Haven Church Farm near Chichester

*onlyme*

We have booked our first ever holiday for half term week in October in Haven - Church Farm near Chichester.

I have become a bit paranoid as read some Haven holiday reviews which are not very good....

I am a strong believer that part of it is what you make of it, specially on a self catering caravan holiday.

Has anyone been to Church Farm Haven? Negative vs positives, hints and tips be much appreciated!

mirrorimage0

we havent stayed there, but at bunn leusire which is sooo close by, it looks ok to be honest but if its not pop into bunn leisure and buy a pass for thier facilities. if you like driving around to different things theres a few days out but they are all roughly a 40 min drive, i know in bunn in the reception area there is loads of different leaflets

*onlyme*

mirrorimage0 wrote: »

we havent stayed there, but at bunn leusire which is sooo close by, it looks ok to be honest but if its not pop into bunn leisure and buy a pass for thier facilities. if you like driving around to different things theres a few days out but they are all roughly a 40 min drive, i know in bunn in the reception area there is loads of different leaflets

We are a non driving family so that be a bit hard. We will be travelling by train and bus to the site...

bootman

I have stayed there several times, my son loves it. Try and ask to be located around the lagoon, its was lovely, nobody overlooked you and you could sit on your little veranda in your pj's.

Have a lovely time.

I am off to Dubai this year and my son said today he wished we were going to the caravan park instead!!

John1678w

We went there at Easter, and had a really lovely break. It's situated on a beach and next to a nature reserve, which means there are some really lovely walks to be had. The beach isn't sandy, but is great for some out-of-season stone throwing!

A few tips for you:

Avoid the onsite fish and chip shop, it's expensive and rubbish!

If you want fish and chips, come out of the park and turn right as if walking down to the seafront. By the sea there is a lovely cafe, amusement arcade and shop. The amusement arcade is great, lots of 2p machines, and is a much cheaper distraction than the more expensive one onsite.

The onsite shop isn't great either - there's a Tesco Express just up the road in Pagham (if you don't drive, look out for it on the way to the site, it's on the bus route to Bognor and the bus stops right outside the site). There are regular buses to Bognor and Chichester for trips out.

The swimming pool is lovely, but can be crowded in the changing rooms, so try to go towards the end of the sessions and have your costume on underneath your clothes!

If you want to book any extra sporting activities for the kids, do that when you arrive (archery etc) as they book up very quickly.

The night entertainment can be a real laugh - it's cheesy, family entertainment but if you get yourself in the right frame of mind it's really good fun, and the kids love it! You'll be humming the Bradley and Roary song for the rest of the holiday.

Overall, I was really impressed - the site and caravans are nice and clean, in a lovely location, we had a blast!

Have a lovely time.

*onlyme*

Thank you Bootman and Jogn1678w, you've put my mind at rest. I have, thanks to google, found the local take aways and where the arcade is etc.

Bootman, as I never booked a Haven hols before, at which point do we ask to be situated round the lagoon? At the point of checking in or do I need to phone them beforehand?

bootman

Phone before hand. I can't remember off the top of my head when the allocate the caravans to the bookings. So call now and Just say you would really like to be there if possible, could they make a note when they allocate or should you call nearer the time.

Being around the lagoon does mean you are further away from the main activities, ie the pool and restaurant, but if you want quiet then its perfect.

KittyCat1

Haven Church Farm is one of the nicest,cleanest Havens we've been to.As OP says use tesco express up the road for bits and pieces,nice indian takeaway and chinese not far from the site too.The indoor pool does get a little crowded but there is a nice outdoor pool there too with a sun bathing area.The logoon is fab for a relaxing walk.We had a great time there and would deffinately go back again as this site is one of the better Haven sites - have a lovely holiday.

sprogs

We have been to Church Farm twice, it's lovely. First time was a holiday we won at the Panto, they phoned us the week before and asked if we wanted to upgrade - explained we had won the holiday and as I worked in a school we had to lose a day of the break anyway as I can't have time off during term time. The lovely lady on the phone upgraded us anyway! Second time (on a Sun £9.50 holiday) they asked us if we wanted to upgrade when we checked in, I declined in true MSE style and despite that we found ourselves in a caravan that had a nicer kitchen than I have at home, 'proper' sofas and armchairs, an en suite to the master bedroom and satellite TV!