Recently under a crisp, cloudless sky, guests gathered at Rockbridge Country Holiday Park to celebrate the official launch of ‘The Retreat’ – a beautiful holiday lodge and caravan development that promises not just peace and countryside beauty, but something increasingly rare: pristine, unpolluted night skies.
Set in an unspoilt valley on the stunning Herefordshire/Powys border, the new addition to Rockbridge Country Holiday Park is already turning heads. While the breathtaking rolling hills of Radnorshire have always drawn visitors, it’s the newly crowned International Dark Sky Community status of nearby Presteigne – the first in Wales – that’s become the real headline attraction.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was performed by James Evans MS, Senedd member for the area, who praised the community’s hard work in securing the Dark Sky designation and highlighted how developments like The Retreat perfectly complement the region’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty.
Glenn Jones, co-owner of Discover Parks, was visibly proud as he addressed the crowd. “The development’s taken longer than we would have liked,” he admitted, “but that extra time allowed us to create something truly special – something that respects and enhances the incredible landscape around us. We’re thrilled by the response we’ve had so far.”
Guests at today’s launch were treated to a tour of the park’s new features, including a transparent viewing dome complete with a professional telescope – a testament to Rockbridge’s dedication to celebrating its dark skies. Members of the Marches Astronomy Group were on hand demonstrating the art of ‘Sun Spotting’, offering visitors a daytime glimpse into the wonders of the cosmos.
Leigh-Harling Bowen, the driving force behind Presteigne and Norton’s Dark Sky accreditation, reflected on the six-year journey it took to achieve this prestigious status. “The Presteigne & Norton community has worked tenaciously to highlight the benefits of preserving our dark skies,” he said. “Now, ‘The Retreat’ at Rockbridge will offer visitors unparalleled views of the heavens – something increasingly rare in today’s world.”
Hannah Jones, who co-owns Discover Parks with Glenn, explained how careful planning had gone into ensuring that Rockbridge didn’t add to the region’s light pollution. Low-level, carefully designed lighting was installed throughout the park to minimize sky-glow, allowing visitors to experience the vast, glittering night sky in all its glory.
Today’s attendees, including local councillors, park residents, and new holiday homeowners, mingled and explored the site, with many expressing excitement about the new possibilities for stargazing, wildlife watching, and simply unwinding under one of the clearest skies in the UK.
With interest already high, it’s clear that ‘The Retreat’ at Rockbridge isn’t just offering holiday homes – it’s offering an experience: a place where the simple, stunning pleasure of a truly dark night sky has become the latest ‘must-have’ for discerning holidaymakers.
As evening fell, a few lucky guests stayed behind, gazing upwards as the first stars blinked into existence – a magical reminder of why this project is so special.
Rockbridge Country Holiday Park
Presteigne, LD8 2NF
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