Holiday parks in the UK have evolved significantly from the simpler offerings of the late 20th century, now featuring a wide array of amenities such as infinity pools, zorbing, and hot tubs. Standards, however, can vary dramatically, according to a travel expert's recent ranking of Britain's holiday parks.
Top-Tier Parks
Pinelodge's Darwin Forest hideaway in Derbyshire is highlighted as a top choice, offering a serene experience across 47 acres of woodland with 137 timber lodges, many equipped with hot tubs and saunas. The park encourages exploration of the surrounding area, including Chatsworth House and local villages, with on-site activities like archery, zorbing, and cycling. The expert praised its ability to balance a family-friendly atmosphere with peace and quiet.
Landal Green Parks, a Dutch-owned company, is noted for its well-designed, greener parks that often provide better value than competitors. The Kenwick Park Estate in Lincolnshire is a favored location, offering a range of activities for all ages, including archery lessons and a hydrotherapy pool.
Bluestone National Park Resort in Wales, often compared to Center Parcs, is commended for its strong family focus and extensive activities. Situated on 500 acres within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, it features the Blue Lagoon water park, a climbing wall, and high ropes courses. While many activities incur an extra charge, the water park and play areas are free. The resort's woodland lodges and terraced cottages are noted as charming, with easy access to nearby villages like Solva.
Center Parcs, a major player in the UK holiday park scene, offers a vast selection of accommodation and activities, though customer satisfaction has reportedly declined due to high prices. The Woburn Forest park is praised for its natural setting, with resident Muntjac deer. However, the expert's top Center Parcs pick is Longleat in Wiltshire, for its pine-fringed lodges, children's activities, and sports plaza.
Waterside, primarily operating in Devon and Cornwall, is recognized for its spacious and deluxe caravans, all at least 12 feet wide and equipped with high-spec amenities. The Osmington Mills site is recommended for adults or families with older children, while Chesil Beach is better suited for younger children, featuring a splash pool and a large indoor soft play area. These parks are noted as being on the pricier side but offer desirable coastal locations.
Forest Holidays focuses on tranquility, with stylish cabins and treehouses nestled in wooded locations across the UK. While facilities are understated, it's a good option for couples and groups seeking peace and nature. Activities include nature walks, kayaking, and cycling. The Delamere Forest site in Cheshire is mentioned, offering proximity to Roman walls and Chester's historic 'rows'.
Potters Resorts offers what it claims to be the UK's only all-inclusive short break. The Hopton site, located near Lowestoft, provides a range of activities including clay pigeon shooting, badminton, and archery, along with VR headsets and adventure golf for children. Accommodation is described as tastefully furnished, similar to mid-range cruise cabins.
Hoburne Holidays, with a history dating back to the 1920s, operates nine parks in the south and southwest of England. Positioned at a mid-range price point, its Bashley park near the New Forest offers a genteel atmosphere, a nine-hole golf course, and woodland activities for children. The on-site brasserie serves Korean BBQ-style chicken wings among other dishes.
Mid-Tier and Budget Options
Haven Holidays, with 40 parks nationwide, is described as reliable and family-focused. The Hafan y Mor site on the Llyn Peninsula is noted for its proximity to the Ffestiniog Railway. While the caravans were pleasant, the on-site pizza was criticized, though other eateries offered better options.
Parkdean Resorts, with 65 parks, experiences significant variation in quality. The St Minver site in Cornwall is situated in an attractive location near beaches, but the caravans were described as tired and Wi-Fi patchy. Sand art sessions were a redeeming activity for younger visitors.
Butlin's, a British institution, still offers big-name entertainment for families with young children, with upcoming attractions including The Masked Singer and wrestling. Accommodation quality varies, and the Bognor Regis site is mentioned with a note on its surrounding fencing.
Parks to Avoid
Pontins, established in 1946, is described as feeling stuck in time, with aging chalets, threadbare entertainment, and patchy upkeep. The Pakefield location, which closed permanently last year, is cited as an example of its tired model. The whereabouts of a miniature Brussels Manneken Pis statue from the site are unknown.