Haven, Pontins or Butlins?

[BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz]

Can't afford Centre Parcs, and just fancy a site with an indoor pool, some outdoor play parks, and for it to feel quite safe.

No idea which of these chains are the best, or if any have any "nicer" sites. I'm Northern so hopefully any recommendations won't be in say, Cornwall.

I've tried all three and I would say Butlins because of how many activities are included in the price. They do have paid-for, extra activities (doesn't everywhere...?) but stuff like the fun fair, soft play, swimming, sports, etc were all free whereas at Pontins and Haven a lot of them seemed to have a charge.

No to Pontins. There’s regularly bad news stories about them.

We’ve only been to Butlins once, it wasn’t for us.

We go to haven sites but there are a lot of extra costs for activities.

The Haven in Wales has just had a massive multi million pound pool refurb, depending how northern you are. Hafan y-mor I think it's called.

Not pontins

We like haven. We pick smaller sites because that’s what works for us but there is a range of different sites depending what you need.

I would say haven every time, I’ve been to a fair few of them and they are always clean, good entertainment for kids and the pools are always nice! My kids love it there!

Haven Berwick was excellent. I’ve tried a park dean it was ok nothing wrong with it but haven was miles better will be going back to haven

Thorn wick bay is a lovely site if your looking up north. We also love Greenacres.

Didn’t like seton sands and wasn’t keen on haggerston castle.

Further afield sea view in Weymouth is lovely

I hear good things about Haven and also Bluestone (but that’s south Wales) - how northern are you?

We have done Butlins in Skegness a few years ago. At the time I said I’d never go back - my son was 2 and we paid for the top food package so you got proper meals. However, it was a bit ‘meh’, but the activities were fab and included. We also paid for an apartment with daily housekeeping - you couldn’t tell if they’d been or not.

I am considering going back and doing it self catering, have the housekeeping again as it comes with the better apartments, but know I’ll be cleaning to my own standards anyway.

In terms of activities and facilities we absolutely loved Haven but our caravan was basic and uncomfortable. My parents came with us and theirs was a higher grade and had proper furniture and a patio area. I would pick the best accommodation you can afford and possibly try the smaller sites as we went to a big one and were allocated miles away from the facilities which would have been a pain in bad weather.

I have heard bad things about Pontins. I have never been to Butlins but I am considering it.

Pontins have a really bad reputation locally. Our nearest one (Brean) recently had the ceiling in one of the public areas fall on guests. Apparently the rooms and food are dire.
We have used Haven several times. Our favourite has been Devon Cliffs (decent beach and cliff top bar).
We've also used Park Resorts but facilities and quality does vary a lot.

Definitely not Pontins if you want clean or safe!

If you're not bothered about entertainment then go for Haven.

Without a doubt - Butlins.
Then haven

Went to Havana y mor a few years ago
Lovely site but only used it as a base for snowdonia
No kids
Huge site but didn’t feel like and you could walk to the beach

Hafan..that’s twice I’ve changed it

Butlins but it's £££

I hated most of it, it's still my kids' favourite holiday and they have been all over the place on holiday.

Pontins - don't go anywhere near Camber, others might be ok.

We went to butlins Skegness this year with our 2 year old. Was nothing luxurious but was clean and safe, and for the price it was excellent value! Majority of the activities are included in the price so we only paid extra for food and a day out to Skegness aquarium. We are definitely planning on going back.

Definitely no to pontins, you would have to pay me to go there 😂
I quite like haven abd butlins

NOT PONTINS

Otherwise, depends what you are looking for in a break as Butlins is more about loud entertainment for kids, haven is not as much entertainment and a quieter break but nicer accommodation. Both have pros and cons, all depends on what you are looking for

Definitely more quiet than party vibes. Indoor pool, possibly even an outdoor heated pool. A play area (soft play and outside). Driving distance to some attractions.

Haven, but book with a private owner to get a really well looked-after caravan.

Hated Butlins. Queuing for ages for everything.