Caravan Sites: small or big in August?

[Hocuspocushyperfocus]

Hello,

I'm trying to make a decision on which caravan site to book for August for me, my DH and my three dc (9,6,5). Two of my dc are autistic/ with complex medical needs.

We've stopped at both private sites (but only 2nights / used as a base) and haven / park dean sites before but only in term time so they have been quiet and enjoyable. This is our first term time holiday and we are hoping for a fair few days out and exploring...we enjoyed swimming and the play parks/ beaches on the Haven sites but the children didn't enjoy the arcades/ evening entertainment or anywhere too busy / crowded.

I've found a private caravan site with no facilities for £700, the caravan is similar to a gold caravan at Haven. Trip advisor reviews are very positive quiet peaceful and a good base. The haven site (30 minutes away) is £2,200 for a similar style caravan but has the swimming, play parks and a beach on the doorstep so less driving and we could have a few "chill at the beach and walk back to the caravan" days ....has anyone used a no facilities site? Did you manage? Are they child friendly? I'm concerned that the children using skipping ropes or playing outside late afternoon will be frowned upon.

How busy / crowded do the Haven sites get in August?

Thank you,

If you can find availability I think I’d look for a cottage or similar near to the coast with an enclosed garden where the children can play safely.

You don’t want to be paying for all the facilities that you won’t use and having to cope with the noise from them without any of the benefits. They will be really busy.
Smaller private sites are great for owners but lots don’t rent out caravans. Often owners are retired and some may not be so tolerant of children playing outside sadly.

You don’t say which areas you are looking at but some coastal places can still be fairly quiet even in the school holidays. If you are set on a caravan maybe someone can recommend somewhere suitable.
We had a caravan on the coast on a quiet family owned site that was owners only. The site next door wasn’t too big but did have a pool and entertainment and caravans for hire. Beach across the road.

Thank you - I hadn't thought of a cottage! What a brilliant idea - we are looking at North Wales. I was concerned that the cheaper but quieter caravan site would be mostly retired folk and as I have three children the noise would be noticeable especially when leaving/ arriving back to site. Thank you so much I'll have a look and research for cottages today.

Good luck with your search. Anglesey is lovely if you haven’t been. Lovely beaches.
Our autistic daughter used to call cottages “ peace privacy” when we went on holiday when she was young.

Not sure where you are based but we stayed on a beautiful caravan site a few years ago called Seafield in Northumberland. It was very quiet, all the caravans were similar to gold haven ones as you describe and has beautiful grounds. There is a health club there with a small pool which we couldn't use as it was closed for COVID but it looked lovely.

There is so much to do in the local area and the beaches are spectacular, some of the best in the UK.

They often do a 7 nights for the price of 4 deal too so it's was great value when we went (although not the English school hols so not sure what that would be like).

Haven during school holidays are absolute madness. I personally would avoid especially if you wont get full benefit of the facilities and with your DCs being autistic they can be quite overwhelming. I would possibly look at somewhere in the middle, you might miss having certain activities on site like a pool, play area etc especially if you're going to be there a few days. North Wales is absolutely swarming with caravan sites that arent the typical big brands, I spent my childhood with my GPs caravanning in North Wales and they're everywhere. Im sure youll find something that is a little quieter but I wouldnt compromise on having atleast some facilities and being near a beach.

Having just stayed at a Haven site over Easter, I'd not go there if you want a quiet night in your caravan! All we could hear until 11pm was 'boom boom boom'. I'd look for a cottage or a caravan on a smaller site.

Have you looked at the Lyons sites? There's quite a few in NW, iv stayed at the Robin Hood in Rhyl. It was a long time ago so I cant comment on what its like now, but iv heard good things.