Our History
A family run Park with a passion for the countryside
Surrounding Ferndale Lodge were two meadows, an orchard and fields where horses,
calves, chickens and pigs freely roamed. The orchard, now known as Orchard Park,
was originally established as an experimental orchard in 1880. To this
day, cherry, plum, apple, damson and yellow gage plum trees can be found
in the grounds.
Opposite Ferndale House was a chalk pit and bank covered with blackberries. A war trench and tunnel could also be found, creating an idyllic children’s play area. There were no roads, only agricultural fields, beautiful meadows, bountiful orchards and grazing livestock.
The
beginning of Preston Parks came about one day in 1950 when campers first started arriving.
Visitors were free to approach Ferndale House and request cold water from the stable block. As time passed, through word of mouth more and more campers arrived on the land.
As the numbers grew the overspill of campers, mainly tents and touring campers, set up camp on land opposite Ferndale House which is now known as Maytree Park. The chalk pit, trenches and tunnel were securely filled and covered. The atmosphere was charged with an exhilarating community spirit, visitors happily doing all that campers love to do, whether they were collecting water or generally enjoying the pleasures of camping. Queues of tents and tourists could be seen buzzing in harmony with the beauty of the meadows.
Static
caravans started to arrive in the Park in the early 60’s. Unlike
today’s caravans, fully equipped with home-from-home comfort, there
was no electricity, water or bathroom. However, toilet blocks were later
built to accommodate visitors’ basic needs and hot water jugs could
be bought from Ferndale House.
In March 1970 the land was named Preston Parks, where a few static caravans were located. Access to the Park was improved with the addition of roads. In 1971, planning permission was granted for Orchard Park requesting larger more exclusive caravans to occupy allocated space. Later that year water and drainage connections were built, providing more water points and in 1975, Maytree and Jameson Park received their mains drainage system.
In
1980, the neighbouring cornfield received planning permission for a
play area to be developed. The woodlands you can see today are a credit
to the owners' careful and strategic planting of numerous, beautiful
trees. The area was then named Ashton Park.
In 1990 a new reception and administration office was built and which stands today. A launderette and public telephone kiosk are available inside for holiday makers to use any time.
In 2005 the park was extended further with a new development know as Woodlands. It was similarly landscaped with up-to-date modern conveniences and the benefit of piped gas for single and double luxury units
The peace and harmony of the countryside remain at the heart of Preston Parks.
Establishment
A Member of British Holiday & Home Parks Association.
People
Preston Parks is famous for its peace and quiet. Families, the retired, single persons and couples of all ages choose Preston Parks because of the tranquillity and beautiful surroundings. Ashton Park, separate from the caravan parks, accommodate families, children and holiday makers with the opportunity to roam in the private woodlands, have fun in the play area and picnic in style. Dogs are welcome too, as all owners respect fellow holiday makers by keeping their pets under control at all times.