Best Haven holiday parks: the top UK sites that families recommend

It’s little wonder Haven Hopton is so popular with Mumsnetters. This well-maintained, dog-friendly holiday park is not only close to plenty of fabulous family attractions, but it also sits opposite a lovely, sandy beach on the scenic Norfolk coast.

And there's no shortage of entertainment at the park itself. Kids will have a blast swooping down the water flume in the indoor pool, and there’s an outdoor pool for summer days too. And while tots will love the playground and crafting area, older kids will no doubt be fans of the archery coaching, junior Segways and minigolf course.

Mumsnetters love the range of activities and top seaside location at this large Haven site.

Nearest train station: Great Yarmouth station (6.5 miles)

Haven Devon Cliffs is the largest Haven park and also offers one of its best selections of evening entertainment, on-site restaurants and family-friendly fun.

There are slides in the indoor pool and a big heated pool outside. And should anyone still have energy to burn after all the splashing about, the site features an adventure golf course, climbing wall, nature trail and mini aerial adventure course.

Some caravans and lodges are dog-friendly, and many come with terraces from which to admire the sea views. You’re a stone’s throw from one of Devon’s best Blue Flag beaches, and should you fancy picking up a couple of souvenirs, the pretty towns of Exmouth and Sidmouth are a short drive away.

Note that some guests have reported issues with WiFi reception which can make booking activities via the app a little tricky.

Nearest train station: Exmouth Station (3 miles)

Reviewed by Mumsnet's Travel Editor, Rachel Erdos: read our full review of Combe Haven Holiday Park

This hillside holiday park is within walking distance of St Leonards-on-Sea and a 15-minute drive from Hastings making it a great base to explore the Sussex coastline. There's an indoor pool and an outdoor pool with a fun waterslide (better suited to older kids) and there are plenty of on-site activities ranging from wholesome sessions like den building and pottery painting to high adrenaline options like NERF training camps and archery.

There's a full range of caravans and lodges available for all budgets and we found the Saver Caravans clean and well equipped for the price.

The park is small enough to easily get your bearings and try a bit of everything in one trip. It's a great value option for an affordable family escape on the south coast.

Reviewed by Mumsnet tester, Gemma Britton: read our full review of Lakeland Leisure Resort

This welcoming family getaway in the Lake District is a short drive from Windermere and Kendal. Set by the Cumbrian coast, it offers a mix of seaside charm and scenic countryside.

We found the caravans clean, well-equipped and perfectly placed for peaceful views and we loved the on-site water sports facilities, particularly the pedalo boats. The staff were excellent during our stay.

My toddler was a big fan of the outdoor playgrounds and the location, near Grange-over-Sands, made an ideal base for a relaxed, activity-filled family break. It's also good value compared to a lot of accommodation in surrounding towns in the Lake District.

We found it pretty tricky to book availability at the indoor pool and the outdoor pool is quite small. It's a great option for water sports fans though and the site is within easy reach of nearby beaches including Bardsea Beach, as well as the famous promenade at Grange-over-Sands.

Nearest train station: Cark & Cartmel Station (2 miles)

One of the big draws of this good value Scottish holiday park is its huge indoor waterpark, with flumes, waterfalls, lazy river and a three-lane racing slide. Not that the fun stops there; Haven Craig Tara also has an adventure village, where young-thrill seekers can climb, ride Segways and clamber across inflatable obstacle courses and mini-aerial runs.

In addition to the lively activities, there’s also the tranquillity of Ayrshire’s coastline close at hand. Plus, you’re next door to the Heads of Ayr Farm Park and a 30-minure drive from grand Dumfries House, with its gardens, adventure playground, maze and small farm.

Most Mumsnetters recommending this park really rate the pool at Craig Tara and state that it's one of the best that Haven has.

Nearest train station:  Ayr Station (4 miles)

As the names suggest, Haven Golden Sands sits on a beautiful stretch of the Lincolnshire coast, making it ideal for little sandcastle builders. It’s also just down the road from the highly rated Lincolnshire Aquapark for some exhilarating splashy fun.

Still, there’s more than enough on site to delight kids of all ages. Both indoor and outdoor pools have thrilling slides. Plus, there’s a new adventure village, which includes bungee trampolines, a giant jumping platform and an aerial adventure course. And for more relaxed entertainment, there’s a fishing lake, as well as outdoor play areas.

Note that the indoor pool and Quayside restaurant can get busy and are often booked up in advance.

Nearest train station: Skegness Station (19 miles)

Located on a sandy bay, this small holiday park is ideal for families looking for a quieter base in this beautiful part of south Wales. Not that the relaxed pace here means a lack of facilities: there’s still a playground, a climbing wall, a small arcade and an indoor pool. Plus, tweens and teens can try their hand at sea kayaking.

For day trips, you're spoiled for choice. Tenby is a great place for a potter, with indie shops, cafes, a castle and winding lanes. Meanwhile, kids will adore spotting the animals at Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo or riding the soaring rollercoasters at Oakwood Theme Park.

Nearest train station: Tenby station (4 miles)

Sitting just north of the traditional seaside town of Weymouth and close to a nature reserve and sand and pebble beaches, this Haven holiday park is ideally located for a child-friendly break in Dorset.

On the site, families will love drifting along the lazy river, which links a good-sized indoor and outdoor pool. Active kids will also jump at the chance to scale the new climbing wall and aerial adventure course. Back at ground level, there’s a playground, a mini golf course and a nature trail. Hire a bike and spend some time exploring the romantic Jurassic coast.

Note that swimming pool slots can get booked up well in advance.

Nearest train station: Weymouth station (3 miles)

Parents rave about this Haven holiday park in north Wales, thanks in part to its winning location on the vast Black Rock Sands beach, close to Snowdonia National Park.

That said, the on-site activities are popular too and include the chance to splash about in the indoor pool, charge through the outdoor splash pads and fly high on the bungee trampoline. A large, modern entertainment arena also hosts kids’ activities and spectacular shows.

Nearest train station: Porthmadog station (3 miles)

Haven Thornwick Bay is set on the Flamborough Headland Heritage Coast, a beautiful and less-visited part of the Yorkshire coast, which has secluded sandy beaches and secret coves, reached via snaking steps.

In early summer, kids can bring binoculars to admire the cute puffins that nest on the cliffs close to the park. Or spend the day exploring the forest and beach at Danes Dyke Nature Reserve. That’s if you can tear them away from all the fun within the park itself, which includes an indoor pool with racing slides and a toddler soft play area, as well as a games arcade and all-weather activity barn. And should anyone fancy a bit more entertainment, there are family-friendly shows for a little pre-bedtime boogie.

There are a number of popular Haven holiday parks in Yorkshire but Mumsnetters particularly like Thornwick Bay for its awesome coastal location.

Nearest train station: Bridlington Station (5.5 miles)

You can’t always rely on scorching heat in rugged Northumberland, but with this Haven park having both indoor and outdoor heated pools, the outside temperature doesn’t really matter. And there’s also a games arcade and a painting studio if you need to dodge the odd shower.

Of course, being based just outside the charming town of Berwick brings its own attractions - not least being close to many of Northumberland’s wide, powdery soft beaches and magical castles (Alnwick Castle is a must-visit for Harry Potter fans thanks to its role as Hogwarts in the first two films). Return to watch a show in the on-site entertainment venue, or stroll to the front of the park for a post-dinner paddle in the shimmering sea.

Nearest train station: Berwick Station (0.5 miles)