Our History

Founded by John Woodward OBE in the late 1950s, Blue Anchor Leisure began with the manufacturing of holiday caravans under the Blue Anchor International name. Through innovation, ambition, and forward-thinking design, the business quickly became recognised across the leisure industry, helping shape modern holiday park tourism along the Lincolnshire coast.

As the company grew, the Blue Anchor name became established on holiday parks throughout the UK and Europe, earning the Queen’s Award for Export in both 1974 and 1975 in recognition of its success within British manufacturing.

More than five decades later, Blue Anchor Leisure continues to build on the vision established by John Woodward OBE, remaining proudly family-run while investing in the future of holiday home ownership and family tourism on the East Coast.

Investment

During the 1990s, Blue Anchor Leisure began a major programme of investment across the Lincolnshire coast, helping transform several established holiday destinations within the region. One of the company’s most significant developments was the transformation of the former Eastgate Holiday Centre into Fantasy Island, creating the UK’s first indoor theme park resort alongside Europe’s largest open-air, seven-day market.

The development played a major role in strengthening the East Coast’s reputation as one of the UK’s leading family holiday destinations, attracting visitors from across the country and becoming a landmark attraction within the region.

In 2000, the company purchased the former Robin Hood Leisure Park in Chapel St Leonards, later redeveloping the site into the Golden Palm Resort. Today, the resort is home to family accommodation, leisure facilities, dining venues, and Club Tropicana — one of the largest entertainment venues on the East Coast.

Progression

What began with a single holiday park in the 1950s has grown into one of the region’s leading holiday park operators. Today, Blue Anchor Leisure owns and operates 18 holiday parks and developments located across the Lincolnshire coast, welcoming holidaymakers and holiday homeowners from throughout the UK.

Over the years, the company has continued to expand with developments including The Retreat, Lilac Blossom Meadow, Buttercup Meadow, and Wildflower Meadow, helping shape the next generation of holiday home ownership on the East Coast through modern developments designed around lifestyle, leisure, and relaxation.

Alongside holiday home ownership, Blue Anchor Leisure has continued to invest in park facilities, accommodation, entertainment, and customer experience across its portfolio of parks and leisure venues.

Today

More than 50 years after the company was founded, Blue Anchor Leisure remains proudly family-run and continues to build on the vision established by John Woodward OBE. Ongoing investment across the business has allowed the company to continue evolving while remaining committed to providing quality holidays, leisure experiences, and holiday home ownership opportunities along the East Coast.

Today, Blue Anchor Leisure continues to invest in the future of its parks, entertainment venues, and leisure facilities, while maintaining the values and long-standing heritage that have shaped the business for generations.