
Looking for a coastal camping holiday with all the trimmings? Haven operates a number of touring and camping parks scattered along the UK coastline. These aren't your basic campsites. You're bringing your own accommodation but gaining full access to swimming pools, entertainment venues and over 100 activities.
Whether you're pitching a tent at Littlesea in Dorset or parking a motorhome at Perran Sands in Cornwall, you get the freedom of camping plus the facilities of a holiday park. It's worth noting that only eight of these parks accept traditional camping tents. The rest cater exclusively to touring caravans and motorhomes.
Haven's touring parks stretch from Scotland down to the south coast. Here's the full list:
Haven offers several pitch types to match different needs and budgets. Here's what you can choose from:
The standard option gives you a grassy spot for your tent or tourer. At most parks you can park your vehicle right beside your pitch. These are the most affordable option and perfect for those who want to keep things simple.
These pitches come with an electric hook-up and can be on grass, reinforced grass, gravel or concrete. You'll have car parking next to your pitch at most locations. This is ideal if you need power for basic appliances and lighting.
Step up to a concrete hard-standing base with generous space. These pitches include drinking water connections, electric hook-up, waste water disposal and room for an awning. The hard standing makes them particularly good in wet weather.
The recommended choice for motorhomes. These feature a multi-connection turret that gives you electricity, TV connection, drinking water and waste water disposal all in one convenient location. Most are on concrete or reinforced grass hard-standing bases.
Got a larger unit? Selected parks offer extra-large pitches that accommodate vehicles over 6 metres or 20 feet. This gives you the breathing room needed for bigger motorhomes or family-sized tourers.
Awning rules vary between parks. Some pitches welcome them whilst others don't allow them at all. There may also be restrictions on sleeping in awnings. Check the specific requirements for your chosen park before booking.
Some parks let you add a small pup tent for two people on the same pitch. There's a small nightly supplement for this option. It's perfect for older children who want their own space.
Every Haven touring area includes essential facilities that make camping comfortable:
Selected parks go further with additional amenities like hairdryers, shaving points, family bathrooms with baths or showers and play areas within the touring section.
This is where Haven touring holidays really stand out. Your pitch booking includes full access to everything the main park offers. That means swimming pools with flumes and lazy rivers, live entertainment in the evening and dozens of activities during the day.
Want to try archery in the morning and catch a show in the evening? It's all included. The kids' clubs keep younger children entertained whilst you relax. You can also eat out at park restaurants or grab fish and chips from one of the food outlets.
Most outdoor pools, lazy rivers and splash zones require a booking for an indoor pool session. This system helps manage capacity during busy periods.
Securing your pitch requires just a £25 deposit. Utility services come included in the holiday price which covers your electric, water and waste connections. You can add optional extras like bringing your dog or adding an extra vehicle to your pitch.
Book any touring or camping break of three nights or more and you automatically receive Freedom Trail membership. There's no fee to join and no forms to complete. Your membership details arrive by email within a couple of weeks.
Members receive 10-15% off future touring bookings. This makes regular visits more affordable and the discount applies automatically when you book.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome at many Haven touring parks. There's a small nightly charge and you can bring up to two dogs per booking. Many families appreciate being able to include their pets in the holiday.
If you're planning a traditional camping holiday with a tent, you have eight options:
The remaining parks welcome touring caravans, motorhomes and trailer tents but not standard tents.
Littlesea sits right on the Dorset coast with Chesil Beach nearby. Blue Dolphin in Yorkshire offers space and direct beach access. Perran Sands is Haven's largest touring area with 344 pitches, though it only accepts trailer tents rather than standard tents.
Haggerston Castle in Northumberland combines historical interest with coastal location. Cleethorpes Beach in Lincolnshire puts you close to traditional seaside fun. Presthaven in North Wales offers easy access to Snowdonia and local castles.
Lakeland has 177 pitches and spectacular Lake District surroundings. Thornwick Bay combines 187 touring pitches with the impressive chalk cliffs of Flamborough Head nearby. Both parks offer extensive on-site activities to keep children entertained.
Touring areas vary dramatically in size. Perran Sands leads with 344 pitches. Thornwick Bay follows with 187 and Lakeland offers 177. At the other end, Primrose Valley has just 35 pitches which creates a more intimate atmosphere.
Haven continues upgrading touring facilities across the network. Hafan y Mor has added a new touring area with modern shower blocks and Euro hard-standing pitches. These improvements show Haven's commitment to maintaining high standards.
The appeal is straightforward. You bring your own accommodation and save money compared to booking a caravan. You get the camping experience but with professional facilities and entertainment laid on. There's no need to plan activities because dozens are available on site. The children have pools and clubs to enjoy whilst adults can relax or join in.
Location matters too. Every park sits close to the coast. You're never far from a beach walk or coastal path. Yet you're also near towns and attractions. It's the best of both worlds - outdoor living with easy access to facilities and local sights.
For families wanting to try camping without giving up modern conveniences, Haven's approach works well. For experienced campers who want more than just a pitch, the entertainment and activities add value. The touring wardens help with any questions and the sites stay well maintained throughout the season.
The booking process is simple. Choose your park based on location and facilities. Pick your pitch type based on your vehicle and budget. Add any extras like pets or additional cars. Pay your deposit and start planning your trip.
Remember to book activities in advance through the Haven app or website. Popular sessions fill up quickly, especially during school holidays. Your pitch booking gives you access but doesn't guarantee space in specific activities.
Check park-specific rules before you travel. Awning regulations, unit sizes and arrival times can vary. Most parks have detailed information on their individual pages covering everything from directions to on-site facilities.
With 17 parks to explore and coastal locations throughout Britain, Haven's touring and camping holidays offer flexibility and variety. Whether this is your first time camping or you're a seasoned tourer, there's a pitch waiting somewhere along the British coastline.