Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Growth & Change
As we prepare to close the chapter on 2024, we’re reflecting on what an incredible year it’s been for both Catgill Farm and Howgill Lodge. This year, we’ve embraced change, celebrated milestones, and continued to create unforgettable experiences for our guests.
Coming out of the pandemic, we wondered if the glamping boom would slow down as overseas holidays regained popularity. But 2024 proved that our sites remain among the highest-rated camping and glamping destinations in the UK. Our success is about more than just ratings—it’s about the journey, the lessons learned, and our commitment to evolving while staying true to what makes us special.
Here’s a look back at the highlights of the year:
Welcoming a New Team Member (and Family Member!)
This year, we welcomed Harper, the first daughter of Oliver and Cat, to the Catgill family. We can’t wait to see her grow into the team and carry forward the legacy of this special place.
Exciting Leadership and Team Changes
2024 brought exciting changes to our teams:
• Lisa’s Promotion to Site Manager: Lisa, formerly our Reception Manager, has been promoted to Site Manager at Catgill. Lisa’s commitment to both our team and our guests is a big reason why Catgill Farm continues to thrive, and we’re incredibly fortunate to have her in this key role
• George and Alex Step Up at Howgill: George and Alex have transitioned into Site Managers at Howgill, bringing fresh ideas and energy to the site. We also bid a fond farewell to Jo and Rich, who are heading off on a new adventure in Australia after five years of incredible service.
• Mel and Vicky Promoted to Site Wardens: We’re proud to announce Mel and Vicky’s promotion to Head Wardens at Catgill. Their passion for the site and dedication to our guests make them a perfect fit for the role.
• Welcoming Wardens: We also welcomed Cara and Tyler as the new wardens at Catgill, quickly becoming key members of the team. At Howgill, we were thrilled to have Lu and Karl join us over the summer.
A Year of Memorable Events
2024 was full of events that brought our team and community closer together:
• Our First Dog Show: This August, we hosted our first-ever dog show, raising £212 for Keighley Kennels. It was a heartwarming day of fun and community spirit.
• Summer Bar at Cat’s Relax: Our new bar serving Aperol Spritz, prosecco, and wine at Cat’s Relax was a hit, making summer evenings even more magical.
• Christmas Bell Tent Movie Night: We set up a Christmas-themed bell tent for movie nights, adding extra festive cheer to our celebrations.
• Cat’s Kitchen Pizza Competition: Guests named the new pizza for Cat’s Kitchen, and the “Glamping Goat” quickly became a favorite on the menu.
• Alpaca Meet & Greet: We introduced a new Alpaca Meet & Greet experience on request, where guests can get up close and personal with our adorable alpacas. It’s been a hit and a special way for guests to connect with the farm.
• The Birth of Effie and Alma: This year, we were delighted to welcome Effie and Alma, two adorable alpacas, to the farm. When Effie’s mother was unable to produce enough milk, our dedicated team immediately stepped in to provide round-the-clock care, ensuring Effie’s survival. It was a true testament to the commitment and compassion of our staff, who worked together to give these little ones the best start in life.
New Packages for Unique Experiences
We introduced exciting new offerings to cater to every kind of guest, including:
• Premium 50m Package
• Mini-Moon Package
• Off-Peak Packages: For a more tranquil experience, our off-peak packages offer a peaceful retreat.
Check out our special offers page for more details.
Our Amazing Team
A massive shout-out to Liz and Emily for their continued years of dedication, and a huge thank-you to our summer staff, whose energy ensured every guest had an unforgettable stay. Thanks also to James, Helen, Anne, and Jo for keeping our glamping pods looking stunning all year long.
Coming early 2025:
2024 has been an unforgettable year, but it’s only the start. With a renewed team structure and Cat & Ol constantly pushing the boundaries with their creativity and vision, exciting changes are on the horizon. We can’t wait to share what’s next.
Stay tuned for a new chapter as we continue to evolve and offer even more unique experiences for our guests—starting with something truly special coming soon to our pods.
