Craig Tara Holiday Park, Ayrshire, Scotland
Hotel Information
Hotel Description:
There's non-stop holiday Park action from dawn to dusk at Craig Tara! The beach is great and the whole family will love the multi-level leisure pool with flumes, slides and fabulous NEW features. Craig Tara also has a massive outdoor fun area with Go-Karts and Adventure Playground. loading...
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Craig Tara Holiday Park Reviews
" I have just returned from a 5 days... "
Submitted By: Mrs L McAuley
I have just returned from a 5 days caravan holiday in Haven and wanted to warn anyone else thinking of visiting to bring plenty of 'domestos' wipes and hand gel, as the hygiene levels on the camp leave a lot to be desired!
Firstly we had to hang around for 2 hours waiting to check in, even though the reception area was empty and the staff were 'twiddling their thumbs' as they were not able to book us in a second before 2.30pm because of 'the rules!’
We decided to have something to eat while waiting and this is where things really went downhill.
We ate in the 'Traditional Fish and Chip' Shop which after a 25 minute wait produced 'oven chips' that had been fried in a deep fat fryer!! Saying that, we were glad of the 25 minute wait because it took us that long to clear and wash the table and skate across the floor with the food (it was thick with grease!!)
We were later to realise that this was the shape of things to come as the entire camp was filthy.
There are 2 entertainment bars in the evening but only 1 offers decent children’s entertainment and you have to go down at 5.00 o’clock to keep a seat!
The other bars offer really drab entertainment and the kids are board rigid but unfortunately you have no other option, if you're not willing to reserve a seat at 5.00 in the other one.
That said - the kids enjoyed it and there is plenty for them to do.
Firstly we had to hang around for 2 hours waiting to check in, even though the reception area was empty and the staff were 'twiddling their thumbs' as they were not able to book us in a second before 2.30pm because of 'the rules!’
We decided to have something to eat while waiting and this is where things really went downhill.
We ate in the 'Traditional Fish and Chip' Shop which after a 25 minute wait produced 'oven chips' that had been fried in a deep fat fryer!! Saying that, we were glad of the 25 minute wait because it took us that long to clear and wash the table and skate across the floor with the food (it was thick with grease!!)
We were later to realise that this was the shape of things to come as the entire camp was filthy.
There are 2 entertainment bars in the evening but only 1 offers decent children’s entertainment and you have to go down at 5.00 o’clock to keep a seat!
The other bars offer really drab entertainment and the kids are board rigid but unfortunately you have no other option, if you're not willing to reserve a seat at 5.00 in the other one.
That said - the kids enjoyed it and there is plenty for them to do.
- Date of Holiday:Apr 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Travelcare
" The place is disgusting! Dirty tables... "
Submitted By: Miss Lynsey McCullough
The place is disgusting! Dirty tables and toilets in the funworks entertainment facility.
Oven chips were fried in the 'traditional fish and chip shop', floors covered in dirt and grease.
Spiders webs hanging from the lights in the caravan, dirty laundry of the beds lay on the grass for two whole days, rubbish thrown onto the grass, dirty glasses in the bars, unhelpful employees...I would not recommend this place to anyone!
The hygiene levels within the camp definitely do not meet with environmental standards.
The night entertainment in the Bonga Wonga bar is very good for families, but apart from that, Haven is filthy, unexciting and definitely needs a good clean!
Oven chips were fried in the 'traditional fish and chip shop', floors covered in dirt and grease.
Spiders webs hanging from the lights in the caravan, dirty laundry of the beds lay on the grass for two whole days, rubbish thrown onto the grass, dirty glasses in the bars, unhelpful employees...I would not recommend this place to anyone!
The hygiene levels within the camp definitely do not meet with environmental standards.
The night entertainment in the Bonga Wonga bar is very good for families, but apart from that, Haven is filthy, unexciting and definitely needs a good clean!
- Date of Holiday:Apr 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" My husband and I and are three... "
Submitted By: Mrs J Murphy
My husband and I and are three children spent 3 days in Craig Tara.
We stayed in a silver accommodation caravan. Which I found to be clean and comfortable.
The kids enjoyed the swimming pool with the flumes, the only thing was the times of opening and closing. My youngest loved the children’s entertainment.
Eating out was expensive and the drinks were over priced but that’s why you choose self catering, so you can dine and drink at your own leisure.
One thing I would say, is there is to many slot machines and the arcade is the main attraction especially for kids. Which I found my oldest ones, at the age of 7 and 9, were quite happy to spend all their time at. Which cost a fortune to keep up.
We are booked to go this May again as it is a good place for a short break.
However the kids won’t be spending a fortune on slot machines, as second time round I won't be so daft to let them. But we are looking forward to going back.
We stayed in a silver accommodation caravan. Which I found to be clean and comfortable.
The kids enjoyed the swimming pool with the flumes, the only thing was the times of opening and closing. My youngest loved the children’s entertainment.
Eating out was expensive and the drinks were over priced but that’s why you choose self catering, so you can dine and drink at your own leisure.
One thing I would say, is there is to many slot machines and the arcade is the main attraction especially for kids. Which I found my oldest ones, at the age of 7 and 9, were quite happy to spend all their time at. Which cost a fortune to keep up.
We are booked to go this May again as it is a good place for a short break.
However the kids won’t be spending a fortune on slot machines, as second time round I won't be so daft to let them. But we are looking forward to going back.
- Date of Holiday:May 2005
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Going Places
" We went to Craig Tara with two middle... "
Submitted By: Ms A Y
We went to Craig Tara with two middle aged parents (50-60’s) my husband and I in our 20’s and our almost 2yr old.
My in-laws had booked the holiday through the sun offer and haven’t been in a caravan since I was little, I was a bit apprehensive.
After being assured by the in-laws who do this yearly off we went.
Unfortunately we where given a chalet which was at the bottom of the park up a 2 flights or rickety stairs, not enough rooms but otherwise looked ok inside, this was not the parks fault although cheap accommodation shouldn’t mean shabby.
We upgraded and ended up in a silver caravan which was perfect, clean, decent sized rooms, good shower room, only downside was the loo a bit small, you literally have to go in backward to sit and lock the door, not enough privacy in that matter.
We self-catered and the cooking facilities in the kitchen where second to none, the entertainment was actually quite enjoyable.
I suppose what you expect for a theme park, the drinks where overly priced and I imagine most folk did what we did and have a good drink in the caravan before you go, it is none stop puggies and money making machines but this is what fun parks are all about if you don’t like it go on a beach holiday.
The pool was fantastic, my 2yr old loved it, the only thing I would say is it could be open a little longer and not set times; toddlers and kids are up at the crack of dawn so opening the pool early could help.
Overall I would recommend this holiday but I would say go for a silver/gold caravan, we are off again at the end of March this year and have taken a gold caravan, so I do expect it to be a little different.
My in-laws had booked the holiday through the sun offer and haven’t been in a caravan since I was little, I was a bit apprehensive.
After being assured by the in-laws who do this yearly off we went.
Unfortunately we where given a chalet which was at the bottom of the park up a 2 flights or rickety stairs, not enough rooms but otherwise looked ok inside, this was not the parks fault although cheap accommodation shouldn’t mean shabby.
We upgraded and ended up in a silver caravan which was perfect, clean, decent sized rooms, good shower room, only downside was the loo a bit small, you literally have to go in backward to sit and lock the door, not enough privacy in that matter.
We self-catered and the cooking facilities in the kitchen where second to none, the entertainment was actually quite enjoyable.
I suppose what you expect for a theme park, the drinks where overly priced and I imagine most folk did what we did and have a good drink in the caravan before you go, it is none stop puggies and money making machines but this is what fun parks are all about if you don’t like it go on a beach holiday.
The pool was fantastic, my 2yr old loved it, the only thing I would say is it could be open a little longer and not set times; toddlers and kids are up at the crack of dawn so opening the pool early could help.
Overall I would recommend this holiday but I would say go for a silver/gold caravan, we are off again at the end of March this year and have taken a gold caravan, so I do expect it to be a little different.
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" We went here with 2 teenagers, the... "
Submitted By: Mrs M Fletcher
We went here with 2 teenagers, the whole place was filthy, including the caravan that we got through the Sun and we upgraded.
We complained about the 2 broken windows, the smell of cigarettes, the lack of pillows, and the whole caravan was disgusting. The cleaner finally came at around 8pm and brought us some surface cleaner as air freshener.
The staff were not very friendly; everything was always a problem when you asked for stuff. Primrose valley was in a different league to this place.
Never again.
We are off to Caister in April, but having read some of the reviews, I am a bit unsure if we are doing the right thing.
We complained about the 2 broken windows, the smell of cigarettes, the lack of pillows, and the whole caravan was disgusting. The cleaner finally came at around 8pm and brought us some surface cleaner as air freshener.
The staff were not very friendly; everything was always a problem when you asked for stuff. Primrose valley was in a different league to this place.
Never again.
We are off to Caister in April, but having read some of the reviews, I am a bit unsure if we are doing the right thing.
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2005
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Haven
" We have visited Craig Tara for many... "
Submitted By: Mrs S Bethel
We have visited Craig Tara for many years and in July 2006 we booked a private caravan which was nice and was situated in a good area of the park, with friendly neighbours. The entertainment was great and we all had a great time.
The only thing that didn't make me give 10/10 was that the food at the supermarket and the drinks at the bar, even soft drinks were a bit expensive.
But all in all, over the years we have had some fantastic times here, although the check in when not booking privately needs a bit more organisation.
The only thing that didn't make me give 10/10 was that the food at the supermarket and the drinks at the bar, even soft drinks were a bit expensive.
But all in all, over the years we have had some fantastic times here, although the check in when not booking privately needs a bit more organisation.
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Bit wary of going to this park after... "
Submitted By: Mrs Karen Dunn
Bit wary of going to this park after reading the reviews but found it to be excellent.
We had booked standard accommodation and found this to be fantastic value for money. The accommodation was clean and smelled fresh when you opened the door.
Food in the restaurant was lovely. Good choice, clean table and food lovely and hot.
Would recommend for families - we will definitely be back this year.
We had booked standard accommodation and found this to be fantastic value for money. The accommodation was clean and smelled fresh when you opened the door.
Food in the restaurant was lovely. Good choice, clean table and food lovely and hot.
Would recommend for families - we will definitely be back this year.
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2006
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" This place is a total nightmare.... "
Submitted By: Mr I Martin
This place is a total nightmare. Booked two silver caravans and one was so filthy (still filthy after been cleaned twice) we eventually got a full refund.
The caravans are dirty, the facilities are dirty and this place does nothing to promote the Scottish tourist industry.
Avoid it at all costs.
The caravans are dirty, the facilities are dirty and this place does nothing to promote the Scottish tourist industry.
Avoid it at all costs.
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Just arrived back from Craig Tara it... "
Submitted By: Mrs J Wilson
Just arrived back from Craig Tara it was by far the worst place I have ever stayed! My 11 year old son enjoyed it as the place is full of arcade machine which cost us a fortune.
We stayed in a silver rated chalet, my dogs kennel was better! It was cramped, uncomfortable and filthy! We had to make our own beds on arrival and there was cereal on the floor from the last guests and items of clothing behind the headboard in the main bedroom.
We were bit by bugs in the beds throughout our stay and the entrance to the room was surrounded by dead insects in cobwebs, disgusting don’t waste good money stay way!
We stayed in a silver rated chalet, my dogs kennel was better! It was cramped, uncomfortable and filthy! We had to make our own beds on arrival and there was cereal on the floor from the last guests and items of clothing behind the headboard in the main bedroom.
We were bit by bugs in the beds throughout our stay and the entrance to the room was surrounded by dead insects in cobwebs, disgusting don’t waste good money stay way!
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" I went with great expectations to... "
Submitted By: J R Hartley
I went with great expectations to this site after reading their glossy brochure, my wife and I with the in laws and 1 small child acquired an apartment, first impressions were good but once we reached our apartment things turned for the worst
1 The door had been kicked in previous and the workmanship to fix it was shoddy
2 The decor was very tacky and smelled; the enclosed bathroom's extractor fan was broken.
3 Food at the site was terrible. Had to shop for food to have a decent meal
4 The place was very give me your money orientated with slot machines everywhere
5 Drunks annoyed us a about 3 times in one day and this was before 6pm (no security anywhere)
6 The only thing we liked was getting out of the place (BE WARNED)!
1 The door had been kicked in previous and the workmanship to fix it was shoddy
2 The decor was very tacky and smelled; the enclosed bathroom's extractor fan was broken.
3 Food at the site was terrible. Had to shop for food to have a decent meal
4 The place was very give me your money orientated with slot machines everywhere
5 Drunks annoyed us a about 3 times in one day and this was before 6pm (no security anywhere)
6 The only thing we liked was getting out of the place (BE WARNED)!
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2006
- Board Basis:Room Only
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" Caravan nice, site complete shambles.... "
Submitted By: Mr B Monkey
Caravan nice, site complete shambles. Would rather have stayed with travellers than go back there. Entertainment completely shocking, food stinking. I never found a single thing on the site that I could say I enjoyed.
Sanylands just around corner is 1000 times better than this so called site don’t think we found any kind of any entertainment on site that was organised but hey they don’t care.
Site unsafe to kids electrical box sparking like mad first day we arrived I reported everyday and 7 days later still sparking what can i say. They get your money and don’t give a monkeys.
Sanylands just around corner is 1000 times better than this so called site don’t think we found any kind of any entertainment on site that was organised but hey they don’t care.
Site unsafe to kids electrical box sparking like mad first day we arrived I reported everyday and 7 days later still sparking what can i say. They get your money and don’t give a monkeys.
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" We were looking forward to our week... "
Submitted By: Mr R Anderson
We were looking forward to our week away at this Park. On arrival they had booked us into a caravan that was too small for our family.
We were shifted to a chalet which was a disgrace. It was shabby, outdated and the furniture was in shocking condition. The Park itself was expensive, the activities were rather boring and the pool was not open all day or in the evening.
The whole experience is one I would rather forget. Never ever again! If I could rate this Park at zero I would. Avoid.
We were shifted to a chalet which was a disgrace. It was shabby, outdated and the furniture was in shocking condition. The Park itself was expensive, the activities were rather boring and the pool was not open all day or in the evening.
The whole experience is one I would rather forget. Never ever again! If I could rate this Park at zero I would. Avoid.
- Date of Holiday:Apr 2005
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" I went to Craig Tara with my 2 kids... "
Submitted By: Miss C Hutton
I went to Craig Tara with my 2 kids (age 7 & 2), my Mum, my sister and her 2 kids (age 4 and 1) and we all thoroughly enjoyed the weekend. The caravan was lovely and had views overlooking the sea and there was plenty on site for the kids to do. Outside there is a play park and a small funfair area with crazy golf and rides suited to smaller kids (under 8 I’d say) - the funfair costs extra though the cost is reasonable. They also have things like quad bikes, sports courts, a climbing wall and 'bungee' trampolines outside but we didn't use these facilities. There is also crazy golf inside, with a soft play area (free), 10-pin bowling and a couple of other things in one building, a good swimming pool in another building and in the main complex you'll find places to eat as well as the entertainment venues / bars, lots of slot machines and main reception. There is another building which has a free baby / toddler soft play area in it - this is a great little area for the little 'uns and there is a member of staff on duty making sure it is only 2's and under that go in to play, this play area is not marked on the site map we got at check-in.
Bad point about this site is the food - we arrived around 11:30am and tried to get something to eat but all the food outlets seemed to be closed at that time?! One night we decided to try the restaurant for dinner, the one that half-board customers use for their meals and it was awful. They advertise 'under 2's eat free' - by this they mean they'll give you a free jar of baby food which wasn't nearly enough for my 16 month old niece to eat for her main meal. The food was lukewarm, you had to queue for ages to get your main meal and the kid’s fish fingers were brown inside when we cut into them. There is a lovely little coffee shop though at the end of the row of shops - this is the best place to get something to eat but it is small so you might struggle to get a table if you want to sit in. We go on quite a few caravan holidays and mostly eat out for lunch and dinner but on this weekend we cooked quite a few of these meals in the caravan.
As with all Haven sites you need to be early to get a good seat for the kid’s entertainment at night. We tend to go to the kids clubs and shows that are on through the day as they generally aren't overly busy.
All in all a great holiday and we would definitely go back to this site.
Bad point about this site is the food - we arrived around 11:30am and tried to get something to eat but all the food outlets seemed to be closed at that time?! One night we decided to try the restaurant for dinner, the one that half-board customers use for their meals and it was awful. They advertise 'under 2's eat free' - by this they mean they'll give you a free jar of baby food which wasn't nearly enough for my 16 month old niece to eat for her main meal. The food was lukewarm, you had to queue for ages to get your main meal and the kid’s fish fingers were brown inside when we cut into them. There is a lovely little coffee shop though at the end of the row of shops - this is the best place to get something to eat but it is small so you might struggle to get a table if you want to sit in. We go on quite a few caravan holidays and mostly eat out for lunch and dinner but on this weekend we cooked quite a few of these meals in the caravan.
As with all Haven sites you need to be early to get a good seat for the kid’s entertainment at night. We tend to go to the kids clubs and shows that are on through the day as they generally aren't overly busy.
All in all a great holiday and we would definitely go back to this site.
- Date of Holiday:May 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Hi, we booked our touring caravan... "
Submitted By: Mrs L Govan
Hi, we booked our touring caravan online which was done very easily, and found the touring area very clean.
But we did kind of feel like we were not as welcome as actually booking one of their on site static’s, as we were late at getting there on the Saturday as in 6pm (not the sites fault) but we asked would it be possible to leave around 6pm on the Monday as we had booked for 2 days.
we were told we had to be out for 10.30am but if we wanted we could pay an extra £5 to stay till 12 noon, so in fact £5 for an hour & half, we then asked if there was anywhere we could put our van till we were ready to leave & again did not get helpful suggestions, as we wanted to have a day in Ayr, so we ended up having to pay for another 2 nights so we could stay, which we did not use but seemed the only way we could do it!
The site its self was ok, but seemed to appear there were at least 4 caravans there that all knew each other, & they all seemed to have work vans & did not seem to actually be on holiday & had very much control off the site with other people they knew not staying on the site. Coming & going at all times day/night & loud music from there work vans which was a bit annoying & even a bit intimidating. In fact we thought at one point we were in a work depot rather than a camp site.
We did not leave with any good feelings about the site except it seemed clean.
But we did kind of feel like we were not as welcome as actually booking one of their on site static’s, as we were late at getting there on the Saturday as in 6pm (not the sites fault) but we asked would it be possible to leave around 6pm on the Monday as we had booked for 2 days.
we were told we had to be out for 10.30am but if we wanted we could pay an extra £5 to stay till 12 noon, so in fact £5 for an hour & half, we then asked if there was anywhere we could put our van till we were ready to leave & again did not get helpful suggestions, as we wanted to have a day in Ayr, so we ended up having to pay for another 2 nights so we could stay, which we did not use but seemed the only way we could do it!
The site its self was ok, but seemed to appear there were at least 4 caravans there that all knew each other, & they all seemed to have work vans & did not seem to actually be on holiday & had very much control off the site with other people they knew not staying on the site. Coming & going at all times day/night & loud music from there work vans which was a bit annoying & even a bit intimidating. In fact we thought at one point we were in a work depot rather than a camp site.
We did not leave with any good feelings about the site except it seemed clean.
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
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There was yellow stuff and brown stuff on the duvets, no sound on the TV.
We upgraded to get in at 2.30 pm then was told caravan might not be ready till 4 pm because cleaners might not have been. Complained about TV and duvets at 4.30 pm.
No one arrived with a TV and duvets till 10.30 at night.
Struggled to get seats at night in the entertainment bars and there was a dirty pair of underwear under the cushion in the caravan - so beware this place!