Enhancing Weather Protection with Front Fills and Side Fills at Northam Farm Holiday Park

Since 2021, Able Canopies has worked closely with Northam Farm Holiday Park in Somerset to deliver high-quality timber canopy solutions that enhance guest experience and maximise usable outdoor space. This long-term partnership demonstrates how canopies, combined with front fills and side fills, can evolve over time to meet changing operational needs.

First Install: Large-Scale Covered Dining Area (March 2021)

In March 2021, we supplied and installed a substantial 30m x 12m Tarnhow Dome Freestanding Timber Canopy, connected to a 6m x 4m Tarnhow Mono Freestanding Timber Canopy with a side fill. Working alongside ARA Architecture, the objective was to create a spacious covered outdoor dining area that could accommodate a high number of guests while supporting safe distancing requirements at the time.

The adjoining Tarnhow Mono canopy was designed as a sheltered outdoor BBQ area for staff use. The scale of the main dome canopy allows multiple dining tables to be positioned beneath it, significantly increasing seating capacity. As a result, Northam Farm Holiday Park was able to serve more guests comfortably and improve revenue, whatever the weather.

Installation details:

Tarnhow Dome Freestanding Timber Canopy: 30m x 12m
Tarnhow Mono Freestanding Timber Canopy: 6m x 4m
Timber stain colour: Light Oak
Polycarbonate colour: Opal
Location: Brean, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset

Second Install: Additional Timber Canopy (April 2022)

In April 2022, as a returning customer, Northam Farm Holiday Park contacted Able Canopies to install an additional timber canopy elsewhere on the site. A 7.1m x 4.3m Tarnhow Mono Freestanding Timber Canopy was installed outside an existing food cabin, providing permanent shelter for customers queuing for food.

This structure ensures visitors remain dry and shaded while waiting, improving comfort and queue management during busy periods.

Third Install: Retrofitted Front Fills and Side Fills (January 2026)

Four years after the original installation, Northam Farm Holiday Park returned to Able Canopies to further enhance their main dome canopy by adding front fills and side fills. One of the key advantages of our systems is that front fills/side fills can be retrofitted years after installation, allowing customers to adapt their canopies as needs change.

In January 2026, we supplied and installed the following to the existing Tarnhow Dome Canopy:

2 × Front fills: 5.95m x 3.17m
2 × Side fills: 4.8m x 2.6m
2 × Side fills: 3.15m x 2.6m

These additions provide significantly improved protection from wind and rain, creating a more enclosed and comfortable environment for guests.

Benefits of Front Fills and Side Fills

Our canopy front fills and side fills are manufactured from 5mm solid polycarbonate and are designed to deliver maximum durability and performance. They are suitable for leisure, education, retail and healthcare environments and come with a 10-year guarantee.

Key features and benefits include:

5mm solid polycarbonate for a premium, glass-like appearance
Available in clear or opal to balance light transmission and privacy
Up to 91% light transmission with clear panels
Blocks over 98% of harmful UV rays
UV-resistant coating prevents yellowing or discolouration
Vandal and shatter resistant, 200 times stronger than glass
Fire rated and compliant for public environments
Can be installed during initial canopy installation or retrofitted later
Helps create designated areas for guests or staff
Ideal for protecting furniture, equipment or outdoor assets

A Flexible, Long-Term Canopy Solution

With the addition of front fills and side fills, Northam Farm Holiday Park now benefits from even greater weather protection across its outdoor dining space. This phased approach highlights how Able Canopies provides flexible, long-term solutions that grow with our customers, ensuring their canopies remain practical, comfortable and commercially effective for years to come.

If you would like more information about our extensive range of canopies and shelters, or to find out whether you qualify for a free site survey, please contact us on 0800 389 9072 or email sales@ablecanopies.co.uk.