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UK travel

Welcome to our UK travel forum where you can get advice on everything from holidays to exotic destinations, to tips on London travel.

Original poster

Haven - honest experiences?

34 replies

CrumpetsandJammmm · 14/05/2023 18:18

We’re thinking of booking a few nights in the Kent or Essex parks in October half term. I’m not expecting it to be 5* or anything, but what is it honestly like?

Kids will be 11 and 6, between the pool and an activity they’re not looking for a huge amount to do.

OP posts:
Timeforabiscuit · 14/05/2023 18:30

Have you been in a caravan before?

Be prepared for lots of noise as the caravan walls are very thin, and there tends to be a mix of large extended families and owner occupied, so it tends to stay busy until late and start early with young kids playing.

That said kids absolutely loved caravans when they were little, now me and dh are mid forties our backs can't handle the caravan sofas anymore.

Prepare for the pool not to be working, but if you're staying for a long weekend you can get a good idea of how it goes without spending too much.

anon12093 · 14/05/2023 18:39

Never had any bother. My kids love them. Book activities weeks in advance.

hlc123 · 14/05/2023 18:56

Love Haven, we have stayed in some lovely caravans and lodges

SallyWD · 14/05/2023 18:59

Went to one last year for the first time. The kids absolutely loves it. They went to the pool twice a day and loved the amusements. There were also lots of other activities they could do (sports etc).
I found the caravan a little cramped but it wasn't too much of a problem as we were out the whole time.
We're going again this Summer but opting for a slightly larger caravan.

Iwrote · 14/05/2023 19:06

I've not been to Kent or Essex, but Haven parks are generally well maintained and there is loads on for the dc. There's nothing to dislike really.

Original poster
CrumpetsandJammmm · 14/05/2023 19:57

Thanks, that’s all really helpful - sounds like it will be fine! Kids will certainly love it and even if it is a bit cramped it’s only for 4 days.

OP posts:
gaggiagirl · 14/05/2023 20:00

My kids love a haven holiday. They go to the pool every day. Do try and get the best caravan you can afford though.

Proudofitbabe · 14/05/2023 20:03

Love Haven, plenty to do for the kids and the caravans tend to be clean and modern. Go for a higher standard of van - Silver/Gold plus to get dishwasher/tv in bedroom, and a better-positioned plot.

Crumbcatcher · 14/05/2023 20:03

Caravan size didn't matter to me, but if you can choose location of it to be close to the pool/ activity centre it will save you a lot of walking. My DC love it, we've been to a few and the parks have all been well maintained with friendly staff.

carly2803 · 14/05/2023 20:20

book private. cheaper and usually has a good veranda, netflix, wifi etc

but yes - haven is fab!

Clickncollect · 14/05/2023 20:22

We went to Hopton last year and have booked Seashore this year. Absolutely loved it with my 6 year old, really good fun and plenty to do!

Upsadiddles · 14/05/2023 20:31

We usually do a haven weekend once or twice a year and love it. It’s not luxury, but it’s always been clean and comfortable enough. Loads to do and we always have a good time.

PaperNests · 14/05/2023 20:32

We've only been to the ones further up north but we've loved it. It's a really chilled out holiday and the kids loved the pools and activities and local beaches. We always book the cheapest caravan and they've been fine.

WorriedMillie · 14/05/2023 20:39

We’ve been about 10x, had some great holidays
-only had one incident when the occupants of a neighbouring caravan were noisy one night, post midnight, shouting, swearing and generally being a nuisance
We called security and they were there great

CornishGem1975 · 14/05/2023 20:54

carly2803 · 14/05/2023 20:20

book private. cheaper and usually has a good veranda, netflix, wifi etc

but yes - haven is fab!

Private doesn't include the play passes though so need to factor that cost in if you went to use the pool and entertainment etc In school holidays it can be £££

Wellhellother · 14/05/2023 21:03

Stayed at one in Wales last summer. It was hell and certainly am eye opening experience. You couldn't pay me to return

Bluebells1970 · 14/05/2023 21:07

Honestly, it depends on the site. Had some great holidays and had some awful ones.

Avoid Lakeland one like the plague. We left after 2 days because it was so bad. Never got a penny back either, they couldn't give a shit.

Original poster
CrumpetsandJammmm · 14/05/2023 22:11

The ones that were bad, what was wrong?

We are going to get a Gold caravan (don’t think my parents would survive anything smaller!) and good tip if we can choose the plot. I’m happy with clean and comfortable and not expecting luxury!

OP posts:
NCTDN · 14/05/2023 22:14

My children said haven places were one of their favourite holidays! Make sure you ask for a dog free caravan (unless you have a dog!) as we stayed in one with was full of dog smell.
I disagree with the pp who said get one closer as I'd say go further away and it will be quieter

Batmansmummy · 14/05/2023 23:05

I've recently returned from a haven site in wales and it was lovely the caravan was immaculate and the site it's self was very clean we got backed and booked a stay at a different one in the summer of second what someone else said though and choose your own holiday home as being close to the main facilities saved a lot of little legs x

Allschoolsareartschools · 14/05/2023 23:18

Had a weekend break in a Gold caravan last week & it was brand new & immaculate. It can be hit & miss but agree with pps to get the best caravan you can afford.
My dc adored Haven when they were younger.

caringcarer · 14/05/2023 23:40

I used to have a caravan on a Haven site at Primrose Valley in Yorkshire when my children were little. They had a club for children called Tiger club and had dances and songs the children learned. Lots of children's activities and a lovely swimming pool. I found that site very clean and well maintained. I haven't been to any of their other sites.

whiteroseredrose · 14/05/2023 23:57

We went to one in North Wales a few years ago. The caravan was clean but a bit cold. The staff were absolutely lovely and we enjoyed the swimming, trampolines and go karts.

Big issue was the number of drunk people in the evening and the awful sound of a wife being beaten up in the middle of the night. So never again.

IfOnlyOurEyesSawSouls · 15/05/2023 02:30

Worst holiday of my life.

MadEyeMoodysEye · 15/05/2023 03:22

We've done a few and it's always been good fun, the kids absolutely love it. Never had any problems with cleanliness or other guests or anything.

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