St Helens Caravan Park, nestled in the picturesque countryside near Scarborough, has achieved the highest possible recognition in the industry, being named the AA Campsite of the Year for England and Overall Winner for 2025/26.
The site was also awarded the AA Five-Star Platinum Award, which is described as the highest rating within the UK holiday park industry. This honour is exclusive, as only one site in England receives the overall accolade each year, according to AA criteria.
The prestigious recognition, often referred to as receiving the ‘Oscars’ of campsites, follows significant financial commitment to the site, which is part of Dawnay Estates. The caravan park, located in Wykeham, near Scarborough, has undergone an impressive multi-million-pound investment in its top-class facilities.
Simon Roe, General Manager at St Helens, commented on the success, attributing the achievement to the park’s commitment to its patrons and staff. Mr Roe said that the award is
"a testament to our dedicated team and the wonderful guests who return year after year".
Lord Downe, Owner of Dawnay Estates, shared his pride, stating:
“It is an immense honour for St Helens to be named ‘Best in England 2025/26’ at the AA Caravan and Camping Awards, the highest recognition in our industry”.
He added that the park is "very close to my heart" and recalled the excitement he felt when it first opened "half a century ago". He also extended
"heartfelt thanks to our exceptional team, whose hard work has made St Helens a place our guests return to year after year. This award belongs to them as much as it does to the Estate”.
The 36-acre park, established in 1976, is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026.
Praise for Diligence and Investment
The judging process, which determined the winners, involved a combination of guest reviews, anonymous AA inspections, and facility assessments, designed to recognise excellence in visitor experience.
Simon Mumford, managing director of AA Media, congratulated the park, specifically highlighting the visible impact of the recent development, as he announced the winner:
"The AA campsite of the year for England and overall winner, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, Congratulations to Simon Roe and all the team at St. Helens in the park.
It has been exciting to witness the continued evolution of this impressive 36 acre park.
The impact of substantial reinvestment in recent years is clearly visible across the park. The site is immaculately maintained. The attention to detail is excellent. Cleanliness across the site reflects the team's diligence."
The multi-million-pound investment has funded state-of-the-art facilities, including modern amenities blocks, serviced pitches, and luxurious glamping pods. Furthermore, eco-friendly site enhancements were introduced, such as a 150kw solar array, all implemented to "elevate the guest experience while preserving the park’s natural charm in the tranquil countryside near the Yorkshire Coast".
Upon receiving the award, Simon Roe, General Manager, expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the park’s operation:
"We're extremely proud to achieve this award.
Obviously, massive thanks to all of my team here behind me and also to all of our customers, contractors, suppliers, and everybody for making this happen. So, thank you very, very much"
A First-Class Base for Exploring Yorkshire
St Helens, described by Mr Roe as a "family-run business", offers a masterclass in premium holiday accommodation. It accommodates caravans, motorhomes, pods and camping, featuring over 150 touring pitches.
Facilities include a licensed shop, café, and launderette, as well as family-friendly amenities such as children’s play areas, dog-washing stations, and family bathrooms. The park also features a tranquil adults-only area for guests seeking a peaceful retreat.
Located just minutes from the Yorkshire coast, the park is positioned between the North York Moors National Park, the Yorkshire coastline, and the Yorkshire Wolds, making it an "ideal base for exploring the region’s natural beauty and attractions".
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