Seventy years spent welcoming visitors to the Lake District are being marked this summer by family and staff at Park Foot Caravan and Camping Park near Penrith.

And at the centre of the celebrations is former farmer Jimmy Allen, 89, who first opened his land to campers in 1951 – and still plays an active role in the business today.

The proud family is planning to make 2021 a truly memorable year by opening new guest facilities on the park, located near Pooley Bridge on the shores of Ullswater.

With more than 500 touring pitches and holiday caravans, plus a popular bar and restaurant, Park Foot has very much moved with the times, says director – and Jimmy's daughter – Fiona Bell.

“We’re very proud that our family helped to popularise fresh air holidays in the Lake District, and make them accessible and affordable for so many people,” said Fiona, who runs the business alongside her husband, Malcolm, and sister, Barbara.

“Because of our farming background, we have always been conscious of the importance of trying to protect this beautiful but fragile landscape.

“That’s why we do everything possible to run our business along sustainable lines, for instance by installing a biomass boiler and solar panels to drive down our carbon footprint.

“We also have a firm buy-local policy when it comes to goods and services, and always try to use Cumbria quarried stone for projects such as our new amenity building."

She continued: "The lockdowns of the past year have hit many Lake District businesses very hard, but since re-opening we have seen bookings soar and it will be a very busy summer for us.

“Luckily, we have a very loyal and hard working team at Park Foot who will help ensure that guests enjoy the type of holidays they need and deserve.

“Many of our guest comments pay tribute to our warm and friendly atmosphere, and it’s our staff who deserve the lion’s share of the credit for providing this."

Fiona added that Park Foot is currently pressing ahead with a new development of ten luxury holiday lodges, which will be sited on the edge of Ullswater and available to buy.

Also opening this year will be additional new “super-pitches” for motorhomes and touring caravans, all featuring extra spacing with electricity and water connections.

But while the park continues to evolve, Fiona feels its greatest strength remains being able to offer a traditional good-value Lakeland holiday.

She said: “It’s wonderful to be welcoming second and third generations of families who regularly visit Park Foot, and we’re all so proud of what we stand for."

To find out more about what Park Foot has to offer, visit www.parkfootullswater.co.uk.