Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

Haven Holidays - reviews and recommendations

31 replies

BeingATwatItsABingThing · 30/12/2023 18:52

I’m looking for a UK based holiday next year on a budget. I’ve seen Haven have some pretty cheap weeks in June time with access to swimming pools, play areas, extra activities, etc. We have two DDs 9 and 3 and are due a DS at the beginning of April. We might go with friends who have two DDs 3 and 2 as well.

Anyone been to Haven recently who can give a review? Any parks that people would recommend? We’re in the South West and wouldn’t want to drive too far (more than 2-3 hours) with a baby ideally.

OP posts:
idontlikealdi · 30/12/2023 18:55

Are you taking the 9yo out of school? When it's not school holidays the entertainment is generally toned down if that's your thing.

Never had an issue with Haven. Kids' favourite is Littlesea.

Not Haven but we have really enjoyed Away resorts on IoW and Woolacombe Bay Resorts although might be too close to home for you.

Original poster
BeingATwatItsABingThing · 30/12/2023 18:57

Wouldn’t object to taking the 9yo out of school but that’s a good point about activities stopping. We went to Woolacombe Bay when DD1 was 18mo in September. It was dead and a lot of the activities had stopped now I think about it.

OP posts:
Scarletttulips · 30/12/2023 19:00

We went. Family opposite peed through out letter box prior to our arrival. We left - no idea on entertainmemt.

Original poster
BeingATwatItsABingThing · 30/12/2023 19:03

Scarletttulips · 30/12/2023 19:00

We went. Family opposite peed through out letter box prior to our arrival. We left - no idea on entertainmemt.

What the fuck?!? That’s so disgusting! My main concerns are around other people to be honest. I’m quite the antisocial being and having to share with others always puts me off a bit. I’d suck it up if my DC will love it.

OP posts:
Original poster
BeingATwatItsABingThing · 30/12/2023 19:04

Just looking at the price difference between term time and holidays. The price more than triples!

OP posts:
noblegiraffe · 30/12/2023 19:04

Devon Cliffs is a good one round that way as it's so big there's plenty to do.

Original poster
BeingATwatItsABingThing · 30/12/2023 19:06

noblegiraffe · 30/12/2023 19:04

Devon Cliffs is a good one round that way as it's so big there's plenty to do.

About 2 hours from us so not too bad distance wise. I’ll have a look.

OP posts:
DRS1970 · 30/12/2023 19:12

We stayed at Haven's Blackpool site. The cleanliness was a lot to be desired, and general maintenance of the accomodation was poor. So much so we ended up having to find new accomodation after our first night. Then had to fight to get refunded. So personally I would say avoid Haven.

troppibambini6 · 30/12/2023 19:14

We went to Haggerston castle in the north east. Sorry but never again it was just vile. People drink cans of lager everywhere at 9 in the morning, saw a fight, got shushed for daring to whisper during bingo.

Mammyloveswine · 30/12/2023 19:15

Look at butlins! They do great deals in term time! And the entertainment is fab!

Or center parcs in term time is so cheap! We did two hols fit around £300 a week when h was on maternity leave!

Original poster
BeingATwatItsABingThing · 30/12/2023 19:16

Mammyloveswine · 30/12/2023 19:15

Look at butlins! They do great deals in term time! And the entertainment is fab!

Or center parcs in term time is so cheap! We did two hols fit around £300 a week when h was on maternity leave!

That’s interesting about Center Parcs. I’ve always ruled it out as too expensive.

OP posts:
Diggetydawg · 30/12/2023 19:18

The one in Hayle (Cornwall) is excellent. Right on a miles long sandy beach and handy for days out etc. Hayle has a farm park and you're close to St Ives. They also have on near Newquay but I haven't been to that.

Mammyloveswine · 30/12/2023 19:20

@BeingATwatItsABingThing so had we! This was 6 years ago so it's probs a bit more now but was great!

My husband now claims we are "center parcs" people but given I'm a teacher as most definitely cannot afford school holiday prices!

Haven Holidays - reviews and recommendations
Original poster
BeingATwatItsABingThing · 30/12/2023 19:25

Mammyloveswine · 30/12/2023 19:20

@BeingATwatItsABingThing so had we! This was 6 years ago so it's probs a bit more now but was great!

My husband now claims we are "center parcs" people but given I'm a teacher as most definitely cannot afford school holiday prices!

The one near us is quite a bit more expensive!

I used to be a teacher so I feel your pain! I quit in July 2022 and have never looked back.

Haven Holidays - reviews and recommendations
OP posts:
OdeToBarney · 30/12/2023 19:26

We stayed at weymouth bay in September for 4 nights. We didn't buy the entertainment passes as our dd was too young (and I am too antisocial). Tbh the only way I would do it is staying at that site, in a gold level caravn, no haven passes and not eating on site. We did use the play park, but avoided everything else and had days out in the local area (which we know very well). For food we got fish and chips from the chippy down the road (which is outstanding) or had a picky tea. We had a great time!

Davidsdead01 · 30/12/2023 19:30

Not a fan of Haven and would 100% recommend Centreparcs on a cheaper week instead! Kids love Haven but we found that it was dirty, old fashioned, full of chavs.

Ottersfortea · 30/12/2023 19:31

Wild duck in Norfolk. It was the first Haven we did. I was dreading it but if you go with an open mind it’s great for the children.
They love going back and have great memories.

hilbil21 · 30/12/2023 20:14

I like Haven but I can understand why people don't if they've had bad experiences. Hafan Y Mor is good and has a fantastic pool. I fancy trying Sandy Balls - Away Resorts at some point too.

DibbleDooDah · 30/12/2023 20:26

The Away Resorts parks kind of fit somewhere between Haven and Center Parcs as a brand. They feel more high end than Haven and have some seriously cool lodges. The ones in St Ives Bay is lovely, as is Sandy Balls. They also have Retallack.

Boomboom22 · 30/12/2023 20:28

Park Holidays or parkdean resorts are cheaper. And cleaner in my experience!

Theduchy · 30/12/2023 20:38

We've stayed in Hafan y Mor in North Wales a few times now and the entertainment isn't my thing but you can easily avoid that. The caravans have been clean, staff friendly, pool great. That park is well out of your way but wanted to share a positive haven experience.

Original poster
BeingATwatItsABingThing · 30/12/2023 20:38

Thanks all. Definitely some helpful suggestions here!

OP posts:
tothelefttotheleft · 30/12/2023 20:44

Scarletttulips · 30/12/2023 19:00

We went. Family opposite peed through out letter box prior to our arrival. We left - no idea on entertainmemt.

I've stayed in lots of caravans ( haven , park resorts etc). Never had a letterbox.

DettolBath · 30/12/2023 20:48

Theduchy · 30/12/2023 20:38

We've stayed in Hafan y Mor in North Wales a few times now and the entertainment isn't my thing but you can easily avoid that. The caravans have been clean, staff friendly, pool great. That park is well out of your way but wanted to share a positive haven experience.

Great to hear this as I have this site booked for next year. Silver caravan 4 DC so I am hoping all goes well!!

TeamLoganHuntzberger · 30/12/2023 20:55

We stayed at the Perranporth Haven a few years ago and it wasn’t great at all.
However Ruda at Croyde is a ParkDean and we return each summer with our motorhome. The kids absolutely love it (7 and 5), right on the beach, lovely walk through the fields into Croyde itself which has some fab restaurants. Thoroughly recommend!