Danny Dyer says they need saving, but caravan holidays are booming again for 2026
The Dyer’s Caravan Park aired on Sky this week and, while reviews have been mixed, it has real potential as a fun way to show the British public what a modern holiday park can offer. That said, we disagree with Danny on one key point: the idea that the Great British holiday park holiday needs saving.
The Dyer's Caravan Park - Image credit: © Sky UK Limited
At Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks, we’ve seen a surge in bookings this year. Savills data also suggests 2026 is set to be a year of growth for the UK holiday parks sector, and searches for “holiday parks” hit a four-year high in January (before we’ve even reached peak season). With all the signs pointing in a positive direction, do holiday parks really need saving?
Online interest for UK holiday parks at 4-year high
The show may have given searches a short-term lift, but overall demand is rising again. After the huge spike during the pandemic, interest in holiday parks is returning to very strong levels.
And it is not just search data telling that story. Savills research suggests the sector is heading into 2026 with real momentum: deal volumes in 2025 doubled year on year, driven mainly by experienced operators, as supply stabilised, lending conditions improved and lower interest rates (3.75% at the time of writing) helped unlock investment.
What separates the good holiday parks from the not so good?
The holiday parks featured in the Sky show have a great atmosphere and, as family-run businesses, that warmth really comes through. But like many holiday parks across the UK, some areas can start to feel dated if investment has had to be delayed in recent years. The holiday parks that perform best tend to be the ones that keep reinvesting in great accommodation and facilities, giving guests a better experience and a reason to come back year after year. Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks has focused heavily on that long-term investment to keep raising the standard of what a holiday park stay can be.
We also invest in the parts of the experience that really matter, from great food and drink and facilities that work whatever the weather, to family-friendly entertainment that feels current rather than dated. Just as importantly, we understand what today’s guests want from a UK break, such as flexible lengths of stay, clear pricing, quick mobile booking and helpful on-park teams. Add in extra touches like dog-friendly stays, site-wide WiFi, good accessibility and a focus on sustainability, and you have a holiday park people are happy to return to and recommend.
Where are you planning to holiday this year?
If you are still deciding where to go this year, you are not alone. Lots of people have holidays abroad booked, but some are thinking twice about certain trips. There is worry that travelling in and out of the EU could mean longer airport queues if the new EES checks do not run smoothly, and there have also been reports of fewer people travelling to the USA for political reasons.
Everyone likes some nice weather, but the threat of extreme heat is starting to change our holiday plans so whilst some sunshine clearly brightens moods, being confined to the comfort of an air-conditioned hotel room in the daytime appeals to few families.
All of that can make a simpler, flexible break closer to home feel like the better option in more ways than one. With searches and demand for holiday parks still high since the pandemic, 2026 could be another big year for holiday parks, helped by operators improving what the Great British holiday looks like today.
Kevin Darvill, Sales & Marketing Director | Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks:
“If you’ve watched The Dyer’s Caravan Park, you’ll have seen how much character and charm our sector has, especially in family-owned sites where the focus is on the guest and long-term sustainability rather than quick short-term profits for shareholders. But the idea that UK holiday parks need saving doesn’t reflect what we’re seeing on the ground. Demand is strong and growing, forward bookings for 2026 are currently 16% ahead, and guests are looking for high-quality, flexible breaks without all the faff.”
“At Woolacombe Bay Holiday parks, we’ve continued to invest in accommodation, facilities and guest experience because today’s holidaymaker expects more, and rightly so. The modern holiday park that’s had continual investment offers fantastic value, great food and entertainment, the kind that keeps people coming back year after year.”
So if you have checked out the Danny Dyer show, don't worry, the UK holiday park doesn't need saving, and if you want to stay in one of the best holiday parks as rated by Tripadvisor and next to the UK’s best beach, then check out one of our Devon holiday parks today.
About Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks
Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks is one of the leading operators of holiday parks within Devon and the UK. A family-run business, they are passionate about reinvesting back into their Parks so that the customer gets the best possible holiday at a reasonable price. They offer caravans, lodges and camping/touring pitches so you can find the right accommodation for your stay.
Contact:
For more information on the story please contact Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks’ PR representative David Foy.