Our Second Staycation with The Sun £9.50 Holidays
For our second staycation of the year, we once again opted for The Sun’s £9.50 holiday deals. Securing a week-long getaway for just £40, the affordability was unbeatable. This marked our debut experience with Haven and our first stay within a caravan. Uncertain about what to anticipate, I was pleasantly surprised by the hidden charm within.
Despite caravans not boasting much aesthetic appeal from the outside, the interior revealed a surprisingly beautiful space. Our arrival at 1:30 pm, well ahead of the designated 4 pm check-in time, was met with an unexpected delight. The receptionist kindly offered us a caravan that was already prepared for occupancy.
Our initial day unfolded at a leisurely pace, exploring the expansive park – a vast expanse, by the way! We dedicated a few enjoyable hours to the playground before indulging in the evening entertainment.
Our timing couldn’t have been more spot-on as we selected a week with delightful weather for our Haven retreat. This was especially welcomed, considering the abundance of outdoor activities featured on the Haven activity timetable!
Pool Disappointment and Entertainment Insights
While the indoor swimming pool was nice and impeccably clean, my enthusiasm was slightly dampened by the closure of the outdoor pool – a feature that played a pivotal role in my decision to book this break.
Entertainment Comparison
Inevitably, I found myself drawing comparisons between the entertainment here and what I’ve experienced at Butlins, and, well, Butlins emerges as the winner, hands down. The abundance of activities throughout the day and evening at Butlins surpasses what’s offered here. Despite my personal reservations, my daughter did have a good time. Perhaps I’m being a bit of a Mumzilla, but I wasn’t overly impressed.
Outdoor Adventures
On a brighter note, the outdoor activities proved to be a highlight. Little miss participated in four, all conveniently included in our package:
Mini archery
Fencing
An exciting treasure hunt (her unequivocal favorite)
A beach exploration experience where she encountered some lively crabs!
Dining Choices
Opting to bring food from home, we avoided eating out, although Papa John’s, Chinese options, and what one might describe as pub food were available. The village boasts a convenient supermarket offering a range of items similar to what you’d find in a Co-op, and all at reasonable prices.
Seaside Stroll
The beach, just a short walk from the village, was pleasant for a leisurely stroll, but we sought a more relaxing atmosphere, leading us to choose a day trip to Clacton-on-Sea instead.
Clacton-on-Sea Exploration
The beach in Clacton-on-Sea exceeded our expectations. We discovered remarkable shells and encountered fascinating sea life, making our visit truly memorable. The pier provided amusement, though it fell a bit short of expectations as most of the rides were closed. To make up for it, we found ourselves splurging in the arcade!Clacton-on-Sea is approximately a 25-minute drive from the holiday village, and the parking situation was excellent. We discovered a spot where you can park for the entire day for just £4!
We thoroughly enjoyed our time here! Haven has won me over, and I’m eager to explore a different site soon. Oh, and I must highlight that you can withdraw cash for FREE at the ATMs on site. Nothing irks me more than paying to access my own money, so they’ve earned a solid five stars just for that!
