25th June 2025, by Parkdean Resorts

The John Fowler group, a family-run business with 13 parks in South West England and South Wales, has acquired one of the most iconic holiday parks in the country in a multi-million-pound deal that will see the family-owned business grow its market share.

Ruda at Croyde Bay will transfer ownership from Parkdean Resorts, the UK’s leading holiday park operator with 65 parks across the UK, to the Devon based group before the summer season, with staff and guests being assured of a seamless handover.

Martyn Fowler, Managing Director at John Fowler, said: “This is a landmark day for our business. To acquire one of the most iconic holiday parks in the country is a real achievement. Holidays are all about location, and it doesn’t get much better than this. Ruda will play a big part in the future of our development. We are looking forward to the challenge of building on its considerable success whilst being committed to ensuring the park remains a cherished destination for new and returning visitors for years to come.”

The deal will see John Fowler take over the 300-acre Ruda park with its 817 pitches for static lodges and caravans, touring and tenting, as well as a glamping village. The park has recently added a new Cascades tropical pool and flume, and comes with wide-ranging facilities including a number of bars, six catering outlets and supermarket.

Parkdean Resorts will also pass ownership of Croyde’s blue flag beach to the Barnstaple based business, something of which Property Director Ollie Fowler is immensely proud. “We know just how important Croyde beach is to everyone in North Devon, with its UNESCO designated dunes and golden sands. To be custodians of Croyde beach is an honour for us. This strategic purchase marks a significant milestone in our firm’s ongoing expansion, and commitment to providing exceptional holiday experiences in some of the UK’s most sought-after destinations.”

John Fowler is one of the largest family-owned holiday park groups in the country. It will acquire Ruda from Parkdean, who have owned the world-famous surfing beach and holiday park for the past 23 years. This is an exciting time for Parkdean Resorts who have ambitious plans to invest in their wider park estate to develop pitches and upgrade accommodation and activity facilities.

"We are pleased to have agreed a sale to John Fowler, with whom we have been in discussions for some time. The sale aligns with our long-term strategy, by enabling us to reinvest the proceeds into enhancing our existing parks and supporting future growth at a time when the UK staycation market is strengthening.”

He adds, “We’re proud of the legacy we leave in Croyde and are confident that John Fowler will continue to serve holiday homeowners, guests and the wider community with the same dedication and care. I would like to thank all of the brilliant Ruda staff for their hard work and enthusiasm in continuously delivering a great experience for owners and holidaymakers.”

Cathie Higgs, Sales Director at John Fowler, says negotiations for its sale have taken place over several years, adding: “Ruda has a history of creating unforgettable experiences, and we are honoured to continue its legacy. Our focus will be on preserving its unique character, while enhancing its quality to ensure it remains a top destination for our customers. As a local business we are passionate about delivering first-class holiday experiences, Croyde is one of the UK’s most beloved holiday destinations - we’re really proud to be part of its future and can’t wait to get started.”

Guests who have booked their stay at Ruda will see their holiday transferred to John Fowler who will be in touch with them directly.

Ruda spans the land between Croyde and National Trust’s Baggy Point. It will be the 15th holiday park for the North Devon group that was established over 70 years ago. John Fowler will have an annual turnover of £50 million and currently employs 800 people across the South West of England and Wales.