Competition is hotting up among Britain’s upmarket holiday parks as families who have had enough of sky-high costs at the big-name resorts look elsewhere for a taste of the good life without shelling out a fortune.
For example, four nights in a Woodland Lodge at Center Parcs in Longleat, Wiltshire, costs from £1,499 for a family of four next spring half-term – or from £679 for four nights in a Forest Lodge outside of the half-term.
But the price can be far less for an entire week at the new breed of stylish sites. From a rural idyll in Wales to five-star luxury on the Scottish coast and safari lodges in Shrewsbury, we’ve rounded up the best high-end holiday parks.
A lodge on the Bluestone National Park Resort in Pembrokeshire
1. Bluestone National Park Resort, Pembrokeshire
This site across 500 acres of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is the top holiday park in Wales, according to consumer group Which?
There’s a spa, upscale accommodation and the Serendome – a giant transparent dome housing an outdoor/indoor play area.
The subtropical Blue Lagoon water park is also superb.
BOOK IT: Four nights costs from £320 (bluestonewales.com).
2. Bennane Shore Holiday Park & Spa, Ayrshire
On Scotland’s rugged west coast, this offers family-friendly charm and five-star luxury in smartly furnished lodges.
The waterfront Bute Lodge has panoramic sea views and a hot tub. There’s a pleasant bistro and a spa with an infinity pool.
BOOK IT: Seven nights in a two-bedroom lodge costs from £685 (bennaneshore.com).
3. Ribby Hall Village, Lancashire
Set in 130-plus acres, this is the North West’s only five-star holiday village. Dotted amid landscaped gardens, lakes and woodlands are cottages, larger family homes and lodges with hot tubs.
Relax in the spa, play golf on the nine-hole course, or badminton and squash. There’s a range of slick restaurants.
BOOK IT: Four nights in a two-bedroom cottage costs from £531 (ribbyhall.co.uk).
Landal Kenwick Woods, Lincolnshire, sits in the Kenwick Park Estate and is close to local attractions
4. Landal Kenwick Woods, Lincolnshire
This holiday park is surrounded by woodland within the secluded 320-acre Kenwick Park Estate.
There’s plenty for youngsters to do, including cycle trails, soft archery, tennis and Body Zorbs, while adults can slope off to the two onsite spas for a dip in the hydrotherapy pool, unwind with a beauty treatment or join one of the exercise classes in the gym.
Some of the lodges also have private hot tubs.
BOOK IT: Four-night stays for four people costs from £219 (landal.co.uk/park/kenwick-woods).
5. Darwin Forest, Derbyshire
Tucked away in the Derbyshire Dales, the vibe here is distinctly Nordic and serene. Spread across 47 acres of woodland, there are 137 sleek timber lodges with Scandi-chic interiors – some come with hot tubs and saunas.
Activities include archery, zorbing, sea scooters, woodland cycling trails, a spa and fitness centre.
BOOK IT: Seven nights costs from £575 (darwinforest.co.uk).
6. Cofton Holiday Park, Devon
This 80-acre holiday park near Dawlish Warren opened in 1975 as a campsite – now it’s a smart destination with cosy cottages and luxury lodges featuring decks, floor-to-ceiling windows and hot tubs.
There’s a pub and restaurant onsite, plus a heated indoor pool with sauna and steam rooms.
BOOK IT: Three nights in a luxury lodge costs from £441 (coftonholidays.co.uk).
7. Love 2 Stay, Shrewsbury
Set in 22 acres of landscaped grounds with panoramic views of Wales and the Shropshire Hills, Love 2 Stay features safari-style lodges, hillside cabins and shepherd’s huts – some with hot tubs and wood burners.
Kayaking and paddleboarding, an assault course and raft building are offered. There’s also a large, eco-friendly swimming pool.
BOOK IT: From £125 per night for a safari lodge, sleeping six (love2stay.co.uk).
An eco lodge on Tapnell Farm on the Isle of Wight
8. Tapnell Farm, Isle of Wight
In rolling countryside with sea views, Tapnell Park has safari tents, eco-pods, lodges, large cottages, and a ten-bedroom manor house. Or book a glamping ‘Modulog’ – a compact two-bedroom unit that comes with a kitchen, living area, log burner, barbecue and hot tub.
Tapnell also has the Isle of Wight’s only aqua park.
BOOK IT: Prices start from £140 per night for an eco pod (tapnellfarm.com).
9. Tregoad Holiday Park, Cornwall
Tregoad in Looe features a new £2.4million pool complex, sauna and steam room.
Stay in luxury static caravans or one- to three-bedroom Cornish cottages. There’s also Tregoad Manor House, sleeping up to 18, or Kingfisher Cottage, sleeping 12; both with hot tubs. It’s dog-friendly.
BOOK IT: Three nights in a classic caravan costs from £189 (watersideholidaygroup.co.uk).
10. Seal Bay Resort, West Sussex
This 300-acre holiday park is by a beach in Selsey, West Sussex, facing the Isle of Wight. Book a static caravan or opt for a beach pod. There’s also the four-bedroom Anchordene House, with sea views and its own games room, which can sleep up to ten.
Kids will enjoy the wave simulator, climbing walls, bounce nets and indoor golf. There’s also a Wellness Suite.
BOOK IT: Two nights in a classic caravan from £269 (cove.co.uk/sealbayresort).
Seafront views at Bennane Shore Holiday Park & Spa in Ayrshire
11. Pearl Lake Holiday Park, Herefordshire
Next to Herefordshire’s largest natural lake, you can enjoy birdspotting in hides or a spot of fishing here. There are also BMX trails and a putting green.
Stay in a one-bedroom hideaway, a larger home with open fireplaces or a static caravan.
BOOK IT: Four nights in a two-bedroom holiday home from £400 (discoverparks.co.uk).
12. KIelder Waterside, Northumberland
This holiday park beside a reservoir offers roomy lodges or luxury treehouses with hot tubs.
It’s a great location for stargazing. Activities cover boating and exploring forest trails on Segways or mountain bikes. Relax in the heated indoor pool and sauna.
BOOK IT: Four-night breaks cost from £245 (kielderwaterside.com).
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