Dairy farmers Stan and Marjorie Lawrence moved to Andrewshayes Farm after they were married 1929.  Soon afterwards they started to welcome passing campers, providing a helpful additional income to the dairy farm.

The park was granted a licence under the Public Health Act of 1936.

Despite the basic facilities offered including an Elsan toilet in an old shed, many campers and caravaners returned year after year as the fashion for caravan holidays grew.

Sadly in 1949 Stan died unexpectedly of cancer which had gone undiagnosed.  Marjorie was soon struggling to make ends meet at the farm with three young children.

Fortunately, after the war more holiday makers started to arrive supplementing the farm’s income. With help from her children Valerie, Harry and later Richard, as well as farming support from the local community, this was enough to save Andrewshayes from being sold.

In 1959 Harry Lawrence married Stephanie and so another Mrs Lawrence came to live at Andrewshayes, pictured with Marjorie Lawrence (Henny)

The Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 was made law in July 1960.  Harry and Stephanie applied for the new licence that was needed for the future development of Andrewshayes Caravan Park which was granted in November of that year.

1961 marked the beginning of Andrewshayes as the modern holiday park we know today, with flushing toilets, running water and the first static caravan pitches. Permission was granted for static caravans.

A large wooden shop was built which was stocked with the farm’s milk and other produce. This was very popular for many years. This has found a new lease of life as in 2020 it has been transformed into warden’s accommodation.

New reception office, games room and workshops built replacing old sheds. This picture shows Clare in 1974!

The first front field toilet block was built and the park’s own sewage works were established.

The swimming pool opened – much to the delight of family, friends and visitors, a pool was built of the site of a copse of elm tress that had to be felled due to Dutch Elm disease.

A new A35 Road layout and junction was built which created a new entrance off the main road and also a small field. This small field was cut off from the rest of the field owned by another local farmer. Andrewshayes was able to purchase it and it is stilled called New Field.

A new front field toilet block was built.

The following year the old toilet block was converted into the shop, it’s now the bar!

A big step on the park was to open a clubhouse with a bar. Always looking to make best use of a building, what was once a toilet block, then the shop became a bar and then also a restaurant (don’t tell anyone)! It looks very different today! The conservatory was added and it has also been extended in recent years .

After many years farming, Peter took on the opportunity to become General Manager at Andrewshayes alongside his wife Caroline. He initiated many improvements over the following years. Many customers also still have fond memories of the fun nights in the bar with Pete moonlighting as barman!

Previously just part of a bigger field, this area has been carefully transformed over many years by planting a rich variety of native trees and shrubs. The result is a circular woodland walk that meanders through the trees before leading back to its centre – a beautiful woodland clearing where guests can pause, unwind and immerse themselves in the peace and tranquillity of the natural surroundings.

The swimming pool was covered with fabulous retractable roof and a new games room built.

A development of lodge style holiday homes are situated in our Orchard Retreat, which is on a more secluded part of the park. Phase 1 opened in 2019 and was completed in 2020.

We installed 3 EV charging points. Behind the scenes there are other green initiatives such as solar panels and heat exchangers.

With Andrewshayes Holiday Park continuing to evolve, Peter Lawrence welcomed his son, Josh, into the family business as Park Manager. Together, father and son have overseen the park’s continued growth, investing in new facilities and enhancements while ensuring the welcoming, family-run spirit of Andrewshayes remains at the heart of every guest’s stay.

Continuing the family’s commitment to enhancing the guest experience, a new patio and woodland-inspired play park were added at the heart of Andrewshayes Holiday Park. Situated beneath the canopy of the park’s beautiful veteran oak tree, the space was carefully designed to complement its natural surroundings, creating a welcoming place where generations of families can relax, play and enjoy precious time together.

The heated covered swimming pool received a major refresh, with a brand-new pool liner giving the water a bright, fresh appearance and enhancing the overall swimming experience. Outside, the pool complex was transformed with smart new fencing and improvements to the surrounding area, complementing the existing retractable roof and creating a more modern, welcoming environment for guests to enjoy throughout the season.