There’s something so quintessentially British about caravan holidays. Far from the less savoury associations of caravan parks across the pond, the British caravan site conjures up images of the joys of camping with family, of days spent exploring new landscapes or kicking back with a BBQ and loved ones. What’s more is that there is a wealth of coastal campsites pitched up alongside some of Britain’s most amazing coastlines, covering dynamic British beaches such as Scarborough and Great Yarmouth, as well as the more unique and breathtaking views of Dorset’s prehistoric Jurassic Coast.
From end to end, spanning the North East coast of England to the South West tip of Wales, there are tonnes of scenic, refreshing and downright beautiful seaside holiday parks perfect for all preferences. Whether you fancy a fun-filled family holiday or a more restorative coastal retreat, the hustle and bustle of some of the UK’s most popular beaches or the seclusion of a campsite nestled along a bay, sand dunes or rocky beaches, the list below showcases some of the best coastal campsites around the UK for you to pitch up in this summer.
What are you waiting for? Pack up your swimming costumes and summer reads, your cameras and walking shoes, and shore up at one of these idyllic seaside resorts!
- Haven Seashore, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
- Haven Lydstep Beach, Pembrokeshire, South Wales
- Haven Reighton Sands, North Yorkshire
- Parkdean Resorts West Bay, Dorset
- Parkdean Resorts Thorness Bay, Isle of Wight
1. Haven Seashore
Location: Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
Best for: A thrilling and family-friendly seaside holiday in Great Yarmouth
If you’re looking to enjoy all the trappings of a classic British holiday by the sea, then look no further than Haven Seashore. Located along the Norfolk coast, this campsite is just a short walk away from the miles and miles of sandy beaches stretching along this coastline, allowing you to claim your own spot by the sea within minutes.
There are plenty of amazing Norfolk beaches around Seashore waiting to be enjoyed. Take a short walk across the sand dunes at the foot of the campsite to access the broad golden sands of Great Yarmouth Beach, a popular destination for family beach trips. Dotted with numerous boardwalks and piers, the endless entertainment options and yummy treats available will be sure to keep everyone indulged. For more Great Yarmouth offerings, have a look at this list of 9 Best Holiday Parks in Great Yarmouth to see in 2024.
Nearby Gorleston Beach, voted the 8th best beach in the UK, is another standout local choice, loved for its beautiful soft sand and spaciousness – you’ll have plenty of room to build an epic castle, or just take a seat and enjoy the gorgeous sea views. Or if it’s adrenaline you’re after, take an unforgettable trip down to the historic Pleasure Beach, which has been thrilling visitors since 1909! This amusement park has plenty of rides to suit all ages and tolerances and is guaranteed to make an exhilarating day out for all the family.
The fun isn’t all to be had offsite though, as Haven Seashore is kitted out with an impressive selection of family-friendly activities to keep you thoroughly entertained. Most notably, Haven Seashore has its very own Shore Water Park, complete with flumes, slides and a splash zone for some serious fun. The heated indoor swimming pool provides a more tranquil watery alternative, and there are both indoor and outdoor play areas for the kids to blow off some steam.
Facilities: Haven parks have a great range of static caravan options, from the more economic but no less comfortable Standard caravans to the more luxurious Prestige and Platinum grade caravans, including ones with decking so you can unwind al fresco. Adapted caravans provide easy access and extra room for disabled guests, while pet owners can also select a dog-friendly caravan, available in each tier, so no one gets left behind! The Marina Bar and Stage holds host to a wide array of entertaining events, and the crazy golf course and amusement arcade round out the wealth of spots to indulge in some quality entertainment.
2. Haven Lydstep Beach
Location: Tenby, Pembrokeshire
Best for: An intimate and rejuvenating park with its own private beach
Being a peninsula, Wales is not lacking in sandy stretches and rugged coastlines, and the Pembrokeshire coast of South Wales is no exception. Haven Lydstep Beach is idyllically located along the south-west tip of the country, perched atop a beautiful bay with sweeping sea views of the blue beyond. This park is also near the beautiful Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, about a 45-minute drive away. Its diverse, rugged beaches and broad west-facing views (perfect for catching spectacular sunset!) make it an unmissable local attraction – Lydstep Beach is a great base for exploring Wales’ dynamic west coast.
Lydstep Beach is smaller than most Haven parks, but this trade-off comes with its own special perk – a private bay beach! Take a short stroll down to the park beach and lay out a blanket and relax on the sands, or opt for a walk along the pebbles to enjoy the refreshing coastal air. If you’re feeling energised by the breeze, make the most of the water sports facilities and ride the waves in a sea kayak. This site is a great place to harness the invigorating energy of the coast. See if you can get an even better view on top of the climbing wall, or take a walk on the wild side through woodland with the park rangers – Lydstep Beach really is the ideal choice for an immersive outdoor experience!
Lydstep Beach isn’t just an adventurer’s haven though – this site provides plenty of opportunities for relaxation, too. The nearby spa at Celtic Haven is a top-rated pick for some serious rest and relaxation, allowing you to melt away any cares or worries that might have snuck away with you. Lydstep Beach also has an indoor swimming pool on-site, perfect for some easy morning laps, or just a more temperate alternative to the bracing waters of the Celtic Sea. Of course, there’s no simpler or more timeless way to unwind than by pausing to drink in the breathtaking sea views laid out in front of you. If this part of Wales has really piqued your interest, why don’t you check out the 5 Best Holiday Parks in Pembrokeshire to Unwind in 2024?
Facilities: The Manor House is the centre of social life at Lydstep Beach, where you can enjoy quality food, drink and entertainment in comfort, set against the backdrop of sweeping bay views. The on-site supermarket and launderette allow you to take care of your daily needs, while the amusement arcade and outdoor play area provide places to keep the kids happy while you enjoy the leisurely atmosphere of Lydstep Beach.
3. Haven Reighton Sands
Location: Filey, North Yorkshire
Best for: A family-friendly seaside stay bursting with activities
Reighton Sands is ideal for a family holiday – there are plenty of offerings to keep you active and entertained, close to the many delights of sand and sea. Lined along a wide stretch of sandy beach, Reighton Sands is near to the many beaches of North Yorkshire, including the popular Scarborough Beach and Filey Beach, which are especially great spots to explore a rock pool, or grab an ice cream and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Great British seaside. These beaches are only a short drive away – within minutes you’ll be able to pitch your blankets and umbrellas, ready for a leisurely day at the sea. For spots within walking distance, Reighton Sands beach access begins just beyond the borders of the campsite, so you won’t have to walk far to feel the soft crunch of sand beneath your feet!
What really sets Haven Reighton Sands apart as a great campsite, however, is the absolutely jam-packed entertainment and activity picks on offer. It’s a good thing the beach is a mere 5-minute walk away or you might find yourselves too busy to leave! Families can indulge in some friendly (and most likely fierce) competition over a game on the 9-hole golf course or on the multi-sports course, or see if you have the aim to match Robin Hood through archery coaching or target practice. The kids will be especially engaged, as there’s a selection of creative and active workshops in which they can learn new skills, and three different outdoor play areas for them to let their imaginations run free. And there’s always the lazy river for, well, lazier days.
Facilities: There’s never a dull moment at Reighton Sands, and this is reflected in the impressive selection of facilities here. Reighton Sands has a packed entertainment roster suitable for all the family, while the 3 dining spots will keep you more than fuelled up. Accommodation wise, comfort is the name of the game, and all types of caravans on offer will be sure to ensure you’re resting as well as you’re playing. Even opt for a caravan in the exclusive Brigg View area for extra space and quiet and, of course, spectacular views across Filey Bay.
Parkdean Resorts West Bay
Location: Bridport, Dorset
Best for: Unparalleled location along the breathtaking Jurassic Coast
Parkdean Resorts West Bay is truly one of the best coastal campsites on offer, and that’s for one spectacular reason – it is located along the famous Jurassic Coast, making it the perfect location from which to explore this extraordinary region, which also happens to be Britain’s only natural World Heritage Site! This 95 mile-long stretch of coastline preserves a whopping 185 million years of geological history, making this park ideal for nature lovers and budding scientists. Take a visit to the West Bay Discovery Centre or Bridport Museum to see some of this incredible history on display, or head down to the shoreline and try your luck at finding a fossil or two yourself!
As you can imagine, this region is home to some of the UK’s most distinctive coastlines, most notably the deep golden rock wall of East Cliff, and the famous shingled Chesil Beach. As well as the outstanding natural beauty surrounding you, West Bay gives you easy access to the miles and miles of beaches and cliffs that make up the Jurassic Coastline just 200m away, whether you’re seeking the magic of unmatched coastal views or the tranquility of an endless sandy beach. There are also plenty of cultural wonders to enjoy, as the nearby towns of Bridport, Lyme Regis and Weymouth each possess their own unique charms and stories, just waiting to be discovered!
Once you’ve thoroughly experienced the awe of the surrounding area, head back to the campsite for a change of pace, indulging in the many engaging activities on offer. The whole family can enjoy the indoor swimming pool – kids can make a splash by barrelling down the water slide, while toddlers can enjoy the safe haven of their own little pool. There’s an outdoor adventure play area and kids’ club, so the little ones will never be short on things to do!
Facilities: Here you’ll find an extensive range of accommodation options, from contemporary and spacious static caravans to lodges, as well as the more immersive camping and glamping sites. For all your dining needs, sit down for a lovely family meal and an evening of entertainment at the Boathouse Bar & Restaurant.
Parkdean Resorts Thorness Bay
Location: Thorness, Isle of Wight
Best for: A rejuvenating coastal stay in an area of unspoilt natural beauty
Parkdean Resorts Thorness Bay is located on the North side of the isle and is perfectly situated for those looking to experience the best of the outdoors. Sat on a hillside overlooking the Solent, a stay at Thorness Bay would guarantee plenty of opportunities to enjoy stunning views of the sea and land around you. Both the surrounding woodland and coastal bay setting give you ample space to experience the restorative effect of nature. Within walking distance, you can find yourselves enjoying the privacy of the bay beach and its peaceful shore.
Three miles down the coast, and a mere 10-minute drive away, the nearby Hamstead Heritage Coast is the perfect place to strap on your hiking boots and take a refreshing walk around this unspoilt corner of the isle. This natural haven is teeming with wildlife, including the rare red squirrel! Estuaries, woodland and uninterrupted sea views are all part of the sublime natural beauty here, allowing you to fully recharge among the elements.
If you find yourself craving a return to civilisation, Cowes is a wonderful seaport in which to reconnect with society. As well as the usual indulgences of lovely restaurants and boutiques, Cowes is also a mecca for watersports. During the season the sea is dotted with the technicolour of hundreds of sails! Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s favourite seaside residence, is also near and further proof of Thorness Bay’s charm.
Facilities: Parkdean Thorness Bay has an amazing selection of accommodation choices for everyone from the most luxurious lodges, complete with a steamy hot tub, to the unique glamping tents, and comfortable caravans in between. A restaurant bar, entertainment venue and takeaway will ensure your retreat into nature isn’t without all the amenities and amusement you may be craving.
Holiday Homes with Unforgettable Sea Views
There are few landscapes more sublime than that of the coast – and as an island nation, Britain is spoiled for amazing coastlines. These holiday parks cover a truly incredible range of coastal settings, whether that’s among rugged and historic coastal bays or endless stretches of sand that feel almost otherworldly. Pitch up at one of these spectacular caravan campsites for a truly sublime holiday experience you won’t forget in a hurry.