Family-run campsite Applewood Countryside Park in Banham, Norfolk, was named winner of the Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year award at the East of England Tourism Awards 2023-2024. 

The award recognises holiday parks, sites and villages that provide exceptional guest experiences across static vans, touring pitches, shepherd's huts and more. 

Applewood Countryside Park is set within 13 acres of grassy parkland and has been welcoming guests since 1990.

The site has been owned by the Goymour family for the past 33 years, with daughter Kiera taking the helm in April 2016.

It’s a dog-friendly site with plenty of facilities to suit guests’ needs, including modern fitted shower rooms and toilets in addition to accessible/family bathrooms, children’s play areas, laundry facilities, a library and even free WiFi.

In addition to its touring pitches, the campsite has 21 seasonal pitches, mostly occupied by retired couples. It is also home to a 15-acre ‘wild camping’ area and events field, Grove Meadow, which is available for private hire and hosts events throughout the season.

Since opening, it has built up a diverse customer base including family groups with children on their summer holidays, and couples and seniors looking for a quiet break during the off-peak months.

Applewood Countryside Park’s adjoining sister business, Applewood Hall, acts as a wedding and events venue and the campsite’s glamping accommodation is popular with wedding parties.

The judges said: “Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat to reconnect with nature or a base to explore the wonders of Norfolk, Applewood Countryside Park exceeds expectations.”

They praised the “peaceful, family-friendly” feel at the campsite and said that “all team members were very friendly and chatty and their service was amazing”.

Staying in a glamping pod, they said that all areas were “clean, tidy and well-maintained, making it feel very homely”.

Kiera Goymour, venue manager at Applewood Countryside Park, said: “We put in so much time and effort and I must say that there’s a whole team behind us, its not just us. We’re a small, dedicated team who really love what we do.

“It’s really important to us that we create amazing holidays for all of the people that come stay with us, whether it’s a tiny tent, a fancy motorhome, a really basic glamping pod or one of our really beautiful shepherds cabins,” she added.

“And we really love the Norfolk countryside and just want to make sure that everybody has an amazing stay with us in the beautiful county.”

The other finalists in this category were Albion Nights and Deepdale Camping & Rooms. 

The winners of the East of England Tourism Awards 2023-2024 were announced at Snape Maltings, Suffolk, on Thursday, February 15. To find out about all of the winners, click here.

For more information about the awards, please visit tourismawards.co.uk