Caister Holiday Park

7 readers found this review helpful

We went to Caister the last week end after booking a special offer on line for 3 nights in a Superior 2 bedroom Caravans which I tough would be a nice upgrade to a Standard one. As I am 7 months pregnant we thought it would be a nice break giving the nice weather before I get too big for comfort.
We arrived around 6.30pm on Friday and the check in was quick, polite and really basic. We picked up our bed linens and off we went. Our caravan was located right at the end of the cul de sac against some bushes and once we got in we were overwhelmed by a not very nice smell. As it was extremely hot and there was a note saying that the upholstery had been cleaned and washed we contributed the smell to that and tough nothing of it and opened up windows and doors.
I was surprise that we were given a 3 bedroom caravan which to begin with I tough it was a good idea. I soon realised that the actual toilet was REALLY small and the window was not designed to open which made it cramped, VERY HOT and also quite smelly. After a first look around we soon realised that the place was in fact far from being cleaned with crumps on work surfaces and sofas and sticky food residues on tables and tops. Squashed insects were hanging from the ceiling and finger prints and smears were everywhere. The curtains and window also looked dirty. The microwave had residues of left over food inside and the cattle did not work but we did not find that one out until the next Morning wile trying to make a cup of coffee. The fridge was in working order however the inside was smelly and could have done with an upgrade as it had seller tape replacing broken bits in the door bottle holder. There was also a toaster but after seeing the overall state of the place and equipments including the cooker we decided that we will treat ourselves to eating out – Breakfast, lunch and dinner for 2 adults and a child - (it was either that or spend the all week end cleaning) adding up to the costs of our holiday and completely bypassing the self catering concept – we should have booked a hotel and we would have saved money.
However there was some basic cleaning I had to do and hit the SPAR to get some Detox and sponges for a quick basic clean of the kitchen and bathroom/toilet sinks, shower, actual toilet which still had some residues on it from previous guests and work surfaces and table tops. For a little bit the smell improved even though Detox is not my favourites scents but we soon find out that it was not going to last as every time we left the caravan and closed doors and window by the time we returned the nasty smell was there. The sitting area smelled something between stale cigarettes, dog and unwashed feet, the double bedroom has a strong smell of mildew - we realised that that was because of actual mildew grooving on the actual curtains which was not good news for my partner that is asthmatic - and the toilet … well the toilet smelled of toilet!!! Disgusting! The Park in itself was ok I guess, even tough any activities that was worth doing cost money as the free clubs were a waste of time and quite pathetic. The food on site was far from being nice, the fish and chip was greasy and over cooked, decided to give the Chinese takeaway a miss and opted for the safer option of The Mash & Barrell which was the most modern place on site with the quality of food acceptable enough even though not the cheaper option but the most pleasant experience on site.
The indoor swimming pool was ok even if a little overcrowded as it is the only swimming pool on site but with the heat wave that we had it was way too hot inside including the hot showers. The beach was nice but a little to pebbly and also unfortunately not very clean and potentially dangerous for kids as there were broken bottles scattered here and there. The sea was too cold and not particularly inviting but our daughter seemed to have enjoyed the experience none the less. Another nuisance were the insects as there seems to be a huge amount of little black flies which are harmless but a real pain as they come in swarm and completely cover you from top to bottom and they seem to be around for most of the day. The evening entertainments available were also very cheesy and not to my taste, with the caravan dirty, hot, not comfortable with the TV stations with bad receptions and nothing to watch, made the evening after meals a real bore. I was glad we only booked 3 nights with the checkout by 10am Monday Morning, but we opted to leave on the Sunday afternoon instead after an early dinner @ 6pm as I could not bare to spend another night in that caravan.
All in all a very expensive and not particularly pleasant and quite uncomfortable break. Our daughter was so looking forward to it in anticipation on the way there after what she saw in the brochure and TV advert but after one day she really wanted to go home. All in all this almost complete disaster cost us £159 for the 3 nights in the disgusting caravan plus £40 petrol and a total expenditure on site of approx £160 between meals, bits and peaces and activities for our 9yrs old daughter bringing it up to a whopping £359 for a NOT VERY NICE week end. I am sure we could had a much nicer time in a hotel somewhere less common and cheesy and with better services and amenities…….I doubt we will bother with Heaven again……….

6 readers found this review helpful

If you have young kids they will love this park. We went as a party of 7 (five adults and 2 6year olds). Because there was a lot for the kids to do, it left time for the adults to relax and chat.
They woke up each morning looking forward to their session with the camp characters, and the different activities they had planned for each day.
The pool was clean and well staffed. When one little boy got into trouble, before anyone had any idea, the life guard was in and got him out of the pool-while the other guards were waiting at the side of the pool ready to assist if needed. As it turned out, he was fine, and back splashing around in a shallower area a few minutes later.
The park is so close to the beach, our caravan backed onto a sand dune!
We found the park and the caravans to be very clean,the staff very friendly and helpful and our experience a very pleasant one.
This park is designed mainly for the kids to enjoy, and the parents to relax.
If you are looking for excessive luxury, a wild night life and major gambling - go to a hotel. This park is designed to give you and your family a wonderful break on a budget, so you are able to book more than just one holiday a year.
We will definately be booking again.

4 readers found this review helpful

We went for the 3rd year running and each year our stay has been better each time. We stayed in a "prestige" caravan and it was perfect. We were a family of 4 adults and 2 children of 4yrs and 2 yrs, and plenty of activities for all of us during the day and evenings. The beach was perfect and about 30 secs from our caravan through the dunes. Over these last 3 years you can see the investment in the park and the new tourers part looked good too, infact we have friends that tour that are looking into visiting on our recommendation. We will definately be returning in the coming years.

2 readers found this review helpful

we spent a long weekend at haven in caister, the staff were very friendly and courtious nothing was too much trouble. our caravan was clean and spacious and no matter where you stay on the park you're never far from the beach, there is plenty to do on site and the swimming pool with slides was brilliant, the park location is ideal as most attractions in the area are only a short drive away, 10 minutes from great yarmouth and 25 from pleasurewood hills, our ages ranged from 9 to 74 and there was plenty to do for all of us, we enjoyed our time here and wished we could've stayed longer.

1 reader found this review helpful

We had a fantastic time at this park. It was not too big- just the right size. Our caravan (Prestige) was great and everyone on the park was very friendly. We loved all the restaurants and were surprised how good value all the things were. Our little boy (21 month old) loved the playgrounds and the pool. There are also loads of things for older children to do. It was great how close we were to the beach- the park has its private entrance to the beach. It's nice being just outside Great Yarmouth as it's not so busy. The entertainment at night is great for all ages. We will definitely go back again!!!

5 readers found this review helpful

Caister Holiday Park was one of the better Haven Parks we have visited. There were lots of things to do for our two young children, the park was nicely set out and clean and our standard accommodation (caravan) was clean and to a better standard than we expected. The entertainment in the clubhouse was good, especially on the saturday night. The staff were all very friendly and helpful. We would definitely visit this park again.

3 readers found this review helpful

What a great place, and what friendly people! Me and my family just had a wonderful holiday here. The caravan was clean and tidy, and down by the beach dunes. We went to watch the entertainment every night after a lovely early dinner in the modern restaurant (they do deals if you eat early). A couple of times we drove out to see the norfolk broads and found some little pubs and birds to feed on the way. All in all I can honestly say I have not enjoyed a holiday so much without all the airport fuss and bother and driving for years.

1 reader found this review helpful

Every year me and 7 friends go here just to get away for a week and always welcome, and always have a good time. We always found that the disco was always good and that the staff were willing to help.
There are many activies and only been a short drive from yarmouth we are never bored.
The food is nice and accodation is reasonable after all it is a caravan site. We have just booked up to go again in april. and i can't wait!!

6 readers found this review helpful

Shocking shocking shocking experience. Caister Beach Holiday Park (Haven) was a disgrace. I used to go to this same park as a child (before Haven were in charge of it) and it was a super little place. I returned August 2009 with my own children and was bitterly disappointed. The whole place smelt of dog poo which was littered all over the site, the beach was vile - I couldn't take my children on it as it was too dirty and smelly, the accommodation was terrible and there were fleas. The customer service in the restaurants was poor to say the least.I had to cut the holiday short and go elsewhere as it was unbearable. No reports were logged of my complaints made during my stay so when I complained to Haven after the holiday they didn't want to know, instead were rude and dismissive in their response.
I wouldn't touch this park or Haven again, despite this and their wonderful communication systems I still receive junk mail showing offers and promotions from Haven - as if......

2 readers found this review helpful

we just come back for caister on 19/09/2009 we had a great time again we have been to other havens site but always go back to caister the site is clean &tidy we had a bronze chalet very clean we find all the staff friendly &helpful we are looking to go back in 2010 for 2wks again great holiday for adults & kids . good bus service every 20mins .into great yarmouth .