Butlins vs Haven: Which holiday is best for your family?

Welcome to my Butlins vs. Haven debate – which holiday is best? When it comes to family holidays in the UK, Butlins and Haven are two of the top choices for a fun staycation holiday with the kids. Both offer a range of accommodation, entertainment and activities aimed at families, but they have their own unique strengths. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which is the best fit for your next getaway – Butlins or Haven?

 

Is the accommodation best at Butlins or Haven?

Both Butlins and Haven offer a wide variety of accommodation options, but there are some key differences.

Butlins

Butlins offer a range of different room, chalet and apartment options –  with Butlins Bognor Regis offering hotel accommodation too. When it comes to the hotels, though we’ve only stayed in the Shoreline, they are generally more of a premium option than some of the other types – we really enjoyed our stay. We’ve found the apartments to be more hit and miss with how well maintained they are, though we’ve never had a problem with cleanliness. At Bognor Regis we prefer the Silver (now Comfort) apartments, and the Comfort Plus apartment we had at Minehead was brilliant as it had its own balcony. These are the best options for budget family holidays – as you can self-cater and spend very little on the resort – but the hotels at Bognor Regis are pretty cool if you’re planning to eat out anyway.

 

Haven

Haven holidays primarily focus on caravan accommodation but we’ve found they’re typically better quality than those abroad, with more space and extra comforts like carpets. We tend to book the Silver Range (or higher) if we’re booking a caravan, but they also have a wide range of other accommodation options too. At Hafan y Mor Haven we had a little apartment which was a great base, and there are Haven holiday parks with more luxurious options too like lodges, some even have their own hot tub. They also have some glamping options, as well as chalets. From basic caravans to more modern ones with extra space and upgraded amenities, there are lots of choices to suit different family types and budgets.

 

Are the facilities better at Butlins or Haven?

Both holiday parks are well-equipped but they have different strengths. Butlins holidays offer more indoor activities, which is great if you’re worried about the unpredictable British weather, and it makes Butlins a great option for a winter break. With water parks, indoor fairground rides, soft play, laser tag, bowling, crafts and arcades, there’s plenty for the kids to do without stepping outside. Whereas Haven holiday parks generally offer fewer indoor facilities but make up for it with their fantastic locations – though this means that Haven holidays are better for the summer months when the UK weather is warmer and less unpredictable.

 

Are the shows and activities best at Butlins or Haven?

One of the biggest differences between Butlins and Haven is their approach to entertainment.

Butlins

Butlins is famous for its all-inclusive entertainment – and there’s so much for kids of all ages to do on the resort that it’s impossible to get bored. Day and night, there’s always something going on, from live shows, character meet-and-greets (think Peppa Pig and PJ Masks), fun fair rides and Splash Waterworld – a fantastic indoor water park – and these things are all included in the price, so if you get a cheap deal Butlins can be incredible value for money. (We’ve spent as little as £88 for a Monday-Friday stay!) The kids will never be short of things to do.

 

Haven

Haven, on the other hand, typically offers a more outdoor-focused experience. While they do have entertainment like live shows, kids’ clubs and activities like crazy golf, their real strength lies in their locations. Haven parks are often set in beautiful coastal areas, with access to nature trails, beach walks and outdoor play areas. If your family loves the idea of spending lots of time outdoors, Haven has that extra connection to nature. The on-site activities can be fantastic but most typically come at an extra cost, and we’ve found that the entertainment generally isn’t as extensive as it is at Butlins. But – whilst most of the resorts don’t offer Butlins level swimming pool facilities – they do have some great pools with waterslides and a few holiday parks (like Hafan y Mor) have Butlins style waterparks – my kids loved it there!

 

Are the dining options better at Haven or Butlins?

Both holiday parks offer a mix of self-catering and dining-out options. Butlins have a wide variety of dining choices, including restaurants, buffets and fast-food outlets. You can also choose to opt for a dining plan if you’d prefer not to cook, but these can be really expensive! The apartments are the best option for self-catering. Haven holiday parks also have on-site restaurants and takeaways, but there are typically less options and Haven is more suited to self-catering holidays, where you can prepare your own meals in the caravan for budget-friendly family staycation.

 

Butlins vs Haven – which has the best locations?

When it comes to location, Butlins and Haven offer distinctly different experiences and, though the Minehead resort is in a lovely location in Somerset, Haven holidays win hands down on this one.

Butlins

Butlins has just three resorts: Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness, all positioned on or near the coast, with Bognor Regis being the closest to London. These locations offer access to classic British seaside towns, but the emphasis is more on staying within the resort where all the entertainment and facilities are located. If you want a holiday that’s all about the on-site experience, the Butlins resorts are designed to keep you busy without the need to venture far. But, as I mentioned above, Minehead Butlins is in a beautiful spot in Somerset if you also want to combine your stay with a bit of exploring. And, the Skegness Butlins resort in Lincolnshire is in a popular holiday spot too.

 

Haven

Haven, on the other hand, boast over 30 holiday parks spread across the UK including stunning coastal locations like Cornwall, Devon, Scotland and Wales. Many of Haven’s parks are set in picturesque areas with direct beach access, or in locations rich with natural beauty, perfect for those who love exploring the great outdoors. If you’re looking for more choice and the opportunity to explore local beaches and nature trails, Haven’s vast range of parks gives you more flexibility, and they’re a great way for families to explore the UK – particularly as there are so many location options.

 

Butlins vs Haven – which is better value for money?

The cost of your holiday will vary depending on the time of year, type of accommodation and whether you want to include meal plans or extras. However, Butlins holidays are typically more expensive than Haven during the peak school summer holiday dates. During August, Haven holidays tend to be more affordable – especially if you’re booking a basic caravan and opting for self-catering. They also frequently offer deals, especially if you book early or last-minute, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious families who don’t need as much on-site entertainment. But both Butlins and Haven offer some amazingly cheap stays if you’re able to stay out of season or midweek during term-time. Haven advertise stays from £49 and we’ve enjoyed plenty of Butlins breaks under £100.

 

Final verdict in the Butlins or Haven debate

So, which is the best option for your family holiday – let’s settle with Butlins vs Haven debate. Butlins is ideal for families who want a packed schedule of entertainment, indoor activities (perhaps for a winter break) and all-in-one pricing that includes most of the fun. If you’re happy to stay on-site, and want a holiday that’s all about fun and entertainment for the kids, then Butlins is the better option. However, if your family prefer a quieter more nature-based family break, with a blend of outdoor adventure and relaxation, then Haven is definitely the better option. And, Haven wins hands down when it comes to exploring the UK, and enjoying family days out, as they offer far more location choices.

So if non-stop children’s entertainment is your priority, and you want most activities to be included, Butlins is the clear winner. But for a more laid-back outdoorsy vibe, and family adventures all over the UK, then Haven is definitely the better choice. And, if you can hunt out the best deals then both can be really affordable options for a budget friendly UK staycation – it really just depends on what type of holiday you’re after.

In all honesty, Butlins and Haven both have their pros and cons but we love them both! We generally make a decision based on where in the UK we’d like to visit, the cost, the time of year and what type of holiday we’d like to have. To help you to finally decide which is the best holiday for your family, and settle the Butlins vs Haven debate, you’ll definitely want to check out these articles too:

Are Haven Holidays good? The 20 best Haven Holiday Parks for a UK family staycation

 

The Ultimate Butlins Bognor Regis Holiday Guide & Review

 

Hafan y Môr Haven Review (Pwllheli, North Wales)

 

Which Butlins is best? Bognor Regis vs Minehead Review

 

10 ways to save money on UK Haven Holidays – discounts, deals and tips

 

The Ultimate Butlins Minehead Holiday Guide & Review

 

Which Haven holiday parks have beach access?

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