What Are The New £20m Plans For The Skirlington Coast Yorkshire Holiday Park?

It seems like big things are on the horizon for East Yorkshire. A popular holiday spot, Skirlington Coast Yorkshire, is about to get a massive £20 million makeover. Unity Holidays, the company that bought the park last year, has just dropped some seriously exciting plans that could change the game for family holidays in the region.

Think old-school seaside fun but with a super cool, modern twist. This isn't just about a new lick of paint; it's a full-scale expansion designed to create an aspirational destination that everyone will be talking about.

A modern spin on the classic british seaside

Remember those stories your grandparents tell about their childhood holidays? Buckets and spades, sticks of rock, and maybe a ride on a donkey? Well, the idea behind this huge investment is to bring back that nostalgic feeling of a traditional British seaside trip, but make it fit for 2026. The plans for the holiday park are all about mixing the best of the old with the best of the new. Dermot King, the CEO of Unity Holidays, explained the thinking behind the project. It turns out, lots of parents still dream of that classic seaside town experience for their kids.

"When you research the British seaside proposition it's extraordinary how mums - the ones who make all the family decisions and book the holidays- describe their perfect getaway as a traditional seaside holiday, but that's what their grandparents experienced. Wouldn't it be great if their children could access something similar?" So, what does that look like? Imagine classic wooden boardwalks leading to hints of traditional fairgrounds. There will be Helter Skelters, Wurlitzers (those awesome old-school jukeboxes), and all the fish and chips and candy floss you could wish for. Plus, there will be pop-up entertainment happening all over the park to keep the vibe lively and fun. It's a proper reinvention of the British seaside holiday experience.

So, what's actually being built?

This isn't just about a feeling; it's about brand-new facilities. The centrepiece of the expansion is something called the 'Festival Gardens'. This will be a landscaped walkway where you'll find loads of activities and pop-up entertainment. From here, you can get to all the new stuff. And there's a lot of it. The investment is huge, showing a real commitment to the region. The plans, which were submitted to council planners on 12 October 2025, include:

• New Pools: The existing indoor pool is being extended and linked to a brand-new outdoor pool.
• Splash Play Areas: Perfect for younger kids to have a safe and fun splash about.
• Relaxation Zones: Around the outdoor pool, there will be a huge deck with sun loungers and even private cabanas. Yes, cabanas in East Yorkshire! It's all about creating that proper holiday vibe.
• Lots of Sports: For those who can't sit still, there will be a whole range of sports on offer. Think golf experiences, archery experiences, football pitches, and even padel courts (which is a bit like a mix of tennis and squash, and really fun).

This major expansion will completely transform the park, which already has space for 680 holiday caravans and around 400 tents. The goal is to create an incredible holiday destination in the East Yorkshire region.

More than just a holiday

This project is a big deal not just for people wanting a great holiday, but for the whole East Yorkshire area. This huge £20 million investment by Unity Holidays is set to create over 120 new permanent jobs and another 200 seasonal roles. That's a massive boost for the local economy. The development at Skirlington Coast Yorkshire is part of a wider plan for the company, which also recently bought Seven Lakes Country Park near Scunthorpe. They're pouring millions into this region, helping to make it a top spot for 'staycations' - which is just a fancy word for having a holiday in your own country.

Dermot King highlighted why they chose this particular part of the country.

"Our attraction to the region is because we think there's a gap in the market for that region. The businesses in that area and under-invested and we see an opportunity where we can invest and develop into what were well-run family businesses."

It's clear that this expansion is about creating a top-tier holiday park.

When is this all happening?

So, when can everyone pack their bags? The proposals and fancy designs have all been sent off to the council planners. As with any big building project, it all depends on getting the official green light. However, the team at Unity Holidays is optimistic and ready to get going. The hope is to have everything finished by April 2026, just in time for the summer holiday season. Imagine spending your summer break by the new outdoor pool, relaxing in one of those cabanas while the kids have a brilliant time. It sounds like the perfect setup for a family holiday.

Dermot King summed up the excitement and the ambition for the park: "I can't imagine there are other people investing this sort of money in the region... we are reinventing a holiday proposition for the region, an exciting venture for the region, and I think the Unity brand will be well regarded as a significant contributor to local economy."

From classic fairgrounds to modern sports facilities and luxury pools, this transformation of an already popular park sounds amazing. It's set to become a truly aspirational destination, putting a fresh and exciting spin on the beloved seaside town holiday. The new dining options combined with everything else will truly elevate the experience. The future looks bright for this holiday park in East Yorkshire.