How any day can be a holiday
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*
Getting away to our caravan meant we could slow down, relax and really enjoy each other’s company MELISSA HOLMES TRAVEL WRITER
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 – Cora, 10, and twoyear-old Toby – and fiancé Laurence 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
ries 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 because 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 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.
Own a caravan in one of Haven’s 38 UK parks and spontaneous adventures can be yours. With wellappointed amenities in each caravan, you’ll enjoy all the comforts of home but with a new local area and attractions to explore. Great activities and hearty restaurants mean it’s a breeze to entertain friends and family on park too. For more information on owning a Haven caravan, visit haven. com/ownership.†