Leisure Industry News - February 2025
In February, we highlight the latest milestones and exciting developments within the UK leisure industry. From impressive hotel refurbishments and new leisure centre plans to groundbreaking golf projects and top rankings for UK attractions, these stories showcase the sector’s vibrant progress.
Here’s a roundup of the key updates making an impact this month...
- Park Holidays is upgrading for 2025 with new accommodations, expanded pitches, and enhanced facilities. Highlights include a new reception at Silver Sands, a refreshed pool and a brand-new steam room at Par Sands, and facility updates across multiple parks.
- After 21 years, plans for a golf course, hotel, and restaurant at Feddinch Mains near St Andrews have been approved, with initial consent dating back to 2004.
- Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa in Durham is investing over £6 million to create a top-tier golf facility. The project includes a multi-million-pound golf academy, leisure, and entertainment hub.
- Glasgow's Marriott Hotel has revealed its impressive new facilities following a multi-million-pound refurbishment. The makeover includes a revamped Leisure Club, Fitness Centre, and luxurious spa.
- Which? inspectors awarded The Marcliffe in Aberdeen their first five-star UK hotel rating in seven years, praising its exceptional value at under £200, including breakfast.
- Kingston Council has secured planning permission for a new town centre leisure centre, featuring pools, a gym, sports halls, squash courts, cycling and activity studios, soft play, and a café in a sustainable design.
- The Tank Museum in Bovington has been ranked among the top UK attractions, earning 99% in a mystery visitor survey and placing it in the top ten for visitor experience.
- Venue Cymru in Conwy will receive £10 million from the UK Government to create a modern cultural hub by relocating the library and Tourist Information Centre, pending a full business case.
- The University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge were ranked among the world’s top 10 most prestigious institutions. Oxford placed joint second with MIT at 99.7, while Cambridge followed closely in joint fourth with Stanford at 99.6.
- Fitness First, one of the largest gyms in Brighton has permanently closed after failing to reach an agreement with the landlord. The decision, described as difficult and beyond their control, was announced to members via email.