10 best Haven holiday parks, as recommended by parents

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.

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, onsite 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 aeriel adventure course.

Some caravans and lodges are dog friendly, and some 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.

Nearest train station: Exmouth Station (3 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-aeriel 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.

Nearest train station:  Ayr Station (4 miles)

Tested by Mumsnet: 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.

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.

Nearest train station: Skegness Station (19 miles)

If you’re looking for a brilliant family base on the pretty Yorkshire coast, Haven Primrose Valley ticks all the boxes. This large park features outdoor playgrounds and crafting opportunities for little ones, as well as tennis courts, archery and an aeriel adventure course for older kids. Then, of course, the two indoor pools and outdoor heated pool are bound to be crowd-pleasers – and come with slides, fun fountains and a paddling pool.

There are plenty of places to eat, including holiday favourite, fish and chips. However, you’re also a five-minute drive from Filey, with its ice cream parlours, cute cafes and variety of restaurants. What’s more, the thrills and spills of Bridlington and Scarborough are just along the coast.

Nearest train station: Filey Station (2 miles)

Located on a sandy bay, this smaller holiday park is ideal for families looking for a quieter base in this beautiful part of south Wales. Not that the more 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 aeriel 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.

Nearest train station: Weymouth station (3 miles)

Parents rave about this holiday park in north Wales, thanks in part to its winning location on a vast Blue Flag beach, close to Snowdonia National Park.

That said, the onsite 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 Thorwick 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 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.

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 exact outside temperature doesn’t really matter. And there’s also a games arcade and 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 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 onsite 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)