Meet Some of The Women at Thornley Leisure Parks
At Thornley Leisure, we take pride in our talented team that works tirelessly to create unforgettable holiday experiences across our ten parks situated in Wales, Cheshire, and Yorkshire. Today, we’re shining the spotlight on the incredible women who contribute their skills, passion, and dedication to making Thornley Leisure Parks a cherished destination for families and travellers alike:
The Women Who Make It Happen!
Dorothy aka Gran
Thornley Leisure Parks wouldn’t be the thriving holiday park it is today if it weren’t for our wonderful co-founder, Dorothy Thornley. She was the heart and soul behind it all. You know the saying, “Behind every successful man is a strong woman”? Well, Dorothy is the epitome of that! Her passion and drive were contagious, and without her, we wouldn’t be here. She’s the reason families come here year after year, creating memories that last a lifetime. So here’s to Dorothy – the woman who made it all possible!
Libby
How long have you worked for Thornley Leisure Parks?
I’ve worked within the family business for 22 years ever since I left school.
What excites you the most about your job role?
I love that no two days working in Thornley Leisure Parks are the same. I get to work alongside a great team who make the work we do a lot of fun.
To be able to produce and maintain destinations that families want to spend their free time is something I am really proud of and its an honour that our family story and legacy becomes a part of theirs.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
When I’m not at work, I love to spend time with my 8 year old son and my husband getting out and about in North Wales. It’s great to see the local areas and attractions again through the eyes of my son as I’ve taken for granted what’s on my doorstep for years – we are so lucky to be able to call North Wales home.
Charlotte
How long have you worked for Thornley Leisure Parks?
I’ve been working for Thornley Leisure Parks for nearly 12 years.
What excites you the most about your job role?
I really enjoy helping customers on their holiday home journey so that they find the right park and location to enjoy their holidays happily with their families and dogs.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
In my spare time I love being outdoors with my Welsh Collie trail running/hiking and taking part in local running events around Snowdonia/Conwy.
Sarah
How long have you worked for Thornley Leisure Parks?
Almost two years.
What excites you the most about your job role?
Creating exciting events for all our customers to enjoy on park.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Walking in the woodland with my husband, two children and our golden retriever.
Ann
How long have you worked for Thornley Leisure Parks?
I have been working for Thornley Leisure Parks for ten seasons now, a family business which the owners make you feel part of the family.
What excites you the most about your job role?
I love meeting new people and their excitement on arrival for a holiday and to make their stay as happy as possible
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
My hobbies are reading, socialising and walking with family.
Hope
How long have you worked for Thornley Leisure Parks?
I’ve worked for Thornley Leisure Parks since July 2022.
What excites you the most about your job role?
There are lots of things which excite me about my job – I love that every day is different – one day I am out on photoshoots on park, and the next developing marketing campaigns for our 10 holiday parks.
One of the things I have really enjoyed the past year is taking us through a rebrand, including our park logos and brand colours – the best part about this is seeing it come to life in marketing campaigns, e-shots and signage around park.
I love getting out and meeting with our park teams too, even though we are a growing company we are still very much a family run business at heart.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I love trail running in the mountains, which I took up after moving to the area in 2022. I also love BBQ’s on the beach, and have recently taken up Ice Skating ⛸️
Claire
How long have you worked for Thornley Leisure Parks?
I have worked for Thornley Leisure parks for 3 years in April.
What excites you the most about your job role?
There are a lot of features of my job that I love. I love that I get the opportunity to work for wonderful company and that I get to represent Thornley Leisure Parks. I love that I get up every morning to go to work on beautiful lakeside caravan park with a whole new family and friends that I have made in Thornley Leisure Parks. Most of all, I love that I get to boss my husband (park manager) on a daily basis – it’s a fun perk of the job!
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I adore spending time with my Grandchildren.
I like to cook and bake.
I enjoy going on days out especially exploring North Wales.
I love to eat out in different restaurants.
Gill
How long have you worked for Thornley Leisure Parks?
I have worked for Thornley Leisure Parks for nearly 8 years as Reception manager at Craiglwyd Hall.
What excites you the most about your job role?
You get to meet so many different people either face to face or on the phone no 2 days are the same so the job provides a lot of variety.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I enjoy crafting, socialising and cruising holidays.
Alison
How long have you worked for Thornley Leisure Parks?
8 Years
What excites you the most about your job role?
I love looking forward to going to work.
We have a great team, we work hard but also have a laugh which makes work really enjoyable.
Every day is different & I enjoy helping the customers whether they are looking to come on holiday with us or they are owners who need help with an issue or just wanting to pay an invoice.
It is also lovely when we get together with all team members from the other parks as everyone gets on and has a great time.
Thornley Leisure parks is a fantastic company to work for and they really look after their staff.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I enjoy going out walking with the dogs, socialising and I am a bit of an adrenalin junkie…. I have skydived and done a Wing Walk so I am now looking for my next challenge…..
Gemma
How long have you worked for Thornley Leisure Parks?
I’ve worked at Thornley Leisure Parks for just over 2 years.
What excites you the most about your job role?
I love all aspects of my job role within Thornley Leisure Parks and what excites me the most is knowing that I’ve played a part in the exceptional team effort that goes into ensuring that all owners enjoy their time on park.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
As a committed Rugby and Football mum to 2 teenage boys, you will find me most weekends on the sidelines of various North Wales pitches cheering them along!!!
Emily
How long have you worked for Thornley Leisure Parks?
Since January 2024 – I’m a newbie.
What excites you the most about your job role?
What excites me the most about my job is seeing my ideas come to life. It’s such a satisfying feeling. Also I’m excited just to come to work and spend 8 hours with my second family who have welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like one of their own!
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I’m a keen crafter, especially crocheting. I also really love going to live music and comedy shows when I can.
Hannah
While she may not be working in the business, it’s clear to see that Hannah has inherited a lot of the traits of Dorothy Thornley, her great grandmother, and the business will be in safe hands for generations to come.
We’d like to say a big thank you to all the talented women who work across our 10 parks and have contributed so much to our Thornley family.
