opening 13 March
Exe Valley Caravan Site
Nr Dulverton, SomersetThis 5-star site is in Exmoor National Park on the River Exe. Every pitch is beside water. A watermill, forge and weir are all part of the site. A walker’s paradise.
Opening 114 March
Green Acres Caravan Park
Carlisle, CumbriaProudly offering our beautiful surroundings for over 50 years to holiday makers who are looking for a place to relax, de-stress and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Opening 15 March
York Naburn Lock Caravan Park
Naburn, York, YO19 4RUYork Naburn Lock Caravan Park is an AA 5 Star caravan and camping park in an area of outstanding natural beauty by the River Ouse near York.
York Caravan Park
North YorkshireYou won’t feel cramped on this 5-star country park’s spacious, serviced hardstandings in the City of York. Relax around the fishing lake and picnic area.
Grooby’s Pit Caravan Park
Skegness, Lincolnshire5-star site loved for peaceful surroundings and friendly welcome. Large lakeside touring pitches with picturesque views.
Hallsdown Farm Touring Park
Arlington, Devon, EX314SWSet in the peaceful rolling North Devon countryside, Hallsdown is the ideal retreat for either relaxing and walking holidays.