Latest news with #HavenHolidays
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
I've been forced to sell my beloved caravan at a holiday park after Haven Holidays increased our rent by £5,000 - we only used it for ten weekends and I'm now £36,000 out of pocket
A grandfather has been left £36,000 out of pocket and forced to sell his holiday home in Somerset after the ground rent was increased by £5,000. Christopher Jeff and his wife, Ida, thought snapping up a caravan using a chunk of their pension would provide a lifetime of happy memories. But the couple were faced with a tough ultimatum; sell at a loss or continue drowning in mounting annual fees. The first year's ground rent was £3,127 - which they didn't realise was only a partial payment - and it has since increased to £8,161 which is more than half the cost of the entire caravan. It's left the retired couple at least £36,000 out of pocket. 'Being unable to pay the ground rent this year, we are in the position of needing to sell the caravan,' Christopher, from Bedworth, told Luxury Travel Daily. 'It's just too expensive to own one of these units. We have only holidayed in it for ten long weekends.' The former lorry driver first visited Haven Holidays' beachfront park, Doniford Bay, 13 years ago. They then returned with their grandson and out of curiosity, Christopher asked how much it'd be to own a caravan at the site before spending £14,859 on the secondhand holiday home. The grandad said: 'We knew we couldn't afford a brand new caravan, but we found what we thought was a nice one that was a bit older. 'I had to cash in a good chunk of my pension to pay for the caravan. I thought it would be worth it for some family holidays away from the rat race. 'We were told that we would be able to resell it back to the park, or we could resell it privately but pay the park 15 per cent. 'We had no intentions of reselling at that point, we wanted the holidays. What we didn't realise was how much all the other costs were going to be.' The couple forked out on a new microwave, fridge freezer and bedding, totalling £5,000. They claim to have been 'encouraged' to also pay out for new decking, costing £4,500, as well as a storage box, £300, and a bench for £120. A MailOnline graphic detailing the hidden costs of owning a static home (pictured) To cover the mounting annual costs, the Haven salesperson allegedly told the couple that they could rent out the holiday home privately. But to do so, they'd need to have someone staying in it every single week of the season for £450, including passes. He said: 'If we were using it some weeks ourselves, we would have to charge even more than that. 'Haven were undercutting us by renting their own caravans cheaper all season long - sometimes £150 for a week in the off-season. 'We managed to rent out for a few weeks [last year] - five in total - but my wife, Ida, is still working in sales and all of her commission was used up covering the shortfall in rent. 'Also the park is closed for three months. 'That's a quarter of the year we can't even advertise it for rent.' Christopher and Ida have tried to sell the caravan back to Haven, though they claim to have been told they have 'too much stock already and couldn't make an offer' unless they upgraded to a more expensive unit. The best offer they've had so far privately is £3,000 and with the added 15 per cent commission to pay the park on any private sales, they're looking at a gut-wrenching £12,450 loss. He added: 'Even that offer fell through due to the costs involved. 'Nobody wants to buy a caravan and take on the commitment of paying over £8,000 for nine months of caravan access. 'Especially when you can't rent it out and break even because it's cheaper for guests to go directly through Haven.' European Consumer Claims has been called in to help get the couple's money back. Greg Wilson, CEO, said: 'When we first started looking into holiday park consumer abuse, we were aware that there were issues. 'However, the sheer scale of wrongdoing was shocking, even to us.'
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Dog owners praise 'beautiful' holiday park near ‘jewel' of the coast
With short breaks from £119, Haven guests and their four-legged friends can enjoy incredible scenery close to the sea Perranporth Beach in Cornwall is one of the UK's most popular and highly rated beaches, known for its stunning Atlantic views, three miles of golden sand, and excellent surf. Named the sixth most beautiful beach in the UK by Iglu Cruise based on Tripadvisor reviews, it offers a range of activities from swimming and snorkelling to horse riding. The popular beach is also dog-friendly all year round, although dogs must be on a lead on the main beach during July and August. A great place to escape for an early summer break, beach lovers and their four legged friends have found affordable accommodation just along the coastline. Haven Holidays offers family-friendly getaways at scenic UK coastal locations, with a wide range of activities and entertainment. One of its most popular parks, Perran Sands, is just a short drive away from the award winning beach at Perranporth. Perran Sands offers a wide range of activities, from two heated swimming pools to a privately-owned beach that's perfect for surfing. There's also an activity hub with plenty of sports and leisure options to keep everyone entertained. Nearby, you'll find some of Cornwall's top attractions, including the Eden Project with the world 's largest indoor rainforest, and Paradise Park, a popular wildlife sanctuary home to tropical birds and animals. On site, visitors can unwind at the Surf Bay restaurant with a Cornish cream tea, enjoy chicken with a side of blues at Slim Chickens or enjoy a drink or two in the Coast Sports Bar. With a range of accommodation to choose from, a four day mid-week break starts from £170 for a saver caravan in June. Alternatively, guests can glamp it up in a safari tent, yurt or a geo dome for £119 or stay in a chalet for £175. If Perran Sands isn't quite right, Holywell Bay is just along the coast line, offering caravan accommodation and family friendly entertainment. Run by Parkdean Resorts, the holiday park has a 4.5 out of five-star rating on Tripadvisor. Alternatively, Sykes Cottages has a wide selection of self catering holiday homes located along the Heritage Coast, with some charming dog-friendly boltholes to be found close to the beach. For holidaymakers who would prefer to be pampered, the iconic Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa is an iconic adults-only retreat by the sea. Just 20 minutes along the coastline, guests have called it "an amazing place" is a "beautiful location." A stone's throw from one of the UK's very best beaches, Haven Perran Sands has been given a 4.3 star rating out of five on Google. One visitor said: "My family and I stayed here from 5th to 13th April 2025 in the touring area, and we can confidently say it was one of the best holidays we've ever had. The site is beautifully located, with plenty of nearby attractions to explore, making it perfect for families, couples, or solo adventurers alike." Another added: "Just got back from a holiday. Best family holiday we have experienced! The entertainment was beach walk is beautiful for the dogs. And there really is something for everyone!" Not every guest was quite so impressed. One disappointed visitor left a three-star review that said: "We had a decent time at Haven Perran Sands The Caravan was clean, a few issues like a hole in the curtain but nothing that would affect our holiday. It was a dog friendly bronze caravan so we weren't expecting the Ritz." One returning visitor called it their "favourite place." They said: "Views are lovely. The coastal walks are amazing. Whole place dog friendly even the beach. The town of Perranporth is so a nice stroll plenty of little quirky shops and restaurants." Haven has holiday parks located throughout the UK, many of which are close to some of the UK's very best beaches. Find out more, here.
Scottish Sun
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Watch the moment ‘cocky' BGT singer claps back at Simon Cowell after dodgy Freddie Mercury tribute
A BRITAIN'S Got Talent hopeful left viewers fuming after biting back at Simon Cowell during an awkward exchange on tonight's show. The ITV show's live-semi finals are underway and viewers have more opinions than ever. Advertisement 4 Ant and Dec tried to hurry Mickey up but he kept talking 4 Mickey defended himself after being forced to sing Freddie Mercury 4 Simon said he was a good tribute act Some blasted singer Mickey Callisto tonight after he took to the stage in a white boiler suit to belt out Queen's Somebody to Love. The live audience cheered the singer but judge Alesha Dixon didn't hold back, calling out his shaky vocals — and Simon soon interrupted the feedback to give his two cents. He told Mickey: 'I'm in two minds. Sorry to interrupt. Because part of me goes, look, you know what? 'Do what you do best, which is, you are a really, really good Freddie Mercury impersonator — sorry, not impersonator, a tribute act. And for that, it was really, really good.' Advertisement Simon continued: 'Some people love you, you've got a ton of views online, which means the public know what they're talking about. 'They like you. I think they're gonna like you again.' But Mickey didn't take the backhanded praise lying down. Clearly ruffled, he clapped back: 'First thing I'd say is I sing with a passion, and I made a lot of people happy tonight, yeah?' Advertisement He then went on to insist he wanted to sing one of his original songs but wasn't allowed: 'It doesn't matter whether I sing my own.' He added: 'Yes, it was like a tribute to Freddy H. But the thing is, I sing my own songs, and I wanted to sing my own song. But anyway, it doesn't matter.' Fuming Britain's Got Talent fans accuse singer of 'miming' after wowing judges with incredible rendition of Freddie Mercury hit The aspiring star then cheekily teased a possible final performance, declaring: 'If I do get to the final, and it does have to be Queen, we all know there's only one song that's got to be… Radio Gaga.' Even Ant and Dec couldn't help but comment from the sidelines, with Dec quipping: 'He's not short on confidence, is he?' Advertisement But Mickey's bravado divided viewres, with some calling him 'awful and arrogant' and branding the post-performance chat 'uncomfortable' and 'painful to watch.' One wrote: 'He can't believe he's getting criticism… he was terrible tonight. End of.' Another joked, 'You're a 5/10, Mickey — you belong on a Haven Holidays park.' 'How cocky is this lad. He can't believe it can he? He can't believe they're giving him criticism.. he was terrible tonight end of." Advertisement Despite the critics, Mickey impressed viewers so much during his audition some accused him of miming. However, others were more blown away by his vocals and talent as they said: "Wow! Mickey is sensational! What a voice and great stage presence too. Are there no gold buzzers left. "He deserves one. He could be in a musical or movie about Freddy." As someone else echoed: "Jaw dropped at Mickey." Advertisement 4 Mickey Castillo has been accused of miming by some BGT fans
Scottish Sun
30-04-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Top Haven holiday park gets new ‘first of its kind' £10m swimming complex – featuring ‘splash zone' and rapids slide
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A NEW £10million swimming pool and water flume are due to open at a Kent holiday park this year. The Haven Holidays Kent Coast Holiday Park near Rochester will soon boast a new facility, due to open towards the end of the 2025 season. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The new swimming complex will feature a splash activity zone and rapids slide Credit: Haven Holidays 5 The park has also announced 50 new pitches will be added across 2025 Credit: Haven Kent Coast 5 And a JD Wetherspoon recently opened at the site Credit: Haven/J D Wetherspoon In a post on social media, the owners of the park at Kent Coast revealed that the facility will be "the first of its kind at Haven". The swimming complex will feature a splash activity zone, falling rapids slide, more space for swimmers and conversion of the current outdoor pool into another indoor pool. Following the announcement, many fans commented on social media, with one saying: "Can't wait, looks really good, it has needed doing as the pool is not big enough anymore." Construction of the new facility has already started, with minimal impact on guests staying at the site. In addition to the new facility, Haven Holidays bosses confirmed the site will also gain 50 pitches, which will be added across 2025, according to Kent Live. Many developments and upgrades have been carried out at the Kent site over the past 18 months including the addition of an outdoor adventure village, entertainment show bar and an expanded arcade. There is also a new JD Wetherspoon pub at the site. Named The London Stone, the pub opened on March 24 and follows Haven's £8.3million investment in providing better food and beverages to guests for 2025. A number of other Wetherspoon pubs have also opened at Haven's locations in Cleethorpes Beach, Devon Cliffs, and Haggerston Castle. Last year, the site also opened The Creative Studios - a hub for activities including pottery and Make a Bear. Lancashire staycation Simon Palethorpe, chief executive of Haven, said: "In recent years, Brits have been rediscovering the joy of a UK seaside holiday and everything that holiday parks have on offer, with coastal communities and the wider economy directly benefiting from the continued growth in domestic tourism. "That is why we are investing heavily to continue to bring holidaymakers more of what they love – from expanding our partnership with JD Wetherspoon to the incredible new pool at Kent Coast. "Our parks have begun welcoming their first guests of 2025 and I'm excited to see more families enjoy stunning beaches, their favourite food and drink brands, alongside fantastic activities and entertainment," reports Kent Live. There is also an award-winning holiday park in the UK, that you probably don't know about. Plus, England's top three underrated holiday parks. 5 The park has said there will be minimal disruption during construction Credit: Haven Kent Coast
The Sun
30-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Top Haven holiday park gets new ‘first of its kind' £10m swimming complex – featuring ‘splash zone' and rapids slide
A NEW £10million swimming pool and water flume are due to open at a Kent holiday park this year. The Haven Holidays Kent Coast Holiday Park near Rochester will soon boast a new facility, due to open towards the end of the 2025 season. 5 5 In a post on social media, the owners of the park at Kent Coast revealed that the facility will be "the first of its kind at Haven". The swimming complex will feature a splash activity zone, falling rapids slide, more space for swimmers and conversion of the current outdoor pool into another indoor pool. Following the announcement, many fans commented on social media, with one saying: "Can't wait, looks really good, it has needed doing as the pool is not big enough anymore." Construction of the new facility has already started, with minimal impact on guests staying at the site. In addition to the new facility, Haven Holidays bosses confirmed the site will also gain 50 pitches, which will be added across 2025, according to Kent Live. Many developments and upgrades have been carried out at the Kent site over the past 18 months including the addition of an outdoor adventure village, entertainment show bar and an expanded arcade. There is also a new JD Wetherspoon pub at the site. Named The London Stone, the pub opened on March 24 and follows Haven's £8.3million investment in providing better food and beverages to guests for 2025. A number of other Wetherspoon pubs have also opened at Haven's locations in Cleethorpes Beach, Devon Cliffs, and Haggerston Castle. Last year, the site also opened The Creative Studios - a hub for activities including pottery and Make a Bear. Simon Palethorpe, chief executive of Haven, said: "In recent years, Brits have been rediscovering the joy of a UK seaside holiday and everything that holiday parks have on offer, with coastal communities and the wider economy directly benefiting from the continued growth in domestic tourism. "That is why we are investing heavily to continue to bring holidaymakers more of what they love – from expanding our partnership with JD Wetherspoon to the incredible new pool at Kent Coast. "Our parks have begun welcoming their first guests of 2025 and I'm excited to see more families enjoy stunning beaches, their favourite food and drink brands, alongside fantastic activities and entertainment," reports Kent Live. There is also an award-winning holiday park in the UK, that you probably don't know about. Plus, England's top three underrated holiday parks. 5 5
