
Haven operates three excellent parks across the North West. Each with a different experience and the quality facilities you'd expect from a Haven holiday.
This part of England packs in diverse landscapes and attractions within easy reach. Enjoy coastal fun at Blackpool one day and find yourself explore mountain scenery the next. For families in Manchester, Liverpool, Preston or across Lancashire and Cumbria, these parks make weekend breaks and longer holidays a top choice.
No airports. No long drives. Just pack the car and go!
Marton Mere sits on the outskirts of Blackpool, positioned perfectly for families looking for seaside action and fantastic peaceful surroundings. The park borders Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve so you get both environments in one location.
The impressive indoor pool complex includes a lazy river (open weather permitting between May half term and end of August bank holiday) and outdoor SplashZone for sunny days. The lazy river lets you float along whilst the children burn energy elsewhere.
Kids will love the climbing wall, crazy golf and sports courts. The park also offers archery and various coached activities. Football fans can join coaching sessions during peak season.
For spring 2026, Marton Mere is getting a brand new entertainment venue with comfortable seating and all the Haven shows you love. The park already has strong entertainment with daily activities for children and evening shows for everyone.
You can actually see Blackpool Tower from parts of the park. The Promenade sits just three miles away, putting Blackpool Pleasure Beach within easy reach.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach features over 10 rollercoasters. Whether you want gentle rides for younger children or white-knuckle thrills, you'll find something suitable.
The park runs various height restrictions so check before you visit.
Sandcastle Waterpark is the UK's largest indoor waterpark with 18 different slides. On cooler days when beach swimming doesn't appeal, it provides hours of water-based fun.
The Blackpool Illuminations run from September through to the new year. This spectacular light display transforms the seafront and remains one of Britain's most popular free attractions. Time your visit right and you can enjoy both park facilities and the lights.
Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve attracts over 260 bird species. Long-eared owls, warblers and various water birds call this area home. Even if you're into birdwatching, the reserve provides peaceful walking routes away from the busier attractions.
Cala Gran occupies a spot in Fleetwood, about eight miles north of Blackpool. Enjoy the seaside setting and different atmosphere to the main resort.
The heated indoor pool includes a waterslide that has proved very popular with children. Adults will appreciate the steam room and the outdoor areas give space for running around.
Cala Gran is getting a brand new J D Wetherspoon pub for spring 2026. This will offer Haven's first holiday park-based Wetherspoon in the Blackpool area, with family-friendly food and drink options at great value.
The park features adventure activities including the Leap of Faith and a vertical assault course.
If your children (or you!) enjoy physical challenges, you'll love these! There's also a climbing wall, crazy golf and footgolf for competitive families.
For creative activities, the park runs pottery sessions where children can make holiday souvenirs. There's also an indoor soft play area for younger ones and bike kart hire for exploring.
Fleetwood Beach sits a short bus journey away (number 14 bus). This gives you traditional seaside experiences - building sandcastles, paddling and enjoying fish and chips - without Blackpool's crowds.
Blackpool itself remains easily accessible. The tram stops nearby and takes you straight down the coast to all the main attractions. This setup works well - you get quieter accommodation whilst keeping access to entertainment.
Farmer Parrs Animal World provides hands-on fun for younger children. They can meet and feed various animals in a working farm setting. It's close enough for a quick visit between park activities.
Fleetwood itself offers a more traditional seaside town experience. The market, arcades and promenade give you that classic British coast atmosphere.
Lakeland Leisure Park in Cumbria targets a different type of break. This park suits families who prefer outdoor adventures and stunning scenery over seaside entertainment.
The park sits on the edge of the Lake District National Park near Flookburgh. Views stretch across Morecambe Bay whilst the Lake District fells provide a backdrop. This positioning gives you coastal and mountain access from one base.
Lake Windermere sits about 30 minutes away. England's largest natural lake offers boat trips, watersports and lakeside walking routes. The whole area provides that classic Lakes experience.
Lakeland has something many Haven parks don't - its own water sports centre. You can hire kayaks, canoes, paddle boards and pedalos on the park's activity lake. Coaching is available so beginners feel confident trying something new.
The park features both indoor and outdoor heated pools. After a day hiking in the fells, a relaxing swim hits the spot. There's also a nine-hole pitch and putt course if golf interests you.
Like the other parks, Lakeland is getting a J D Wetherspoon pub for spring 2026. Food options already include Burger King, Papa John's pizza (order through the My Haven app for delivery to your accommodation) and Cook's fish and chips.
The Lake District National Park has been protected since 1951. It contains 16 major lakes, with Wastwater being England's deepest. The landscape inspired poets like Wordsworth and continues to draw walkers and nature lovers.
Towns worth visiting include:
Holker Hall sits just two miles from Lakeland. This stately home featured in Downton Abbey and has 23 acres of formal gardens. They run seasonal events throughout the year.
The World of Beatrix Potter attraction in Bowness-on-Windermere brings Peter Rabbit and friends to life. Children who love the stories enjoy seeing the characters and settings recreated.
Lakeland Maze Farm Park combines animals with adventure activities. It's a working farm with tractor rides, soft play, go-karts and Cumbria's largest maze. Good for days when you want structured activities close to base.
Grizedale Forest offers sculpture trails through woodland. The cafe and exhibition centre make it easy to spend several hours here. Pack walking boots and prepare for beautiful views.
Marton Mere suits families wanting Blackpool excitement with nature reserve tranquillity. The facilities impress and you're perfectly placed for theme park visits.
Cala Gran provides easier access to beaches and Blackpool attractions whilst feeling less hectic than staying in the resort itself. Good middle ground.
Lakeland appeals to outdoor enthusiasts who want hiking, water sports and stunning scenery. Less about traditional seaside fun and more about natural beauty.
All three parks offer Haven's range of accommodation from budget-friendly Saver caravans to luxury lodges. Self-catering means you control meal times and costs, though on-site food options provide easy alternatives.
Higher accommodation grades typically include:
All accommodation must meet Haven's cleanliness guarantee. If you're not satisfied within the first four hours, they'll re-clean or provide a refund.
Haven's entertainment programme runs across all parks. During school holidays, kids' clubs operate throughout the day split by age groups.
Evening entertainment varies by park size but typically includes live music, comedy acts, game shows and character appearances. The Seaside Squad mascots appear regularly, particularly popular with younger visitors.
Showbars and entertainment venues provide comfortable seating. You can grab drinks and food whilst watching performances. The atmosphere stays family-friendly throughout.
School holiday periods get busy, especially July and August. Book well ahead for peak season and expect livelier park atmospheres. Pools and activities operate full schedules.
Term time visits offer:
May, June and September often provide lovely weather without peak season crowds. Blackpool Illuminations run autumn months, making September through November interesting for Marton Mere and Cala Gran guests.
The Lake District looks beautiful year-round. Spring brings wildflowers, summer offers long days for hiking, autumn provides spectacular colours and even winter has its own stark beauty (though Lakeland park closes for winter).
All three parks sit within easy driving distance for most of the North West. Motorway access makes journeys straightforward from Manchester, Liverpool and the surrounding areas.
Public transport works for Marton Mere and Cala Gran. Blackpool has train stations with regular services from major cities. Buses connect the parks to Blackpool town centre.
Lakeland is more remote. Car access works best here, especially if you want to explore the wider Lake District. The nearest train station sits in Grange-over-Sands, about three miles away.
Plan some days on park and some days out. Trying to do everything often means enjoying nothing fully. Choose key attractions you definitely want to visit and leave flexibility for spontaneous decisions.
Check weather forecasts but don't let them dictate too much. Haven parks have indoor facilities precisely because British weather stays unpredictable. Pools, entertainment and activities continue regardless.
Book any must-do activities when you arrive. Some popular options have limited spaces. Getting your name down early prevents disappointment.
Caravans come equipped with cooking facilities, crockery and basic furniture. You'll need:
Parks have mini markets but bringing basics saves money. The on-site shops stock essentials but at holiday prices.
Beyond the North West, Haven operates parks across the UK. If you enjoy this region, consider exploring Yorkshire coastal parks, Wales locations, or southern destinations in Devon, Cornwall and Dorset.
Each area offers different landscapes and attractions. Norfolk and Lincolnshire provide wide sandy beaches and nature reserves. Scotland parks give you access to dramatic coastlines and historic sites.
Browse all Haven holiday parks to compare locations and facilities. You can also check our guides to Haven entertainment, swimming pools and food and drink across the parks.
Check availability for Marton Mere, Cala Gran and Lakeland Leisure Park on the individual park pages. You'll find detailed information about facilities, accommodation options and what's nearby.
For more about Haven holidays generally, visit our about page or get in touch with questions. Our Haven Family Holidays guide covers everything you need to know about booking and visiting.
Also consider: Haven parks near Blue Flag beaches for award-winning coastal locations, or explore our touring and camping options if you prefer bringing your own accommodation.