23-07-2025
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
