A Golden Jubilee
- Jamie Crocker
- Aug 1
- 6 min read
Words by Jamie Crocker
Five decades of fun and laughter have unfolded at one of Cornwall’s top destinations.
Wooda Farm Holiday Park is a success story. As it prepares to celebrate its half-century, we engage with Charlotte Veale to find out what the key elements are that have contributed to its longevity.
Looking back over the past 50 years, what are some of the defining moments in Wooda’s journey from working farm to award-winning holiday park?
Wooda’s journey as a holiday park began in 1975 when my grandparents welcomed their first touring guests to stay on the farm. At the time, it was a bold and visionary step, opening just a few caravan pitches alongside the working dairy farm. The decision to diversify marked the start of something truly special, and over the decades, each generation of the family has brought its ideas and ambitions to the park. Introducing our first holiday caravans, converting old farm buildings into food and drink venues, and more recently launching our luxurious eco lodges and on-site wellness offerings, have all been defining milestones. Each chapter has been shaped by a desire to evolve while staying rooted in who we are. Of course, winning awards and industry recognition has been an honour, but for us, it’s the relationships we’ve built with generations of returning guests that have truly defined our story. Seeing families grow up holidaying with us, and welcoming their children and grandchildren back each year, is the most rewarding part of our journey.
How has your identity as a family-run business shaped the ethos and experience at Wooda over the decades?
Being family-run is at the heart of everything we do. It brings a personal pride and a sense of responsibility that touches every part of the guest experience, from the way we care for the grounds to the thoughtful service our wonderful team provides. The ethos has always been about creating a place where people feel completely at ease, where nothing is too much trouble, and where that genuine sense of being looked after runs through every interaction. We’ve grown over the years, but we’ve never lost that hands-on approach or the warmth that comes from being a close-knit family team. You’ll often find us chatting with guests, tending the gardens, or helping out on the farm and we wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s that visible presence and genuine care that we believe sets Wooda apart.
What do you think keeps guests returning to Wooda year after year, and how do you balance tradition with modern expectations?
There’s a certain magic to Wooda, a peacefulness and a familiarity that guests connect with. Many tell us that it feels like coming home, and we take that as the greatest compliment. We believe it’s the attention to detail, the friendly atmosphere, and the sense of community that keep people coming back year after year. At the same time, we know how important it is to evolve. Every winter, we reinvest heavily into the park, so that when we reopen each March, there’s always something new to discover, whether it’s an upgraded facility, a fresh food and drink offering, or an entirely new accommodation type. It’s about honouring the traditions and charm that people love, while also surprising and delighting them with fresh ideas and experiences that reflect today’s expectations.
Could you describe some of the most distinctive features of the park, from the accommodation to the setting, that set Wooda apart from other destinations?
Wooda enjoys a truly special location, perched above the North Cornish coast, with panoramic sea views in one direction and lush countryside in the other. The sunsets here are nothing short of spectacular, and the feeling of space and serenity is something our guests often comment on. Our accommodation reflects that same balance of natural beauty and quality, from charming Cornish cottages and five-star holiday homes to luxurious eco lodges with sea views. For campers and tourers, our spacious pitches come with stunning views and first-class amenities. Across the park, you’ll find landscaped gardens, woodland trails, a dog exercise field, play areas, and even a working farm. Add in on-site food and drink venues, including our family-run bar and seasonal pop-ups, and it’s a destination that feels both peaceful and full of possibility.
With sustainability now high on the agenda for many travellers, how is Wooda championing environmentally conscious holidays?
Sustainability has always been part of our thinking. We’re incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such natural beauty, and it’s our responsibility to protect it. Over the years, we’ve installed solar panels to reduce our carbon footprint, introduced EV charging points to support greener travel, and put comprehensive recycling and waste reduction systems in place. We encourage guests to enjoy car-free days, with plenty of walking trails, farm experiences, and nature-led activities right here on site. Our shop champions local produce, we offer a beach borrow box to reduce single-use purchases and we’re continually looking at ways to source more sustainably across all areas of the park. We see sustainability not as a trend, but as a long-term commitment to doing better for the planet, our community, and future generations of guests.
How has the farm itself remained a part of the experience, and what role do animals, agriculture and nature play for your guests today?
The farm is still a central part of life at Wooda. While we’ve evolved from a traditional dairy operation, the agricultural heritage remains, and we’re proud to offer guests a chance to connect with it. Children (and adults!) love meeting the goats, alpacas and chickens and our tractor-trailer rides around the farm are a firm favourite. There’s a sense of connection that comes from being close to nature, whether it’s spotting a deer in the early morning light, walking through our woodland trails, or simply sitting and listening to the birdsong. These moments offer a grounding, calming contrast to everyday life and are often what our guests treasure most.
As you celebrate your 50th anniversary, what special events or additions have you planned to mark the occasion?
2025 is a milestone year for us, and we’re so excited to celebrate it with our guests. One of the main highlights will be WoodaFest in September – a family-friendly weekend of live music, street food and entertainment, all set within the beautiful park grounds. Throughout the year, we’ll also be offering exclusive anniversary discounts, giveaways, and some nostalgic touches around the park that pay tribute to our past. We’ll be sharing stories, photos and memories from the last five decades, and inviting guests, both new and returning, to be part of the celebrations.
How has the local area of Bude and North Cornwall influenced the spirit and offering of Wooda over the years?
Bude and the wider North Cornwall area have had a huge influence on the spirit of Wooda. The town itself has a welcoming, independent character that we love, with unspoilt beaches, a vibrant food scene, and a strong community feel. Many of our guests fall in love with Bude during their stay and return year after year to explore more of what the area has to offer. From surfing and cold-water swimming to coastal hikes and artisan markets, the Cornish lifestyle is something we embrace and champion at Wooda. Supporting local businesses, makers, and experiences is an important part of how we operate – we want guests to feel a real connection to the place, not just the park.
What does the next chapter look like for Wooda? Are there any future developments, ideas or ambitions you can share?
Looking ahead, we’re committed to continuing our journey of thoughtful evolution. That means exploring new and innovative stay types and continuing to enhance our sustainability across every aspect of the park. We’re also developing more wellness and activity-led experiences that help guests slow down, reconnect, and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. While we’re always planning ahead, we never lose sight of our roots. We’ll remain a family-run business with a focus on quality, care, whilst creating memorable holidays that bring people together.
If you had to sum up the Wooda experience in three words, what would they be and why?
Welcoming. Tranquil. Timeless. Welcoming, because our guests are like family – greeted with warmth, care, and genuine hospitality. Tranquil, because Wooda offers a peaceful escape from the everyday, surrounded by nature and wide-open views. And Timeless, because the memories made here – of beach days, farm walks, starry skies and family time – have a lasting, heartfelt quality.
