SKELWITH Fold caravan park in Ambleside has been named by the AA as North West England's top destination for touring caravan and motorhome owners, as well as glampers.

The family business beat hundreds of other eligible parks to take the overall North West Campsite of the Year title in the AA Caravan and Camping Awards.

Skelwith Fold's accolade was presented to business owner Henry Wild at a special ceremony at the NEC Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show.

The 130-acre park achieved its honour following a "secret shopper" visit from an AA inspector who declared in his report that "this is one of the best campsites I have ever stayed on".

Henry Wild said that the AA's top regional accolade was a fantastic start to the 2018 season for the park which his family has owned for more than 20 years.

The award follows the park being crowned last year as Lakeland's top holiday park in the Cumbria Tourism Awards when it took the overall gold place in the competition.

However, said Henry, the AA award has a special significance because it looks particularly closely at the standards of service and levels of hospitality provided for touring guests:

"We know that the memories which visitors take away are fashioned not just by the quality of the surroundings, but also by the warmth of the atmosphere of the park," he said.

"Providing this is very much in the hands of our staff team at Skelwith, and they must take a major share of the credit for our friendly reputation.

"They are always prepared to go the extra mile to make holiday guests feel welcome and at home, and to help them get the most out of their stay.

"We knew we were up against some extremely tough competition in these awards from other excellent North West parks, so everyone is naturally delighted with the result," he added.

The AA report on Skelwith Fold said: "This exceptional park is very much in tune with the natural oak woodland in which it sits, and through which a network of paths has been created.

"Very high quality is at the forefront of every aspect of this park, with first-class toilet facilities.

"The needs of tourers are met through generously-sized pitches in peaceful woodland glades, and the views of the fells from the five-acre family recreation area are truly outstanding.

"Wildlife watching and walking are readily available, and four luxurious Hideaway pods with every amenity are located in a tranquil clearing on the park.

"Skelwith Fold is a unique blend of modern and extremely high quality amenities which deliver exactly what the discerning visitor looks for in the beautiful Lake District," it concluded.

There is more information about Skelwith Fold at www.skelwith.com, including details of the new luxury safari tents which will be added to its glamping options this spring.