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Best Parkdean Resorts holiday parks in the UK, as tried and tested by families
Thinking of a Parkdean escape but not sure where to pitch up? We’ve gathered intel from Mumsnetters to compile a list of holiday parks that are ideal for affordable family holidays in the UK.
By Rachel Erdos | Last updated Apr 12, 2024
With on-site access to all the things that kids love - pools, playgrounds, soft play areas, arcades - as well as facilities to keep parents happy too - bars, restaurants, Costa cafes and entertainers with enviable amounts of energy, Parkdean holiday parks are fully geared up for fun family holidays. And as 3-night off-peak breaks start from £89, it’s a great option if you’re looking for a bargain break.
Sites are located in popular UK holiday spots within easy reach of beaches, lakes and woodland, and Mumsnetters particularly rate Parkdean Resorts in family-favourite destinations like Cornwall, the Lake District and Dorset.
If you like the idea of camping but prefer a sturdier set up with access to a private bathroom and cooking facilities, a holiday park break can offer the novelty of an outdoorsy escape and the camaraderie of a campsite but with added creature comforts like TVs, comfy beds and even hot tubs in some of the luxury lodges.
We’ve scoured the holiday forums for tips and advice from families that have stayed, returned and recommended the following holiday parks as being particularly good for kid-friendly weekend breaks as well as week-long escapes in the school holidays.
If you’ve yet to book a summer holiday, read on for reviews and recommendations from fellow parents.
What’s included in the price of a Parkdean Resort break?
Whether you’re booking a caravan, a lodge or a chalet break, the price of a Parkdean holiday includes gas and electricity for the duration of your stay, bed linen in all rooms, parking and hub passes. A hub pass includes access to swimming pools, kids’ clubs and on-site entertainment. You’ll need to pay extra for some activities like kayaking, tennis and crazy golf. Activities can be booked online up to six weeks in advance.
We've also got handy guides to the best UK holiday parks, the best Haven holiday parks, the best holiday parks in Wales, the best holiday parks in Scotland, the best holiday parks in Devon and the best holiday parks in Cornwall.
Best Parkdean Resorts holiday parks at a glance
Best overall: Warmwell Holiday Park, Dorset
Kids won’t be short of things to do at Warmwell Holiday Park in Dorset. Thrill-seeking families can whoosh down the all-weather 100m ski slope or splash around in the heated indoor pool with its wave machine and flume, and there’s a roller rink, a challenging high-ropes course and a climbing wall on site, phew! If you’re after gentler pursuits, there are woodland trails to follow, an arts and crafts den and a self-serve ice cream station. The lodges range from great-value one-beds to spacious four-beds and some come with private hot tubs.
The Jurassic Coastline is well worth exploring nearby and Weymouth, with its Blue Flag beach and colourful beach huts, is a 25-minute drive away.
Eyemouth Holiday Park, Berwickshire
There are caravans to suit families of all sizes at this Parkdean resort in beautiful Berwickshire. The gorgeous location is one of the main draws of this great-value holiday park in southeast Scotland.
Three sandy beaches are easily accessible, and you're a short stroll from pretty Eyemouth harbour with its indie cafes and shops. Treat the kids to a boat trip to see seals or chug along to St Abbs, which doubles as New Asgard in the recent Avengers film.
The park doesn't come with all the bells and whistles of some of the others on our list, but there's still a playground, a small arcade, a multi-sports court, live family shows and children's activities. Guests also get free swim passes for the local indoor pool.
Sunnydale Holiday Park, Lincolnshire
In the village of Saltfleet on the Lincolnshire coast, Sunnydale Holiday Park is a great base for coastal fun. If you've got keen anglers in the family, there's an on-site fishing lake and kids will love the adventure playground with its giant climbing frame; the indoor pool; and the soft play area. Mablethorpe's award-winning beach is a 15-minute drive away, and you can reach Cleethorpes in around half an hour for traditional seaside fun.
Trecco Bay Holiday Park, Porthcawl
Trecco Bay is one of the UK’s largest holiday parks, so it’s a great choice if you like big, busy resorts with lots going on and opportunities to kickstart holiday friendships. There’s an award-winning beach on the doorstep, a high ropes course and a Bear Grylls Survival Academy to keep kids busy. And there’s an arts and crafts and a gaming arena for downtime. Under-5s can join in with fencing and archery activities especially adapted for youngsters, and there are learn to ride a bike sessions to pick up some important life skills while you’re there. There’s a huge range of caravans to choose from, including pet-friendly and wheelchair accessible options, so you’ll be able to find just the right spot for your family.
Fallbarrow Holiday Park, Windermere
Smarter than your average Parkdean Resort, Fallbarrow Holiday Park sits at the edge of Lake Windermere and offers stunning views of England's largest lake. There are caravans and cottages on site as well as a range of luxury lodges (some with hot tubs). There's a games area, an outdoor playground and an arcade but it lacks some of the action-packed activities other parks have to offer. The main attraction here though is the beautiful setting that puts you right in the heart of the Lake District. The park is a two-minute walk from The World of Beatrix Potter.
Crantock Holiday Park, near Newquay
Looking for coastal walks, beach views and a healthy dose of fresh sea air? Crantock Beach Holiday Park puts in you in a prime position near Newquay without having to battle the summer crowds that can pack out the popular Cornish hotspot in the summer months. On site, there's a colourful adventure playground with stunning sea views, a crazy golf course and a nature trail as well as an arcade and a lending library for indoor fun. You can pick up fish and chips from the takeaway restaurant and there are picnic and BBQ areas for laidback dining too. This small and relaxed holiday park is perfect if you're looking for a peaceful retreat with easy access to all the action that the area has to offer.
Cayton Bay Holiday Park, Scarborough
Between Scarborough and Filey, Cayton Bay Holiday Park is a fun-packed resort for kids of all ages. The park puts you within strolling distance of Cayton Bay's golden sands but children might not actually want to leave the site considering all there is to offer. The heated indoor splash pool features slides, and energetic youngsters can test their survival skills at the Bear Grylls Survival Academy. There's also an adventure playground, bungee trampolines and a high ropes course. For more sedate activities, the arts and crafts den offers a range of creative pursuits. Choose from a range of caravans and luxury lodges - some are pet-friendly and wheelchair accessible.
Nairn Lochloy Holiday Park, Nairn, Inverness
Praised for its cleanliness, evening entertainment and stunning surroundings, Nairn Lochloy Holiday Park is located right on the beach and set beside a busy marina, surrounded by picturesque castles, country parks and forests.
Accommodation ranges from budget-friendly touring and camping pitches to caravans and luxury lodges, with family-friendly facilities that offer something for everyone.
Whether you prefer to relax in the indoor pool, challenge your family at the 9-hole crazy golf course, spot a variety of wildlife on the nature trail or simply race around the adventure playground, there are plenty of activities to keep little ones entertained.
In the evenings, Spelding’s Lounge Bar offers a range of dining options (even for fussy eaters), before high-energy shows, cabarets and acts begin - sure to impress and entertain guests of all ages.
How many Parkdean Resorts are there?
There are 66 Parkdean Resorts scattered across the UK in England, Wales and Scotland. The holiday parks are mainly located in coastal areas including Devon, Cornwall and Kent, but there are also lakeside holiday parks in the Lake District and woodland spots in North Yorkshire and Dorset.
When do Parkdean Resorts close for autumn and winter?
All parks stay open throughout autumn so it’s a good option for October half-term holidays. Some holiday parks close between November and February. You’ll need to check individual parks for further information. You can book Winter Wonderland breaks in December at the following parks: Warmwell (Dorset), Trecco Bay (Wales) and Cayton Bay (Yorkshire).
Who owns Parkdean Resorts?
Parkdean Holidays and Park Resorts merged in 2015 to form Parkdean Resorts, the UK’s largest holiday park operator. It’s owned by the Onex Corporation, an investment management company based in Canada.
What’s the best Parkdean Resorts holiday park for families?
For its beautiful woodland setting, easy access to the stunning Jurassic Coast, variety of on-site activities and lovely lodges, we rate Warmwell Holiday Park in Dorset. Kids of all ages are catered for here and parents are sure to have fun joining in or escaping for a peaceful walk in the woods.
How we chose our recommendations
Because we know that there's nothing like a real recommendation, we first headed to the Mumsnet forums to find out which Parkdean Resorts holiday parks were being recommended.
We then did some research across travel publications and review sites, looking at which Parkdean Resorts had won accolades or been featured in 'best choice' lists across a range of websites, and what customer reviews said about them. Having collated all that information, we then narrowed our list down to the best Parkdean Resorts for families at the moment.
About the author
Rachel Erdos is an Editor at Mumsnet where she commissions, edits and writes content with a focus on family travel, product reviews and homeware roundups.
She has written hotel reviews, features and destination guides for top publications including the Guardian, Four Seasons Magazine, Travelzoo, Visit Britain and Visit London and loves nothing more than researching and writing about fun things for families to do in destinations near and far. She is often found trawling the Mumsnet holiday forums to find inspiration for her next trip.
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