A world away

Words by Jamie Crocker

A destination that boasts five-star comfort with the natural world right on its doorstep.

Wooda Farm Holiday Park is a success story. Celebrating fifty years in business this year, Charlotte Veale, Director, offers an insight into how and why it has reached this milestone.

What was the motivation to create Wooda Farm Holiday Park in its current form?

Wooda has always been about family, both ours and those who come to stay. My grandparents first opened the gates to campers in the 1970s, welcoming guests onto the farm simply because they wanted to share this beautiful corner of Cornwall. Over the years, my parents have developed the park with the same care and intention, allowing it to grow slowly, always bearing in mind what families want from a holiday. Today, as the next generation, my goal is to carry that legacy forward: to offer a five-star experience that still feels personal and grounded in the same values we began with.

How would you describe the accommodation offering and how it differs from standard holiday parks?

We’ve worked hard to create something that feels different from the traditional idea of a holiday park. Our accommodation ranges from luxury holiday homes and lodges with sea views, to beautifully designed cottages and spacious touring pitches, all of which benefit from our attention to detail. Everything is designed to feel calm and well-maintained. We like to think it’s a holiday park, but one that feels more like a boutique resort in the countryside.

Sustainability and nature often matter to guests: how does Wooda address these?

Sustainability is part of who we are, not just something we talk about. Being a working farm, we’re constantly mindful of the land and how we look after it. We have EV charging points, and are investing in more renewable energy sources. We care for wildflower meadows, create wildlife habitats, and we’re always looking for new ways to reduce waste. But beyond that, I think guests can sense that Wooda is a place where nature is respected, and we encourage guests to do the same. We also encourage them to engage with it, whether that’s through woodland walks, spotting wildlife, or simply slowing down to enjoy the view.

What kinds of guests do you cater for, and how do you balance different demands?

We welcome such a real mix of people, from families who return year after year, couples seeking a quiet escape, friends exploring the coast or even guests who come to work remotely. The key is in how the park is laid out and managed; we’ve created areas that suit different moods and needs. Families have space to play, while others can find peaceful corners to unwind. The balance happens quite naturally because everyone who books seems to value what we have crafted here at Wooda.

How do you ensure the quality of the guest experience, given the range of offerings?

It’s all in the details and the people. We’re really lucky to have a team that takes pride in everything they do, from housekeeping to maintenance, from reception to the restaurant. Many have been with us for years and feel like part of the family. We continually invest in our facilities and listen closely to guest feedback. But more than anything, we care very much about the experience people have here. Every decision we make comes back to whether it will make our guests’ holidays better.

What role does seasonality play in your offering, especially during winter?

Seasonality is one of the things I love most about Cornwall. Each season brings its own character, from the buzz of summer, the golden calm of autumn, the wild beauty of winter. In recent years, we’ve seen more guests embracing winter stays in our cottages and lodges. There’s something very special about crisp walks on an empty beach, followed by a cosy evening by the fire. We’re passionate about showing people that Cornwall isn’t just a summer destination but an escape that can be enjoyed all year round.

How do you support the local community and regional identity in Cornwall?

Supporting local informs everything we do. From the produce we serve to the Cornish suppliers we use in our shop, we always try to champion local businesses. We employ local people and work closely with the community around Bude, which includes local schools and charities to local events. Cornwall has such a strong sense of identity, and we’re proud to be part of that story, helping guests experience genuine Cornish hospitality and craftsmanship.

If you were speaking to someone who thought “holiday park” meant noisy, low-quality, mass-market, how would you reassure them?

I completely understand that perception, but Wooda really does challenge it. We’re an independent, family-run business, and that personal touch shapes what we offer. The park is beautifully landscaped, peaceful, and immaculately kept. The design of our accommodation is modern and stylish, and the atmosphere is calm and friendly. Many guests tell us they were surprised at how different Wooda feels from a traditional park. Once people visit, they usually understand exactly what makes us unique.

What future developments or enhancements are you planning?

2025 has been a particularly exciting year for us as it marked Wooda’s 50th anniversary, which was a huge milestone for our family and team. Looking ahead, we’re continuing to invest in sustainability and exploring new ways to enhance our accommodation offering while keeping that personal, family-run feel that defines Wooda.

Finally, what do you hope guests feel when they leave Wooda?

I hope they leave feeling restored, calmer, happier, and a little more connected to nature and each other. Wooda has a certain energy; people often say it’s hard to describe but easy to feel. For me, that’s the magic of this place, it gives people space to breathe. When guests drive away already planning their next visit, that’s when we know we’ve done our job!

wooda.co.uk