Bluestone National Park Resort and Center Parcs are both good choices for families who want high quality accommodation and lots of activities. They are both at the more luxurious end of the UK's family holiday market and are aimed at outdoorsy families. But which is best? We've compared customer reviews, activities and facilities, accommodation, food and drink, prices and location at Bluestone and Center Parcs. In summary, Bluestone tends to be a little bit cheaper than Center Parcs and it certainly competes with it on review scores (or perhaps beats it by a whisker). Both resorts have equally good swimming pools, free playgrounds and a similar range of watersports, high ropes and other activities. Center Parcs is the winner if you want to take the dog or want a hot tub (and don't mind paying a premium for it...). However, Bluestone also has its advantages such as interconnecting lodges and an all-weather high ropes course. For people in England, Center Parcs is better if you don't want a long drive but Bluestone will be closer for most people in Wales. For the full comparison, read on... Which gets the best reviews? Bluestone or Center Parcs?There's barely any difference between review scores for Bluestone National Park Resort and Center Parcs. On TripAdvisor, all five Center Parcs score 4/5. Bluestone National Park Resort also scores 4/5 after more than 3000 reviews. On Google reviews, you'll find that Bluestone is tied in joint first with two of the Center Parcs resorts.
Result: There's very little difference between reviews for Bluestone and Center Parcs - both get impressive scores. Which is cheaper? Center Parcs or Bluestone?A holiday at Center Parcs in the UK can be pretty expensive, particularly during school holidays. That's why a lot of people look at alternatives, such as travelling to Center Parcs in Europe where prices are often much lower. For a rough price comparison, we looked at the cost of a holiday at Center Parcs and Bluestone for a family of four on a selection of dates. We looked for the cheapest accommodation available, without any extras, upgrades or pets. At Center Parcs, the cheapest option was always a two bedroom woodland lodge. At Bluestone, the cheapest accommodation available when we searched was a two bedroom Caldey Lodge. A week in early August 2024, from cheapest to most expensive:
For a week during the school holidays, Bluestone is the cheapest of the prices. It's almost £400 cheaper than the most expensive Center Parcs resort (Longleat). We then looked for the price a family weekend break in mid-June 2024. From cheapest to most expensive:
In this instance, Bluestone is the clear winner again. It's £160 cheaper than the lowest priced Center Parcs resorts and a whopping £280 cheaper than Center Parcs Woburn Forest. Finally, we looked at the cost of a midweek break in mid-September 2024. This is obviously a term time holiday, so it's a lot cheaper than visiting during school holidays. From cheapest to most expensive:
Again, Bluestone is cheaper than all the Center Parcs for a midweek break. In our price comparison, it was £160 cheaper than lowest priced Center Parcs (Elveden Forest in Suffolk). It was £240 cheaper than the Center Parcs in Wiltshire (Longleat Forest). Next, we checked the price of a holiday for a group of eight people, including four adults and four children. We started with a week's holiday in August 2024 and looked for one lodge. From cheapest to most expensive:
Finally, we searched for a weekend for eight people in mid-September 2024 and found these prices:
Again, Bluestone is the cheapest for a short break (off peak) and for the whole week at peak time. Result: Bluestone is always cheaper than Center Parcs in our price comparisons. Which is in the best location? Bluestone or Center Parcs?I suspect that location will be the clincher for a lot of people. Long car journeys with children can be excruciating and it's probably not worth driving miles if you're just planning a short break. Center Parcs clearly has the overall advantage as it has five resorts and so will be quicker for most people. Bluestone is also quite tucked away in the South West of Wales. You aren't likely to go past it on the way to anywhere. From most of the UK's big cities, you're closer to a Center Parcs resort than to Bluestone.
Result: Center Parcs is the winner on location for most people. Unless you live in Wales, it's likely that there's a Center Parcs closer to you than Bluestone. Which is bigger - Center Parcs or Bluestone?I personally have no real idea of what an 'acre' looks like. You may well feel the same, unless you're a farmer or an estate agent. So, it's not a great deal of use for me to tell you that Bluestone is spread over 500 acres whilst the UK's Center Parcs are somewhere around 400 acres. However, it does at least tell you that they cover roughly the same area. If you've been to one then you'll understand the scale. More interesting is the fact that Bluestone has about 300 lodges whereas Center Parcs has about 800 lodges. So, the lodges and other accommodation at Bluestone is much more spread out than the lodges at Center Parcs. My experience of Center Parcs is that you certainly don't feel crammed in, but it's something to consider. Result: I'm giving this one to Bluestone, as it covers a larger area but has fewer lodges Which has the best activities? Center Parcs or Bluestone?Center Parcs and Bluestone are both renowned for their activities. Both have some activities which are free and others which you pay extra for. At Bluestone, the Blue Lagoon swimming pool is free and is a big part of the appeal. It's described as a 'subtropical indoor water park' and features a wave pool, four flumes, a lazy river and a 'heated bubble pool'. It scores 4.4/5 from reviewers on Google Reviews. Meanwhile, each Center Parcs has a 'Subtropical Swimming Paradise'. You get a similar selection of wave pools, flumes, rapids and hot tubs. Reviews on Google reviews range from 4.6/5 for Sherwood Forest and Woburn Forest through to 4.8/5 for the Subtropical Swimming Paradise at Longleat. Besides the swimming pool, Bluestone has some other free activities including the Village Green Playground, sand play, guided walks and the Treetots treehouse. Meanwhile, Center Parcs has its own adventure playgrounds which are free to use. Paid for activities at Bluestone and Center ParcsComparing the paid for activities at Bluestone and Center Parcs is a little bit tricky. The list of activities on the Center Parcs website is certainly longer than the list on the Bluestone website but that doesn't tell the whole story. As an example, Center Parcs Whinfell Forest shows 168 activities compared to 49 at Bluestone. However, the Center Parcs list includes a lot of duplicates so it's not really a fair comparison. For example, archery is listed six times at Whinfell Forest because there are slight variations in what you can do. Meanwhile, Bluestone just lists archery once. Similarly, Center Parcs lists eight different Easter themed activities which are only available in April. There's a good chance they won't be available when you visit. Center Parcs also offers family photo shoots (not my idea of fun, but each to their own). It's listed as seven different activities, but it's really just the same thing with minor differences such as whether it's for a family or a toddler. A slightly fairer comparison is to look at a category such as watersports. At Bluestone, you can choose from:
Meanwhile, watersports at Center Parcs Whinfell Forest include:
As you can see, they both offer slightly different things. Kayaking and paddleboarding is available at both, but Bluestone is better for more adventurous off-site activities (coasteering, coastal adventures) whilst Center Parcs has pedalos and six person kayaks. It's a similar story with high ropes and climbing activities. At Bluestone, your options include:
At Center Parcs, the high ropes and climbing activities include:
So, both resorts offer an extended 'Go Ape' type activity and somewhere to do some sort of climbing. The main difference is that Bluestone has an indoor course and an outdoor course. (We just looked at Center Parcs Whinfell Forest. There is some variation between Center Parcs resorts, but they are fairly similar overall) My advice is to have a think about whether there is a particular activity which your kids are desperate to do. There are some activities which are only available at one or the other. For example, Coasteering isn't available with Center Parcs but quad bikes aren't available at Bluestone. Result: I'm declaring this one a tie. Bluestone and Center Parcs both have excellent swimming pools and a similar range of activities. Which has the best food and restaurants? Center Parcs or Bluestone?The notable difference between Bluestone and Center Parcs is that the restaurants and pubs at Bluestone are their own brands. At Center Parcs, they have a mix of their own restaurants as well as big names like Bella Italia, Cafe Rouge, Starbucks and Las Iguanas. The choice of food is quite similar. Bluestone has about 10 different places to eat and drink. By my count, there are seven different places to eat at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest. We did a price comparison of a meal out for a family of four at Knights Tafarn at Bluestone and Huck's American Bar and Grill at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest. We looked for the price of two burgers for the grown ups plus a side of onion rings. For the children we looked at the price of two kids meals of chicken nuggets or similar. For pudding we looked at the price of brownies for the grown ups and ice cream for the children. Knights Tafarn at Bluestone £16.95 x 2 for burgers and chips £7 x 2 for chicken strips and chips £7 x 2 for cheesecake and ice cream £4.50 x 2 for kids' ice cream Total bill: £70.90 Huck's American Bar and Grill at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest £12.50 x for The Classic Burger £7.99 x 2 for chicken nuggets and chips £7.49 x 2 for cheesecake and blueberry compote £3.99 x 2 for kids' ice cream Total bill: £63.94 Result: Not much in it. Bluestone was slightly more expensive, but not really enough to change your plans! Which has the best accommodation? Center Parcs or Bluestone?Center Parcs has four grades of lodges. They range from Woodland lodges (£) through to Executive (££), Exclusive (£££) and Treehouses (££££). They also have apartments for smaller groups. Within some categories you can also upgrade to a 'newer' lodge. Other upgrades get you things like en-suite facilities, a games room, a coffee machine, a wine cooler (absolutely essential, of course), dedicated parking spaces, a hot tub, a sauna and even a host with maid service. We've written a whole blog about choosing the right Center Parcs lodge, but one key factor is the size of your group. The cheaper lodges are available for group sizes of between 2 and 12 whilst the most expensive lodges are best for groups of 7-8 people. You'll pay a premium per head if you have a half-empty lodge (we once saw a Treehouse which was £10,000 for the week...). Meanwhile, Bluestone has 16 different types of accommodation by my count, including:
Some differences worth noting:
Result: Bluestone is a good option if two families want to holiday together, but still want some privacy. Center Parcs is a good option if you want a hot tub or sauna and have deep pockets. Which is best for dogs? Center Parcs or Bluestone?Bluestone has a complete ban on dogs, so you'll need to leave Rover with grandma or cough up for the kennels. Of course, if you don't particularly like dogs then Bluestone is the winner! Center Parcs has dog friendly lodges but there are some limitations:
ConclusionsThe first thing to say is that are a lot of similarities between Center Parcs and Bluestone. Both are good choices for a family holiday at the more luxurious end of the UK's holiday lodge resort market.
Customer reviews are very similar and they both have excellent indoor swimming pools/water parks. They also both offer enough activities to keep you entertained for several days and have a big range of accommodation. There are a few factors which might make up your mind:
Review scores and prices correct at the time of writing.
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A fascinating comparison of Woodland Lodges, Executive Lodges, Exclusive Lodges and Treehouses at Center Parcs UKThere are four main types of lodge at Center Parcs in the UK - Woodland (£), Executive (££), Exclusive (£££) and Treehouses (££££). We'll use £ symbols throughout this guide to help you get your head round the options. You can also choose whether you want to upgrade to 'newer' versions of each lodge and there are some other options (which we'll discuss later). A big factor in helping you decide is the size of your group. If you are a family of three or four then you are really only choosing between Woodland (£) and Executive (££) - unless you've recently had a lottery win. This is because the Exclusive (£££) and Treehouse lodges (££££) have four bedrooms, so you'll be paying a huge amount per head if you only use a couple of the bedrooms. Let's start with a rather massive table of what you get with each type of Center Parcs lodge and then I'll move on to a summary of the main differences.
*The ideal group size means that you'll get best value for money if you have this number of people. Of course, a family of four could hire a treehouse but they all have four bedrooms so you'll be paying a huge amount per person. Key differences between the four main types of lodge at Center Parcs1. Center Parcs Woodland Lodge (£)Woodland Lodges are the cheapest accommodation at Center Parcs. You get kitchen facilities, a lounge with a TV, bedrooms, a patio area, a log burner and towels provided. You don't get any frills or fancy features but it's still in a nice woodland setting. The best thing about them is that they are available in loads of different sizes - including Woodland Lodges for two people or for a party of 12. 2. Center Parcs Executive Lodges (££)Executive Lodges are only a modest upgrade from Woodland Lodges but you don't tend to pay a huge amount more. You get the same facilities as a Woodland Lodge but you also get ensuite bathrooms including a whirlpool bath/jacuzzi/hydrobath. That's certainly not quite as fancy as a hot tub, but it's still a nice addition. You also get TVs in the bedrooms, a coffee machine and a wine cooler. Some of the the bigger Executive Lodges have games rooms and hot tubs, but you don't get that with the standard sized ones with two bedrooms. So, the differences are not mind blowing but when we checked for a week at Whinfell Forest in August 2024, it was only £50 to upgrade from a New Style Woodland Lodge to New Style Executive Lodge. I'd say that is good value and is probably worth it. 3. Center Parcs Exclusive Lodges (£££)There's a big jump up in price to a Center Parcs Exclusive Lodge. You can expect to pay about 50% extra per person per night, or perhaps even twice the price (based on the price comparisons we did below). Exclusive Lodges have four bedrooms, so they are prohibitively expensive per person unless there are seven or eight of you to spread the price out. The most significant upgrades are that you get a games room, a sauna, a steam room and a hot tub. That makes a big difference if you plan to spend a lot of time socialising with your own party rather than doing non-stop activities. My opinion is that if it's a family reunion then it may be worth paying the extra. If you plan to swim every day, go for a bike ride, slide down a zip wire and then eat out for most meals then it's probably not worth the money. You also get allocated parking in the car park, which is a small bonus in my opinion. The outside space you get is slightly better as well. 4. Center Parcs Treehouses (££££)Finally, there's the option of upgrading to a Center Parcs Treehouse. You mostly get the same things as you get with an Exclusive Lodge, but you also get a host, a balcony, more space and a somewhat cooler building. You get a hot tub and sauna, but you don't get a steam room. You also get a maid service, which will appeal to some people. Honestly, I think it's hard to justify a Treehouse for the facilities alone. However, the design is pretty cool so it's no surprise that they often sell out first. If you are flushed and want a more memorable holiday then I would be tempted. Take a look at our guide to the 6 Best Holiday Parks With Treehouses or some cheaper alternatives. Is it worth upgrading accommodation at Center Parcs?The short answer is that: a) upgrading at Center Parcs is cheaper off peak than on peak b) upgrading from a Woodland Lodge (£) to an Executive Lodge (££) is quite cheap and is probably worth it. However, upgrading to an Exclusive Lodge or Treehouse is very expensive so is only really worth considering if you plan to spend a lot of time in the lodge. How much will upgrading accommodation at Center Parcs cost me?For a rough price comparison, we looked at the scenario of two families of four people wanting to visit Center Parcs Sherwood Forest together for a week in August 2024. Let's call them the Smiths and the Jones.
Now let's see what the Smiths and Jones would pay for a similar holiday at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest in mid September 2024, during term time.
So, upgrading from a Woodland Lodge to a Treehouse during peak times costs about £1200 more than it does off peak. However, upgrading from a Woodland Lodge to a New Style Executive Lodge is only £5 per person, per night off peak - I'd say that's money well spent. What other types of accommodation are at Center Parcs?The two other types of Center Parcs accommodation to choose from are: 1. Center Parcs Hotels and ApartmentsThese are one bedroom 'Executive Apartments' which are aimed at couples or a parent with one child. You can stay in an apartment at any of the UK Center Parcs, but the hotel is only at Center Parcs Woburn Forest. With an Executive Apartment you get a small kitchen, en-suite facilities and a balcony or terrace. The main upgrade available is a 'Penthouse Apartment', which has a larger kitchen and more spacious living area. You also get an infrared sauna. To give you a rough idea, we looked at the price of an Executive Apartment at Woburn Forest for a couple in mid September 2022 and found it cost £688 or £49 per person, per night. The upgrade to an Executive Penthouse was about twice the price at £1208 or £86 per person, per night. The Center Parcs Hotel Rooms are currently only available at Woburn Forest. You don't get food provided, but you are near to the Plaza where they are places to eat. Bear in mind that eating out at Center Parcs isn't especially cheap! 2. Center Parcs Waterside LodgesFinally, a brief mention for the Waterside Lodges. There are only three of them, which are at Elveden Forest so we've not included them in our comparisons. They sleep six people. *This 'half price' claim is based on our Center Parcs Europe price comparisons for August 2024. We found a week at Center Parcs Les Ardennes in Belgium from £1072 for a family of four when booked through CenterParcs.fr. The cheapest price for the same week at a Center Parcs UK resort was £2128. My advice is to pay a little extra and stay at highly rated Center Parcs Het Meerdal in the Netherlands, which was £1140 for the same dates.
What does Haven Hideaway mean? Should I book a standard Haven holiday or a Haven Hideaway?6/11/2023
You may have noticed a couple of different prices appear when you’re booking a Haven holiday.
Option one is a ‘Haven’ holiday whilst option two is a ‘Haven Hideaway’ holiday. The ‘Haven Hideaway’ holiday is usually £80-£200 cheaper for a week. So, what’s the difference and is it worth paying the higher price? In summary, a Haven Hideaway holiday means that you can't use the onsite facilities except for the restaurants, shop, launderette and takeaway. The official explanation is here, or you can read on for more details of what a Haven Hideaway holiday includes and our opinion of whether it's worth upgrading. 'Haven Stay' is now called 'Haven Hideaway'
Haven has offered two options for its holidays for a while now but they were previously called ‘Haven Stay’ (now called 'Haven Hideaway') or ‘Haven Stay + Play’ (now just called a ‘Haven’ holiday).
In summary, a standard Haven holiday gives you accommodation plus access to all the free onsite facilities (e.g. swimming pool, evening entertainment). You can also choose whether you want to pay for the extra activities (e.g. climbing walls, archery, zip wires etc) A Haven Hideaway holiday just gives you accommodation, plus access to the restaurants. You can’t use the swimming pool and you can’t sign up for the paid for activities. Haven Hideaway is aimed at people who want a good value caravan holiday but just want a base for exploring the local area. My understanding is that Haven introduced these options when Covid-19 led to a boom in staycations. They were getting lots of first time visitors who didn’t want to mingle with everyone else but liked the beachside location and the reliable accommodation offered by Haven. What you need to know about Haven holidays vs Haven Hideaway holidays
​ What’s the difference in price between a Haven holiday and a Haven Hideaway holiday?
Roughly speaking, you’ll save about £80-£300 if you don’t use any of the facilities at a Haven holiday during a week’s holiday.
However, the exact amount you save by going for a Haven Hideaway holiday varies depending on a) the time of year b) the number of facilities at the holiday park and c) how long you are staying for. For example, a family of four staying at Haven Devon Cliffs for a week in August 2024 would pay from £907 for a Haven Hideaway holiday or £1097 for a standard Haven holiday (based on the cheapest accommodation available). That’s a total of £190 to use the facilities, or £6.78 per person, per day. Meanwhile, a family of four staying at Haven Lydstep Beach for a week in September 2024 would only pay £4.28 per person, per day to use the facilities. That price is based on a Saver caravan costing £818 for a Haven holiday or £698 for a Haven Hideaway holiday. For a more detailed comparison, we looked at the cost of upgrading from Haven Hideaway to a standard Haven holiday at Hafan y Môr in Wales. It's a huge holiday park with excellent facilities, so you’d expect to pay quite a lot extra for the facilities. Here’s the cost of upgrading for a family of four in the cheapest accommodation available at Hafan y Môr:
The prices are similar to Haven Devon Cliffs, which is another large and popular resort:
So, the amount you’re paying to upgrade is pretty significant in the summer but is much less in the autumn. Will you get value for money with a Haven holiday?
One thing to consider is that you will likely spend more money off site if you get a Haven Hideaway holiday. For example, you might decide to visit Crealy Theme Park if you’re staying at Devon Cliffs. A family of four will pay about £80 entry. That’s a fairly big chunk of your £90 saving if you’re visiting Devon Cliffs in October but is less of a big deal if you’ve saved yourself £210 by choosing Haven Hideaway in August.
It also depends on what your family enjoys doing on holiday. A Haven Hideaway means that you can’t watch the entertainment provided at Haven Devon Cliffs, but you might prefer a trip to the cinema in Exmouth (about £25 for a family ticket). If you want a family swim every day then you’d be better using the facilities at Devon Cliffs. If you just want a basic swim on one day, you’d be better paying £15 for a family swim at the council swimming pool in Exmouth. It’s worth doing a detailed investigation to figure out what your children are looking forward to doing. If they just want to do an aerial adventure or zip wire then you’d be better visiting a nearby Go Ape (£20-£30) rather than paying £100-£200 for a Haven holiday and then another £12 for the Haven Adrena-Line zip wire. Conclusion - Haven holidays v Haven Hideaway holidays
If you’re visiting off-peak, I would certainly go for the ‘standard’ Haven holiday even if you mostly plan to spend time offsite. You’ll probably pay less than £100 for a family of four for a week, which is good value compared to local days out.
If you’re visiting a larger Haven resort during the school holidays then it’s a bit of a trickier decision as the difference can be around £200. That will pay for a few days out or meals out, so you’ll need to use the onsite facilities quite a lot to get value for your money. Also remember that paying for the standard ‘Haven’ holiday doesn’t mean you can do every activity onsite for free. Several things cost extra, although the prices aren't as high as Center Parcs in my experience. Generally, I think it's worth paying for the full Haven holiday experience. Downgrading to a Haven Hideaway holiday means that your kids won't be able to join in with the entertainment or ride down the flumes - which may be a problem if they make friends with the kids in the caravan next door. ​Get the Guru's weekly deals from Haven + exclusive £20 off Butlins discount codeIs Cleaning And Housekeeping Included With Eurocamp? Or Do You Clean Your Own Holiday Home?10/10/2023 This is just a short blog to clear up a question that a lot of people have about Eurocamp - do you have to clean your holiday home when you leave? The short answer is...sometimes. Read on for the four things that you need to know - plus our advice on how you can avoid cleaning your holiday home. 1. There are some jobs that everyone needs to do when they leave a Eurocamp holiday homeEurocamp ask you to do what they call 'Basic Housekeeping' before you leave. This is regardless of what property you are staying in. The tasks are:
These are listed on the Eurocamp website here. My experience is that most UK holiday parks ask you to do these things when you leave. It varies a bit, but I don't think it's an unreasonable list of requests. 2. You don't need to do any cleaning if you are staying with Eurocamp in Germany, Spain, Italy, Croatia, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Austria or SwitzerlandWhat about cleaning rather than just taking the bins out and stripping the beds? Well, in the vast majority of countries that Eurocamp covers, you don't need to do cleaning before you leave. In fact, the only country that requires some guests to clean is France. I don't know why this is the case but if you are visiting a Eurocamp in Germany, Netherlands, Spain etc. then you won't be cleaning the oven whilst trying to leave. 3. You do need clean your own property when you leave in most Eurocamp properties in France.If you go for one of the cheaper grades at Eurocamp in France, including Classic, Classic XL, Comfort, Comfort XL or Premium then you need to do the following before you leave:
Again, you can find this list on the Eurocamp website here. So, are cleaning materials provided by Eurocamp, or will you need to pack a bottle of Cif? According to the Eurocamp website, the following is provided:
If you go for one of the top grades of accommodation at Eurocamp in France then cleaning is included. These grades are called Premium Exclusive, Ultimate and Ultimate Plus. 4. If you don't do housekeeping and cleaning then you will be charged up to £150There are a couple of 'penalty charges' if you don't complete your duties. If you don't do the 'housekeeping tasks' (e.g. taking out the bins, stripping the beds) then Eurocamp will take 'up to £70' from the bank card that you used when you paid for your holiday. If you don't do either the housekeeping or cleaning of a property where you should have done it then Eurocamp will charge you 'up to £150'. So, how can I avoid cleaning my holiday home before I leave?You may feel that you don't want to clean your holiday home. I know that Mrs Guru would certainly feel that it wasn't really a holiday if she was scrubbing the toilet. She would also be concerned about trying to clean whilst the children made more mess and I made a pigs' ear of packing the car.
There are several ways to avoid cleaning your Eurocamp holiday home:
8 Essential Tips for Visiting Sandals Resorts - What's Included, Activities, Packing Advice5/10/2023 Nothing screams ‘luxury vacation’ quite like an all-inclusive escapade to a Sandals Resorts. Crystal clear waters, powdery white sands, and a cocktail (or two!) in hand—does it get any better than this? Whether you're a seasoned Sandals aficionado or a first-time visitor, our top tips will navigate you towards a seamlessly splendid holiday. 1. Selecting the Perfect Sandals Resort:With multiple resorts across the Caribbean, each boasting its unique charm and experiences, research is key. From the lover's paradise of Sandals Grande St. Lucian to the vibrant vibes at Sandals Montego Bay, choose a spot that vibes with your holiday desires. Check our extensive guide that covers everything you need to consider before choosing the right Sandals resort for you. We've compared customer review scores, restaurants, swimming pools, travel time from the UK, climate, price and the general vibe of each resort. If that's too much, skip to our guide to the five best Sandals resorts. 2. Leverage Those All-Inclusive Perks:Now, when you hear “All-Inclusive,” the eyebrows inadvertently go up with a sceptical “Really? Everything?”. Let’s journey through the splendid aisles of what's indeed included and subtly nudge at what's not, in a Sandals all-inclusive holiday package. What’s included?
See the list of what is included in a Sandals holiday. 3. Plan Your Adventures Early:Secure your spot for tours, excursions, and spa treatments by booking in advance! Whether you're imagining a serene massage or a thrilling island excursion, early birds definitely get the worms. Highlights include: Sailing into the Sunset: Envision this: You’re basking on a private catamaran, the fiery sunset reflecting on the gentle ocean, and your beloved by your side. Is there anything more romantic? Get Your PADI: Submerge beneath the surface into a world of vibrant corals and exotic marine life. Sandals offer top-tier diving experiences, even throwing in PADI certification courses for those keen to delve deeper. Golfing Greens and Dreams: For the golf enthusiasts out there, the meticulously manicured greens against the backdrop of panoramic Caribbean vistas await. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a casual swinger, the courses are simply divine. Luxury Spa Day, Yes Please: If unadulterated relaxation is what you seek, the Red Lane Spa welcomes you with open arms. Indulge in a rejuvenating massage or a refreshing facial that promises to transport you to a realm of utter tranquillity. Evening Entertains: As the sun gently dips beneath the horizon, a variety of entertainment awaits. Picture lively beach parties, serene fire pit sessions, and themed nights that'll keep your toes tapping. See our comparison of Sandals resorts, which gives advice on the best resorts for different activities. 4. Explore the Culinary Landscape:First off, imagine dining under the stars in the cool Caribbean breeze at a barefoot beachfront grill. Sandals offers this dreamy setting alongside a variety of eating spots ranging from sumptuous buffets, charming cafés, and authentic Caribbean eateries to five-star diamond awarded restaurants. Whether you're into Italian, Asian, French, or prefer a hearty steakhouse, the range of international cuisines available is staggering. No passport required for this global culinary trip! Craving something a bit more casual? Munch on wood-fired pizzas by the pool or dig into a plate of fish and chips while your feet are caressed by the warm sand. Oh, and if you’re a sushi fanatic, the sushi bars are a must-try - offering the freshest, melt-in-the-mouth sushi and sashimi. Now, about those cocktails... From swim-up pool bars (talk about luxury!) and lively pub taverns to elegant lounges, you're never far from your next delicious sip. Bubbly on the beach, anyone? Or how about trying a local rum at a classic Caribbean bar? The charm doesn’t end here. Enjoy exclusive wine-tasting from their world-renowned cellar, or perhaps join a mixology class? The fun and fizz are endless. Fancy a cosy dinner? Romantic and private dining experiences are also available for you and your special someone to enjoy each other’s company whilst being serenaded by the gentle sounds of the ocean. 5. Pack Strategically:It’s time to get nitty-gritty with the packing details. No stress, we've got you covered with a breezy packing guide to ensure you’re beach-ready from day one! 1. Swimwear Galore: Don’t stop at one. Swimsuits, bikinis, or trunks - packing a few extra gives you the liberty to switch between those fabulous tropical prints and sizzling hot colours, all while ensuring you’ve always got a dry one ready to slip into! 2. Light, Light, Light: Think breezy sundresses, airy linen trousers, and lightweight tops. It’s all about feeling easy, comfy, and fab without dragging around that heavy suitcase. 3. Fancy Dining Outfits: Sandals’ resorts boast some pretty spectacular dining options. Be sure to include a couple of smart-casual outfits for those romantic sunset dinners. A lovely dress or a smart pair of chinos should do the trick! 4. Flip Flops and Sandals: It might sound like a no-brainer, but a couple of trusty flip-flops and a comfortable pair of sandals are absolutely essential. Perfect for beach lounging and exploring the local area! 5. Shade Essentials: Protect those peepers and that lovely skin. Pack your favourite sunnies, a wide-brimmed hat, and, of course, a bottle (or two) of high-SPF sunscreen. 6. Beach Bag: A light, easy-to-carry beach bag is essential for toting around your sunscreen, a good read, and perhaps a cheeky cocktail in a reusable cup. 7. Adapters and Chargers: We know you’re looking to escape, but don’t forget to capture those Instagrammable moments. Packing your charger and a UK-to-local travel adapter is key to staying connected. 8. Snorkel Gear: If you’re keen on exploring the vibrant undersea life, consider packing your snorkel gear. If not, rentals are always there. 9. A Good Read: There’s nothing like a gripping novel or a sassy magazine to accompany your sunbathing sessions. 10. Safety First: Keep a little first-aid kit with plasters, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medications. Oh, and perhaps a soothing after-sun lotion for post-sunbathing skin pampering. 6. Tap into Off-peak Travel:Avoiding peak season can mean fewer crowds and potential deals. If your dates are flexible, explore off-peak options for added tranquillity. Take a look at our price comparisons for peak and off peak dates to see what we mean! For example, we found a week at Sandals Ochi in Jamaica started at £3761 in November/December 2023 but was £6052 in August 2024. 7. Embrace Local Culture:Sandals doesn’t just stop at exquisite beaches and divine dining. Oh no, it takes you a step further – or should we say, a boat ride further into the horizon, to explore the enchanting world beyond their resorts. Island Routes Caribbean Adventures, the excursion arm of Sandals, offers a spectacular variety of activities that’ll have you exploring your destination like a local. And by ‘exploring’, we mean snorkelling beside vibrant coral reefs, cruising down jungle rivers, and dancing beneath waterfall cascades. Let’s set sail on a Catamaran Cruise first. Imagine this: Sipping on unlimited cocktails, grooving to the Caribbean beats, and diving into the shimmering sea to cool off – all while cruising along the spectacular coastline. It’s not just a journey; it’s a party on the sea! If you’re more of a ‘land ahoy’ type, then the 4x4 Jeep Safari Adventure might just tickle your adventurous spirit. Venture through the lush landscapes, uncover hidden waterfalls, and perhaps enjoy a refreshing dip in secluded, crystal-clear waters. For a blend of culture and fun, immerse yourself in the Island Street Party. Celebrate with locals, savour mouth-watering street food, and sway with the rhythm of live reggae music. And ah, let’s not forget our foodies! Enrich your palate on the Flavour of Grenada tour, where you’ll dive into a world of spices, discovering the culinary secrets of the Island of Spice. Needless to say, the choice varies depending on which resort you go for. 8. Pick the right Sandals accommodation:Choose your preferred style of accommodation and let Sandals Holidays whisk you away to a world where your comfort is paramount, and lavish living is the order of the day. Options vary depending on the resort but typical choices include: Beachfront Bliss: Imagine waking up to the serene murmur of waves, with a golden sunrise painting your window - that’s the beachfront accommodation experience at Sandals. These elegantly appointed rooms and suites grant unobstructed views of the sparkling ocean, ensuring every morning commences with breathtaking vistas and a gentle sea breeze. Romantic Over-The-Water Bungalows: For those seeking an unmatched romantic retreat, the over-the-water bungalows offer a secluded oasis floating above the translucent azure waters. Featuring glass floor panels, tranquillity soaking tubs, and a private patio that steps directly into the sea, these bungalows curate an intimate space where love and luxury intertwine. Sumptuous Villas: If solitude is your sanctuary, consider an exquisite villa, providing an unmatched level of privacy and personalisation. With private pools, lush gardens, and exclusive butler service, your every need is not just met, but anticipated, in these plush, private environments. Luxury Included Experience: No matter which accommodation type you select, Sandals guarantees a ‘Luxury Included’ experience. Gourmet dining, unlimited premium spirits, and a variety of land and water sports are all a part of your stay, ensuring every moment is filled with indulgence and exciting activities. And there you have it, lovely globetrotters—your passport to maximizing your splendid stay at Sandals Resorts! For the savviest and most sultry vacation, keep these tips in your back pocket and dive feet-first into a world of luxury, excitement, and enchanting Caribbean vibes.
Adventure Awaits! At the time of writing, there are eight Haven holiday parks which allow you to camp with a tent. If you have a caravan, motorhome or touring tent then the range is much larger - but for a simple tent, you just have eight to choose from. We've ranked them from top to bottom based on customer reviews. We added together review scores from Google Reviews and TripAdvisor. To get an idea of price, we searched for a week's camping in August 2024 for a family of four with a 4m x 4m pitch. 1. Camping at Haven Thornwick Bay, Yorkshire - 8.5/10Winner: Best Value Haven Resort For TentsThornwick Bay is one of the newer Haven holiday parks. It sits alongside a beach on Yorkshire's East Coast, near to Bridlington. It's got 187 pitches, making it one of the larger Haven campsites for tents (although that space is shared with motorhomes and caravans). You aren't allowed to stay in a 'pup tent' (i.e. a tiny little tent designed for pets) but as long as you have a decent sized tent you will be very welcome. Price comparison: £294 for a basic grass pitch for tents. A larger pitch with an electric hook-up was £336. That's still a very good price and beats most other resorts for their non-electric pitches. 2. Camping at Haven Littlesea, Dorset - 8.3/10Haven's Littlesea has another good-sized campsite with space for 155 tents, caravans or motorhomes. The park has recently added a lot more activities, including an inflatable obstacle course and a NERF shooting arena. There are indoor and outdoor swimming pools but they don't have slides and flumes like you find at some Haven resorts. Price comparison: £504 for the smallest and most basic pitch for camping. Upgrading to a bigger pitch with electric will cost you £609. That makes Littlesea almost twice the price of Thornwick Bay for the week that we looked at in early August. 3. Camping at Haven Seaview, Dorset - 8.2/10In third place - by a whisker - is camping at Haven Seaview, which is seven miles down the road from Haven Littlesea. Haven Seaview is a small holiday park, which is next door to a larger Haven resort called Weymouth Bay. If you stay at Haven Seaview you can use some, but not all of the facilities at Weymouth Bay. That includes "the Adventure Village activities and Box Bar at Weymouth Bay holiday park" but not "the swimming pools, lazy river or entertainment venue at Weymouth Bay". The good news is that Haven Seaview has its own indoor swimming pool that you can use. The camping area at Haven Seaview is about half the size of the site at Haven Littlesea, with 82 pitches for tourers and tents in total. Price comparison: £441 for a basic pitch for a family of four in August 2023. If you want an electric pitch then the price jumped up to £546. = 4. Camping at Haven Golden Sands, Lincolnshire and Camping at Haven Kiln Park, Wales - 7.8/10We have a thrilling tie in fourth place in our rundown of the eight Haven holiday parks which allow you to bring a tent for camping. Haven's Golden Sands is in Mablethorpe. It's got an indoor swimming pool with a slide and an adventure village where you can pay extra for activities such as high ropes. It's a pretty large site with fishing lakes, a NERF training camp and an outdoor stage for events. Despite all that, its best feature is the direct access to a long sandy beach. People can be a little sniffy about Mablethorpe itself but the beach is very pleasant. Meanwhile, campers at Haven Kiln Park also have easy access to a beach. You can walk down to Tenby South Beach which is another lovely sandy stretch of Britain's coastline. Kiln Park has 107 pitches available to campers whilst Golden Sands has 172 pitches for campers. You can't bring 'pup tents' at Kiln Park or Golden Sands, you need to have a proper sized tent. Price comparison: £546 for a basic pitch at Kiln Park or £606 for an electric pitch. Golden Sands was just £315, which is significantly cheaper for the August 2024 dates that we looked at. An electric pitch was £420. =6. Camping at Haven Cleethorpes Beach in Lincolnshire and Camping at Haven Lakeland in Cumbria - 7.7/10There's another tie in our Haven camping guide! This time it's a sixth place tie between camping at Haven Cleethorpes Beach in Lincolnshire (previously called Haven Thorpe Park) and camping at Haven Lakeland in the Lake District/Cumbria. The camping and touring area at Haven Cleethorpes Beach is a five minute walk from the main facilities. There are 120 pitches in total. Cleethorpes Beach is worth a special mention as it has recently invested a lot of money in upgrades. It was then given a new name in 2023, rather than the slightly confusing Thorpe Park name (which was nothing to do with the theme park of the same name). The resort now has a large Adventure Village with things like high ropes and a big pillow that you can jump onto. Haven Lakeland Leisure Park isn't actually within the Lake District. It sits just outside in a coastal part of what was called Cumbria. It's not a sandcastles sort of location but the resort has activities such as indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a bowling alley, two types of golf (minigolf and nine-hole), pottery painting and a boating lake. The camping and touring area is large, with 177 spaces. You can't bring 'pup tents' to Lakeland. Price: £504 for the cheapest pitch available at Cleethorpes Beach for a family of four in August 2024. We weren't offered the chance to upgrade to an electric pitch with a tent. Lakeland was slightly cheaper for the same dates at £476. 8. Camping at Haven Blue Dolphin, Yorkshire - 7.6/10The final place on our list of Haven resorts which allow camping with tents is Haven Blue Dolphin. Don't be too put off by an average score of 7.6/10. I'd still say that's still respectable and you will find plenty of positive comments on TripAdvisor. There are a whopping 210 pitches at the resort but you can't bring pup tents. Perhaps more importantly, the price is an absolute bargain! Price: £266 for a basic grass pitch for a tent and a family of four for a week in August 2024. That's a really good price when you consider that it's good indoor and outdoor swimming pools, playgrounds and other activities which you can use for free (plus some things you pay extra for). An electric pitch for tents was £441. Price comparison - which is the cheapest Haven campsite for tents?We just looked at one very specific price - a family of four visiting for a week in early August 2024. We assumed that this family didn't need electricity and only wanted the smallest pitch available. I admit that's not a very common search but it gets a bit complicated otherwise and it does give us a useful starting point.
From cheapest to most expensive:
So, it's a big thumbs up for Yorkshire which is home to our two cheapest camping holidays with Haven. I would start your search with Camping at Haven Thornwick Bay which gets the best reviews of the lot. Goodbye Haven Thorpe Park and Haven Allhallows - hello Haven Cleethorpes Beach and Haven Kent Coast!5/9/2023 Haven has rebranded two of its holiday parks after spending millions on refurbishments and upgrades. Haven Thorpe Park is now Haven Cleethorpes Beach whilst Haven Allhallows is now Haven Kent Coast. Here's what we know so far! Haven Thorpe Park is now Haven Cleethorpes Beach.Rumour has it that Haven Thorpe Park once had a visitor turn up thinking that they were visiting Thorpe Park Theme Park, which is 180 miles away. The lack of rollercoasters must have been a clue that something was amiss. Anyway, we can speculate that this confusion may have been behind the decision to change the name of the park to Haven Cleethorpes Beach. Personally, I think the new name is a good one. Haven Cleethorpes Beach is one of the Haven resorts which has easy access to a sandy beach so it is worth promoting that fact. The park had a big investment in 2022, when it was operating under the Haven Thorpe Park name. The main new addition was the Adventure Village with which was - at the time - Haven's biggest adventure village. Activities include a 'supersized' aerial adventure, a 'mini aerial adventure', 'The Jump' and a sports court for junior segway rides, football coaching and mini sports. They also launched a Bark Yard, which is a dog obstacle course (see other dog friendly holiday parks). In 2023, ahead of the renaming to Cleethorpes Beach, Haven opened a number of other upgrades at Haven Thorpe Park. That included a refurbished show bar, which went from seating 250 people to seating up to 1000 people. They also opened a new restaurant called Slim Chickens. Haven Allhallows is now Haven Kent CoastI'll be honest, I probably got a bit too excited when I saw that Haven Allhallows had been renamed as Haven Kent Coast. It has followed a very similar pattern to Haven Thorpe Park/Haven Cleethorpes Beach - massive investment and then a renaming. Haven call it their Parks of the Future plan. The big investment at Allhallows in 2022 included an Aerial Adventure and the Jump Tower as well as 'low ropes' for smaller children, a Bark Yard for dogs and an outdoor stage. More recently, they opened their Marina Lounge which now seats up to 1200 people and The Yacht Club, which is a 'dog friendly bar and entertainment venue'. There's also a new shop called the Wondershop and the 'UK's first ever walk-through Burger King'. In all, Haven has spent a whopping £18 million on upgrades at Haven Kent Coast/Allhallows. Check out our guide to the best holiday parks in Kent to see how Haven Kent Coast compares to the competition.
Sponsored post Disney Davy Crockett Ranch and Ticket Package: Enjoy a family break for £91 per person & per night based on a two night stay for two adults & two children at Disney Davy Crockett Ranch's Pioneer Tribe Cabin on selected Fridays arrivals 12-19-26 Jan + 2 Feb Disney Davy Crockett Ranch offers something different to the other official Disneyland Paris hotels. You get your own cabin and outside space, as well as cooking facilities. Reviews are positive and it regularly beats official and unofficial competition when it comes to price. Here's our guide to whether it is right for you, including details on facilities, travel times and prices. Where is Disney Davy Crockett Ranch?From the UK, you can reach Disney Davy Crockett Ranch in about three hours from Calais. The quickest route to Calais is the 40 minute Le Shuttle, which was previously known as the Eurotunnel. It leaves from Folkestone and is a great big train which you drive your car onto. Disney Davy Crockett Ranch isn't walking distance from the two theme parks at Disneyland Paris. That sets it apart from the other official hotels at Disneyland Paris. There also isn't a shuttle bus to the theme parks from Davy Crockett Ranch so most people bring their own car. However, it's only about 15 minutes by car from the accommodation to the Disneyland Paris car parks. You get free parking at Disneyland Paris if you are staying at Davy Crockett Ranch. This is a big money saver, as standard parking costs 30 Euros a day at Disneyland Paris. Over a week, that means you would save about £200 in parking fees. How big is Disney Davy Crockett Ranch at Disneyland Paris?According to a few sources online, there are just under 600 cabins at Disney Davy Crockett Ranch. They are spread over 140 acres. For comparison, a typical Center Parcs resort in the UK has about 800 cabins over 400 acres. What is the accommodation like at Disney Davy Crockett Ranch?The accommodation at Disney Davy Crockett Ranch is described as 'forest bungalows'. You get a kitchen, a parking space and an outdoor area with a barbecue. If you can afford an upgrade, go for a Premium Cabins which include a dishwasher and a coffee machine. The Trapper Tribe Cabins are deeper into the forest and give you more of a woodland holiday vibe. The Pioneer Tribe Cabins are better if you want to be closer to the facilities. What review scores do customers give Disney Davy Crockett Ranch?We compared customer review scores at all of the official accommodation at Disneyland Paris. That includes six hotels, a Center Parcs resort which is a joint venture with Disney and Disney Davy Crockett Ranch. We dug out review scores from TripAdvisor, Google reviews, Booking.com and Expedia. Disney Davy Crockett Ranch scored an impressive average of 4.13/5 that put it in third place, just behind Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel and Disneyland Hotel. Both of those offer a very different holiday and tend to be a lot more expensive. What facilities are at Disney Davy Crockett Ranch at Disneyland Paris?Of course, most of your time at Disney Davy Crockett Ranch will be spent at the two Disneyland Paris theme parks. However, there are also a few things to do at the resort, if you find yourself with an hour or two spare. Options include:
How much does Disney Davy Crockett Ranch cost?Prices vary throughout the year, but we have generally found Disney Davy Crockett Ranch to be one of the cheapest ways to visit Disneyland Paris. You can get a guide to how prices vary throughout the year here.
In our guide to Disneyland Paris' official accommodation, we found that Davy Crockett Ranch was the:
Of course, you may be thinking that the 'official' Disneyland Paris accommodation is going to be much more expensive than the DIY option of finding a local hotel or Airbnb. However, our guide to the cheapest accommodation near Disneyland Paris pulled up some surprising results. Staying at Disney’s Davy Crockett Ranch or Disney’s Hotel Santa Fe was cheaper than staying at a privately owned holiday apartment or an unaffiliated hotel near to Disneyland Paris. The reason is that accommodation at Disney’s Davy Crockett Ranch includes entry to the Disneyland Paris theme parks. You get a good discount on this sort of bundle deal compared to booking your own tickets to Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. The current deal - promoted at the top of this page - is for a family break for £91 per person & per night based on a two night stay for two adults & two children at Disney Davy Crockett Ranch's Pioneer Tribe Cabin on selected Fridays arrivals 12-19-26 Jan + 2 Feb Parkdean Resorts has camping and touring at 24 of its holiday parks. That represents about a third of its total number of holiday parks in the UK. Parkdean's campsites and touring parks tend to be in excellent coastal locations and some of them have a good choice of onsite activities, including swimming pools, kids' clubs and restaurants. With a bit of careful planning you can find a great value holiday park with your caravan, motorhome or tent, even in the middle of August. However, there's a big range in the customer reviews that the campsites receive. We added together the TripAdvisor and Google review scores for each Parkdean Resorts which offer camping and touring and ranked them from first to last. The scores relate to the holiday park as a whole, rather than exclusively the camping and touring. For this reason, it is worth digging into the review scores by searching for keywords. Without further waffle, here's the ranking of every Parkdean Resorts with campsites and touring parks. We've also included the number of camping and touring pitches at each resort. Holiday parks with more pitches tend to have more facilities for campers but they also feel busier. I like larger resorts as you are more likely to find other kids for your children to play with, so you can have five minutes' peace! Three of the campsites are classed as 'Action Packed Resorts' which means that they have a particularly large range of things to do (Sandford Campsite in Dorset, Ty Mawr Campsite in Wales and Southview Campsite in Lincolnshire). 1. Eyemouth Touring Site, Scotland. 4.5/5 + 4.4/5 = 8.9/10 - 17 pitches (tourers only, no camping)**Highest rated in the UK**Scotland's Eyemouth campsite is the overall winner with customer reviews. But there's snag...they don't allow camping and the touring area is very small, with just 17 pitches. That's the smallest number of any Parkdean campsite. Perhaps that's the key - fewer campsite neighbours to annoy you! 2. Nairn Lochloy Campsite, Scotland. 4/5 + 4.4/5 = 8.4/10 - 27 pitches**Highest rated for camping in the UK**It's a Scottish one-two! Nairn Lochloy is another highly rated touring and camping resort. It does allow campers, unlike Eyemouth but it's another one with a really small camping and touring area. 3 and 4. Nodes Point Campsite, Isle of Wight. 4/5 + 4.3/5 = 8.3/10 - 160 pitches and Lower Hyde Campsite, Isle of Wight. 4/5 + 4.3/5 = 8.3/10 - 41 pitches**Highest rated campsites and touring sites in England**Two Isle of Wight resorts take the highest English positions in our ranking of Parkdean's campsite and touring parks (yes, the Isle of Wight is part of England!). My view is that Nodes Point campsite is in a better location as you can walk straight down to St Helens beach, which is dog friendly and fairly sandy. Lower Hyde campsite is nice too and the local beach is sandier - but it's a 20 minute walk away. That's a little too far for an after-tea stroll, in my opinion. Parkdean Resorts will also get you a discount on the Isle of Wight ferry if you are staying at one of their campsites or touring parks. 5. Kessingland Beach Campsite, Suffolk. 4/5 + 4.2/5 = 8.2/10 - 80 pitches**Highest rated touring and camping site in East Anglia**The joint-most popular Parkdean campsite and touring park in mainland England is Kessingland Beach. It's a convenient choice if you live in South East England or East Anglia. The camping area is in the mid-range size. The park has indoor and outdoor swimming pools. 6. Southview Campsite, Lincolnshire. 4/5 + 4.2/5 = 8.2/10 - 95 pitchesSouthview campsite in Skegness/Skegvegas is up there with Kessingland Beach campsite on review scores - but it's more convenient for most people in the Midlands. It's an Action Packed park, which means it has more facilities than most Parkdean Resorts. Things to do include swimming in the indoor pool and playing golf at the nine hole golf course. 7. Landguard Campsite, Isle of Wight. 4/5 + 4.1/5 = 8.1/10 - 41 pitchesAnother Isle of Wight campsite makes it into the top 10. Landguard is the sister park to Lower Hyde, as they are both in Shanklin. You can use facilities at both resorts, so you may want to see which is the cheapest when you book. How do the rest rank? Numbers 8-24 in our Parkdean Resorts campsite countdown!8. Breydon Water Campsite, Norfolk. 4/5 + 4.1/5 = 8.1/10 - 93 pitches
9. Crimdon Dene Touring Park, County Durham. 4/5 + 3.9/5 = 7.9/10 - 44 pitches - Touring only, no camping 10. Holywell Bay Campsite, Cornwall. 3.5/5 + 4.3/5 = 7.8/10 - 41 pitches - Joint highest rated in the Westcountry 11. Grannie’s Heilan’ Campsite, Scotland. 3.5/5 + 4.3/5 = 7.8/10 - 185 pitches 12. Ruda Campsite, Devon. 3.5/5 + 4.3/5 = 7.8/10 - 257 pitches - Joint highest rated in the Westcountry 13. Southerness Campsite, Scotland. 3.5/5 + 4.2/5 = 7.7/10 - 102 pitches 14. Sundrum Castle Campsite, Scotland. 3.5/5 + 4.1/5 = 7.6/10 - 45 pitches 15. West Bay Campsite, Dorset. 3.5/5 + 4.1/5 = 7.6/10 - 116 pitches 16. Sandford Campsite, Dorset. 3.5/5 + 4/5 = 7.5/10 - 423 pitches ('Action Packed' resort with loads of activities) 17. Skipsea Sands Campsite, Yorkshire. 3.5/5 + 4/5 = 7.5/10 - 90 pitches 18. Withernsea Sands Campsite, Yorkshire. 3.5/5 + 4/5 = 7.5/10 - 110 pitches 19. Vauxhall Campsite, Norfolk. 3.5/5 + 4/5 = 7.5/10 - 178 pitches 20. Ty Mawr Campsite, Wales. 3.5/5 + 4/5 = 7.5/10 - 383 pitches ('Action Packed' resort with loads of activities) 21. Thorness Bay Campsite, Isle of Wight. 3.5/5 + 3.9/5 = 7.4/10 - 105 pitches 22. Sunnydale Campsite, Lincolnshire. 3.5/5 + 3.8/5 = 7.3/10 - 38 pitches 23. Lizard Point Campsite, Cornwall. 3/5 + 3.8/5 = 6.8/10 - 77 pitches 24. Sandylands Campsite, Scotland. 3.5/5 + 3.7/5 = 7/10 - 20 pitches (the exact number isn't given by Parkdean, but it looks like 20 on the map) Haven has a deserved reputation for regularly investing in its holiday parks. But which are the newest and biggest developments which have taken place over the last year or so? Highlights for 2023 include new restaurants, upgraded swimming pools, new entertainment areas and new outdoor activities. Here’s our summary, along with a bit of advice about the resorts. 1. Nerf Training Camps at 31 Haven resorts!This new activity launched at Haven last month – and it looks pretty cool! It’s a bit like laser tag but you use Nerf guns armed with soft darts and run around an inflatable arena. There are two teams of eight people. At the time of writing it will cost you £10 for a 45 minute session. When I looked, the sessions were split into two groups – one for 6-11 year olds and one for 12+. Nerf Training camps are available at 31 out of the 38 Haven resorts. It’s probably simpler to say which Haven resorts don’t have the Nerf Training Camps. That includes: Seaview and Weymouth Bay in Dorset, Riviere Sands in Cornwall, Lydstep Beach and Penally Court in Wales, Lakeland in Cumbria/Lake District and Reighton Sands in Filey. You can book on this page. 2. New entertainment and an inflatable arena at Haggerston Castle in NorthumberlandHaven Berwick Caravan Holiday Park is our current pick as the best value holiday park in Northumberland – but Haven Haggerston Castle Caravan Holiday Park certainly isn’t far behind. It gets reviews of 4/5 on TripAdvisor and has facilities including an indoor swimming pool, a boating lake and minigolf. We’ve also found Haggerston Castle Holiday Park to be a great value resort (northern Haven resorts tend to be cheaper than Westcountry Haven resorts). For the 2023 summer holidays, Haggerston Castle is getting a second entertainment area called The Spotlight. It will be home to ‘evening entertainment on the park seven days a week, with everything from visiting live acts to Haven’s signature entertainment shows.’ The new venue is a big one and has space for 499 guests (personally, I’d have squeeze in one extra). Haggerston Castle is also getting an ‘inflatable arena’ which is a combination of a bouncy castle and an obstacle course. It costs £8 for a 30 minute session and is suitable for 4-16 year olds. 3. A new restaurant at Skegness Holiday Park in LincolnshireThose of us who obsessively follow the world of holiday parks (Ed: er, I think that’s just you) will know that Skegness Holiday Park used to be called Richmond Holiday Centre. It was a popular family-friendly resort which is now Haven’s newest park after it was bought last year. A new restaurant is currently being built, along with the Marina Bar. The restaurant will be called The Richmond Arms, as a nice little reference to the site’s former name. It is due to open on August 4th 2023. The holiday park also has an indoor swimming pool, a playground and sports court. The beach is a walk of about 20-25 minutes. 4. A new entertainment centre at Allhallows in KentAllhallows Holiday Park is your best bet if you want a quick weekend away from London. It’s only about an hour from central London by car and it’s got an indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, a nine hole golf course and plenty of kids' activities. The ‘beach’ at Haven Allhallows isn’t really a beach – it’s part of the Thames Estuary. It’s nice to look at but you won’t be building sandcastles. For 2023, Allhallows has a massive new entertainment centre called the Marina Bar and Lounge. It sets 1200 people, whereas the previous venue had space for less than 400 people. 5. An inflatable action park and tube slides at Devon CliffsDevon Cliffs is one of Haven’s biggest holiday parks – so it’s not surprising that they keep adding new entertainment. There’s a new ‘inflatable action’ park. As mentioned earlier, these are a bit like bouncy obstacle courses. The ‘Tube Slides’ are also new. These resemble a dry ski slope with rubber rings which you sit on and slide down. You’ll pay £6 for a 15 minute session. 6. New places to eat and drinkA few different restaurants have opened at Haven for 2023. Extra options for the summer include a Chinese restaurant called Chopstix in Presthaven Holiday Park in Wales and at Haggerston Castle Holiday Park in Northumberland. Meanwhile, Slim Chickens restaurants have opened at Thorpe Park Holiday Park in Lincolnshire and at Perran Sands in Cornwall. 7. An inflatable park and an 'indoor' swimming pool at Hopton Holiday Park in NorfolkNorfolk has an abundance of decent Haven resorts – including Hopton Holiday Park. It scores 4/5 and can be found halfway between Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft, which are both worth a day out. In the last few years Haven has opened a new ‘entertainment arena’ at Hopton as well as a climbing wall. Now, they have added an ‘inflatable action park’, similar to the one at Devon Cliffs. The outdoor swimming pool has also been upgraded so that it’s now an indoor pool! 8. A new water slide at Craig Tara Holiday Park in ScotlandCraig Tara is another huge Haven holiday park with a big choice of things to do. The swimming pool is excellent and has been upgraded a couple of times recently. For 2023, they've added a slide with 'three crystal clear sections' as well as 'special effects and coloured lights' and 'timers to record your speed'. 9. A moneysaving food cardHaven has introduced the 'Haven Food and Drink Card' which is good for anyone who is sure they will eat out at least two or three times whilst on holiday.
You load £100 or more onto the card in advance and they top up the balance by 10%. You can add it as an extra when you book a holiday or add it later. |
Holiday Park Guru BlogOccasional thoughts on holidays in England, Wales, Scotland and further afield, including the latest deals, discounts and last minute offers. |
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