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Original poster

Haven caravan holiday - what do I need to take?

98 replies

BloodyDetails · 31/08/2021 18:45

The website says the caravans have kitchen equipment but does anyone know what sort and how much? Ie do they have sharp knives and a cheese grater? Are the pans usually vile non stick or ok quality? They say bedding is provided but am I best off taking a duvet and sleeping bags for the kids in case it's chilly or is the bedding nice and warm?

I've never been to a caravan park before, can you tell Blush

OP posts:
Neveranynamesleft · 31/08/2021 20:07

Take a bag of ready grated cheese instead.

Nsky · 31/08/2021 20:08

Seems you have to take a lot

Ontheroadtorecovery · 31/08/2021 20:09

I've been recently. To haven site and our caravan was clean and I am picky about things like that. Had pots n pans and a grater but no frying pan there. Loo rolls extra towels and bin liners. On site shop a bit pricy but I saw loads of asda tesco deliveries arrive and they bring to the caravan also. Also took our own pillows. Washing is expensive so if u can pack to last your trip. Wish I had taken by Dyson cordless though. Swimming gets booked up indoors if u want to do that book it early on if possible same for on site restaurant. Ordering food was tricky at ours what with shortage of staff. Have a blast we did 😊

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CanICelebrate · 31/08/2021 20:11

@RevolvingPivot
Sad what a horrible response. I hope you feel suitably guilty now you’ve read OP’s update

TrashPanda · 31/08/2021 20:12

I find the pans are usually tiny, definitely nothing big enough to cook pasta for 4 for example. I would take sharp knives, big pan, frying pan. Watch out with baking trays as the oven can be a smaller one so big trays don't fit. We’ve always been fine with the bedding but take towels. If there is anything that would cause significant upset not to have, I would take it, so a grater in your case. There is usually a welcome box type thing with 2 tea bags, a jcloth, tiny bottle of rubbish washing up liquid and 1 bin bag. Have a fabulous time, we've never had a bad stay or accommodation at a Haven.

fantastaballs · 31/08/2021 20:12

I used to work as a cleaning manager for the same company. The quilts will be warm and unless you have paid for the bedding set of sheets and duvet covers you need to take your own. The inventory in the vans should in theory be identical in every one as they are bought in bulk. The cups are tiny, so take a mug or two. Glasses, again, are small, barely half a Pint. The knives couldn't cut cutter. Pans are terrible tin foil quality and often burned/discouloured in the lower grade vans - and the frying pan scratched. Yes to taking your own loo rolls, soaps, tea towels, dish cloth tea/coffee etc. The top range vans are often much better but it's the end of the season so wear and tear will likely be evident

If there are any issues with your van at all then high tail it straight to reception with photographic proof.

I can't even begin to tell you some of the absolute horror stories I have walked into in some caravans. People can be absolutely horrific!

Peanutsandchilli · 31/08/2021 20:17

We always do Haven or similar. We've also got an autistic child and have had help from Family Fund - they're amazing.
I would say the bedding has always been ok for us (although the beds are another matter!!) Take loads of towels including tea towels. Kitchen wise, we've always had a grater and you can get utensils from reception if you're missing anything. Knives aren't particularly sharp, although we've always coped with what's there. We take cleaning products, washing up stuff, cling film/foil, bin bags and kitchen roll. I often do a quick clean round before we unpack.
Have a lovely time!

Sweettea1 · 31/08/2021 20:18

If you take note of all the lists on here you might as well pack up your house and take it all. Yes everything is there you will need some things could be better but you should beable to manage for a week without having to pack your whole kitchen. Take the basics toilet roll bin bags towels first aid kit dish washer tablets if lucky enough to have a good grade van.

storminabuttercup · 31/08/2021 20:25

We always take a sharp knife and a frying pan. We've managed ok with everything else. I'd take a cheese grater just to be on the safe side as you really need one for DS.

Hope you have a wonderful time!

IncessantNameChanger · 31/08/2021 20:29

We go to haven a lot. It will be warm enough this time of year. Not so much in October when we normally go for Halloween.

It's all basic kitchen stuff but survivable. If your going to cook take your own knife and frying pan.

They dont even supply loo rolls so you need all consumables including tea towels and towels. If we are super organised ( we're not, too many kids) we take a scart lead and DVD player. Thank God for roof boxes. After all the extra stuff we only packed a backpack each of clothes. There is always the option to buy it once there. But tea towels, towels etc can be a pain if you dont pack them

Couchbettato · 31/08/2021 20:30

There is usually a shop on site as well. Usually a spar or a co op so if you're running low or are missing there's a corner shop not far away.

But as the owner of one of havens caravans we just provide the bare essentials but good quality so it depends whether you're going to get a haven owned caravan or an owner's caravan that is sublet through haven.

Still, I would take things you can't live without at home.

gluenotsoup · 31/08/2021 20:31

Also, they are usually quite helpful in accommodating you as far as possible within the caravan range you have booked. In advance let them know about anything that might help, like a quiet position, near to the site for mobility issues and so on.

IGuessIdProbablyBeAnne · 31/08/2021 20:31

Have a wonderful holiday OP.

Lots of great suggestions.
We used to go to Haven when I was a child - I have lots of lovely memories. I remember my Dad getting out of bed first to turn the heaters on, as it was cold (Oct half term!). So maybe pack a blanket or two.

Enjoy!!

noblegiraffe · 31/08/2021 20:31

They now do two types of holiday at Haven, a 'Stay' and a 'Stay and Play'.

If you only have a 'Stay' holiday, you don't get access to the swimming pool or activities, so double check your booking.

RevolvingPivot · 31/08/2021 20:43

@terrywynne

Slightly Hmm at some of these comments. It's a Haven - hardly roughing it. Our caravans have always been spotless. Never felt the need for bleach or disinfectant. Just normal surface cleaner/washing up liquid to wipe up after yourself. There's some things that it's handy to take to make life easier/save you having to go to on site shop but that's about it. Some of the older caravans are a bit dated but that's not the same as dirty.

Oven gloves are a good call if intending to cook.

It was a joke we go abroad and also to haven every year. Kids love it!!
Original poster
BloodyDetails · 31/08/2021 21:06

I've just gone to look at the booking as I couldnt even remember what sort of caravan. Turns out it's a newer model and bed linen is included.

I had a look at booking activities and swimming sessions are bookable the week before we go, but then none are appearing for the week we are actually there. It's not that they are all booked up because they still show up but say "fully booked" - there just aren't any Confused Does that mean the pool is closed out of season? Or just that there is no need to book swimming sessions out of season?

OP posts:
TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 31/08/2021 21:14

Alternatively stay at home but spend all your time together in the box room for a week. Play I-spy and 'I went to the shops and bought an APPLE. .. BANANA... COCHROACH... etc.' Endlessly.
For added realism attach the garden hose to a rake and direct at the window to simulate rain.

terrywynne · 31/08/2021 21:15

I seem to remember swim sessions don't become available a full week before. It's maybe on the Wednesday before. Worth digging around on the website to check because they may still go fast even not in school holidays.

StillUpholding · 31/08/2021 21:16

I think the slots only become available the week before, just keep checking.

JennaPenna · 31/08/2021 21:25

We had our first caravan holiday this year and absolutely loved it!
DC thought it was great!
Have a great time

Original poster
BloodyDetails · 31/08/2021 21:34

Oh ok thanks for the swimming info! There are still plenty of sessions available for tomorrow, so I think we will be ok outside the summer holidays.

OP posts:
TowandaForever · 31/08/2021 21:35

@IncessantNameChanger

We go to haven a lot. It will be warm enough this time of year. Not so much in October when we normally go for Halloween.

It's all basic kitchen stuff but survivable. If your going to cook take your own knife and frying pan.

They dont even supply loo rolls so you need all consumables including tea towels and towels. If we are super organised ( we're not, too many kids) we take a scart lead and DVD player. Thank God for roof boxes. After all the extra stuff we only packed a backpack each of clothes. There is always the option to buy it once there. But tea towels, towels etc can be a pain if you dont pack them

They do supply loo roll.
noblegiraffe · 31/08/2021 21:46

Our caravan had one loo roll provided.

LoopyLouLawson · 31/08/2021 21:48

Re: Swimming it depends on the haven site - we were at one last week and at some sites they have stopped doing booked swimming sessions.

LoopyLouLawson · 31/08/2021 21:51

Oh, and all we took with us was some extra towels - we had also paid the £10 to have hire towels, and a tea towel and oven glove. Made do with everything else in the caravan. There was 1 toilet roll in each toilet. We also took our Roku and plugged it into the TV and used the site wi-fi to have netflix/disney plus etc...but we were quite close to some of the facilities to use the wi-fi

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