Cove UK Holiday Parks Enter Administration: What It Means for 11 Resorts, Staff, and Holidaymakers

Cove UK’s Administration Shakes Up the British Holiday Park Landscape

For generations, holiday parks have been woven into the fabric of British leisure. Caravan pitches by the sea, family getaways in the rolling hills, and local economies built around seasonal visitors. But in late 2025, a seismic shift hit the industry: Cove UK, one of the country’s largest holiday park operators, entered administration, sending shockwaves across 11 resorts and the communities who depend on them.

How Did Cove UK Get Here?

Cove UK’s journey into administration is a story of expansion, ambition, and changing market dynamics. The company had built a formidable portfolio, notably acquiring Argyll Holidays in 2022 for £100 million—a move that added beloved Scottish resorts like Drimsynie Holiday Village and Hunters Quay Holiday Village to its roster. The acquisition, praised by both Cove’s then-managing director Mark Seaton and Argyll director Keith Campbell, was seen as a union of shared values and a commitment to premium holiday experiences.

But behind the scenes, challenges mounted. The UK holiday park sector, with roots dating back to 1894, has faced headwinds from declining domestic tourism, aging infrastructure, and the lure of cheaper overseas vacations. Recent closures, such as the Baltic Wharf Caravan and Motorhome Club site in Bristol (after 47 years) and Pontins Pakefield Holiday Village (after 80 years), reflected these pressures. Cove UK’s own resorts weren’t immune, with redundancies at Drimsynie Estate just before Christmas 2023 and a shift to a winter closure schedule.

Who’s Affected—and Who Isn’t?

The administration directly impacts 11 resorts, including high-profile sites such as Solway Holiday Park in Cumbria (with its 1,600 pitches), Gwel an Mor Resort in Cornwall, and nearly all Argyll Holidays locations. The full list of affected Argyll sites includes:

• Drimsynie Holiday Village
• Hunters Quay Holiday Village
• Loch Awe Holiday Park
• Loch Eck Caravan Park
• Loch Eck Country Lodges
• Loch Lomond Holiday Park
• St Catherines Caravan Park
• Stratheck Holiday Park

Springwood Holiday Park, though not originally part of Argyll Holidays, is also impacted. However, not every Cove property is in jeopardy. The Seal Bay resort in West Sussex, the company’s largest, remains unaffected and continues normal operations.

Administration: What Happens Now?

The administration process is being overseen by Alvarez & Marsal Europe, with joint administrators Adam Paxton, Rob Croxen, and Ben Cairns taking the helm. Their immediate goals are clear: maintain stable operations (especially as parks are closed for the off-season), explore sale options, and minimize disruption for caravan owners and staff. Payments for site fees are no longer to be sent to previous accounts—a technical but telling sign of the transition underway.

For now, the parks themselves are closed for winter, sparing holidaymakers from immediate inconvenience. Yet for caravan owners and seasonal residents, the uncertainty is palpable. Some have described the news as the “end of an era,” mourning not just financial investments but the loss of a lifestyle and community. Staff, especially those affected by recent redundancies, face an equally uncertain future, with local economies in areas like Argyll and Bute bracing for ripple effects.

Legacy, Community, and the Road Ahead

Argyll Holidays, founded in 1967 by the Campbell family, grew from a single estate—Drimsynie—into a regional powerhouse and a significant employer. Its acquisition by Cove UK was meant to secure its legacy and fuel further growth. As the administration unfolds, the fate of these historic parks hangs in the balance. Directors like Keith Campbell have voiced confidence in Cove’s stewardship, but the current situation raises hard questions about long-term sustainability and the preservation of local heritage.

The broader holiday park industry is watching closely. The recent closures and consolidations point to a sector in flux, where only the most resilient or well-capitalized operators may survive. As Alvarez & Marsal work to stabilize Cove’s assets and seek buyers, stakeholders—holidaymakers, caravan owners, staff, and local councils—are demanding transparency and support.

Looking Forward: Can the British Holiday Park Dream Endure?

The administration of Cove UK is more than a business story; it’s a test of an industry’s ability to adapt and survive. Will new owners step in to preserve these parks’ unique character? Can communities rally to protect local jobs and traditions? Or will the pressure of economic realities force further closures and consolidation?

For now, the parks affected remain in limbo, their future uncertain but their importance undiminished. The British holiday park, once a symbol of accessible leisure and community spirit, faces a crossroads—one that will be shaped in the months ahead by the decisions of administrators, investors, and the communities who call these places home.

Assessment: The administration of Cove UK’s holiday parks is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of cherished institutions amid economic and industry shifts. While immediate disruption is limited, the long-term future of these resorts—and the communities they serve—depends on strategic decisions, transparent communication, and a collective commitment to preserving the social and economic fabric they represent.