Top 5 holiday parks in the UK
Thursday, 4 October 2012 2:47 PM
The UK is fantastic for a holiday for several reasons. For a start, you don't need to travel far in order to commence your break, avoiding lengthy airport waits. Another benefit to its holiday parks is that they are close to stunning scenery and leading attractions.
It is also extremely affordable if you choose self-catering accommodation, as there is no need to fork out for every meal at a pub or restaurant. Instead, you can choose to cook what you want and when you want, providing you with flexibility.
If you are currently thinking about a staycation, below is our guide to the five best holiday parks in the UK.
1. Whitemead Forest Park
This is located in the breathtaking Forest of Dean, which is the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of daily life. You are spoilt for choice by the number of cycling and walking routes here, with one of the most popular ones being the Sculpture Trail.
Spanning 4 miles, the route is full of flowers and wildlife and you might spot the likes of boar and deer. Whitemead Forest Park itself is home to plenty of activities to keep you busy, such as archery, swimming, volleyball and street dancing.
2. Manleigh Park
Manleigh Park is nestled in North Devon's beautiful rolling hills and is just a short drive from several beaches. Whether you have little ones in tow or simply want to enjoy long strolls on the sand, the park is definitely in a brilliant location. Indeed, it is near to the village of Combe Martin, which is a fantastic place to explore.
If you like to get active you can kayak and go on long hikes along the famous South West Coast Path. While there are some challenging walks on the route, a more moderate one is the 3.6-mile section from Combe Martin's beach. You will head into the hills and be rewarded by amazing panoramic views of the valley and ocean.
3. Sandford Holiday Park
Should you have always wanted to visit Dorset, Sandford Holiday Park may just be the perfect accommodation for you. It is just a 7-mile trip from Poole, a busy resort that is famous for its harbour.
In fact, Poole Harbour is the second-biggest natural harbour on the planet, so it is well worth a visit, especially as it also boasts an array of restaurants, cafes and gift shops. Sandbanks Beach is a popular spot for water sport fans and sunbathers, while you can try your luck at spotting a Sika or Roe deer in Wareham Forest.
4. Riverside Caravan Park
The north of England is also home to some fantastic holiday destinations, such as the Riverside Caravan Park, which is in High Bentham. This small market town in North Yorkshire is known for its spectacular scenery, which includes rich meadows, the River Wenning, mountains and moorland.
If you come for an evening walk and make your way up to the so-called Big Stone, you can watch the sun set over Morecambe Bay.
5. Greenacres Holiday Park
This holiday park is in north Wales and has the breathtaking Snowdonia National Park as its backdrop. In Greenacres itself, kids will love the SplashZone and paddling pool, as well as the nearby nature reserve and beach.
Of course, a trip here would not be complete without exploring the national park, which covers 823 sq miles, making it the biggest of its kind in Wales.