Norfolk family-friendly holiday park wins tourism award

Applewood Countryside Park is a holiday business that has continually developed since its inception in 1990. 

The park was built on land in Banham, Norfolk, that was previously an apple orchard, inspiring its name.  

The business was founded by Martin and Caroline Goymour, who were already running a portfolio of family-run businesses at the time. 

Initially, the park offered family-friendly camping in the rural Norfolk countryside. Since then, it has expanded to offer luxury glamping. 

Over the last 34 years, the dog-friendly campsite has grown from strength to strength and now offers plenty of on-site facilities. These include modern fitted shower rooms and toilets, with fully accessible/family bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, children’s play areas, a games den, laundry facilities and a library. 

The park also offers undercover caravan/motorhome storage facilities. In early 2023, this was recognised with a Silver Award from CaSSOA (The Caravan Storage Site Owners’ Association), something the team hopes to retain but also progress to Gold. 

Alongside the storage, the park offers a caravan towing service, which makes it more accessible for older and less mobile guests. When they arrive for their stay, their unit is already set up on their chosen pitch.   

Today, Martin and Caroline are ably helped in running the park by their son and daughter, Adam and Kiera, who continue to uphold the high standards Applewood Countryside Park was founded on. 

Andrew Britton from LOCALiQ, who presented the award to Karen Johnson and Kiera Goymour (Image: Matthew Potter Photographer and Videographer)

Their peaceful park was named Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year at the East of England Tourism Awards 2023-2024. 

“We were incredibly pleased with the honour of winning the Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year Award, especially as we competed with so many other deserving local businesses,” said park manager Karen Johnson. “We were excited to receive recognition for the hard work and dedication of our team here at Applewood, and we are grateful for our wonderful guests who support us.” 

Speaking about the impact of the win, Karen said: “Winning this award has increased awareness of Applewood Countryside Park and the accommodation and facilities that we offer our guests. Gaining this award has also exposed the ever-expanding events that we offer our guests and local residents.” 

The park’s programme of events includes the Halloween Spooktacular, the popular Canine Carnival, and the Fun Easter Extravaganza. 

Special events and weddings also take place at the sister-business Applewood Hall, an award-winning venue that adjoins the park.  

The on-site glamping is a popular choice for bridal parties and wedding guests, who stay the night and often extend it to the whole weekend. 

Applewood Countryside Park offers both camping and glamping (Image: Mathew Wall)

Apart from the facilities and events, what sets Applewood Countryside Park apart from others? 

“We’re proud to be a family-run business which strives to offer guests the best possible service whilst they experience the beautiful Norfolk countryside, offering attention to detail and prompt assistance as and where required,” said Karen. 

The team also champions other local businesses, including many Norfolk tourist attractions, and offers insightful advice about things to do or places to visit in the local area. Guests can benefit from discounts offered by the park’s partnership businesses ROARR!, Pleasurewood Hills, Mill House Alpaca Experiences, Banham Zoo, Africa Alive! and the English Whisky Distillery. 

In the future, Applewood Countryside Park will continue to develop. Karen explained: “We are always aiming to improve and enhance the park, offering guests new and improved stays and experiences and adding to the extensive facilities that we provide.” 

One thing’s for sure – the team will continue to make sure that every Applewood Countryside Park holiday is one to remember. 

Visit applewoodholidays.co.uk