Holgates own several caravan parks on or near the coastline of Morecambe Bay with Silverdale – which won Cumbria Tourism’s “Best Holiday Park” award for 2014 – the company’s flagship site.
Set amid 100 acres of scenic park and woodland, Silverdale – which takes its name from the picturesque village nearby – offers 80 hard-standing touring pitches, camping facilities and eight family camping pods. Over 350 privately-owned holiday homes are on the site, too, plus 13 luxury holiday homes for hire. We stayed in one of these units and thoroughly enjoyed our short stay.
The park is neatly designed and it’s easy to find your way around. When you arrive, the helpful staff at Reception provide a map pinpointing your caravan’s location, as well as detailing the park’s layout and road network, containing such evocative names as Bracken Bank, Holly Drive and Cherry Grove.
We made full use of the on-site facilities, including the 17-metre luxury swimming pool, spa pool, steam room and Jacuzzi. Unlike other parks we’ve stayed in, the general swimming periods – during which anyone can use the pool – were generous. I’ve stayed at so-called child-friendly resorts where family time in the water is restricted to just a couple of hours a day – and often at the worst times; I’m pleased to say that this isn’t the case at Silverdale.
The reception, laundrette and shop – which stocks papers, drinks and most things you’ll want – open from 9am-9pm. The bar (under 16s not allowed) is open daily between noon and 11pm and shows Sky Sports on its monitors.
(c) Richard Webber
(c) Richard Webber
(c) Richard Webber
We eat at the restaurant one evening and found the service quick and efficient. The portions were generous and very tasty. If you like to eat in silence, this won’t be for you because there’s a real buzz about the place: after all, it’s the hub of all activity during the evening so is bound to be noisy.
Our children enjoyed visiting the games room, amusement arcade and play area, which is just a stone’s throw from the main leisure complex; we even had a game of pitch and putt but, sadly, no holes in one!
One aspect of Holgates’ business which impressed me is the focus on conserving the landscape both for wildlife and its visitors’ enjoyment. Environmentalist David Bellamy has described the park as a “glorious wildlife wonderland”. That’s because, among many initiative, staff at Silverdale have been working alongside conservationalists to create the ideal location for butterflies, especially the Duke of Burgundy, which is close to becoming an endangered species.
The caravans for holiday hire are comfortable and spacious, sleeping up to six. They can be rented all-year-round and contain everything you need, although bring your own towels and tea towels. Check-in time is 4pm, check-out 10am.
If, like us, you enjoy getting out and about to explore the local countryside and attractions, Silverdale is ideally situated. It’s just a 15-minute walk to the village while Arnside is only 15 minutes’ drive. The seaside resort of Morecambe is nearby for anyone wanting a traditional bucket and spade and fish and chips day trip. And if you head north, you’ll reach the southern boundary of the Lake District within no time at all.
Only two little grumbles. There didn’t appear to be any hairdryers in the swimming pool changing rooms and wi-fi, which is only available in the café/bar area, was unreliable. I struggled getting online and it appears the system struggles when too many people are trying to gain access. Management, however, are aware of this.
Such things, though, are mere annoyances and didn’t detract from what was a very enjoyable and satisfying visit. We’d certainly return, given the chance, and recommend Silverdale as a place to stay for anyone holidaying in this corner of Cumbria.
More information:
Middlebarrow Plain
Cove Road
Silverdale
Lancs LA5 0SH
www.holgates.co.uk, t: 01524 701508
www.golakes.co.uk. t: 01539 822222