Holiday Parks Recommendations

[tali1]

Holiday parks , are all the providers the same ? Which are budget ? or known to be more expensive ?

[Buenchico]

You might need to define 'holiday park' here. For some people that means large sites, such as the Butlins' ones at Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness (or any of the five Pontin's sites), with meals included and an emphasis on free entertainment facilities, etc. (They're generally 'budget' providers).

Others might be thinking of resort villages, such as those provided by Center Parcs in Cumbria, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk, Bedfordhire and Wiltshire, where there's an emphasis on luxury and relaxation. (They're definitely NOT 'budget providers!)

Yet others might be considering self-catering caravan sites (possibly with static homes and/or chalets available as well). They vary enormously, with some only offering very basic facilities (such as a shop and/or bar), while others have swimming pools, sports facilities, on-site entertainment, bars, restaurants, etc. The pricing will largely depend upon the facilities that are available.

So what type of 'holiday park' are you interested in?

[calmck]

We have had great times at Centre Parcs but looking at their web site last week the "Covid restrictions" with limited pool time, later check in and reduced activities means we will not plan to go this year

[tali1]

@Buenchico thanks more towards budget.How do "large sites" compare to self-catering caravan sites price wise ?

[Buenchico]

The number of people in a group can make a big difference to the cost of holiday park accommodation. Pricing is frequently 'per caravan', 'per lodge' or 'per chalet', rather than 'per person'. So holiday parks are often far better suited to families than to solo travellers. (As an example, £700 per week might count as 'budget accommodation' to a family of five, as it's only £20 pppn but it's far from 'budget' for someone on their own).

If you tell us how many people would be in your group (including the adult/child mix, if relevant), roughly where you'd like to go (e.g. 'East Anglia' or 'South Coast'), at what time of year and for how long, I will hopefully be able to point you towards somewhere suitable.

In the meantime though, I'll provide you with this link:
https://www.ukcampsite.co.uk
It's a specialist review site (roughly along the lines of TripAdvisor) covering everything from campsites with just a few pitches for a handful of tents through to caravan sites that have static caravans (and/or chalets, etc) available for hire and with loads of facilities (such as bars, restaurants and entertainment). You need to use the filters carefully to find places to meet your personal requirements but, when combined with the websites of the places featured there, it's an absolute treasure trove of information.

[Buenchico]

PS: For a reputable company that's at the budget end of the market (although how cheap they really are will still depend upon how many people are occupying the accommodation), check out Parkdean:
https://www.parkdeanresorts.co.uk

[tali1]

5 adults and 1 child.Maximum 4 day stay.- Somewhere near a beach location primarily but generally quite open minded about location.

[Buenchico]

With the whole of the country to choose from, it's hard for me to know where to start!

However Summerfields Holiday Park (which is a Parkdean one) in Scratby, near Great Yarmouth comes to mind. I've stayed their myself, at the invitation of friends, and I was quite impressed with it. (It was at Christmas though, and quite a long time ago, but it will at least offer a starting point on prices and facilities).

Details of the holiday park can be found here:
https://www.parkdeanresorts.co.uk/location/east-anglia-lincolnshire/summerfields
(Click the tabs for 'Accommodation', 'Facilities', etc)

The beach is just down the road, and pictured here:
https://www.thebeachguide.co.uk/south-east-england/norfolk/scratby-beach.htm

For a 3-night break in the school summer holidays, starting on Friday 30 July, Summerfields is offering a 'Caister Maisonette' for £469. That works out at about £26 pppn. It sleeps 6, with two double rooms and one twin room.

If you can go later though (after the school holiday rush has ended), starting on Friday 3 September, the same accommodation is offered for just £179. That's only £10 pppn; I doubt that you'll find accommodation much cheaper than that very easily!

[tali1]

@Buenchico Hoseeasons seems good value ? Also what about using Groupcon /Wowcher -or are they exaggerated savings?

[Buenchico]

Hoseason's can be expensive during peak periods but cheap at off-peak times of the year.

If you happen to see a Groupon or Wowcher deal that meets your needs, there's no reason why you shouldn't go for it.