Stonerush Lakes Wins Best Holiday Park at the Sykes Gem Awards

A lodge resort in the Cornish countryside near Lanreath has been named the best holiday park in the UK. Stonerush Lakes took gold for Best Holiday Park or Resort at the 2026 Sykes Gem Awards, as reported by CornishStuff on 2 November 2026.

From fishery to award-winning lodge resort

According to CornishStuff, around 20 years ago people came to this spot near Lanreath to fish. The site started life as a fishery and grew, bit by bit, into the holiday resort it is today. It is part of the wider Charteroak collection and covers 28 acres, with lakes, woodland and mature landscaping.

The lodges are spread out at roughly three per acre, and their cedar-clad exteriors help them blend into the landscape. Charteroak's page for Stonerush Lakes describes one, two and three bedroom detached lodges, each positioned beside or with a view of the lakes, beside a stream or on a hillside, and places the park eight miles from Looe and Polperro.

Hot tubs, a copper spa bath and two storks

CornishStuff lists some of the features that caught the eye:

• lodges with private hot tubs and lakeside decking
• The Hideout, the newest addition, with a covered outdoor space, a copper spa bath and its own cinema room
• The Old Mill Bar and Restaurant, a restored watermill overlooking the lake, which has recently been relaunched
• plenty of wildlife, including two resident storks called Henry and Henrietta

How the awards were judged

The Sykes Gem Awards launched in 2017 to celebrate holiday lets and parks across the UK. CornishStuff reports that this year's winners were picked from the Sykes portfolio of more than 25,000 properties across the UK and Ireland. A panel of industry experts from Sykes Holiday Cottages, joined by a travel editor, judged entries on guest feedback and scores, property quality, occupancy performance and amenities.

"Over the moon"

Silvano Geranio, owner of Stonerush Lakes Lodges, said: "We are over the moon with our Sykes Gem Award. After another incredibly busy summer, it feels wonderful to have all the hard work that goes into running the resort recognised in this way."

He was quick to credit the people behind the scenes: "But above all, it's our team that makes the difference. Some have been with the resort for many years and genuinely care about making every guest feel welcome and looked after."

James Shaw, Chief Commercial Officer of Forge Holiday Group, which owns Sykes, called Stonerush Lakes "a fantastic example and a thoroughly deserving winner".

A good news story for lodge owners

It is lovely to see a park that grew from such modest beginnings recognised nationally, and the award is a nice reflection of the care that goes into running a holiday park well. Congratulations to Silvano and the whole team at Stonerush Lakes.

If you own a static caravan or lodge in the county, our page on selling a static caravan in Cornwall explains how we work with owners there.

Thinking of selling?

If you own a static caravan or lodge and are thinking of selling, Static Caravan Buyer offers a free, no-obligation valuation. We charge no commission when we buy, and we can help with the park paperwork. Payment is made on collection day before the caravan is loaded.

Call 0800 644 5000 or visit Static Caravan Buyer. We aim to respond to enquiries as quickly as we can.

Sources: CornishStuff, 2 November 2026; Charteroak, Stonerush Lakes.