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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.

Butlins / haven / centerparcs -- is there any difference???

2 replies

smilesandsun · 24/05/2010 11:55

Hi,

We're looking for a cheap break mainly for the kids to run around and have fun. We've never stayed at one of the 'park' type holiday resorts before. Most welcome advice on:

  • would you go to one of them?
  • is ane one provider (haven etc) better than the others?
  • anything I should look out for?

Thanks!!

OP posts:
gingernutlover · 26/05/2010 20:17

hello

we have been to all three and enjoyed all three

butlins is very full on and noisy, I personally couldnt do a full week there. Hotel is nice, cheaper accomodation could do with updating. There is lots which is free if you just avoid the amusements and gift shops. Half board is quite good value if a bit school dinnery. Loads to do in evening if you like shows etc. Swimming pools open reasonabl hours. Some outdoor play, free fairground inside (kiddies) and outside (bigger rides) Huge soft play area inside.

haven is caravans mainly which vary in comfort. This was a quite relaixng family holiday. again, lots of amusements but also all entertainment is free and so can work out a good cheap holiday. Swimming pools open quite restricted hours. Normally have a playground but kinda limited, our last one had a small softplay in the corner of a bar which was out of order (apparently, had been for months on end)

Center parcs has lovely big comfortable accomodation. Pool beats the others hands down as is open 12 hours a day. But, everything else costs eg bikes, evening entrertainment, activities etc. There is nothing on in the evening really unless you go out for a meal or pay to see a show or pay to go bowling. But, the pool is open to 10pm and also your accomodation is so comfortable and peaceful that you can sit in of an evening. Fabulous outside playareas for children, massive and suitable for variosu ages. Also, have good softplay.

If I had the choice, I would go center parcs every time, but I do enjoy the others too, and the fact they are A LOT cheaper hel.ps too

rookiemater · 26/05/2010 22:06

Gingernut lover has done a great explanation. I haven't been to Butlins so can't comment on that but have been to Haven and Center parcs.

Caravans at Haven are fine, although other friends have commented on cleanliness so it can be a bit hit or miss. They have a pool but restrictions on numbers so may have to queue, was very surprised by all the slot and arcade games you had to pass to get to it. They offer free entertainment which DS enjoyed although it wasn't terribly sophisticated. Activities such as bouncy castle and pedalos are expensive. Food quality on site in bars or takeaway is poor.

Centerparcs - lodges are great, surroundings nice, but all activities £££. Love the fact you can cycle everywhere.

I find Centerparcs too pricy now but have to be honest and say that Haven was not for me, we tend to go to smaller independent caravan sites less entertainment and facilities but more peaceful and usually have a play area and swimming pool, you can find a good selection on the Hoseasons website.

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