A family who have been welcoming visitors to the Lake District for generations are investing in 10 new luxury lodges as their camping and caravan park celebrates 70 years in business.
Jimmy Allen’s family have been running Park Foot Holiday Park, overlooking Ullswater, near Pooley Bridge, since they opened the land to campers in 1951.
Jimmy’s grandparents first came to the site as tenant farmers 120 years ago, offering bed and breakfast to guests who arrived by horse and trap.
The family have continued to adapt to the needs and expectations of guests throughout their time running the 40 acre park and are now adding a new luxurious development to the site.
Named Ullswater Banks, it will feature 10 high-end lodges, designed by Willerby, in an elevated position with spectacular views of the lake and surrounding fells.
Jimmy’s daughter Fiona, who grew up helping run and maintain the site as well as playing in the nearby fells, said: “We’re so lucky to have such a beautiful location with convenient access from the rest of the country and within touching distance of so many wonderful places in the Lake District.”
“This has made the park very popular over the years and things have been particularly busy in the last year with so many people holidaying in the UK.”
The 10 new lodges are on sale now but will arrive on the site next year. They will have two or three bedrooms, with the main bedroom always en suite.
Fiona said: “They will be a little more private from the rest of the park and much bigger than a normal caravan; they’re just like your own home really.”
While Jimmy still plays an active part in the business, it is now run by Fiona and sister Barbara Allen, alongside her children Coral and JJ Mowbray and Fiona’s daughters Emma Bell and Joanne Hughes.
Fiona’s husband Malcolm and Joanne’s husband Gavin are also involved.
The intrinsic attractions of the site’s location are complemented by its own bar and takeaway, as well as pony trekking and water sports equipment on offer during the summer months. In addition to paddle boarding, the park is planning on offering some new water activities on the lake next year.
“There is everything here people need for a good holiday,” said Fiona.
“We want to keep coming up with new ideas and investing for future generations so people can continue visiting and enjoying the area for many years to come.”
