Meet the family who have been greeting holiday makers on the North East coast for many years.

A family run business that began in the mid 70s that has gradually expanded over the years now has six glorious parks and a clutch of awards to their name.

But much as those awards mean the world, there’s nothing quite as rewarding as the praise from Northumbrian Leisure’s customers, who love the parks, their location and always a warm welcome.

Nigel Thompson whose father started the business, runs it with his wife Sandra and their family Rachel, David and Sarah. Nigel says that the parks have a real community feel. Whether people are owners on the site who come every weekend or a first-time holiday maker they tell us they always feel so welcome. They become an extended part of the family too during their stay, making friends for life and returning year on year.

And with over 1000 pitches along the North East coastline, many with stunning sea views, it’s easy to see why this business not only catches the eye of holiday makers, but judges too.

This year, they won the Best Tourism Business at the Best of Northumberland Awards, and before that a Best of South Tyneside Award for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Business of the year.

Location, location, location,

Families from all over the country have fallen in love with this part of the world … the location making it perfect for weekends away, while the choice of, culture and entertainment in the area make it school break holiday heaven. With beaches, parks and woodland on the doorstep, these are perfect for dog-friendly visitors too.

With six delightful parks to choose from holiday makers are sure to find one they love. Whether you are a history buff, a lover of long dog walks on golden beaches or someone who likes lots to do on their doorstep, there’s one to suit you and your family.

There’s Golden Sands, Cresswell, which has a beautiful seafront location and a picturesque village.

And Sandhaven, South Shields, is perfect for those who love having lots to do nearby – there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained in and around South Shields.

There’s two to choose from in lovely Seahouses – Cliff Top and Stone Close, both with plenty of attractions nearby and a lovely coastal setting.

Riverside at Warkworth is the park where it all started, so is very dear to their heart. With Amble, Warkworth and Alnwick and the River Coquet on the doorstep, this park is a tranquil haven.

Last but not least is Glororum at Bamburgh, just a mile from the village and with stunning castle views.

As well as enjoying the beautiful scenery, eagle-eyed holidaymakers have even caught the northern lights – a little bit of heaven on earth.

Value for money

Nigel said: “I want people on the park who love it here, who are in a caravan or lodge they can afford and who want to spend their leisure time in a place that feels like home. Hopefully they will be here for many years and make some happy memories. That’s what makes us happy.”

Feedback from customers shows they’ve got the balance just right. They’ve some park owners who have owned caravans on site for over 40 years, alongside other’s just dipping their toe into caravan life. There’s room, too, for touring caravans that can pitch up at either Sandhaven or Glororum.

Enjoy a break, don’t break the bank

Community is a word Nigel, Sandra and family are proud to say is at the heart of their business, and they also supportive of their local communities. Whether you’re looking for peace and quiet or something more lively there’s a park to suit everyone. At Golden Sands they have lots of entertainment throughout the season with some great bank holiday fair days through to the annual fireworks night, which attract people from the locality which is all free.

Nigel added “We are proud to say that we offer some of the best value parks on the North East Coast”.

Offers

January is often the time people start planning their summer holidays, or investing in a year round holiday destination for them and their loved ones. To find out about the latest offers and caravans for sale, pick up the phone and chat to the team on 01670 860256 or visit their website at www.northumbrianleisure.co.uk