Tiny 90-year-old UK holiday park right next to a private island given 'first five-star' rating | The Sun

THE UK is home to a number of beautiful private islands – which the average Brit can only dream of visiting.

But a holiday park right next to an island loved by celebs has been given a five-star rating – the only one in the area to get the award.



Osea Leisure Park was given a Five Star rating from VisitEngland, the only holiday park in Essex to get the award.

The holiday park, which first opened in 1933, was open to fruit pickers and their families.

Celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, it is now home to camping and glamping, as well as its own pastel-coloured beach huts on the Blackwater Estuary.

The five stars look at several criteria including cleanliness and service, with Osea Leisure Park awarded more than 90 per cent in the categories.

Read more on UK holiday parks

HAVEN SENT

Best time to visit Haven holiday parks to get free caravan upgrade & activities

PLAY ON

Popular holiday park to open new play area including climbing wall and high ropes

New improvements have included increasing the size of the Deckhouse bar and restaurant, as well as adding another 33 acres of space to the Meadows glamping site.

Further renovations include extending the restaurant further and building new lodges.

Some of the camping options already include safari tents, Sheperd huts and glass pods.

Guests can choose from water activities including swimming, kayaking and dishing, as well as opt for cycling and walking routes.

Most read in Travel

PLANE MAD

Sobbing grandmother hit with £1700 fine for taking chicken sandwich off plane

PARK UP

UK’s ‘most beautiful’ national park has waterfalls, dark skies and £8 campsites

BOTTLE IT

UK airport’s sneaky security rule that lets them even bin liquids under 100ml

IN THE BAG

Copycat of viral bag that lets you skip Ryanair hand luggage fees on sale for £3

5
Guests can book stays in the glamping pods, which include glass houses and Sheperd hutsCredit: Osea Leisure Park

It is home to Saltmarh Point, with 33 private holiday lodges too.

The VisitEngland assessor commented: “Osea Leisure Park never stands still.

"A number of ideas and plans are in place for the future, and it is most encouraging to see the continual development and enhancement of the park and facilities with the management team and Owners being very much aware of the ever changing market and increasing guest expectations.”

Janie Robinson, Managing Director of Osea Leisure Park added that they wanted to turn the "best holiday park" into something both traditional and modern.

Just next to Osea Leisure Park is Osea Island, a 380-acre private island popular with celebs.

Rihanna, Stormzy and Jude Law have all been previous visitors, along with Daniel Radcliffe, George Ezra and The Weeknd.

The most recent famous guest was Mark Wright, who visited earlier this summer for Olly Murs' wedding.

It is often dubbed the “English Necker Island,” and was previously used as a rehab clinic before being turned into a private holiday island, with two state-of-the-art recording studios on the island.

However you can book a stay on the island, with a number of the holiday homes and cottages available to rent for groups.

Another popular island in Essex is Canvey Island, which was huge in the 1970s for staycations.

It is now a haven for wildlife – with more Brits flocking there in recent years too.

Or head up to Scotland to visit Eilein Shona, a tiny car-free island in the UK that inspired Peter Pan.

Source: Read Full Article