Haven Holidays

[Yingers74]

We are thinking of going on a Haven Holiday in the summer. Does anyone have any opinions about Haven, good or bad?

We've been to Haven for last couple of years and have really enjoyed it especially the kids.

Always lots to do, swimming and activties for kids of all ages.

They are after all your money but we used to find the nearest supermarket and stock up on supplies their rather than the site shop, ditto going to the entertainment at night, used to take our own snacks and juice.
We're going to Primrose Valley this year after having done Ayr and Haggerston, it should be a good base as there's loads close by the camp Scarbrough, Whitby, Flamingollnd so we can get a good couple of days out as we like to do historic and fun days out. One thing I would recommend is getting the best caravan you can afford especially the one with heating in all the rooms, we went for the cheapy one the first time and really noticed the difference upgrading last year.
If your children are between 0 and 10 they'll love it and there's loads of activities in the lounges during the day that you can sit back and let them enjoy. we never go to the adult shows but just do the kids ones about 6 or 8pm, vary from the spider-man show, pantos and circuses.
My kids will be 7, 4 and 1 and the oldest 2 can't wait to go back. 7 year old ds is very keen to try fencing (been reading spiderwick) and archery
We chose Primrose Valley as its been revamped is in a good location and the pool looks great which we always like to use everyday.
With Haven you can get your moneys worth of the onsite entertainment and use it as base for exploring that part of the country.
You will save a fortune by bringing in your own food and drink and not giving into the buy buy buy messages that the staff push all the time, if you have any light sabres , light up wands,sparkly tat etc bring them with you as they flog the cheap and nasty versions before shows and if your kids have the decent ones with them they don't tend to ask for the rip off ones.
would recommend if you like to lots of differnt things as there's always something on and can make your own agenda, have looked at butlins and centreparcs but neither appealed

Have just got back from Haven at Burnham on Sea ... it was so good, we didn't want to come home!

Agree with everything Espadair said - to save money, I took our own bedding, travel cot, travel highchair (these alone saved us £40!) and also cooked all our own meals.

I wasn't expecting to enjoy the hol - in fact, I'd deliberately booked somewhere within a couple of hours drive, in case it was so horrendous that I wanted to come home early . But we all LOVED it & can't wait to go back.

I was particulary surprised with how clean everything was and how friendly & helpful all the staff were. My only gripes were lack of heating in the bedrooms (we had the cheapy static caravans via offer with The Express!) - had to go & buy a £15 fan heater in nearby ASDA - and the changing rooms for the indoor pool weren't big enough & didn't have any decent facilities for changing a baby/toddler.

Am now saving tokens for the Sun £15 holiday offer which has lots of Haven resorts to choose from

I am also a Haven fan!

Some people are a bit 'snobby' about Haven (e.g my SIL) but you just need to take what you want from the hols - whether its the swimming pool, entertainment or just use the caravan as a base. Completely agree re: trying to get the best caravan you can possibly afford - sometimes you can get one with a DVD which is brilliant in the evenings if the entertainment isn't your thing Some of the basic ones can get really cold and although I have found them clean - they are a bit old and draughty. If you want decent food, eat outside the park or buy/ bring your own food for the caravan.

We prefer the slightly smaller ones - i.e there is normally an indoor pool but not the massive ones like Devon Cliffs where we kept losing our caravan . But I really do think they are exceptionally good value.

We went to Centre Parcs last year and hated it. Sooooo expensive with all the extras and I hate the idea of booking your activities before you get there. We were 'unlucky' with our villa as well (damp).
I just find Haven more honest in the sense, you get what you pay for (which is a lot less than CP!)

Not for me. Combe Haven in Hastings is filthy and expensive.

Although I bet others are nicer. Whatever you do DONT get conned into buying a caravan.

We bought one because it was supposed to be their flagship resort. the pool changing rooms were tiny and minging. Its a nightmare to get a seat in the entertainment area ar night.

The sweets and treats cost a BOMB.

We wasted thousnads by buying. But even to rent a cheap van isnt THAT cheap.

OK if you do the sun or mirror deal though. Although my toes curl at the thought of some of those grotty vans.

We are also going to Primrose Valley over August - DS age 6 is so excited he goes to bed every night with the Haven brochure bless! We are only going for 3 nights but it should be good hopefully

We are also going to Lydstep Beach (Tenby) in July. It is a Haven place too but is not in the brochure as it is too popular and most of the caravans are now privately owned as it is so nice. We went last year and it was lovely with its own private beach, amazing views and fab cliff top walks nearby.

As long as the accommodation is ok and the weather is bearable most holidays are what you make of it and Haven is good - honest!

thanks for the advice, think we will probably go for it!