Latest News - Wayside Holiday Park

Trees and machines!

admin — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 09:26:50 +0000

I’m feeling somewhat pensive as I sit down to write this. Every single element of our park feels like an integral part of our personal lives; so when the tree surgeon’s yearly inspection recommended that one of our largest and oldest trees should be felled for the safety of our holiday homeowners I felt quite sad and disappointed.

We take our environmental responsibilities seriously and don’t like having to fell trees unless absolutely necessary. Taking down a huge tree is certainly not work for mice – or faint-hearted men for that matter! It requires skilled operators to work in tandem with large machines and however, fascinating and compelling it may be to watch these in action, I now realise that it is equally sad to see such an established specimen lying motionless upon the ground.

Since that fateful day last week I have reflected on how many holidaying families have passed under this fine structure over the years, looking up into its branches only when a kite became tangled or when leaves fell groundwards as a reminder of its presence. Nature is what makes our surroundings special, but all too often we take it for granted. In this moment, looking into the gaping space, I realise that this tree has been not only a place to shelter from the blazing sun, but also a much-loved resting place for birds and mammals, creating the mystical sounds of dancing leaves and standing magnificently within our landscape.

Oh well, musing time is over. I must get up and moving… quite literally as it happens, because Wayside’s very own Mark Goodson is in training to take part in a sponsored cycle ride and he needs much encouragement. More on than soon!

Working Winter!

admin — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:58:24 +0000

It is officially winter and as I write, I see on the news that the first snow has arrived in parts of Yorkshire. It has focused our minds that we still have plenty of jobs to complete.

Whilst our holiday owners are tucked up warm in their main homes, there is still much activity taking place on the Park; hedges get their annual tidy and trim, ditches and drainage are cleaned and trees checked prior to winter gales to name but a few.

I thought you might like to see Roger, in action! Though these images will never get a photography award, I’ll post them anyway so you can get a flavour of the work being done on a chilly December day. Director, Roger has swapped his ride-on lawn mower for the small tractor with hedge trimmer. Not that he needs much encouragement as he gets to sit down for most of the day! In between at least we are kept warm lifting and placing the hardcore and slabs ready to take delivery of a new holiday home.

Yes, all this and more gets done out of the holiday season but now I’m glad to be inside grabbing a warming coffee, as the wind is increasing with the odd snow flake blowing pass the window. Christmas is but a couple of weeks away so rest and family time is just over the horizon, not to mention an odd glass of Port or …..

All ‘The Wayside Family’ send you and yours a Happy and Healthy Christmas

Our top tips on choosing a holiday park

admin — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:24:52 +0000

There are so many things to think about when buying a holiday home but hopefully our tips will go some way to helping you make those decisions.

What do you require in a Park?
Decide firstly what fits your life style and holiday requirement. If you’re a family with young children, kids clubs and entertainment might be key or if you love golf being positioned adjacent to the course to roll out of bed easily, while the fairway is quiet could be your priority. Alternatively, you might be seeking peace and quiet, to relax in beautiful surroundings and enjoy great walking and cycling close to hand. Once you have listed your ideal requirements, visit as many parks as possible to see what you do and don’t like.

What area of the country?
There is so much choice – try to narrow it down to places that you like holidaying in or an area that you go to a lot as it holds a special interest for you. Also, consider the distance from your home so you can make the most of both long and short stay holidays.

On your chosen park is there a plot that you are happy with?
Static caravan parks have different areas and some will suit you more than others. Also, have a chat with potential neighbours to get to know the people you will be living near.

Static caravan site fees?
Do the amenities available or the location of the park justify the cost? The fees from one static site to another can vary quite dramatically depending on the facilities available so consider carefully what is important to you. Can you go without the onsite clubhouse as there is a good pub close by or the play park as there’s a public one in the village? You will have to make a compromise somewhere but ensure you get your top requirements met at a price that fits your budget.

Make sure you can afford the static caravan insurance
Most caravan sites offer static caravan insurance cover and some will attempt to persuade all potential buyers to purchase their insurance from their associated partner. Before signing anything explore other companies and options, the internet provides much information on this.

Whilst the final tip doesn’t really fit in the heading we didn’t want to leave it out as it is so very relevant!

When buying a static caravan what is more important to you bedrooms or living space?
Make a list of the priorities for your dream holiday home, as there is a massive difference between a 10’ or 12’ wide static caravan and the total floor area. Consider if one bedroom with large living space that converts for your occasional visitors is enough or do you need 2/3 bedrooms to sleep a large family and if you’re taking a dog where it will snooze? Do you want to cook brilliant meals in a large kitchen or are you going out to eat? Once you’ve decided these and other requirements you’ll find shopping for the correct holiday home easier.

Delivery of a Holiday Home

admin — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:46:31 +0000

Over the years, we have been asked many questions here at Wayside but the one that pops up more than most is, “How do you get a new holiday home delivered and positioned on my chosen pitch?”

When you have ordered your holiday home, we coordinate with the supplier the delivery date and time. On the chosen day, your holiday home journeys carefully on a large lorry from the supplier to Wayside.

Once arrived at Wayside we check all is well and accept the transfer to the Park. The images below show a recent delivery for a new owner. When through the Park entrance we careful move your holiday home to your chosen position on the Park, placing it on its stands, connecting the services ready and waiting for your arrival! And then we stand back to gaze….catch our breath and feel satisfied that another holiday home has been successfully installed.

You can be reassured that our thirty plus years of installing holiday homes at Wayside makes us skilled experts in handling and positioning your holiday home.

We hope this helps but please do ask if you have other questions.

Steady away!

Care and attention!

Nearly there!

Summer is here at the Park!

admin — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 09:23:41 +0000

I woke to perfect North Yorkshire weather this morning and popped out with my camera to take some photographs of the Park. If I say so myself it looks stunning! The trees and hedgerows create a patchwork effect with the fields beyond, which are beginning to show a soft golden hue as the light glistens off the top’s of the grain. favourite places

Summer view to the fields beyond

I bumped into some of our lovely holiday homeowners on my way around the Park, some of which have been owners since the Goodson Family bought it over 30 years ago. After the normal cheery greetings, I asked them what they liked about the Park. The resounding reply was location, with its peace and tranquillity. It offers a place to get away from their busy lives, somewhere that they can make their own to enjoy reading and relaxing.

I have a few days off soon, so I enquired where they might recommend I visit, to be told there was just so many choices.

The North York Moors with its vast skies, stunning views, miles of pathways and cycle tracks, calling in at Rosedale, The Hole of Hocrum, Hutton-le-Hole and Farndale is a good start for my days out. And if the coast was my preference, it was suggested I couldn’t do much better than Whitby, calling in for the best fish and chips at the Magpie Cafe – better make sure I cycle hard that day!

I could have stayed out chatting for longer with the owners; they are such a lovely bunch of people. Work is calling but I thought I would take a moment to share my morning at Wayside Holiday Park. Well I’m off on my holiday’s later this week, popping to see folks for the weekend, then back to relax and enjoy some of the lovely locations on my door step!

The Wayside Family

admin — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 09:47:31 +0000

Wayside Holiday Park is set in a wonderful location on the edge of The North Yorkshire Moors, just outside of Pickering and what is apparent is that Park is extremely well tendered and cared for. One feels at home from the moment you arrive from the warm welcome extended by the owner family, just as their ancestors greeted holidaymakers throughout their 35+ years of history. Wayside has been handed down from father to son over three generations, each of whom are passionate about the care of their holiday homeowners, to ensure a relaxing stay and enjoyable holiday.

Going back to the 1940’s, Herbert Goodson owned cinemas in the Midlands prior to purchasing The Grand at Filey, which was at the time was a thriving Butlins seaside destination. During the 1970’s decline of cimenagoers Herbert’s wife Bobbie (Herbert had died in 1967) with his brother David and Herbert’s son Roger decided to leave the world of cinema’s and buy Wayside. A brave move, as at the time of purchase Wayside had gas lighting and water via standpipes!

With no knowledge of running a holiday park the family quickly learnt and put in place a huge development programme to bring the site up to holiday standards of the time. The old gas lighting system was replaced with electric and mains water installed direct to each holiday home, with a shower block for the Touring and Camping visitors. The foresight of the Goodson family combined with their great customer service reaped benefits all round. Holidaymakers of the time flocked to the site, with availability hard to come by during the height of the summer months.

This reputation of excellence, friendly customer service and hands-on approach with wise investment remains true today. Wayside Holiday Park is currently a 5* luxury holiday destination for static homes and is now in the safe hands of Roger and his son Mark (third generation of the Goodson Family). They are ably assisted by on-site park director, Trevor Jones who lives on the Park with his lovely wife Angela plus children David and Emily.

Over the years, the park has been changed from a touring and static site to a 5*rated luxury holiday park which caters for the discerning holiday homeowner who requires top quality services, exclusive homes and great views. All coupled with a secure and hassle free environment, peace, tranquillity, and family owners who strive for the highest standards possible in a holiday park.

In a recent survey of the current holiday home owners most commented that they had chosen Wayside as it was a place for peace and quiet, to relax and recharge. In addition, it is in a fantastic location being close to The North Yorkshire Moors, with the bonus of the both the beautiful Yorkshire coast and the historic city of York being but a stone’s throw away.

If you where to pop along to the Park you’d see Roger, Mark and Trevor with sleeves rolled up keeping up the high standards they have set for the Park. Though Roger is now in his eightieth year he is happiest on his ride-on mower or chatting with the owners, many of whom have know him for years and feel very much part of the ‘Wayside Family’.