FRESHWATER Holiday Park in Burton Bradstock has won a top AA award for being the country’s best holiday centre of the year.

The AA judges sites on their quality and attention to detail and on what makes them stand out from the rest – and said Freshwater offered the perfect place to take the family.

Freshwater general manager Scott Condliffe said: “We are delighted to receive the AA Holiday Centre of the Year 2013.

“Our staff work tremendously hard and with great dedication to ensure our customers enjoy their holiday time and we are very pleased that their efforts have been recognised.

“Our investment in the Jurassic Fun Centre helps us to compete on a national level and contribute to the essential tourism income which is the lifeblood of West Dorset.

“We are also pleased that local people can benefit from additional leisure facilities which are only feasible due to tourism.”

The judges said: “This well managed, family-run holiday centre really does offer the perfect place to take the family.

“The touring area is spacious and facilities are well appointed. The park benefits from it own private beach as well as indoor and outdoor pools. “The new Jurassic Fun Centre includes indoor pools with water slides, a gym, sauna, hot tub, ten-pin bowling, bar and restaurant.”

The announcement of the winners coincides with the launch of the AA Caravan and Camping Britain and Ireland Guide 2013.

David Hancock, editor of the guide, added: “I wish to congratulate all our winners who have been awarded in recognition of exceptional quality and attention to detail across their parks and who are included in a feature in the guide.

“Camping is such a popular and cost effective holiday choice and it is great to see that so many sites are not only meeting but often exceeding visitors' expectations.”

The AA guide features more than 900 annually inspected and rated sites giving details of location, AA Pennant rating, contact details, prices, opening times and a description as well as local information. The 2013 guide also has a useful section of ‘best for...’ giving detail of the sites the AA believe are best for a variety of different features such as waterside pitches, stunning views, on-site restaurants, fishing and children’s facilities. It also includes details of the best for being eco-friendly, glamping, yurts, tipis, safari tent or even a shepherd’s hut for those who are looking for something a little different.

The AA guide is available from the AA shop for £9.99.