Cumbria caravan park expands to meet staycationer demand

A CARAVAN park with spectacular sea views has invested in new accommodation to meet the demand from visitors.

Harbour Side Caravan Site in Maryport has introduced three new camping pods and almost tripled its number of pitches for the 2021 season.

The site at Maryport Harbour in Cumbria, which has views across the Solway Firth and is on the doorstep of the Lake District, decided to expand after being inundated with requests from holidaymakers.

Pauline Gorley, general manager of Maryport Harbour and Marina, which owns and operates the Harbour Side Caravan Site, said: “We realised there was potential for more caravan and motorhome pitches, as well as the new camping pods, because we had so many enquiries from visitors who wanted to stay here.

“The views are fantastic, it’s just five minutes from the town centre and is a great base for exploring the Lake District.

“Our visitors love seeing the sunset over the sea, watching the fishing boats coming and going in the harbour, as well as the yachts which are berthed in the marina.”

The new camping pods include a double bed, seating area, fridge, microwave and outdoor picnic area.

Ghyll House Upholstery, which is based at Mealsgate, near Cockermouth, created the cushions for the seating and beds in the pods which can accommodate two adults, and up to two small children.

The foam-filled cushions were covered with a soft blue vinyl to provide a practical and comfortable stay for visitors.

Joe McAlpine, general manager at Ghyll House Upholstery, said the team was delighted to be involved in the project.

“The location of the caravan site combined with the facilities make it a great location for anyone looking for a staycation on the coast,” he said. “We were pleased to be able to use our specialist upholstery skills to provide furnishings for the new camping pods.”

The camping pods are set to open to guests from May 17 in line with the Government’s easing of lockdown restrictions. The caravan and motorhome pitches opened to visitors on April 12, with the whole site currently being landscaped ahead of the full reopening next month.

The Harbour Side Caravan Site has increased its number of motorhome and caravan pitches for the 2021 season from 10 to 28, and built a new amenity block, with a pot wash room, individual toilet and showers and a disabled/family wet room.

A cafe which had been planned to open last year but was delayed due to the pandemic is due to open in late May. The Marina View Coffee Shop is located in the marina’s main building, which also doubles as the reception for the caravan site.

Pauline said: “We want visitors to make the most of their visit to Maryport by eating out, shopping locally and visiting the town’s attractions such as the Lake District Coast Aquarium, the Maryport Maritime Museum, and the Senhouse Roman Museum.

“More people than ever are choosing to spend their holidays in the UK, and the more we can do to encourage visitors to come to Maryport, the better for everyone.”

The expansion of the caravan park was part-funded by Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership.

Maryport Harbour and Marina offers leisure boating facilities including 190 pontoon berths, hard standing storage and boat repair facilities.