One of Lincolnshire’s most successful leisure companies celebrates 60 years in business.
They say ‘It never rains in California’ but one day in the early 80s ‘it poured’ for Don Amott during a spell at his Palm Springs holiday home. So, he took his wife, Mary, on a tour of holiday parks in the area.
Having already opened a small caravan park at Nettleton near Castor, he was looking for ideas, and that rainy California trip became a ‘light-bulb-moment’ for Don.
He explained “My early experience of caravan parks in the USA back then, with upmarket facilities such as beautiful landscaping, fitness centres and bars, gave us a clue to the way we should go.
“Soon after that we purchased Lakeside Lido at North Somercotes from Haven Holidays and transformed it into the most luxurious park on the East coast.
“I do believe that we set the standards of Holiday Parks as we know them today.”
Fast forward to the company’s 60th celebration year, Don Amott Leisure now has five Lincolnshire holiday parks with facilities which are considered the best on the East Coast.
The group now operates across Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, and East Staffordshire and besides the five holiday home destinations it includes four residential parks. And Derby based Leisure Kingdom is one of the largest caravan and motorhome retail outlets in Europe.
Still a family business, three generations of the Amott family work within the group, Don acting as group Chairman, and Samantha Heap, Managing Director of the Lincolnshire parks division.
Sporting connection
One of the things that has contributed to the success of the Don Amott parks is their extensive sporting and leisure facilities.
Don explained: “It’s no secret that I have always had a desire to support sport in general and I see it as putting something back into the community.”
Over the last two decades, Don’s involvement in local and national sport has included a spell of eight years as charman of Derbyshire County Cricket Club, serving as a board member of both Derby County and Burton Albion and he is now Chairman of Mickleover FC in Derby. In 2012, Derby University awarded Don Amott an Honorary Doctorship for services to local sport.
The history
The company was started in 1963 in Derby by Don Amott Senior who recognised that caravanning was becoming more popular in Britain, but prices from large national retailers made it unaffordable for some families. So, he started one of the county’s first caravan dealerships. On leaving school, Don junior joined him after which it went on to become one of the largest caravan and motorhome retail outlets in Europe selling thousands of models each year. Mr Amott Senior passed away in 1975 after which Don junior took over control of the business.
The Parks
Holiday homes are on sale from Don Amott Parks at five exclusive Lincolnshire locations, including lively Lakeside Park and tranquil Nettleton Park which is set deep in the Lincolnshire Wolds.
It’s two Mablethorpe parks offer the delights of a traditional seaside holiday at Whispering Waters which is close to the sandy beaches, or Willows, a more secluded location just a mile out of town.
Existing motorhome and caravan owners can also stay at the group’s award-winning Lakeside Park at North Somercotes, Lincolnshire.
Don Amott added: “The leisure industry is wonderful to be involved with. It has many amazing people and you are dealing with a part of people’s lives that is so enjoyable for them.”
