
The sound of children laughing. Splashing in pools. Building sandcastles. These are the moments that matter most. That's what family holidays should be about - and that's exactly what you'll find at Haven Holidays.
With 38 parks spread across the UK coastline from Scotland to Cornwall, finding the perfect seaside escape has never been easier.
What makes a great family holiday? Is it waking up metres from the beach? Watching your children master their first swim? Or simply spending uninterrupted time together without the usual distractions?
The answer is probably all of the above. Haven parks have been carefully positioned in prime coastal locations throughout England, Wales and Scotland. Many offer direct beach access including Golden Sands in Lincolnshire and Lydstep Beach in Pembrokeshire.
These aren't just parks near the beach - they're seaside destinations where childhood memories are made.
You don't need to leave the park for water-based fun. Every single Haven park features a heated indoor pool - perfect whatever the British weather decides to do.
The facilities range from simple swimming pools to spectacular water parks. At Craig Tara in Scotland you'll find the country's largest indoor water park featuring Splashaway Bay with its wave pool, three enormous flumes and lazy river. Hafan y Môr in North Wales has its own Splashaway Bay complete with multi-lane slides and a tipping water bucket thats always a hit with kids.
Then there's the £6.5 million Shore Water Park at Seashore in Norfolk. The Coastal Cyclone slide comes with an Activity Cam so you can capture the action. Primrose Valley in Yorkshire boasts an adventure pool with a three-lane water slide and outdoor heated area.
Church Farm in Sussex remains a firm favourite with families. The spacious heated indoor pool includes a flume and the outdoor pool sits next to a heated covered sun terrace - brilliant for those slightly cooler days.
Want to book swimming sessions in advance? You can reserve up to 14 indoor swim slots per holiday from four weeks before your break starts. Each session lasts 60 minutes. Many outdoor pools don't require booking - just turn up and jump in (weather permitting).
A break from washing up? Yes please.
The Mash & Barrel restaurants can be found at 14 parks serving British classics from breakfast through to dinner. Think proper breakfasts with all the trimmings, juicy burgers for lunch and comforting favourites like bangers and mash for dinner. Many locations have outdoor terraces where you can watch the children play while you enjoy your meal.
At Hafan y Môr and Seashore you'll find The Coast House - a restaurant concept that brings multiple food options under one roof. Rotisserie chicken, pasta, steaks, burgers and dedicated children's menus mean even the fussiest eaters are sorted.
Papa John's Pizza operates at several parks with both eat-in and takeaway service. Fancy staying in your caravan? No problem. Many parks also feature Burger King, fish and chips shops, Costa Coffee and even Starbucks at selected locations.
The kids eat for £1 offer (available at most parks on specific days) makes dining out even more affordable. Download the My Haven app and you can order food to your table by scanning a QR code or even have it delivered straight to your accommodation.
Entertainment has always been at the heart of the Haven experience. The Seaside Squad characters - those four colourful mascots - appear throughout the day in shows and interactive sessions designed for different age groups.
Younger children love Totsy Time Adventure and Make a Bear parties (fee applies). Older kids can join in with everything from pottery painting to archery and aerial adventures. T-Rex Talks brings dinosaurs to life while Professor McFizz's potion-making sessions get everyone involved in creating their own magical mixtures.
Evening entertainment includes live shows, pantos, quizzes and the ever-popular bingo. Linked Bingo now runs across 37 parks at 5.15pm every evening - bigger player numbers mean bigger cash prizes up for grabs!
Haven's House of Fun family gameshow gives guests the chance to compete against the entertainment team. For adults, there are tribute acts, question panels inspired by popular TV shows and late-night discos.
When you book a Haven package you receive their Play Pass. This gives you access to free entertainment plus the ability to book both free and paid activities from 12 weeks before arrival.
The range is impressive. Football Fun Factory sessions cater to different age groups from toddlers to 12-year-olds. Junior Segways, climbing walls, crazy golf, kayaking and trampolining keep active families busy.
There are also creative sessions including pottery and craft workshops.
Eight parks now feature Adventure Villages - dedicated activity hubs with thrilling aerial challenges and off-ground adventures. These can be found at Weymouth Bay in Dorset, Kent Coast in Kent, Caister in Norfolk, Craig Tara, Golden Sands, Hafan y Môr, Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset and Cleethorpes Beach.
For families who love getting out and about there are some top activities including bug hotel building and wildlife detective sessions. Bike hire through Halfords lets you explore the coastline at your own pace with everything from balance bikes for toddlers to e-bikes for adults.
The convenience of driving to your destination rather than dealing with airports and flight times appeals to many families. Everything you need sits right on the doorstep at Haven parks.
The accommodation options cater to different preferences and budgets. Standard caravans come in grades from Saver through to SignatureGold. Lodges offer more space with open-plan living areas and modern kitchens. Some parks feature glamping options including Safari Tents, Yurts and Geo Domes. Beach Houses at selected locations come with sea views and private hot tubs.
Dog owners will be pleased to know that 36 of the 38 parks welcome four-legged family members. Designated dog-friendly areas in main restaurants mean your pet can join you for meals (water bowls provided!).
You can spread the cost with monthly payment plans and Haven's price promise means if you spot your booked holiday at a lower price later, they'll refund the difference.
From Northumberland's wild coastline to Devon's sandy beaches, Haven parks occupy some of Britain's finest seaside spots.
Fancy Blackpool's famous attractions? Marton Mere and Cala Gran in Blackpool put you within easy reach. The Lake District calls? Lakeland Leisure Park in The Lakes overlooks Morecambe Bay. Want to explore Snowdonia? Greenacres and Hafan y Môr provide perfect bases.
Beach lovers are particularly well catered for. Devon Cliffs, Perran Sands in Cornwall and Rockley Park in Dorset all offer outstanding coastal access.
Haven has managed to preserve the traditional feel of British seaside holidays while adding modern amenities that today's families expect. Haven Kids Clubs provide structured activities. Swimming pools operate with bookable sessions. Haven Entertainment schedules run from morning until night.
The parks maintain that classic holiday park atmosphere - children making friends with other families, parents relaxing while kids play safely nearby, everyone enjoying the freedom of a seaside break without having to travel abroad.
Whether you're after action-packed days filled with activities or prefer a quieter break using the park as a base for exploring the local area (Haven Hideaway packages offer this option), the choice remains yours.
This is what British family holidays should be. Simple, fun and memorable.