Mum reveals how every day can be a holiday when you own a luxury caravan

Travel writer Melissa Holmes explains how owning a Haven caravan means that you and your family can take yourselves off for a break whenever you feel like it*

When was the last time you really and truly relaxed and enjoyed spending quality time with your family?

I’m not talking about being on a fancy holiday in some far-flung place, but those magical snatched moments when everyone’s content. Maybe you’re playing a board game, or stomping happily through puddles? Or savouring a pudding that’s been served with four spoons.

Chances are it’s been a while. For me, it was an hour after we checked into our Haven holiday home at Seton Sands, near Edinburgh. Once we’d unpacked the car, and filled up the fridge, we took a leisurely walk to the pool. After five minutes in that warm water, watching my children – smile and splash about, I felt my mind and body relax for the first time in ages. We hadn’t laughed and had new experiences together – in this case our toddler learning to jump from the poolside into our arms – in far too long.

And that relaxed feeling continued the entire weekend. Enjoying a delicious dinner at the on-site restaurant – with someone else doing the washing-up. Tucking the kids into their warm, comfy beds, their heads full of new memories and their bodies tired from a long day of fun. Waking up early after a great night’s sleep to explore the beach a stone’s throw away, where we watched the sunrise, went rockpooling and saw a heron diving for its breakfast. Laughing as the kids careened their way around the park soft play, and won goodies at the amusements – an essential part of every British seaside holiday.

And that’s what’s so great about owning a holiday home at Haven. You’ve got all the classic holiday ingredients – the beach, the fish and chips and a brilliant location with plenty of scope for exploring – but also a comfortable, modern caravan that’s a real home from home, plus facilities and activities on park to keep all the family entertained whatever the great British weather throws at you. And the best thing? It’s yours to enjoy, whenever you want. When we arrived, we pre-booked our chosen activities via the handy Haven app. (For caravan owners these are available at up to 50 per cent discount† .) We went for things that would suit the kids, which meant rockpooling, pottery, “Seaside Slime”, a couple of sessions at the pool, and some daddy-daughter time for Laurence and Cora courtesy of an archery session.

This time, we never made it to any entertainment events as the kids were so shattered from daytime fun, but the Seaside Squad shows and family quiz are on the agenda next time we come… along with Junior Segways, archery coaching and family karts!

We didn’t leave Seton Sands for the first two days, as there was so much to do. But all Haven parks are in carefully chosen locations where awesome family days out are within easy reach. We visited the National Museum of Flight, wandered round Edinburgh’s Old Town, and devoured delicious seafood as we watched the sunset on a nearby beach.

Getting away to our caravan made us fall in love with family time again, and gave us the chance to slow down, relax and really enjoy each other’s company. We were all sorry to leave – but owning a caravan means you can head back whenever you want to, and make more magical memories.

Other incredible Haven locations…

Allhallows

Within easy reach of London, this park on the Kent coast is a great base for exploring the Garden of England, and also boasts a nine-hole golf course, fishing lake and two swimming pools.

Far Grange

This ownersonly park in Yorkshire offers proper seaside fun plus special extras for the owners community, as well as rugged countryside to explore.

Hafan Y Môr

Boasting a great coastal location near Pwllheli and its own beach, this park is a thrill seeker’s paradise. Explore the Dragon Lakes Adventure Village and marvel at the views of Cardigan Bay from the Aerial Adventure.

†TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY: PLEASE ENQUIRE FOR DETAILS. PURCHASE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. PARKS CANNOT BE USED AS A PERMANENT RESIDENCE.