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Ivy Bank near Ripon shortlisted for campsite of the year

Friday, 21 March 2025 08:21

Ivy Bank Staycation near Ripon has been shortlisted for Vanlife's Campsite of the Year.

A popular campsite near Ripon has been named as a finalist at the upcoming Vanlife Awards.

The annual awards aim to celebrate camping businesses, recognising innovation and creativity in the industry.

And Ivy Bank Staycation has been named as finalist in the Campsite of the Year category.

The winner will be announced on 26th April at a ceremony at Lightwater Valley.

Ivy Bank owner Sam Raw said:

“I started the Campsite around 18 years ago as a sideline business whilst working as a dementia care assistant in Harrogate.

“The business grew and evolved from a caravan site to include camping and glamping whilst working closely with the Glawning company.

“We then branched into our own glamping offering, converting a double-decker bus, a horse lorry and pod-style units.”

The site now has hot tubs and a Yorkshire-inspired cafe called Wok Inn, offering breakfasts, homemade scones and cakes, all supplied by businesses in the neighbouring village of Kirkby Malzeard.

The Vanlife Awards are evaluated by a distinguished panel of industry leaders and experts through a meticulous two-stage process.

This includes an initial pre-scoring phase to determine the shortlist, followed by an in-depth judging session where entries are thoroughly discussed and assessed to select the winners.

Judges for this year’s panel include Johnny Vegas, Steve Balsamo and Jim Stewart.

A spokesperson for the Vanlife Awards said:

“The Vanlife Awards is where wanderlust meets recognition.

“It's a platform dedicated to honouring and celebrating the incredible journeys, creativity and businesses that emerge from life on four wheels.

“Whether you're a DIY van conversion wizard, a road trip blogging extraordinaire, or a vanlife festival organiser, this is your chance to shine.”

Find out more about the Vanlife Awards online here.

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