Tiny 90-year-old UK holiday park right next to a private island given ‘first five-star’ rating
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.
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.
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.