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Best UK holiday parks 2023, as recommended by parents
Keen to skip airport queues and fast forward straight to the fun? Holiday parks can be just the ticket for a hassle-free family-friendly break. Here are the best holiday parks in the UK, as tried, tested and recommended by parents.
By Jenny Elliott | Last updated May 15, 2023
Holiday parks offer the best of both worlds for a UK family holiday. Not only do they provide heaps of onsite entertainment, but they're often ideally placed for exploring stunning beaches and beauty spots. And with flexible accommodation options and plenty to keep kids happy and occupied, parents are sure to have a good time, too.
From Haven to Parkdean, and plenty of independent sites in between, the difficulty is figuring out where to make your base. To save you time, we've read hundreds of reviews on the Mumsnet holiday forums to bring you the top 10 UK holiday parks that cater to families of all sizes and budgets.
Best UK holiday parks at a glance
- Best overall: Searles Leisure Resort, Norfolk
- Best budget: Parkdean Eyemouth Holiday Park, Berwickshire
- Best for waterslides: Haven Craig Tara, Ayrshire
- Best for outdoor pools: Haven Devon Cliffs
- Best near a beach: Greenacres Holiday Park, Portmadog, North Wales
- Best for luxury: Center Parcs Elveden Forest, Suffolk
- Best small holiday park: Haven Lydstep Beach, Pembrokeshire
- Best for facilities: Parkdean Warmwell Holiday Park, Dorset
- Best for young families: Haven Thornwick Bay, Yorkshire
- Best for toddlers: Butlin's Bognor Regis Resort, West Sussex
1. Best overall holiday park: Searles Leisure Resort, Norfolk
Searles Leisure Resort, Hunstanton | Check availability
What Mumsnet users say
"Searles in Hunstanton is brilliant - we usually do Center Parcs but had a fab (and bargainous) holiday there at Easter and will definitely go back" - Ginismyfriend
"Searles in Hunstanton is lovely. Near the beach, not huge, lovely pool and a gorgeous family pub right next to it. Our cabin was set on grass and got visited each day by ducks!" - sherrystrull
Our verdict
The award-winning Searles Leisure Resort sits a short stroll from Hunstanton’s long sweep of beach on the Norfolk coast.
The location means both sandcastle builders and watersports fans will be well catered for, and the town’s promenade has tempting ice-cream kiosks and traditional fairground rides. That’s if you can tear the kids away from the park’s outdoor and indoor swimming pools and splash pads, playgrounds, crazy golf course, fishing lakes and tennis courts.
You can often find great deals here by booking ahead, and accommodation options range from 4-berth cabins to luxurious 8-berth lodges. Pick one with a private hot tub for some well-earned R ’n’ R once the kids have gone to bed.
Read next: The best Haven holiday parks to book, as rated by families
2. Best budget holiday park: Parkdean Eyemouth, Berwickshire
Parkdean Eyemouth Holiday Park | Check availability
What Mumsnet users say
"Small site with a small entertainment venue. A 5-minute walk into Eyemouth Harbour with small quaint shops. Not far from Northumberland and Berwick with beautiful beaches" - Swingoutsistersledge2
Our verdict
There are caravans to suit families of all sizes at this Parkdean resort, many overlooking the dramatic headland. In fact, it's the picturesque location that's one of the key attractions of this great-value holiday park in southeast Scotland.
Three sandy beaches are close at hand, and you're also a short stroll from pretty Eyemouth harbour and its glut of indie cafes and shops. Treat the kids to a boat trip out to see the curious seals or whizz across the sea to neighbouring 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 others, 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.
Read next: The best holiday parks in Wales, as reviewed by families
3. Best UK holiday park for waterslides: Haven Craig Tara, South Ayrshire
Haven Craig Tara, Ayr | Check availability
What Mumsnet users say
"The pool is one of the best Haven has. Plenty activities on-site both free and paid for but be sure to book in advance for free ones" - mrsdavegrohl
Our verdict
It’s little wonder that active families flock to Haven Craig Tara. Its multi-level indoor water complex has waterfalls, a lazy river, a three-lane racing slide and flumes. And in the Adventure Village, families can test their skills on the climbing walls and rope courses. Plus, there's the inflatable obstacle course and large soft play area.
Should you need some tranquillity, that's also on offer; the park is well-positioned for a stroll along the rugged Ayrshire coast with its time-toppled castle ruins and sandy beaches.
If you want a small, low-key site, this isn't the park to choose. However, the size means there's a wide choice of accommodation, including excellent-value two-bed caravans and three-bed apartments with private verandas.
Read next: The best UK holiday destinations, according to Mumsnetters
4. Best UK holiday park for outdoor pools: Haven Devon Cliffs
Haven Devon Cliffs Holiday Park | Check availability
What Mumsnet users say
"We had a lovely holiday at Devon Cliffs. The pool was spotless and my daughter loved the slides. Exmouth is lovely" - RoxytheRexy
Our verdict
Situated in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Devon Cliffs is Haven’s largest holiday park and one of its best.
Mumsnetters love all the family-friendly activities, including its heated outdoor pool, indoor waterpark, playgrounds and climbing walls. There’s even a nature trail around the park and a mini aerial adventure course for young thrill-seekers.
Some caravans and lodges come with stunning sea views, and there are dog-friendly options if you’re keen to bring waggy-tailed family members along. Come early evening, head out for dinner in nearby Exmouth or Sidmouth, or gather together at one of the four on-site restaurants.
Read next: The best UK hotels with a swimming pool, as rated by parents
5. Best UK holiday park near a beach: Haven Greenacres, Gwynedd
Greenacres Holiday Park, Portmadog | Check availability
What Mumsnet users say
"Greenacres Haven site in North Wales is brilliant. Not too big and right next to the beach" - Ginqueen456
Our verdict
A beautiful Blue Flag beach runs right along Haven Greenacres in this scenic area of northwest Wales. And if you want memorable days spent in the glorious countryside - Snowdonia National Park is only a 45-minute drive away. Dywfor Ranch Rabbit Farm is just along the coast.
Not that there’s any shortage of activities within the resort. Sunny days can be spent dashing through the outdoor splash pad, practicing adventure golf shots, or zipping on pedal karts between the play areas. Head inside for the indoor heated pool, games arcade and mini bowling alley.
Read next: The top UK hotels for a family-friendly stay
6. Best luxury UK holiday park for families: Center Parcs Elveden Forest, Suffolk
Center Parcs Elveden Forest | Check availability
What Mumsnet users say
"The pool is absolutely fab, great waves and flumes, and it’s quite flat so it's easy for the little ones to cycle. All the restaurants have soft play areas so you can eat in relative peace while they play. It is really expensive to eat out though, and you may want to cook for yourselves once or twice to keep costs down" – pinkteddy
Our verdict
No list of holiday parks would be complete without a shout-out to Centre Parcs and its woodland resorts. Out of its five UK locations, it’s Elveden Forest that’s particularly popular with Mumsnetters due to its easy-to-cycle site.
The self-catering woodland and waterside lodges combine contemporary style with family-friendly practicality (with bonus points for the dishwashers). There are even some good deals to be found by booking well in advance (think 18 months rather than two). If you’re feeling extravagant, consider splashing out on a spectacular four-bedroom treehouse with private hot tub.
It’s the fabulous facilities that make this park such a hit with the kids, though. The Subtropical Swimming Paradise is inclusive and contains hot whirlpools, a lazy river, rapids and slides. Then there are the adventure playgrounds; sports, cooking and craft activities; and for parents, the all-important spa.
Read next: The best family-friendly campsites in the UK, according to families
7. Best small holiday park in the UK: Haven Lydstep Beach, Pembrokeshire
Haven Lydstep Beach, Tenby | Check availability
What Mumsnet users say
"Lydstep Haven in Tenby is amazing!" – Cheeseandlobster
Our verdict
Giving families the chance to unwind and reconnect, Haven Lydstep Beach is a small park located in a tranquil bay in the beautiful Pembrokeshire National Park in South Wales.
Not that its size means it lacks facilities. Little ones will love playing in the indoor pool and outdoor playground, and the games arcade and choice of watersports should prove popular with older kids. And when everyone needs to refuel and recharge, there’s an onsite restaurant and clubhouse.
Take the opportunity to explore historic Tenby and other nearby attractions. Kids can get up close to animals big and small at Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo, whereas the Dinosaur Park is bound to be a hit with children who like their critters from the Jurassic Age.
8. Best UK holiday park for facilities: Parkdean Warmwell Holiday Park, Dorset
Parkdean Warmwell Holiday Park | Check availability
What Mumsnet users say
"Warmwell is great, has deer that come up to the lodges, roller rink, swimming, large soft play and dry slope skiing and snowboarding" - MyDcAreMarvel
Our verdict
Looking for some adventure? At Parkdean Warmwell, families can zoom down the all-weather 100m ski slope on skis, snowboards or giant rings – and that's just the tip of the family-friendly iceberg. The indoor pool has a wave machine and flume, and any possible wails of "I’m bored" will be banished by the promise of a roller rink, a high-ropes course, and a brand new climbing wall and crafting den.
The lodges range from great-value one-beds to spacious four-beds, some with private hot tubs and all featuring fully equipped kitchens. Not that you always have to cook. Instead, dine out at the Boathouse Bar & Restaurant or treat everyone to a takeaway from the on-site fish and chip shop.
9. Best UK holiday park for young families: Haven Thornwick Bay, Yorkshire
Haven Thornwick Bay Holiday Park | Check availability
What Mumsnet users say
"We have done the Yorkshire ones and Thornwick Bay was my favourite" - Thesearmsofmine
Our verdict
During spring and summer, pack binoculars and let the kids have a go at spotting the adorable puffins that nest close to this Haven park on the magnificent Flamborough Cliffs. Alongside nature walks, you’re also well located for secluded beaches and the traditional seaside attractions of Bridlington and Scarborough.
The park itself has a relaxed feel and shouldn’t be too overwhelming for younger children. That said, there’s no shortage of entertainment.
The indoor pool is bound to bring squeals of delight with its racing slides and cute paddling pool. Then there's the activity barn with mini Segways, archery and crafts. Little ones with boundless energy can finish the day with a sing and dance at one of the live family shows – hopefully resulting in a very good night's sleep.
10. Best UK holiday park for toddlers: Butlin's Bognor Regis Resort, West Sussex
Butlin's Bognor Regis Resort | Check availability
What Mumsnet users say
"They do Just for Tots breaks. The entertainment is gentler and is tailored to the under 5's. It's also very good value for money as the weeks are outside of the holidays. They've also put in a new pool at Bognor in a seaside theme which my kids love!" - Daisychainsandglitter
Our verdict
The 'Just for Tots' breaks at Butlins Bognor Regis will delight toddlers and their parents. Not only are the term-time prices tempting, but during these selected weeks, the entertainment schedule includes early morning shows from the likes of Peppa Pig through to relaxing bedtime stories.
Toddlers will have a blast testing out the park's smaller fairground rides and outdoor playground. Should the weather take a turn for the worse, the soft play area and huge indoor pool with toddler zone will provide hours of fun. Mumsnet HQ even played a part in designing the changing rooms - so there are lots of spacious family cubicles!
The standard two-room apartments here provide a budget-conscious base, and there are larger options with lounge and kitchen areas.
Related: The best travel cots, tried and tested by Mumsnetters
Are holiday parks good for a UK family holiday?
If you want to make sure your kids are entertained, UK holiday parks make an excellent option for an easy family getaway. The on-site caravans and lodges often provide more spacious and flexible accommodation than cramped hotel rooms. What’s more, the parks make a great base for day trips around the coast and countryside. All without having to wrangle kids through airport security.
Is Haven or Butlin's better?
All three of Butlins’ sites (Bognor Regis, Skegness and Minehead) come with a wow factor - with shows featuring TV stars, fairgrounds and indoor waterparks. On the other hand, Haven offers more choice with over 35 sites, which range from quiet resorts on secluded bays to big, facility-filled parks.
Generally, Haven holiday parks work out a little cheaper than a Butlin's break.
What is the best holiday park in the UK?
Obviously, a lot depends on the size, age and interests of your family. If pushed to pick the best holiday park, we’d plump for Searles Leisure Resort in Norfolk; it has a charming seaside location, a good range of facilities and lodges and the Goldilocks bonus of being neither too big nor too small.
How we chose our recommendations
Because we know that there’s nothing like a real recommendation, we first headed to the Mumsnet holiday forums to find out what holiday parks in the UK were being recommended.
We then did some research across the wider web, looking at what holiday parks in the UK had won accolades or been featured in ‘best choice’ lists across websites, and what customer reviews said about them. Having collated all that information, we then narrowed our list down to the best holiday parks in the UK at the moment.
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