‘BBC Winterwatch’ brings more focus to the region

TV Programmes Put Spotlight on Holiday Lodges in the Country

Pisces Country Park, located in Welney on the Cambridgeshire/Norfolk border, has seen more people choosing to buy holiday accommodation following a stay at the country park and its adjoining venue Acorn Holiday Park.  It is because holiday makers – and people from the locality – are choosing to get back to nature for short holiday breaks. With 84% of people in the UK living in urban areas, interest in countryside accommodation is enjoying a revival.

There has also been increased interest in wildlife watching in Cambridgeshire and Norfolk because of the hugely popular nature programmes on TV, including BBC Winterwatch.  The series has featured Welney Wildfowl and Wetlands reserve over different seasons, and outside broadcasts from Wild Ken Hill, West Norfolk, and the proximity of Pisces Country Park has encouraged some people to look at holiday lodges there for easy access to these nationally acclaimed wildlife areas.

Says Paul Stanton of Pisces Country Park and Acorn Holiday Park, both owned by Chiltern Parks, ‘There are certainly more stresses on life now and our buyers are increasingly expressing the desire to get away to the country for short breaks.’

‘While we have always been known as an award-winning fishing venue, we are becoming a prime location for wildlife watching too.  From the Wetlands for wildfowl to the countryside for butterflies and birds of prey, there is something here for all nature lovers.’

The two holiday parks have four abundantly stocked fishing lakes – situated on a 20-acre site featuring beautifully landscaped lawns, shrubs and wooded areas.  They are the ideal location for those who enjoy peace and tranquillity – and above all getting away from busy everyday life.  They have become the destinations of choice for people from all over the UK since staycations have enjoyed a surge in popularity.  

Says Nick Church at Pisces Country Park, ‘Winter is the ideal time for people to look into a holiday home purchase as the countryside is here to enjoy all year around. It is the ideal base for getting close to nature, touring the beauty spots of East Anglia and for fishing during every season.’

‘Lodges cost less than you would expect to purchase but the benefit they bring families is priceless.  A place to escape to whenever you need some family time.  These holiday homes offer outstanding value for money – and that’s key to any purchase with the rise in the cost of living.’

‘People do still want to enjoy life so many are joining the growing number of holiday home owners in the UK.’

Established in the 1940s as a tench fishery, Pisces Country Park has three lakes heavily stocked with carp, pike, tench, roach and bream.  It has won the David Bellamy Conservation Gold Awards for countryside achievement and been recommended by some of the country’s most famous anglers – including Bob Nudd MBE who is now angling ambassador for the park.

The parks were acquired by its current owners in 2019 and 2020 since then significant investment has been made in the facilities there.  The holiday home accommodation on offer is being updated with many new units being added to replace older stock; at the same time as improvements are being made to the parks’ infrastructures and specialist conservation work is being continued to enhance the grounds and lakes.

Speaking about the recent success with increased demand for short breaks and the purchase of holiday lodges at the two sites, Paul Stanton adds: ‘People are enjoying countryside breaks again – more than ever before – and rentals can be the route to purchasing a holiday home.  Some buyers are looking to invest some money maybe from the sale of an asset, lottery win or inheritance.  Some people have even purchased a holiday home to be near family members who might not have the space to accommodate family members for visits.  It’s all about time with family and friends.’

‘Fishing is one of the UK’s largest participation sports and it is great for mindfulness and health.  Getting out into nature is clearly what people want, to live a more fulfilled life, so we are seeing more visitors than usual and more people wanting to invest in a holiday home so that they have somewhere to go wild at the weekends!’

Luxury furnished holiday lodges are available to rent at Acorn Holiday Park and to buy at Pisces Country Park.  Prices at Acorn Holiday Park start from £50 per night including fishing and from £34,995 for a fully furnished luxury holiday home.  All accommodation is situated beside a lake.

For more info, please call 0800 048 5326 or visit www.holidayparkhomes.co.uk