When it comes to family getaways, staycations are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to the hassle of travelling abroad – but it’s no secret that holidaying in the UK can be expensive. For those seeking a budget-friendly autumn break, Parkdean Resorts is running a series of special offers at its holiday parks in picturesque locations across Britain’s coast and countryside, with these sites offering plenty of entertainment for all ages.
With caravans, lodges, glamping pods, cottages and chalets among the types of holiday to choose from, families can book all-inclusive packages at 45 of the 65 Parkdean Resorts across the UK, with prices starting from £100 per adult and £40 per child to add this package onto selected four-night breaks starting on a Monday outside of school holidays. These breaks include three restaurant meals a day, unlimited soft drinks and Costa Coffee, plus plenty of choice on dedicated kids’ menus.
For families seeking inspiration on where to go on their next getaway, the best Parkdean Resorts site, as voted for by parents on Mumsnet, is Warmwell Holiday Park in Dorset, where all-inclusive breaks are available alongside a host of other offers for those holidaying with kids. What’s more, parents also voted this the number one holiday park in the UK overall this year.
Mumsnet said that “kids won’t be short of things to do” at Warmwell Holiday Park, with the site home to an all-weather ski slope, a heated indoor pool with a wave machine and waterslide, a roller rink, a high-ropes course and a climbing wall. Its woodland setting offers plenty by way of outdoor pursuits too, while the spectacular Jurassic Coast is also nearby with the iconic Durdle Door, the National Trust’s Ringstead Bay, and the family favourite Weymouth Beach all a 20-minute drive away or less.
Mumsnet users did note, however, that Warmwell Holiday Park “can be pricey and busy during peak season stays”. The site parents ranked as best for families on a budget was the Clifftop Eyemouth Holiday Park, right up at the other end of the UK in Berwickshire, Scotland, although holidaymakers should note that this is not listed as one of the eligible sites for the all-inclusive offer.
Prices for a four-night stay at Warmwell Holiday Park this autumn start from £228, based on a family of two adults and two children between the ages of four and 11, working out at just £14.25 per person per night. This can be upgraded to an all-inclusive package for an extra £100 per adult and £40 per child.
Meanwhile, the number one top-rated Parkdean Resorts site according to reviews on TripAdvisor is Falbarrow Holiday Park in the Lake District. Located on Lake Windermere, just a few minutes’ walk away from Bowness-on-Windermere, this site is described as the “perfect retreat for families and couples seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure”, although it is also not one of the sites where the all-inclusive offer is available.
Another package available for families with kids under five at Parkdean Resorts is the popular Tots’ Breaks, which are tailored for young guests with a programme of free activities including Swim Tots, Messy Play, Milkshake! Mornings, Pip & Posy experiences, and appearances from PAW Patrol favourites. With four-night stays starting from £99, youngsters also dine free during Tots’ Breaks, providing families with savings of up to £70 while enjoying breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout their visit.
Another choice for UK holiday parks is Haven, which operates more than 30 locations nationwide from the North Yorkshire coastline to Blackpool, Kent, Devon and Somerset. Haven is currently offering Halloween breaks at its parks featuring themed activities and entertainment, with October bookings beginning from £69 for four nights.
Forest Holidays offers another option, with locations across 13 UK forests stretching from Deerpark in Cornwall right up to Strathyre in Stirling. Every lodge at these destinations features a hot tub and accommodates up to 10 guests, with one to five-bedroom options available for couples’ retreats or family holidays, including discounts on last-minute September escapes.
Back at Parkdean Resorts, one guest at Warmwell Holiday Park said in a five-star review on Trustpilot: “Cannot fault, comfortable, clean accommodation, food and drink fair in value, entertainment excellent as always at Warmwell thanks to the fantastic team, all staff helpful and cheerful, lovely setting in woodland and lake. This was my 15th holiday with Parkdean, and I have more booked in the future. I have never had any issues with any holidays I’ve taken, that’s why I keep returning.”
Another visitor to the Dorset site said: “Booking was easy, we visited last summer and stayed for four nights at Warmwell, we loved everything about it (well, except maybe the slopey hill to walk to the entertainment). The kids had so much to keep them entertained, the bar/restaurant area was lovely and clean, the entertainment was good and our lodge was beautiful – the only thing I would add was that the outdoor furniture was a wooden table and bench, and I felt it would have been better as table and chairs, but I guess that’s personal preference.”
However, one person who did not specify which park they stayed at felt that the booking process could be improved, writing: “I wanted to book five caravans but had to do this one at a time, individually, for each person. I wanted to get all five together, but I had nowhere on the website to do this. I was hoping for a discount as I was booking five caravans!”
Meanwhile, another reviewer who stayed at Eyemouth Holiday Park praised: “We love this caravan park and come back time and again. Beautifully positioned for coastal walks, near to amenities in Eyemouth. 100% would recommend for placement. We don’t tend to use the facilities (bar, restaurant, etc.) as we just like to just hide away on holiday! So we can’t comment on that. But if you’re looking for a beautifully positioned and well-kept site, you can’t go wrong with Eyemouth!”
And someone else who holidayed at Falbarrow Holiday Park and others wrote: “Parkdean is a fantastic customer-focused company and I love staying in their parks in Scotland and the Lakes. The accommodation is some of the best I have had the pleasure of staying in and you will love what they have on offer as a company. We have stayed at Limefitt Park twice, Falbarrow once, White Cross Bay three times and are going again next year, Weymss Bay three times, and Sundrum Castle once and are going again in October. We are Parkdean loyal. Definitely five out of five from us two and our dog.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
