Caravan park owner to expand tourism offer
The owner of York Caravan Park has bought a second site on the outskirts of the city for an undisclosed sum, with work already underway to transform the 30-acre plot.
Andrew Wilson is modernising York Naburn Lock holiday park by upgrading the pitches, landscaping and electrics, while submitting a planning application to construct new state-of-the-art washing and toilet facilities.
Currently the site boasts 115 pitches, with Wilson’s vision being to one day create a new glamping area that capitalises on the growing demand for the outdoor holiday trend.
Situated four miles from York, Naburn Lock adds to his first campsite venture, York Caravan Park, which has been in operation since 2007 and is situated within the city ring road. The five-star, adult only campsite comprises 55 pitches.
York Caravan Park was first established on land at Wilson’s family farm and has continued to expand over the last decade to reach its current seven-acre footprint. To-date, it has welcomed more than 50,000 visitors.
Wilson said: “Acquiring Naburn Lock is the culmination of a three-year search for the right holiday site with an abundance of potential.
“Demand for quality campsite accommodation continues to grow each year across all generations, and after already establishing a strong foothold within the adult only space, it was a clear focus of mine to eventually enter the family market and deliver more accommodation within the beautiful city of York.
“Not one for resting on my laurels, I have big ambitions for the site to one-day create a new glamping area that taps into its rising popularity and brings a new outdoor holiday accommodation offer that drives a diverse mix of visitors and further growth to the local economy.”
Supporting him in his acquisition was Haworths Chartered Accountants, with its expert team providing advice and guidance to raise the necessary funding.
Andrew Wilson
Wilson said: “Haworths acted as a true partner at each stage of the acquisition, having answers to every question and helping to produce the necessary financial forecasts and cash flows that were mandated by the bank.
“We’ve been a client of theirs for a number of years and really value the fact that whenever I call, I get to speak with the right people immediately.”
Mark Schofield, director at Haworths Chartered Accountants, said: “With more than a decade of experience in the outdoor holiday sector, Andrew is a great example of a successful entrepreneur that has recognised and capitalised on the sustained growth of UK staycations.
“We’ve supported Andrew and his family since the inception of York Caravan Park.
“It’s been fantastic to play a role in enabling their ambitions to become a reality and we’re proud to continue to support them in this exciting new chapter.”
