Why Haven holidays are ideal for UK family escapes, plus the best on-site activities according to Mumsnetters

When it comes to UK family holidays, most of us are after the same things: fresh air, freedom for little ones to roam, and activities that don’t cost the earth. With a range of coastal parks, awesome on-site amenities and affordable packages, Haven delivers on all fronts, so it stands to reason that it’s one of the most talked about brands on the Mumsnet UK travel forum.

-Recommended by Mumsnet user, lij8793

Haven’s spacious, self-contained parks offer all-weather entertainment and activities, heated indoor pools and comfy well-equipped caravans that feel like a home from home (especially when pre-booking handy essentials like travel cots and highchairs to be delivered on arrival). And there are on-site facilities for kids of all ages, from babies and toddlers right through to teens.  

Here’s why Haven holidays are the perfect pick for a family getaway this year.

Access to brilliant beaches

Many Haven holiday parks are a beach ball’s throw from the coast so with soft sand and shallow waters within easy reach, they’re ideal for paddling toddlers and sandcastle builders. Whether it’s the sweeping bay at Perran Sands, the stunning nature reserve at Rockley Park or Riviera Sands’ direct access to Towans Beach, named the best beach in the UK according to The Times in 2024, you’re never far from a breath of sea air and a change of scene.

Put picnics, paddling and pebble-hunting on the agenda with a stay at one of Haven’s holiday parks with direct beach access.

Child-friendly dining options

As well as having the freedom to prepare familiar dishes in your own caravan (or have an alfresco breakfast on the decking if the weather’s nice), the on-site restaurants are perfect for child-friendly meals out.

With highchairs, kids’ menus and flexible dining times that work around naps, eating out at a Haven holiday park is easy, affordable and stress-free. Got a fussy eater or a tired-out toddler? Pick up a takeaway from a family-favourite like Papa Johns, Burger King or Chopstix to enjoy back in your caravan, or grab something quick from the mini market where you’ll find tot-friendly essentials.

A big bonus for parents: Haven’s Kids eat for £1 deal makes meals out even more affordable. And you can pre-book tables up to 12 weeks before your stay to ensure you dine at a time that suits you and your family.

There’s a huge range of awesome activities

Wave goodbye to the idea that a Haven holiday park is a campsite with a playground. Each site is bursting with things to do, whether your child wants to splash around in a pool, scale a climbing wall, get crafty with glitter and glue, or strut their stuff at the family disco.

For younger kids, there's Activitots sports sessions, Mini Aerial Adventures with secure harnesses, toddler-friendly splash zones, and even tiny 4x4 off-roaders (fitted with parental controls for peace of mind). The Seaside Squad shows are brilliant for fun, high-energy entertainment (and catchy songs), and the Make a Bear sessions offer crafty kids the opportunity to create their very own souvenir of a fun family holiday. 

Best of all? You can book activities up to 28 days in advance through the Haven app, meaning less time queuing and more time having fun. 

The best Haven activities according to Mumsnetters

Mine love the free activities like bug hunts, pond dipping, fossil searching on the beach, etc but they do book up quick! It can be a really great family break on a budget in my opinion.” PringPring

Haggerston castle is brilliant for activities. Our now 11yo has done archery, junior Segway, inflatable course, bungee trampolines, we've played crazy golf, there's a couple of playgrounds, decent ish size soft play, amusement arcades and swimming pool.” Peabody25

DD loved the indoor and outdoor swimming pools [at Haven Hopton], we booked 2 sessions a day and availability was good, there was adventure golf, arcades, climbing and inflatables.” FatAgainItsLettuceTime

We booked up a few extra paid for activities too - making a sand art bottle, a nature walk with craft bits and Nerf wars. Prices ranged between £5-£8 (which I thought was good for what you got). We loved it and are plotting a return! FrogSplash

Mine loved the bungee trampoline, segways, archery and the tube slide. They also loved the massive arcade!” Tacocatgoatcheesepizza

Each site is safe and self-contained

With gated entrances, clear signage and easy-to-navigate layouts, Haven parks are built with safety in mind. You can let little ones scoot or toddle around with confidence, and there’s a real sense of community given the family-friendly focus so it’s ideal for a first break with a baby or toddler.

Many parents also love the peace of mind that comes with staying in one place. There’s no need to load up the car each day when everything’s right there on your doorstep.

The caravans are really well equipped 

Inside a Signature Haven caravan.

You don’t need to pack the entire kitchen (or play room) to have a comfortable stay. Haven caravans come with ovens, fridges, pots, pans, crockery and more, and baby and toddler essentials like travel cots, bed guards and highchairs are available to pre-book.

There’s even the option to hire pushchairs and other tot-friendly kit if you’re short on space. No wonder so many Mumsnetters say it’s their go-to for hassle-free holidays with young children.

It’s easy to pre-book activities

Get organised, plan ahead and ensure you don’t miss out on popular activities (and avoid toddler melt downs in the process) by using the Haven app. The app lets you pre-book tables, order food, reserve activity slots and check what’s on, all from your phone. It makes planning your day around naps or mealtimes a breeze.

You can also manage your booking and get park updates in real time – great if you’re juggling multiple small people.

There are loads of free things to do

You don’t need to spend a fortune to keep the kids happy. Haven offers heaps of free fun, from outdoor play areas to indoor soft play centres, plus early evening entertainment and Seaside Squad shows. And of course, the hugely popular indoor and outdoor pools and splash zones which can be pre-booked up to four weeks in advance. 

Families can pre-book free activities ahead of arrival, and there are loads of activities on offer for under £10 too, including bungee trampolines and crazy golf. 

Add in buggy-friendly paths for beach walks, nature trails around the park, and the joy of ice cream on a sunny day, and you’ve got a holiday that’s full of affordable fun-packed moments.

Whether you’re heading off with babies, toddlers or school-age kids, Haven holidays make it easy to relax, recharge and enjoy family time together. With so many activities and thoughtful touches for younger families, it’s no surprise Mumsnetters are big fans.

Have you stayed at a Haven park with your family? Share your favourite tips and must-do activities on Mumsnet’s UK travel forum.

About Haven

Haven is one of the UK’s leading holiday park brands, offering award-winning family breaks at over 38 coastal locations across England, Scotland and Wales. With safe, self-contained parks, direct beach access, and a huge choice of activities and entertainment, Haven makes UK getaways easy, affordable and packed with fun. From modern, well-equipped caravans to splash-tastic swimming pools, nature trails and toddler-friendly shows, it’s no wonder Haven is a go-to choice for families looking to make memories by the sea.

About the author 

Rachel Erdos is an Editor at Mumsnet where she commissions, edits and writes content with a focus on family travel.

She has written hotel reviews, features and destination guides for top publications including the Guardian, Four Seasons Magazine, Travelzoo, Visit Britain and Visit London. She loves nothing more than researching and writing about fun things for families to do in destinations near and far, as well as trawling the Mumsnet holiday forum for inspiration for her next trip away with her husband and two kids.