£12 million upgrades to make Billing Aquadrome in Northamptonshire the holiday park to go to

The multi-million-pound upgrades are part of a long-term vision for Billing Aquadrome in Northamptonshire by new owner, Meadow Bay Villages, which secured the future of the holiday park when it acquired it in spring 2024, transitioning it from administration under previous ownership. More than 50,000 guests are expected to stay at Billing this year by the end of 2024.

New and upgraded facilities at the resort include huge investment in swimming facilities, including the new Fountain Splash Lido area complete with outdoor loungers and eateries.

A new Water Park facility has also been created, the perfect place for outdoor water enthusiasts with fresh water swimming complete with wood burner saunas and a plunge pool, paddle boarding, kayaking and pedalos. A brand new inflatable water obstacle course is also newly unveiled, providing the opportunity to bounce across bubbles, balance across beams or zoom down slides.

For those who want to get the adrenaline pumping on land, a new BMX pump track has been built from scratch by the same team that delivered the London and Paris Olympics Supercross tracks, whilst new fun football facilities will allow those young and young-at-heart the opportunity to brush up their skills in front of goal. A new Himalayan Adventure Golf Course has also been constructed for those who like to swing into action on holiday. Those wishing to get closer to the outdoors can do so at the New Adventure Island which features activities such as Bushcraft Skills, Den building, nature forensics and much more.

For more gentle relaxation, a boardwalk has been created around Billing’s natural lakes whilst a new amphitheatre and open-air cinema provide the perfect places to unwind after a busy day of activities.

A host of other upgrades have also been put in place by Meadow Bay Villages, with new holiday accommodation as well as refurbished tenting and touring caravan facilities, including hard standing and super pitches.

Set within 235 acres in the Nene Valley and set around 11 natural lakes, Billing Aquadrome has enjoyed a rich heritage since it first opened as a small holiday park in 1945.

Since then, generations of families and guests have made memories at Billing and it is the vision of the new owner and its chief executive, Geoffrey Smith, to create a holiday experience that is unique in the UK.

Geoffrey Smith, chief executive of Meadow Bay Villages, said: “We purchased Billing Aquadrome just over four months ago and to have invested £12 million in the resort in such a short space of time has led to a transformation that we are very proud of and has been hugely welcomed by holidaymakers, colleagues and the local community.

“The new facilities, combined with the landscape we enjoy at Billing, are unlike anything else in the UK. We can offer a natural escape with lakes, rivers, locks, and a marina, far from city life and we’re trying to appeal to those who want an active holiday, whether that is gentle walks or high-octane sport, but also want value and quality in their stay.

“We believe there is a real sweet spot in the holiday market for guests who enjoy lodge and caravan stays but don’t see other well-known operators as catering for them. We have a real emphasis on excellence in our food, whilst entertainment is built around creating a warm and relaxing vibe to relax with family and friends alongside rather than being too overbearing.

“Our bookings for the summer have been significantly ahead of where we expected them to be and we’re delighted with the response we have had so far. This is only the first stage in our masterplan for Billing and we hope guests have a great time with us.”