A NORTH Lancashire caravan park which is perched on a breathtaking seafront has been crowned the best campsite in the UK.

Holgates Caravan park, set on the fringes of Silverdale, has won the title of best overall campsite of 2011 in the AA Campsite awards.

The family-run park, which has been open for 54 years, beat thousands of sites from across England and Ireland.

Situated in more than 100 acres of scenic park and woodland, the park boasts stunning views over Morecambe Bay and wowed the AA judges with its ‘thoughtful facilities’, which include a heated swimming pool complete with spa and separate area for toddlers.

The park has also been working on a large-scale conservation project preserving local wildlife, such as butterflies, and the surrounding countryside.

Director of the site Frank Holgate said his father set up the park just after the war with only 50 caravans.

“The park has just grown and grown. We try to make the family atmosphere come across,” he said.

Park manager Mike Turner said the real attraction was the natural treasures surrounding and filling the site – brought to guests through ‘a high quality service’.

He said: “Our grounds are set in an area of outstanding beauty and we do a lot to maintain the overall quality here.

“What is really distinctive about our service is the quality we uphold. We never overcrowd.”

The managing director of Holgates Michael Holgate said: “We are delighted that the park has been recognised at such an esteemed level and hope this encourages even more people to come and take affordable, enjoyable breaks with us.”

Meanwhile, Skelwith Fold at Ambleside secured the North West England regional award also in the AA’s campsite awards.

The awards coincide with the launch of the Caravan and Camping Britain and Ireland Guide for 2011.