Holiday parks - Is there anything nicer than Butlins but naffer than Center Parcs?

[SindyTellsMe]

I'm looking for somewhere family-friendly with lots of activities on-site that isn't as chaotic/unhealthy as Butlins, but not quite as pleased with itself (and its prices) as Center Parcs.

Any ideas?

We've had good experiences at several haven parks. We were expecting them to be awful but actually they've been clean, well organised, friendly and the kids love them.

I don't mind too much if bits of it are like Phoenix Nights as that can be blimmin good fun, so long as where I sleep, bathe and eat has had a lick of paint in the last couple of years

We are going to Newton Hall holiday park again. Is in blackpool but not the centre. Is next to Stanley park and the Zoo. They dont allow stag/hen parties or large groups of young people so is not too rowdy. The facilities are ok-a bit 1980's perhaps(small pool,playpark and arcade) but they have a family bar/games room and always have entertainment on for kids.
They have a choice of caravans or apartments. We are staying in one of the luxury apartments-3 bedrooms,one en suite,large living room,kitchen and dining area. The dcs love it.

I'd second Devon Cliffs...flagship Haven site really smart and has a spa!!!!!!

Have you been to Butlins recently? I'd say the posh bits are quite nice.

But we usually do Canvas holidays in Europe.

I agree that Butlins is chaotic but it doesn't have to be unhealthy!?
My family went last year and my dc still talk about it now.

Park Resorts in Shanklin, IOW was absolutely HIDEOUS - do not go there!

We have stayed in lots of sites! Currently on one now. Its a john fowler and a bit shabby. All haven sites in south west are okay. Best one -devon cliffs.

if any one knows a private owner please pm me. We are wanting to go back next year.

Hi there. I saw SindyTellsMe's comments about Butlins being chaotic and unhealthy so just wanted to pop by to address them.

We know our resorts can be busy during school holidays, but we've addressed this in recent years by providing more open spaces where you can relax and unwind and we've invested millions in improving the landscaping and overall appearance of our resorts.

As well as this, all 3 of our resorts are right on the beach, so if you don't find a nice spot on the grass to take some time out, you can always grab your bucket and spade and make the short walk to the seaside. If you have tots, I'd also recommend coming along during term-time as things are always less busy and there are shorter queues for things like rides and shows.

In response to your comments about being unhealthy, I wanted to reassure you that we have very strict procedures in place to maintain high levels of cleanliness and hygiene at all times. In our guest satisfaction survey, 90% of our guests rated the cleanliness and hygiene on resort as 'good', 'very good', or 'excellent' and we're obviously looking to improve on that each month.

I hope you don't mind me dropping by - I just wanted to take this opportunity to reassure you that as a company we understand the concerns mums have when bringing their children on holiday and that we do everything we can to make our resorts a safe, fun and clean place to holiday together.

Katie @ Butlins

Katie, kudos for popping up! :)

By the way we are actually Butlins premier club members and have had some happy times there. Unhealthy was more about food choices, although I must admit there was an improvement last time we went (memories of DH going to the Annabel Karmel stand in the food court and claiming our toddler wanted seconds!)

Hmmm, well I stayed in one of the Butlins hotels and the food was very disappointing - 101 things to do with turkey on the cheap. Also a very strange selection of Chinese/Indian/roast type food but nothing that you could really make a complete meal out of without ending up with very strange assortment. But as you said, kudos to Katie :)

If you fancy North Norfolk then take a look at Searles. We stayed there earlier in the year and it's definitely a happy medium between Butlins and CP.

I have been told Potters in Great Yarmouth is good.

we have visited HOBURNE NAISH a couple of times - they have caravans, & chalets but also some fab luxury lodges. its a great site , well spaced out with pools & entertainment club & family restaurant. Its definately not butlins but smaller & much friendlier. its on the coast near the new forest, not far from Bournemouth. i think it is in the Hoseasons book but you can book with them direct. its a privately owned group of sites, there are another 2 nearby but i think they just have caravans.

Sandy Balls, seriously, I love it there.

Or Bluestone?

I've stayed at Ribby Village (fnar) near Blackpool and it was rather nice. Good accommodation, activities and parks.

Sandy Balls is brilliant - I love it there too as does DS. They have nice lodges aswell as caravan and pitch options.

Also look at Freshwater beach holiday Park in Burton Bradstock Nr Bridport. It does mobile homes and has a new indoor pool and bowling lane built this year. Lots for the family to do during day too outdoors so not one of those holidys that is entirely weather dependent.

Try and look at Shorefields as well. Although I think they may be upper price bracket?

Ribby Hall (10 miles out of Blackpool)is a great park - it is in the Hoseasons brochure or look at their website and book direct. Much nicer than Haven though pricier.

Check out Crowhurst Park in Battle, East Sussex.
We've just got back from a 4 nite stay in a pine lodge for £589.
It was LOOOOOVELY.
Really quiet considering it was the middle of the summer hols, no clampets, gorgeous pool, grounds.
Booked through Hoseasons.
We've done both Butlins and Center Parcs, Crowhurst is nearer the classier Center Parcs end but at half the price.

Also Potters is good. Food is FAB!

Def sandyballs, so lovely. Been about 10 times, hence the nickname . haven church farm also ok, one of their best ones near chichester.

We went on a John Fowler holiday too (although it was in 2005). It was grim.

If you are looking at the SW as a destination, John Fowler holiday parks are worth a look I have found their accommodation has more kitchen equipment than haven.