Caravans and castles

Witton Castle, near Bishop Auckland, the stately home dating back to the 1400s, has just been acquired by Marton Hall, the Yorkshire-based leisure company.

The Grade II listed Witton Castle and its 338-acre estate, includes 20 acres of stocked fishing lakes as well as pitches for 186 touring caravans and consent for 475 static holiday caravans.

Witton Castle joins the newly acquired Winston Bridge Caravan Park, Ovington, near Richmond, with its 1.3-mile frontage to the River Tees and 102 static holiday caravans.

Marton Hall managing director, Neil Willson, says: "These two acquisitions complement our fast-growing existing portfolio.

"As climate change concerns lead to more people deciding not to fly overseas for holidays, UK destinations will face greater demand. Our campaign of acquisition, and investment, aims to help revitalise the employment and economic prospects of the areas of great natural beauty where we operate."

Marton Hall, the luxurious Grade II listed hotel, which is mentioned in the Doomsday Book and forms the head office of the group, also manages static and tourism caravan sites near Hull, Hornsea, Bridlington, Guisborough, Berwick and East Lothian as well as the Percy Golf and Country retreat, Swarland, Morpeth.

22/02/2008 15:02:25