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
" where do I start "
Submitted By: coopertyt
Me and my family have just returned from a 7 day stay at craig tara friday to friday. We arrived at 4pm and granted as it was when people was starting to get there keys but we where greeted with 5 lines with dozens of people in each to make things worse the 1st 3 lines where soley designated for competitors to a huge dance competiton. After an hour wait we got given a key to all I can describe is a total joke of a caravan Getting in the van was extremely easy due to the doors not bein able to lock inside it mirrors so many of the reviews ive read so i went upto to reception and discussed my concerns to a really helpful young lady we was given the keys to another van and we was assured this was a better grade of van haha wot a joke we opened the door to all i can describe is dog it was an over powering smell we disvovered that the cleaners had made a poor chance at cleaning it and had left the gas fire on to dry up the carpets so yet again me and my partner got our 2 young kids into the car and back upto reception to be eventually be given a key to a van just 2 away from the first van and we was told it was the last van on the site and we had to wait until the next day for a better van to be available so we thought it cant be any worse well yes it didnt smell of dog and the doors locked but we later discovered the stains on all the carpets was actually urine and the stink was unbearable by this time it was nearly 9pm 2 young kids car full of everything we would need and i knew we couldnt stay in that van so we decided going to a travel lodge was our only option untill the next day when we hoped we would get an upgrade so we drove to prestwick airport and eventually got a meal at 21:45. Next day we drove back to be greeted by a site manager called adam to be told we was gettin an upgrade to a top of the range caravan he took us to the van and we voiced our concerns about all the food we had with us that was destroyed while sitting in a car for over a day so we got passes for free meals for the rest of our stay then we discussed the £100 we had spent on a travel lodge so we got offered an extra night stay the kids got bradley teddies and a teddy bear picnic the management team did do everything in there power to make it upto to me and my family so we decided to try and make the most of our family holiday i hope you find my review helpful dont get me wrong the site and the surrounding areas have hundreds of things for all the family but i certainly will never be back down unless another caravan site opens in the area
- Date of Holiday:Oct 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" big letdown "
Submitted By: issiepip
just returned today after a 4 day break caravan was clean and tidy and we had a lovely sea view there was 7 of us in 2 caravavs next to each other boys aged from 8 to 15 they went swimming and amused themselves through the day on go karts
football e.t.c but at night it was a disgrace the entertainment was appalling it only catered for small children we thought the bonga wonga was for children and the atlatic showbar was for adults what a letdown there was only one band on during our break it was all kids entertainment in the showbar it should be adult entertainment after 9 oclock people were leaving due to this as kids were running mad the campsite overall was fine but the entertainment spoiled it for us
football e.t.c but at night it was a disgrace the entertainment was appalling it only catered for small children we thought the bonga wonga was for children and the atlatic showbar was for adults what a letdown there was only one band on during our break it was all kids entertainment in the showbar it should be adult entertainment after 9 oclock people were leaving due to this as kids were running mad the campsite overall was fine but the entertainment spoiled it for us
Advice: it is a beautiful place to visit
Activities:
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" manky accomodation "
Submitted By: sprinkler
hi i dont normaly do reviews but agree with other people find a different site these caravans are manky.....we booked a PRESTIGE caravan arrived, booked in ... got keys went to caravan what a let down ...........it stunk as soon as you opened the door the toilet stunk of wee and the passage carpet all stained the back on the main dining chair was broken the microwave was rusty inside........yukkkkk...... the heating didnt work we complained to be told oh we can sort it .........shouldnt it be sorted before the guests arrive? as we were complaining another few families came in complaining about their accomodation how dirty it was ....(we have been to butlins and prestatyn during the 7 weeks holiday and their caravans were lovely)the manager came over when he heard us complaining we said how dirty the caravan was and no way was that a PRESTIGE van he did say that van was 1 year old. (IT HAD A VERY HARD LIFE )after talking to the manager we asked for a refund as the vans are NOT what they show on the internet to be told its only a representation on the net ?????? we still moaned and got offered a move to the other side of the site (in a private van ) which was a lot cleaner ....if you not bothered where you put your head down then go but my opinion is a no... no... no ....
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" great for the kids "
Submitted By: kizzykizzy82
hi iv been reading the reviews on the craig tara camp sight and i just want 2 say we have never had a problem with the sight we have been going every year since my daughter was 2 and she is now 8 the kids love it so much my son at 11 loved al the things like the footbal coaching and the archary. the night entertainment has been fantastic every year we have been and there is so much 2 do. yes its money if the kids want 2 play the arcades but most wont i think my kids played them once or twice in the full week. there is so much stuff 2 do they dont need 2 play them the park is great for them and so is the football nets my son was never away from them the swimming is free and has loads 2 do it in with al the slides but yes the lockers didnt work so the next time we knew we were going swimming we didnt take ie money and phone with us the staff were always great and had fun with the kids at the niht time shows.. we have stayed in the caravans and they were always fine nice and clean the last time we stayed we stayed in a chalet it was kind of small but we were only really in it at night so it wasent a problem for us. the food and stuff was ok like normal prices think burger king was maybe an extre 40p added 2 the normal price the mash and barrel was great we eat there 2 days on our holiday and the food was lovely for the price. im def booking it for 2010 as iv never had any problems at al with the place or the staff. id say 2 anyone 2 give it a try as a holiday is what u make it we have always had a reat time there and my kids loved it al
Advice: there is a great farm park just up the road from the caravan park with loads of things 2 do.
Activities:
Good for: Beach
- Date of Holiday:Oct 2008
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" go with your instinct - don't believe what everyone writes "
Submitted By: lewanks
i have just returned from a four night break from the craig tara haven site, i was quite nervous about going after i had read all the misleading comments on here. i have 3 children aged 7, 3 and 9 months they all loved it and thought it was fantastic! there was so much to do on the site more than any of the other haven sites i have previously been to. Ayr itself is gorgeous and i have never been to a place that caters so well for children. the beach was great and plenty to do cheaply all around the site. The staff where spot on and the caravan was standard and is was just that but it had everything we needed. when people book to go to sites such as Haven i think they expect it to be a prestige site with top notch accomodation, its not n none ov them are its just a caravan site that caters for children. if its not what you want then why go.
we really enjoyed and are thinking about booking for next year.
we really enjoyed and are thinking about booking for next year.
Advice: caters fantastically for children so much for them to do in and around Ayr
Activities: Farm centtre next door to the haven site kids and adults both loved it!
Good for: Beach
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Excellent Base "
Submitted By: Minki
We have just returned from our holiday in Craig Tara. We booked a private caravan rather than through Haven. We were very worried after reading the reviews on here but we thought the site was lovely. The caravan was immaculate and had a fabulous view of the sea. The park itself was very clean. We have a 3 year old daughter who enjoyed the playpark and the small funfair area even though it was a bit shabby, she didn't really notice. She enjoyed some of the morning groups with the entertainment staff. I think you get what you pay for.
If you are looking for a base in beautiful countryside to explore Scotland, Craig Tara is excellent. You could stay on the site all day or be out and about. The Heads of Ayr farm next door is brilliant for grown ups and children. We had a great day there.
If you are looking for a base in beautiful countryside to explore Scotland, Craig Tara is excellent. You could stay on the site all day or be out and about. The Heads of Ayr farm next door is brilliant for grown ups and children. We had a great day there.
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Don't believe all the negative reviews about this Holiday Park "
Submitted By: jonboy7408
My family and I have recently returned from our holiday at Craig Tara Holiday Park. I, like most people, had read the reviews about this park, and was concerned that the general concensus was that the staff were unhelpful and that the park and its facilities were not of an acceptable standard. This is completely untrue. All the staff that we came in contact with were exceptionally helpful, our caravan accomodation was thoroughly clean throughout and was in excellent condition, the entertainment complex (including the Splash Zone area) was clean and well maintained and the parks grounds and surrounding areas were of an excellent standard of keeping, with designated ground staff attending to the general tasks of collecting litter, emptying bins and the general upkeep of the park. Would we holiday at this park again? Yes we would without hesitation. So those of you who have read previous reviews about this park, my advise is; go with an open mind and remember the holiday and your stay is what you make of it.
Advice: Ayrshire and the surrounding areas are ideal for days out with the family
Activities: Have a day out at Loudoun Castle Theme Park, it will keep the kids entertained for hours.
Good for: Beach
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Never Again! "
Submitted By: hotsista23
I have just arrived home after spending 7 days in Craig Tara. This was our second year at this park and i am deeply disappointed with the service we received this year. Our group had booked four superior caravans and had requested a site close to the complex. When we arrived 3 of the caravans were allocated in the same village and the other over a mile away. As we arrived after reception closed we were told to deal with it in the morning. At 9am we were met by a complete idiot at reception who couldn't have been more unhelpful. We got moved half a mile closer to the rest of our group although we had to wait most of the day to get moved. The rest of our group were accommodated in caravans which were clearly NOT superior as they were the same as we had the first year!
The complex was a let down. The ticket machines were a waste of money and the bars smelt of urine and stale beer. The staff in Burger King and the chipshop were rude, unhelpful and unsupervised. The essentials shop was overpriced and staffed with young fellas who were rude and embarrassed customers...especially young girls. The pool was freezing and the lockers were broken. Everything closed early and the shows were diabolical so the kids were bored after dinner.
The staff in Craig Tara clearly need retraining! There is obviously no mature staff at all! This has definitely put me off returning to Craig Tara which is disappointing as i loved it first time round!
The complex was a let down. The ticket machines were a waste of money and the bars smelt of urine and stale beer. The staff in Burger King and the chipshop were rude, unhelpful and unsupervised. The essentials shop was overpriced and staffed with young fellas who were rude and embarrassed customers...especially young girls. The pool was freezing and the lockers were broken. Everything closed early and the shows were diabolical so the kids were bored after dinner.
The staff in Craig Tara clearly need retraining! There is obviously no mature staff at all! This has definitely put me off returning to Craig Tara which is disappointing as i loved it first time round!
Advice: Ayr is beautiful...Craig Tara holiday park is NOT!
Activities:
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" do not go "
Submitted By: yvonne campbell
went to craig tara for week long holiday with my family.looked great on website,but don't be fooled,it was a money grabbing trap from start to finish.caravans where clean,but bedrooms very small,you had to lie on plastic mattress,which was very uncomfortable,did not get much sleep.
the bars smelt of urine,toilets not kept clean at all,very under staffed.the shops and bars was total rip off.entertainment was bad and they promoted toys at every chance during so called shows for kids.adult bar had kids at late hours not giving people with no children a break.
went to the swimming pool with my son and husband on the Monday,was only in the water a few seconds,when told to get out.the reason someone done feces in the pool,a member of staff lifted them by a net,and then the public was allowed back in.i refused as in my opinion this was totally digusting and unhygienic,as they should have allowed the pool to be cleaned,never used the pool again.will not be back and most defiant,would not recommend it to anyone.
the bars smelt of urine,toilets not kept clean at all,very under staffed.the shops and bars was total rip off.entertainment was bad and they promoted toys at every chance during so called shows for kids.adult bar had kids at late hours not giving people with no children a break.
went to the swimming pool with my son and husband on the Monday,was only in the water a few seconds,when told to get out.the reason someone done feces in the pool,a member of staff lifted them by a net,and then the public was allowed back in.i refused as in my opinion this was totally digusting and unhygienic,as they should have allowed the pool to be cleaned,never used the pool again.will not be back and most defiant,would not recommend it to anyone.
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" dont do chalets book a caravan "
Submitted By: nikki b
iv just got back from craig tara holiday park and the first day we got there i wanted to jump straight back in the car n go back home!!! we booked a comfort chalet and when we arrived i felt like id just walked in to a prison cell its was small, dark, basic room with 2 bedrooms and no sitting lounge it was basically a small dusty bedroom, we also asked if we could bring our dog and they said dogs arnt allowed in the rooms, personally i dont think my dog would of wanted to stay there even if she did come!! The kettle was still full with dirty water, the mugs were dirty n had stale milk at the bottom of them, the sink was still full of makeup marks they definatly didnt clean the room. The only good thing was the beds were very comfy they get a 9/10. The holiday park itself was ok the swimming pool is good but cold, the entertainers were boring n repetitive, it was also very expensive eg, £2 for 5 mins on the bouncy castle, i did take my little boy of 3 years who himself wanted to come home the first couple of days which tells a story in its self!! We went half board n we were satisfied with the food it was very basic, the breakfast's were nice but dinners not so good but still edible. My advice to whoever reads this and has booked a holiday to Craig Tara is to plan trips out before u go there are some fantastic parks around Ayr for kids, the beach is good if you are lucky enough to get the weather which is unpredictable!! and there is a fantastic farm just up the country road from craig tara which is a great day out we had a really good day there. overall i would not go back to this camp again i do wish we went to the wales one as that has good feedback from people i know who went, i also wish we booked a caravan as they were alot more homely. im sorry if u read this and you have already booked as we made that mistake to but everyone has there own opinions and that was mine. p.s take a coat because when it rains, it rains ha
Advice: Dont book a comfort chalet, my advice book a caravan i have learnt from my mistakes!!
Activities: the farm just up the road and play park on Ayr beach
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2009
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" make up your own mind "
Submitted By: mummyov2
I came back last week from the Craig Tara haven site, previously read all the negative reviews and i was really worried about what i was taking my family to, i even called the site manager ahead of our visit. OK when we got there the receptionists were so helpful advising us where the chalets were, the shops returant opening times etc and also provided leaflets on local attractions. Got to the chalet - i sent my husband in first ref the bad reports we were on brigadoon. It was very clean, spacious and inside there were welcome packs with tea coffee etc, could not fault the room and my 10 and 2 year old loved it. Went for our evening meal - adequete - bear in mind there may be 200 people to one sitting we always eat and went back for more and my kids are picky, no probs with seating. The evening entertainment fantastic for all ages - recomend the teddy bears picninc for young ones 3.50 they get a lunch box and dinner with bradley bear. We never saw any trouble, everyone was more then helpful but i think that you get out what you put in and if you are rude and obnoxious to others they will be the same in turn!!! Please do not panick we had the best time and we have booked again also would advise trying some of the additional activities in the swimming pool what an experience.
Advice: wow amazing place so much to do and see
Activities: culzean castle and farm park
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2009
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" craig tara read this "
Submitted By: mamachrissy
I have just returned from a 4 day stay, The caravan was dirty with black bag of rubbish under the cupboard and bins full, carpets filthy and curtains hung on by a couple of hooks (superior plus). Apart from the caravan the park was clean and staff friendly, my 4year old had a great time and didnt want to leave, lots to do indoors/outdoors. The swimming pool was good fun-different levels (hot on top levels, much cooler at bottom) however the cubicles and lockers broken. My son had swimming lessons cheap and he realy loved them-instructor very good with kids
- Date of Holiday:May 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" read this "
Submitted By: mamachrissy
I have just returned from a 4 day break at Craig Tara staying in a superior plus caravan, The caravan was not ready on arrival, we had to take a number and return to the bar and wait for the number to be called, eventually our number was called- we got the keys but the cleaners were still in, so waited again.
The caravan was filthy, black bags full of rubbish in cupboards, curtains hanging on by a couple of hooks, carpet stinking
However my 4year old son loved the holiday, lots to do for children, he particulary liked the swimming pool, it was on several levels the water nice and hot especially on the top levels- he took swimming lessons there-staff were very good with the children
Overall the site was excellent but the caravan was below standard, so if you go just be prepared, this is far from hotel standards very basic and needs cleaning.
The caravan was filthy, black bags full of rubbish in cupboards, curtains hanging on by a couple of hooks, carpet stinking
However my 4year old son loved the holiday, lots to do for children, he particulary liked the swimming pool, it was on several levels the water nice and hot especially on the top levels- he took swimming lessons there-staff were very good with the children
Overall the site was excellent but the caravan was below standard, so if you go just be prepared, this is far from hotel standards very basic and needs cleaning.
Advice: lovely beaches and countryside
Activities:
- Date of Holiday:May 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" DONT GO HERE!!! "
Submitted By: mandk16
I am just back from staying at Craigtara for the weekend and i am very dissappointed with my time there.This was meant to be some time away for me and my kids, a time to relax and enjoy.But the overall state of the place is totally unacceptable.Our accomodation was disgusting and when we did complain to Hugh(the manager)nothing was done.This guy has plenty chat but very little action.
I would however like to mention a guy called Titch(security guy).He was extremly helpful and decent to us,and although he couldnt solve our issues,he did the best he could do.Hes a great guy.
I will not be returning to Craigtara again.
I would however like to mention a guy called Titch(security guy).He was extremly helpful and decent to us,and although he couldnt solve our issues,he did the best he could do.Hes a great guy.
I will not be returning to Craigtara again.
- Date of Holiday:Apr 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
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Advice: it is a holiday based around the children
Activities: we went to the museum in glasgow and to top it of a doctor who exhibite was there