Holiday-park family holidays

Often described as campsites but with accommodation generally mainly in static caravans or chalets, holiday parks are a good option for family holidays on a budget. Especially popular and prevalent in France and Spain, they come in large or small guises – the bigger ones have swimming pools or even full-blown waterparks, kids’ clubs, and activities aplenty. Many parks are now getting more creative too, offering accommodation in treehouses, safari-style tents and the like. Even if you do choose a regular tent, it’ll most often be kitted out with real beds and a kitchen with a fridge, but most parks will also let you bring in your own tent or campervan.

Some operators arrange ferry crossing or transports, or offer discounts on travel including car-hire.

Favourite of the month

Butlins family holidays and breaks

School summer holidays at Butlins

Save up to 40% on family holidays

Top offers

Hoseasons Go Active family holiday EXCLUSIVE offer
1 member of every booking from Take the Family gets a...More
Up to €400 off Pierre & Vacances accommodation
Book by 30th May to make big savings on self-catering...More
Exclusive 5% off Canvas
Quote 'Take the Family' to get Exclusive 5% off Canvas...More
Exclusive 5% off with Siblu
When booking online, enter TTF or call 0871 9112288 and...More

Our favourites

See all favourites

1) Best luxury holiday parks
Our favourite luxury family holidays at holiday parks More about Best luxury holiday parks
2) Best holiday parks for families in Europe
Our favourite family holidays at holiday parks in Europe More about Best holiday parks for families in Europe
3) Best holiday parks for families in the UK
Our favourite family holidays at holiday parks in the UK More about Best holiday parks for families in the UK
4) Best holiday parks for babies and toddlers
Our favourite family holidays at holiday parks for families with babies and toddlers More about Best holiday parks for babies and toddlers

Tips

Set a budget for activities – your holiday might seem inexpensive, but when you add on extras your overall expenditure may increase significantly.

Before you go, research nearby attractions to make sure there’s plenty to do in the vicinity, and when you get there, look out at the park reception or in local shops and tourist board offices for discount vouchers.

Find out when you can arrive and leave. Even if you can’t check in until 3 or 4pm on your first and need to check out by 10am on your last, some parks allow you to arrive early/stay on to use facilities – effectively giving you two extra days’ fun if that fits in with your travel arrangements. Facilities tend to be much less busy on main arrival and departure days, too.

Look out for discounts outside school-holiday periods if travelling with babies or toddlers. And note that some operators have parks that are particularly well-suited to those with very young children, offering equipment loan or hire and special activities.

Check whether activities and childcare need pre-booking before arrival to avoid disappointment.

Avoid, in general, on-site shops – shopping outside the park is generally cheaper and also beneficial to the local community.