Our Story
Uncover the history of Searles Leisure Resort
Searles Leisure Resort has remained proudly independent and family run for over 85 years, offering generations of holidaymakers a warm Norfolk welcome on the beautiful coast of Hunstanton. What began as a small family venture has grown into one of the region’s most loved seaside resorts, built on the same values of hospitality, community, and family fun that have guided the Searle family since the very beginning.
Seaside holidays on the North West Norfolk coast since 1954!
The story begins in 1910, when William and Alice Searle opened a successful boarding house in Hunstanton. Their warm hospitality and excellent food kept guests returning year after year. By 1929, their son Geoffrey had inherited their love for tourism and the Norfolk coast, offering pleasure boat trips on The Wash and donkey rides on Hunstanton beach. After the war, Geoffrey began renting caravan pitches on a small field once used for his donkeys — famously charging just a bag of potatoes in return!
Searles Leisure Resort as we know it today began in 1954, when the company became a limited business (LTD) following the Great North Sea Floods. The disaster, which caused widespread damage along the East Coast, marked a turning point for the Searle family. Determined to rebuild stronger than ever, they formalised the business and began shaping it into the much-loved seaside holiday park that continues to welcome families to this day.
The next generation continue a legacy of seaside holidays
Geoffrey Searle and his wife Margaret raised a large family of two sons and three daughters, all of whom would play a part in continuing the family business and preserving Geoffrey’s legacy. In 1966, their eldest son Richard joined the park as General Manager and, shortly after marrying his wife Linda, became a Director under the watchful guidance of his father.
Geoffrey’s youngest son, William, inherited his father’s love of the sea and carries on the family tradition through Searles Sea Tours along the Hunstanton coastline. With his distinctive amphibious vessels, known as ‘The Wash Monsters’, William; fondly known as Captain Willie, continues to offer seal safaris and coastal tours, sharing the joy of the Norfolk coast with generations of visitors.
In 1984 Richard would take over as Managing Director of Searles Leisure Resort, further shaping the direction of the resort for future generations to enjoy.
Putting the Great British seaside holiday on the map
Following his appointment as Managing Director, Richard acquired more land to expand Searles Leisure Resort’s capacity for static caravans and tent and touring pitches.
Richard’s dedication and expertise in the holiday park industry were recognised in 2001 when he was awarded an MBE by Her Majesty the Queen for his services to the sector.
