Abandoned UK vacation park left derelict for many years set to reopen to the general public
A luxurious new holiday park in the UK is set to open next year, with 63 lodges and sweeping sea views, after it was left abandoned and derelict for two decades
A new holiday park, with luxurious lodges and on-site facilities, will open in April 2027(Image: TripAdvisor)
For two decades, a holiday resort in the Isle of Wight that once welcomed hundreds of happy holidaymakers has been left eerily abandoned. Now, it’s set to reopen as a luxurious holiday retreat, following a major multi-million-pound project.
The resort was previously known as Atherfield Bay Holiday Camp, nestled along the south-west coast of the Isle of Wight and overlooking Atherfield Bay. It opened in 1935 and became a beloved coastal retreat, even serving as the setting for Channel 4’s Wakey Wakey Campers TV show.
After more than 70 years in operation, the holiday camp closed its doors in 2007, reportedly due to dwindling visitor numbers. Following its permanent closure, the cliffside resort remained largely abandoned and derelict, completely fenced off, with its future hanging in the balance.
The former holiday park on the Isle of Wight was left abandoned for two decades(Image: Evergreen Escapes)
But after 20 years lying untouched, it was confirmed that it would be transformed into a new holiday resort, following a multi-million-pound investment by Evergreen Escapes Group. It’s now set to reopen as the Isle of Wight Resort, with its first guests arriving in April 2027.
The new holiday retreat along Military Road will boast 63 luxurious lodges, offering spectacular, sweeping sea views and private decking areas, with two types of accommodation available to book: Elite or Signature. Elsewhere, there will be plenty of on-site facilities to enjoy in both the warmer and colder months.
Guests can take a dip in their indoor swimming pool, unwind in the sauna and steam room, or enjoy a workout at the state-of-the-art gym. There will also be a relaxing lounge serving a selection of light bites and drinks, perfect for soaking up the coastal vistas before trips to the island’s “crowd-free beaches” and nearby medieval lighthouses.
There will be on-site facilities, including a restaurant and lounge area (Image: TripAdvisor)
A description on its website states: “Our stylish island escape offers a peaceful haven, where sweeping sea views and star-filled skies go hand-in-hand with exceptional accommodation and five-star facilities.” It also notes that “few places in England can conjure up a sense of nostalgia quite like the Isle of Wight”.
A stay at the new Isle of Wight Resort will also be dog-friendly, and it’s available to book now for stays from April 2027. As it stands, 38 out of their 63 lodges are available to book, with the rest going on sale at a later date.
Guests can also take advantage of discounted ferry tickets to the Isle of Wight, while local residents are also said to be able to use the holiday park. For more information on The Isle of Wight Resort, or to book your stay, you can visit their website.
Guests can also make use of the indoor swimming pool(Image: TripAdvisor)
Geoff Cowley, CEO of Evergreen Escapes Group, said: “The Isle of Wight Resort will be a fantastic addition to the Island’s already thriving hospitality scene when it opens. Not just because we’re investing in high-end accommodation and facilities, but also because we’ll be investing in the resort team. We’ve already filled a number of senior roles but are actively looking for others to join us and showcase the best the Island has to offer for guests and owners alike.”
Do you have a travel story to share? Email [email protected]
