Lanreath’s Stonerush Lakes went from fishery to UK’s best park

Around 20 years ago, people came to this corner of countryside near Lanreath to fish. These days they come for private hot tubs, a copper spa bath and a pair of storks called Henry and Henrietta.

And now it has a national title to go with them.

Stonerush Lakes has taken gold for Best Holiday Park or Resort at the 2026 Sykes Gem Awards, making it the best holiday park in the UK according to the judges.

From fishery to lodge resort

The resort is part of the wider Charteroak® collection and covers 28 acres of Cornish countryside, with lakes, woodland and mature landscaping all around.

It started life as a fishery and grew, bit by bit, into the holiday resort it is now. The lodges are spread out at roughly three per acre, and their cedar-clad exteriors help them blend into the landscape.

Hot tubs, a copper spa bath and a cinema room

Guests can choose from one-, two- and three-bedroom lodges, with features including private hot tubs and lakeside decking.

The newest addition is The Hideout. It has a covered outdoor space with a copper spa bath, plus its own cinema room.

📷The Old Mill Bar & Restaurant at Stonerush Lakes

A restored watermill and two resident storks

The Old Mill Bar & Restaurant, a restored watermill overlooking the lake, has recently been relaunched. It covers everything from relaxed dining to evening drinks.

Wildlife is a big part of the draw. Animals are regularly spotted around the grounds, including the two resident storks, Henry and Henrietta.

How the Sykes Gem Awards were judged

The Sykes Gem Awards launched in 2017 to celebrate some of the most unique, memorable and highly rated holiday lets and parks in the UK. 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 the entries on guest feedback and scores, property quality, occupancy performance and amenities.

The panel were impressed by the style and facilities at Stonerush Lakes, along with what guests had to say about it.

“Over the moon”

Silvano Geranio, owner of Stonerush Lakes Lodges (part of Charteroak® 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.

“Stonerush Lakes is a really special place. The lakes, woodland and wildlife create such a peaceful setting, and we’ve worked hard to make sure guests have the space and privacy to relax and enjoy their surroundings.

“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. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together, and this award is a fantastic recognition of their dedication.”

James Shaw, Chief Commercial Officer of Forge Holiday Group, which owns Sykes, said: “Every year, the Sykes Gem Awards celebrate the people and places that make UK holidays special, and this year’s winning holiday parks show just how much care and dedication goes into creating a memorable break.

“From beautiful settings and quality accommodation to welcoming teams and thoughtfully designed facilities, there’s so much that keeps guests coming back. Behind every great holiday park are people who go the extra mile to help holidaymakers make the most of their time away.

“Stonerush Lakes is a fantastic example and a thoroughly deserving winner. A huge congratulations to the team.”

The full list of Sykes Gem Award winners is on the Sykes website, and bookings can be made at sykescottages.co.uk or by calling 01244 617683.

📷Stonerush Lakes near Lanreath, winner of Best Holiday Park or Resort at the 2026 Sykes Gem Awards