The Making of our 2023 TV Advert

Our 2023 campaign has arrived! Take a sneak peek at our latest TV advert through the making of the ad footage.

Our advert delves into the emotional power of the special moments experienced on a Sykes holiday. It showcases several types of holidays you can enjoy with Sykes, including romantic getaways within reach of the great outdoors and multi-generational holidays by the coast.

Set to the catchy tune of the PJ & Duncan AKA Ant & Dec classic “Let’s Get Ready to…” and featuring a range of exciting activities in the UK, it’s bound to get you in the mood for a staycation!

We all like a holiday, so let’s Get Ready to Holiday with Sykes Holiday Cottages…

The Making of our TV Advert

In September 2022, 25 members of cast and crew (plus two adorable dogs, Ella and Nova) filmed the advert over three days in North Wales.

They had the chance to experience a handful of superb holiday cottages first-hand, alongside a selection of iconic locations in the region. These include Harlech Castle, Bennar Beach, Trearddur Bay Beach and Llyn Padarn Country Park. You may recognise some of these spots in the main TV ad!

In our behind-the-scenes clip, you’ll hear from Sykes’ Chief Marketing Officer, James Shaw, and Marketing Director, Chris Algar, who will talk you through what went into our smashing new ad.

Watch the making of the TV advert below…

Get Ready for our 2023 Advert

The Properties

Now that you’ve seen the behind-the-scenes footage and the advert, we want to give you a special look at the properties from the small screen. These holiday homes were selected by us because they boast unique features and rest moments away from a host of things to do in North Wales!

Get Ready to discover these fabulous properties…

Let’s Take a Closer Look

1. Beudy’r Wennol (Ref. 974516)

First up on our list of properties showcased in the advert is this detached barn conversion, Beudy’r Wennol. You can find this gem tucked away in the countryside near Groeslon. A wealth of character can be seen throughout, from the exposed beams to the stone gable walls.

Beudy’r Wennol is a pet-free abode, sleeping up to six guests in three bedrooms and featuring two bathrooms. If you want to enjoy a getaway with a larger group, the neighbouring cottage of Plas Mawr (Ref. 974514) can be booked alongside it, accommodating up to 13 guests altogether.

Plas Mawr also made a quick cameo in the ad, with shots of its hot tub and toasty woodburning stove!

When it comes to things to do nearby, you’ll be pleased to know that Llyn Padarn Country Park is approximately 11 miles away. The advert gives a flavour of the things you can get up to here, including embarking on a range of scenic hikes.

A must-try trail here is the Llyn Padarn Lake Walk, a circular trail stretching over five miles.

Aside from hiking, a must-try activity in the park has to be watersports on Llyn Padarn Lake. SUPs, wild swimming and more await here.

Find out more about Beudy’r Wennol

2. Bennar Fawr (Ref. 1059145)

Next up is the 10-bedroom, 10-bathroom holiday home of Bennar Fawr. This property sleeps up to 24 guests and is ideal for a large family gathering near Dyffryn Ardudwy, near Barmouth.

The grand property boasts a wealth of superb qualities, however, the main feature, which was spotlighted in the ad, is the spacious kitchen/diner! It’s the perfect entertaining spot, boasting contemporary cabinetry and ample seating space.

Other sought-after features include a sauna and hot tubs, where you can enjoy a well-deserved moment of relaxation. During the warmer weather, you can make the most of the large gardens and the summerhouse, all the while soaking up views of the sea!

As you can see in the image above, Bennar Fawr benefits from being a stone’s throw away from Benar Beach! It’s a great set of sand for a family outing, providing a handy car park and welcoming canine companions during the off-peak season.

Another highlight of the holiday home is that it’s approximately seven miles away from Harlech Castle. This magnificent fortress is a must-visit attraction, featuring elevated views of the coast as well as tours of its great halls and on-site exhibition.

Find out more about Bennar Fawr

3. Offas Dyke Escape (Ref. 1063953)

The quirky lodge dwelling of Offas Dyke Escape is another stand-out gem from our TV advert! Resting in St Asaph and enjoying stunning, elevated views, it’s ideal for a couple wanting a unique escape.

A highlight of the timber-clad property, which makes an appearance in the ad, is its bubbling hot tub. Here, you and your loved one can look forward to a soothing dip amidst views of the rolling Welsh hills. On a clear day, you can even see Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri, home of Yr Wyddfa.

The interior is just as special and makes for a welcoming spot to return to after a day of exploring the nearby sights. A plush corner sofa and a Smart TV are just a couple of the fabulous features here!

Offas Dyke Escape is in a brilliant position when it comes to discovering everything North Wales has to offer as not only do you have the coast within reach but Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri is in driving distance.

Things to do while staying at Offas Dyke Escape, you could visit Gwryrch Castle, home of Ant and Dec’s 2020 and 2021 series of I’m a celebrity… Get me out of here!

Alternatively, spend your time exploring the seaside town of Llandudno or if you are feeling adventurous head to Zip World in Llanrwst.

During the summer, members of the Sykes team were fortunate enough to meet the owners of Offas Dyke Escape and learn about the property’s backstory. Be sure to check out the case study.

Find out more about Offas Dyke Escape

4. The Boathouse (Ref. 1101916)

Last but not least in our selection of featured properties is The Boathouse, a contemporary abode resting in the heart of Trearddur Bay, Anglesey. Offering chic interiors and sea vistas throughout, it’s an exceptional base for a family of four’s break.

The property is, in fact, a former boathouse and you can see remnants of this throughout the cottage. This is mostly evident in the first-floor open-plan living space, where an arched ceiling gives a touch of character. It’s a marvellous place for enjoying quality time, complete with a gas fireplace for you to cosy up to.

A major highlight of The Boathouse is its direct access to the beautiful Porth Diana Beach. A charming, dog-friendly shore, Porth Diana Beach offers diving and rock pooling opportunities. A slipway can also be found here; perfect for sailing aficionados!

Further along the coast lies Trearddur Bay Beach (Traeth Trearddur). Known as one of Anglesey‘s best sets of sand, there’s so much to enjoy here! Bodyboarding, dinghy sailing, kayaking and windsurfing are just a few of the things you can try at this beach.

Find out more about The Boathouse

Feeling inspired by the fantastic footage in this blog? Get Ready for Holidays with Sykes Holiday Cottages by securing your 2023 break.

Are you Ready? Ready for Sykes!