Ribby Hall Village & Spa Hotel

Twenty-five years ago, the Harrison family began developing what has since become one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations. In the mid-1990s, they acquired a partly developed, dilapidated caravan site in Wrea Green, Lancashire. At the time, the 100-acre plot contained a few rundown caravans and some old cowsheds, but its potential was undeniable. Today, Ribby Hall Village, still under the ownership of the Harrison family, welcomes over a million visitors annually and has become a favourite for families, individuals, and businesses alike. The transformation of Ribby Hall Village began in 1994 with the construction of 175 cottages, 350 holiday homes, a hotel, a sports facility, a shop, and a restaurant. By 1995, the first sports centre was open, and the following years saw the addition of the first cottages in 1997, along with The Manor House hotel in 2001. Over time, the site expanded further with additional features, including a restaurant, a nine-hole golf course, and new luxury pine lodges in 2005. The opening of a Starbucks in 2009 further elevated the visitor experience.

A major milestone came in 2011 with the opening of The SPA Hotel, a £7 million investment that attracted both local and international guests. Today, Ribby Hall Village is known for its wide range of activities and facilities, from the Health Club with its extensive gym and pools, to the Wild Discovery animal centre and interactive zoo. The resort is popular not just with holidaymakers but also with local residents who enjoy its top-notch amenities. Paul Harrison, who joined the business in 1995 alongside his father Bill, has led the village’s ongoing development. Though his father sadly passed away in 1999, he did not live to see the full transformation of what began as a muddy field into the thriving resort it is today. The Harrison family continues to have ambitious plans for the future of Ribby Hall Village, with further developments expected in the coming years.