Park resorts - have you been?

flutterby_lil

I am currently pregnant so cannot have our usual holidays abroad next year - my son turns 4 in July and baby due March. We plan to go somewhere in the uk, down south (live in North West) in a Park Resort caravan. We are planning on going August 2012. My son is very excited for the holiday

Have you any experience of this and any location you'd avoid or recommend?

Thanks in advance.

eezer

Have stayed at St Margarets Bay, near Dover many times - usually out of season so can't really vouch for what it'd be like in the middle of summer. We've always really enjoyed it. Nice indoor swimming pool, good pub/food, loads to do in the area, near the beach and there's always cheap day trips to France if you book in advance. Accommodation is fine - basic if you book the bronze ones, but there are often offers around. There's also a 24 hour Tesco 5 mins away - not that you'd book a holiday to be near a supermarket but it was handy when we ran out of the usual baby stuff.

I'd recommend it.

flutterby_lil

Thanks eezer - having never done it, how would you book a day trip to France, and would you go from the Dover port? How far away is it?

Sounds good to me. Much appreciated, and the 24 hour tesco is prob a godsend....lol.

cherylelizabeth1

I cant agree with the coments about st margarets, I used to live on this site and wouldnt say its the kind of park a 4 year old would enjoy. The beach isnt pleasent- not a proper tourist beach and definately no swimming in the sea! The park is very exposed to weather being right on top of the cliffs.
The club house etc is all very old fashioned. The pool is nice but I never saw any other children in there! The shop on site is very lacking. The village itself is nice but not interesting to children. The dog got some nice walks and my boys enjoyed the castle. Day trips to france are very easy- the port is very close but Calais again isnt the most exciting town. Dover itself is really run down.
I would be more inclined to suggest Devon as an area, much more suitable for young family holidays. If you don't have to use park resorts I would say Dorset but thats only haven and park dean I think. Hth.

flutterby_lil

Hi and thanks for the comments - I don't have to use park it just seemed cheaper than haven and hoseasons. Never heard of park dean.

Tarry

What about Camber?

In regards to day trips to France, we do them a bit, but we don't stay in Calais, Boulogne for example is a lot nicer? I always book in advance to get £15 each way deals.

artichoke

hi

i am not sure a 4 year old would really appreciate a day trip to France? maybe it is something to do with older children? I would be petrified mine would jump off the boat!

What is the price difference between Haven and Park Resorts? I am only asking as i am thinking that if a Haven site has everything to entertain a 4 year old eg good beach, good indoor and outdoor pools, splashzones plus evening entertainment, outdoor playgrounds etc for free it might be worth paying the extra for Haven and not having to spend money on off site activities??

I am speaking as someone who has kids now aged 6 and 7 but has taken the kids to haven since they were 2 and 3 and if needs be (ie when i have sometimes been at Haven without a car if DH has gone to work and left me on site) then my 2 have been completely happy with the free haven facilities.


Haven is coming up from £499 for 7 nights in August in Kent at the moment....

if it has to be Park Resorts i know the beach at Camber Sands is very good.

Does it have to be so far down south? If you are in the North West the north wales coast has lovely beaches and caravan sites - and less money needed for petrol.

art

art

flutterby_lil

It doesn't have to be so far down south no, and thanks for your input.

We have been to cyprus, greece, turkey etc for past 3 years and have been on a boat trip every time. I am sure he would love the trip to France. I am keeping my option sopen and just sent off for the park dean brochure this aft.

Cheers again guys

flutterby_lil

PS I don't fancy camber sands, it was on watchdog and looked awful!

greenface

http://www.hoburne.com/
some good parks in good location I have been to Cotswold & Somest , Cotswold was better for us but both brilliant

artichoke

hi

lots of good deals for Park Resorts 2012 here
http://www.breakfreeholidays.co.uk/find-holiday/

hope you find something

art