This November marks a remarkable milestone for Lancashire-based Partington’s Holiday Parks, as they celebrate their 80th anniversary!
Over the past year, the family-owned company, which operates parks across Lancashire, the Lake District, and the Yorkshire Dales, has marked the occasion with exciting events, announcements, and investments.
Founded on the 13th of November 1944 by John William Partington Snr, Mary Partington, Frank Partington, and George Partington, Partington’s Holiday Parks began with the opening of Newton Hall in Staining. Over the decades, the company expanded its portfolio with the addition of Blackpool’s Windy Harbour, Broadwater in Fleetwood, and parks in the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, including Black Beck, Tarn House, and Wardley’s Creek.
CEOs Rob Kearsley and Andrea Challis, grandchildren of the founders, have led an array of special events and family friendly activities throughout 2024. The summer months saw a series of anniversary parties across several parks, featuring live music, DJs, bouncy castles, funfairs, karaoke, BBQs, and even high-kicking hoedowns!
The celebrations continued with special events tailored to each park. Black Beck’s holiday home owners enjoyed a private event at the Lakeland Motor Museum, where they toured the museum before enjoying a BBQ and entertainment. At Tarn House, the festivities included music performances, a circus school, and a dog show for owners’ pets.
Throughout the anniversary year, Partington’s also made sure to thank its loyal customers with thoughtful gifts. These included a keepsake edition of the company’s owner’s newsletter, Partington’s Post, featuring historical photos of each park. A limited-edition teddy bear-making workshop for children was also a hit, alongside a competition where one lucky family got the chance to switch on the Blackpool Illuminations at an exclusive event.
The milestone year has provided Partington’s with a chance to reflect on the last eight decades, as well as look forward to the next chapter. Rob Kearsley, CEO said: “Partington’s is much more than a holiday destination; it’s a community, a place to make treasured memories, a welcome retreat and a wonderful family tradition for many, including ourselves! We’re so grateful to have been able to honour our rich eighty-year history in 2024 and we are looking forward to bringing even more memorable experiences to all in 2025, including the progression of our exciting new £75m leisure development at Windy Harbour.”
Fellow CEO, Andrea Challis, added: “We couldn’t have reached this incredible milestone without the support and the continuing loyalty of our guests, our team, and our local community. This 80th year is about celebrating everyone who is and has been a part of the Partington’s family, and inviting new friends to make memories with us that will last a lifetime.”
Partington’s Holiday Parks has not only celebrated its 80th anniversary but has also continued to focus on future growth. Last November, the company launched Walterz, a £2m entertainment venue at Newton Hall in Blackpool, which has since become a hit with visitors. The venue boasts a variety of exciting activities, including traditional shuffleboard, pool, ten-pin bowling, AR darts, luxury karaoke booths, and exceptional dining experiences.
Looking ahead, Partington’s has ambitious plans for the future, particularly with the upcoming £75m leisure development at Windy Harbour. This exciting project will enhance the existing 64-acre holiday park, nestled on the banks of the River Wyre, with new lodges, a luxury spa, and a lifestyle complex, all designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural landscape.
As Partington’s continues to grow and innovate, it remains committed to delivering exceptional experiences for families. Offering retreats in stunning locations that will create lasting memories for generations to come.