Celebrating 61 Years of Memories at Cowden Holiday Park

One of the greatest privileges of being a family-run holiday park is getting to know the people who make our parks such a special place. 

Over the years, we've welcomed generations of families through our gates, watched children grow up, celebrated milestones together and built friendships that last a lifetime. Few stories capture that better than Richard Dowell's. 

Richard first visited Cowden Holiday Park in 1965 as a teenager. More than 61 years later, he's still returning to the East Yorkshire coast and remains one of our longest-standing holidaymakers. 

As the world looks ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Richard has been reflecting on the fact that he was already holidaying at Cowden during England's unforgettable World Cup-winning summer of 1966. Nearly six decades later, he'll once again be cheering England on from the park that has become his second home. 

"I've been coming to Cowden for 61 years and I've never wanted to go anywhere else," Richard said.” 

"It's become a huge part of my life.” 

"I've got photographs from my holidays here in the 1960s and it's amazing to look back at how much has changed. I was coming here when England won the World Cup in 1966 and now I'll be watching another tournament from the same place nearly 60 years later.” 

"The park has changed enormously over the years, but the family atmosphere has never changed. That's what keeps bringing me back." 

Listening to Richard talk about his memories reminds us just how much Cowden has evolved over the years. 

He's seen everything from simple caravans with gas lamps and standpipes to the modern facilities and holiday homes we offer today. Along the way, he's owned or stayed in around nine different holiday homes, built lifelong friendships and collected an incredible archive of photographs and memorabilia documenting more than six decades of holidays on the East Yorkshire coast. 

What stands out most isn't how much has changed – it's what has stayed the same. 

The welcoming atmosphere. The sense of community. The familiar faces. The memories made year after year. 

As a second-generation family business, that's something we're incredibly proud of. 

As one of our Directors, Tyrone Larkham, puts it: 

"Richard's story is a wonderful reminder of what holiday parks are really about. They're not just places people visit – they're places where memories are made, friendships are formed and traditions are created. 

"To have someone choose to spend their holidays with us for more than 60 years is incredibly special. Richard has become part of the Cowden community and we're proud to have shared so many milestones with him over the years." 

Stories like Richard's are why we do what we do. 

Whether you've been visiting us for decades or are thinking about discovering Cowden Holiday Park for the very first time, you'll always receive the same warm welcome that has kept guests returning year after year. 

Here's to many more summers, more memories and, hopefully, another unforgettable World Cup.