Latest news with #Haven
RTÉ News
an hour ago
- Business
- RTÉ News
EBS and Haven cut some mortgage rates, extend cash back offer
AIB units EBS and Haven are cutting the interest rates on non-green mortgages by up to 0.50% for new and existing customers from tomorrow. The 0.50% reductions will impact the EBS 2-year fixed rate product and the Haven 3-year fixed rate product. Both Haven and EBS said they are also cutting all other non-green fixed rates by 0.20%. The reduced rates will be available to both new and existing customers. AIB said the latest reductions are in line with the falling interest rate environment and the bank's commitment to delivering value for customers, particularly those whose homes do not have a Building Energy Rating of B3 or higher. The reductions will also help customers coming to the end of their fixed term, as they roll off historically lower rates into an environment where rates are now higher, the bank added. Meanwhile customers who are switching their mortgage to EBS and Haven and meet the criteria will also benefit from the extension of the lenders' cashback and switcher offers to the end of December 2026. EBS said a monthly repayment on a new €300,000 two-year fixed rate mortgage, over a 25 year term will be €1,566.99. The previous monthly repayment would have been €1,650.52, representing a saving of €83.53 a month, €1,002.36 a year, or €3,506.85 over the 25 year term. Haven said a monthly repayment on a new €300,000 three year non-green fixed rate mortgage over a 25-year term will be €1,542.39. The previous monthly repayment would have been €1,625.21, representing a saving of €82.82 a month, €993.84 annually, or €5,187.78 over the 25-year term. Managing Director of EBS and Haven Director Paul Butler said that AIB Group, through AIB, EBS and Haven, believes it is critical the lenders offer a wide variety of choice, value and convenience for customers seeking to buy their home, or switch their mortgage. "The reductions of up to 0.50% will help customers save on their monthly will also be able to avail of our Cashback and Switcher offers," he added.
The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
I've found an incredible cheap UK holiday park that brings the best bits of Center Parcs, Butlin's and Haven to ONE site
IF you want the style of Center Parcs, the buzz of Butlin's and the hype of Haven, I've found one holiday park that has it all and it won;t cost a fortune. When one child loves spending hours in the pool, another enjoys a boogie on the dance floor and the third wants to swing through the trees on the high ropes, it's hard to know which holiday park is best for your family break - but I've got you covered. 7 7 My family and I recently took a trip to Haven's Hafan y Mor park near Pwllheli in North Wales. We loved it so much I had booked to return next summer before we'd even made it home. The park is set on a little slice of the British coastline that's like stepping back in time to the holidays of your childhood. The site's staycation secret is that it used to be a Butlin's before being turned into a Haven 25 years ago. So it's still got all the best bits of Butlin's - from the flumes and slides of the Splashaway Bay adventure pool to the top-notch venue full of shows. I even did a double take when I saw the stripy blue tops of the entertainment crew, instead of the Redcoats of Butlin's from days gone by. Now one of the largest Haven parks, there's a stunning choice of outdoor activities you'd usually see at an upscale Center Parc resort. It's the first Haven I've been to where the high ropes take you through the trees, just like at Center Parcs. The Dragon Lakes Adventure Park even sees thrill-seekers zipping over the waters where fellow guests can take to pedalos. The adrenaline-charged activities also include The Jump - a terrifying free-fall leap onto a huge inflatable cushion - as well as climbing wall, mini 4x4 off-roaders and even Segways. There's all sorts of accommodation at Hafan y Mor, including Center-Parcs-style pine lodges surrounded by trees. The perfect Haven holiday park for a kid-friendly break - with direct beach access, indoor waterpark and neighbouring seaside theme park 7 7 There are even old-fashioned chalet blocks from back in the Butlin's days and mod-con caravans you'll see at all Haven resorts, so you can pick whatever works for you and your budget. It's not often that my three boys all get their own bedroom when we go away on holiday, but our recently refurbished four-bed chalet was huge. I loved the village vibe of everyone hanging out on their decking or balcony, so reminiscent of childhood holidays when the kids played together on the grass by your block. I even spotted one family stringing up a badminton net. The chalet accommodation is also one of the cheapest options - we paid less than £300 for our June weekend away and it's only £275 for four nights in the summer holidays next year, which is incredible value for money if you're bringing eight people. We were just a stone's throw from Dragon Lakes Activity Village, which also offers up sports courts, a sandpit playground and even a bark park for furry family members. Like Center Parcs, most of the activities aren't included in the price of your break, and you'll need to factor that in, but the cost is far less at Haven. We paid £12 for Aquajets in the pool, £8 for the mini 4x4 off roaders and £7 for a go on the bungee trampoline. 7 7 Aquajets at Center Parcs would set you back £18.50 to £22.50, while children's 4x4 off-road explorers are £24, so there's a hefty saving to be made here. And you could easily just stick to the freebie fun if you prefer. The pool was enough to keep everyone busy for hours and although you pre-book an entry time, there wasn't anyone asking us to leave at the end of our hour time slot on the weekend we were there. The free shows and entertainment were great - my littlest loved the Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime and won a prize for his enthusiastic dancing at the kids' disco. And no seaside staycation would be complete without a stroll to see the sandy shore, although you might need to venture a bit further afield if you want to find a beach to play on. This is quite a spread-out site with a railway track splitting it in two, but there's a land train that takes you on a turn around the park if your little ones are worn out with all the activities and don't fancy walking. This tucked-away spot is surrounded by dramatic mountains, picturesque beaches and unassuming tourist towns that only add to the magic of a trip here. It's like going back in time to the heyday of the great British staycation. Catching sight of Criccieth Castle overlooking the beach was a welcome signal that we had almost arrived after our long drive. It's a bit of a trek to get there, but the direct train from Birmingham takes less than five hours, around the same time as travelling by train from London to Cornwall. And Penychain station is on the edge of the park within walking distance of its entrance. This haven by the sea could well become our new holiday hotspot as it ticks all the boxes for my boys. Here's more about the Haven holiday from someone who visits every year - and has discovered secret areas that guests don't know about. Plus, the beachfront Haven holiday park reveals plans for huge new adventure attraction and Wetherspoons pub. 7
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
I'm a single mum-of-4 & found a 5-night caravan holiday for £22 – we had ‘private beach' access & saw seals for free
TAKING your family away on holiday can be expensive - but one savvy single mum shared how she did it for just £22 per person. Charlene Woracker, who has four children, revealed how she found a dream caravan holiday in St Ives for the bargain price. 5 5 On her @mummybudgets account, she shared how the trick included her kids playing on a 'private beach', seeing seals and body boarding. She booked a Haven trip during half term which set her back £111, and despite the six-hour drive, it was 'absolutely worth it' when they arrived. Upon arrival, they set off to eat the famous Cornish pasties and explored the gorgeous local town. She shared how her kids had loved exploring a beautiful little church as part of their free sightseeing day. Charlene then took her kids to the beach which was 'completely empty' and felt like they were abroad. The mum added: 'It was just us there on our own most of the time. It was like having a private beach.' She pointed out this was ideal for her family as her kids 'struggle with crowds.' Then it was time to see some very furry local residents - a population of seals. Charlene shared: 'The kids really wanted to see the seals, a local told us how we could see them for free in their natural habitat. 'It was only a 15 minute walk up the cliffs and was such an amazing moment when we got to the top.' Hidden gem Scots caravan park with luxury hot tubs that's just five steps from the beach The mum then took her brood to visit Land's End, and said that although there was a mini amusement park there, they loved all the free activities nearby. The only thing she paid for was the Tate Modern, but loved seeing the local St Ives art. Charlene said she loved her bargain trip, and concluded: 'This trip made me appreciate how beautiful the uk is. Cornwall is definitely a hidden gem. 'The van was £111, food shop was £80 and extra expenses £60 so in total for all of us it was £250 going on holiday doesn't have to cost a fortune.' 5 5 5 CHARLENE'S MONEY TIP Many people were hugely impressed with her purse-friendly family trip, with her video racking up over 1,000 likes. One said: 'The price you paid is such a steal, I need to do my homework more when booking our caravan holidays.' Charlene advised: 'I find it cheaper to book closer to the date you're going away. "I always check prices they are always changing so just look out.' Another added: 'This sounds like a dream! What a lovely few days away!' Why caravan holidays are so underrated CARAVAN park holidays are a British staple. And with the cost of living crisis wreaking havoc on Britain's purses, more of us are turning to them for an affordable break. Josie O'Brien, Senior Digital Writer on Fabulous, weighs in on why she thinks caravan holidays are seriously underrated... WHEN I was a child, my mum used to collect the £9.50 holiday vouchers in The Sun. She'd use them to book a couple of nights away at a caravan park during the school holidays. As an adult, I fully appreciate the convenience of a humble caravan holiday. No faffing about with passports, no luggage limits and no bog-standard hotel breakfast of stale toast and grey eggs. I still love caravan holidays as an adult. In a world of doing everything for the 'gram, a caravan park brings you back to basics. There's no obligation to get dressed up, no stress to fit a million picturesque excursions in one week and I don't find myself flustered in tourist hot spots like abroad. I love going to coastal caravan parks and strolling along the beach parade. My highlight is always fresh mussels, ice-creams and classic pubs to grab an afternoon tipple in. And then, of course, there's the cost. Staying in a caravan is definitely way cheaper than my international trips. With no expensive hotel bills and the ability to cook my own meals, I'm spending hundreds less than I would abroad. I've had some of my best and most relaxing holidays in caravans. Maybe I'll buy my own one day.
Irish Independent
6 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
EBS and Haven cut some mortgage rates and extend cash-back offers
EBS and Haven, the broker-focused units of AIB, are reducing mortgage rates by up to 0.50 percentage points on some products. It comes the day before European Central Bank (ECB) meeting, where wholesale lending rates are expected to be left on hold. The EBS and Haven cuts are for non-green mortgages and apply to new and existing customers coming off fixed rates or moving from a variable rate with the lenders. Broker Michael Dowling questioned why the EBS and Haven 'green rates' were not coming down. The 0.50 point reductions are for the EBS two-year fixed rate product and the Haven three-year fixed rate product. Both Haven and EBS are also reducing all other non-green fixed rates by 0.20 percentage points. The new rates are available to new and existing customers from this Thursday. The reductions are in line with the falling interest rate environment and AIB's commitment to delivering value for customers, particularly those whose homes don't have a Building Energy Rating of B3 or higher, AIB Group said. The reductions will also help customers coming to the end of their fixed term, as they roll off historically lower rates into an environment where rates are now higher, it said. Customers who are switching their mortgage to EBS and Haven and meet the criteria will also benefit from the extension of the 'Cashback' and 'Switcher' offers to the end of December 2026 on certain products. The EBS Back in Cash offers give 2pc of the value of a mortgage upfront, plus 1pc after five years. There is also an offer of €3,000 in cash back from EBS on its green mortgage. Haven has a €5,000 cashback offer for new borrowers, and a €3,000 cash offer for switchers. Managing director of EBS and Haven director Paul Butler said: 'AIB Group, through AIB, EBS and Haven, believes it's critical we offer a wide variety of choice, value and convenience for customers seeking to buy their home, or switch their mortgage.' Mr Butler said a monthly repayment on a new €300,000 EBS two-year fixed rate mortgage, over a 25 year term, will be €1,566.99. The previous monthly repayment would have been €1,650.52, representing a saving of €83.53 per month, or €1,002.36 a year. A monthly repayment on a new €300,000 Haven three-year non-green fixed rate mortgage over a 25-year term will be €1,542.39. The previous monthly repayment would have been €1,625.21, representing a saving of €82.82 per month, or €993.84 annually. Michael Dowling of Irish Mortgage Brokers said last October AIB announced significant rate reductions to its 'green rates' making them the cheapest in the market. However, these reductions did not apply to EBS or Haven mortgage customers, despite the fact that both banks are 100pc owned by AIB. He said the 0.50 percentage points reduction only applies to the two-year fixed option with EBS and the three-year fixed option with Haven. 'The other non-green rates for AIB, EBS and Haven remain expensive compared to what competitors are offering,' Mr Dowling said. 'Extraordinarily, nine months later, there are no rate reductions to the 'green' rates from EBS and Haven.' Mr Dowling questioned why AIB 'discriminates' in the rate offering from the three entities within the group.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Abandoned UK Butlin's resort now home to thriving holiday park
Stung by the 'Benidorm Boom', this huge Billy Butlin's resort in the UK closed its doors back in 1999, despite being upgraded with a whopping £25 million of investment An abandoned Billy Butlin's resort that once lured in thousands of Brits looks completely different nowadays, after it failed to stay afloat. After being used throughout the war as a Navy training camp, a huge 85-acre site in Ayr, Scotland, was transferred into Butlin's ownership back in 1946. At first, it could only accommodate some 2,000 guests - but this was quickly expanded to more than double its capacity. In the following years, major investment was pumped into the site, welcoming an impressive indoor swimming pool, its very own miniature railways, and the first of the Butlin's iconic chairlifts. All of this bolstered the resort's appeal, quickly establishing it as one of the best UK staycation destinations for Brits. However, just like the former sites in Barry, Pwllheli, and Filey - the Ayr site started to struggle to bring in the high levels of tourism it had been consistently witnessing. The blow came as the 'Benidorm Boom' (aka when package holidays to overseas destinations like Spain became more affordable) wreaked havoc on seaside destinations across the UK. According to Butlin's Memories, the final months of the 1987 season were 'watched closely' to see whether it was worth investing in the complex more. "On October 14, Butlin's finally announced a £25 million investment programme," the publication wrote. "The decision to go ahead [with investment] was taken after the Scottish Tourist Board pledged their support for the project. Work began the following year and £12 million was immediately invested in the creation of a new indoor water complex and three-star accommodation for all holidaymakers, as well as a new 900-seat food court and a facelift for the caravan park." It is believed the remaining £13 million was invested over the next five years, before the site was renamed Wonderwest World. However, 10 years later and the resort was transferred over to Haven - who developed the site into what is now known as Craig Tara Holiday Park. The run-down chalets were bulldozed down and replaced with luxury caravans. Now, Craig Tara boasts modern beachfront accommodation looking out onto the Isle of Arran, along with arcades, a Splashaway Bay multi-level water complex, an all-weather Airspace sports hall, and eateries including Burger King and Chopstix. Three-night breaks start from just £49 for caravan stays and £249 for lodges. Visitors can also stay in apartments, priced from £49 for a four-night stay. All of the accommodation types are within walking distance to three miles of rugged coastline, featuring soft golden sand and crystal-clear waters. *Prices based on Haven's website at the time of writing.
