About the ratings

Official rating (VisitEngland, VisitWales, VisitScotland, Discover Northern Ireland, Discover Ireland)

Official ratings are determined based on a host of criteria including cleanliness, heating and lighting, maintenance, recreation, sport and leisure facilities, washing, drying and toilet washing facilities, reception, shops, clubs, bars and take-aways, pitch-level services and atmosphere and ambience. Further information on the criteria is available at VisitEngland, VisitWales, VisitScotland and Discover Northern Ireland.

	Overall exceptional standard
	Overall excellent standard
	Overall very good standard
	Overall good standard
	Overall fair and acceptable standard

David Bellamy Conservation Awards

In 2011, 629 holiday parks received a David Bellamy Conservation Award for the work they’ve done to the protect and enhance Britain’s natural environment.

The variety of work being done by these parks is phenomenal – from the creation of new wildlife meadows and woodlands to the construction of solar-powered shower blocks and energy-efficient lodges made out of recycled plastic, parks are active across the country.

How are the awards judged?

The parks that take part in the scheme are all regularly assessed by the scheme’s team of local wildlife experts. The assessors look at the steps parks are taking to:

Manage their land as a haven for wildlife
Reduce their use of energy, water and other resources
Reduce, reuse and recycle the waste they produce
Support their local communities

David Bellamy uses the assessors’ reports (and any comments received from members of the public) to make his awards each year. Three levels of excellence can be achieved: Gold, Silver and Bronze.

The key focus for all of David’s judgments is the work that parks are doing to boost biodiversity. However, the different levels of awards are given based on the overall performance of the park in all of the key action areas listed above.

What will an award-winning park be like?

Amongst the award winners you’ll find a wide range of parks: from peaceful, hideaway places, where you’ll be able to enjoy a real ‘back-to-nature’ holiday experience, to larger ‘leisure parks’, where you and your family will be able to enjoy more facilities, along with the knowledge that the park you’re visiting is committed to environmental excellence.

Whichever one you choose, you can pat yourself on the back, safe in the knowledge that you’ve made a greener choice – and that you’ll have a holiday full of natural enjoyment.

Find out more about holiday parks with David Bellamy Conservation Awards.

AA ratings

	One-Pennant parks offer a simple standard of facilities. You can expect to find no more than 30 pitches per acre, with at least 10% of the pitches allocated to tourers. There will be an adequate drinking water supply and reasonable drainage, plus a washroom with flush toilets (if there are no toilet facilities this should be clearly stated). Chemical disposal arrangements are provided, ideally with running water and clearly signed refuse disposal arrangements. The ground will be well-drained with some level pitches, and entrance and access roads will be of an adequate width and surface.

	These parks offer a better level of facilities, services, customer care and ground maintenance. You should find separate washrooms, including at least two WCs and two washbasins, with hot and cold water, per gender for every 30 pitches. Toilet blocks will be externally lit and a warden will be available, at times indicated, during the day. Covered and lit dishwashing facilities are provided and you can expect to find a park reception area.

	Three-Pennant parks are of a very good standard with well-maintained facilities and grounds, and attention to customer care and security. You can expect to find modern toilet blocks and also modern shower cubicles (one per gender for every 35 pitches). The parks offer some electric-hook-ups, hardstandings, wheel runs and/or firm level ground. A laundry with at least one washing machine and drying facilities will be available, and you can expect to find a children's playground.

	These parks have achieved an extremely high standard in all areas. You can expect fully tiled shower cubicles and some combined toilet-washing cubicles. A warden is available at all times, and there is a good level of security and supervision. At least half of the pitches will have an electric hook-up and there will be a maximum of 25 pitches per camping acre. There will also be a shop on site or nearby, and the park will have a reception area and a late-arrivals enclosure.

	Five Pennant parks are of an extremely high standard, set in attractive surroundings with mature landscaping. Facilities, security and customer care are exceptional. You can expect to find electric hook-ups at most pitches, and first-class toilet facilities, including several self-contained cubicles ideally with a WC, washbasin and shower. At many Premier Parks you will find a well-equipped shop, a heated swimming pool, and a cafe, restaurant and/or bar.

	In this category, the AA distinguishes parks which cater for all holiday needs, including entertainment and catering facilities. You can expect to find a wide range of on-site sports, leisure and recreational facilities, a choice of eating outlets, central clubhouse with entertainment provided, automatic laundry, exceptional supervision and security, and a maximum density of 25 touring pitches per acre with touring facilities of equal importance to statics.