Holiday home deal of the week

If you’re looking for an affordable holiday home maybe you should ditch the idea of traditional bricks and mortar and opt for a static caravan on a holiday park. With prices starting at less than £15,000 it’s definitely an option worth considering – and there are a lot of advantages!

Ready to use almost immediately a caravan comes fully furnished complete with a fitted kitchen, lounge and dining furniture, beds and even curtains, minimising all the additional ‘moving –in’ costs associated with a house or apartment.
On a managed park you don’t need to worry about maintenance and security and you’ll have the added bonus of a wide range of facilities on your doorstep. And, with no legal fees or mortgage required, the purchase can be completed as easily as buying a car.

Owners on Haven Holiday parks automatically become a part of ‘Owners Exclusive’, which Haven describe as ‘similar to membership of a club’. There are special events organised, social gatherings, Spring, Summer and Autumn Balls, clubs for the children and regular ‘Big Weekends’ featuring activities that range from wine-tasting to helicopter rides!

Visit www.havenholidayhomes.com for more information.
Currently available:

A 2008 DELTA Nordstar sited at Hafan Y Mor Holiday Park near Pwllheli in North Wales fully sited for £20,262. Sleeping up to 8 people with three bedrooms and fold-down bed in the lounge, wrap around lounge furniture, open plan dining area with table and chairs, toilet and shower and a full fitted kitchen.
Price £22,071 to include the first year’s site fees and insurance.

A 2010 Pemberton Monterey sited at Quay West Holiday Park near New Quay in West Wales is a luxurious ‘top of the range’ holiday home featuring a spacious lounge with French windows and free standing furniture; a well-equipped modern kitchen complete with cooker, fridge-freezer and microwave; a bathroom; dining table and chairs; two bedrooms including master bedroom with ensuite facilities; central heating and double-glazing.
Price £69,922 to include the first year’s site fees and insurance.


27th Jan 2011

For media information and images contact Deborah McCabe on 01444 235154 or email deborah@aboutwords.co.uk

Is Britain on the Brink of a Holiday Boom?

Haven Holidays, the UK’s biggest provider of family holidays, has reported a whopping 50% increase in holiday bookings for Spring Breaks with more families than ever booking breaks in the early part of the season.

Despite the general economic downturn it seems families are not prepared to forgo their holiday - and it’s not just value for money Spring breaks that are selling well. Haven, who have 35 holiday parks all in stunning locations around the UK, say bookings for the summer holidays are up 15% compared with the same time last year.

Tim Gibson, Haven’s Sales Director, said: “Many families have been taking advantage of our Spring early booking offers which start at less than £100 for up to six people. But even taking that into account there is a strong upward trend in bookings across the whole season.

“Many new customers who enjoyed holidays with us for the first time in 2010 have booked to come back, having been pleasantly surprised by the quality of facilities and many attractions on offer. This year also promises to be our best ever as we are currently spending £40 million on improvements and major upgrades during the closed winter period.”

One holiday park manager who welcomed many new customers to his park last year said: “Many of our first time customers have rebooked for this year. Having a date in the diary for your summer holiday, even though it may be months away, is also a great way to cheer yourself up.”

Holiday home enquires up 75%

And the trend has also been reflected in interest in purchasing a UK holiday home. Haven are one of the biggest providers of affordable holiday homes in the country with around 24,000 Owners enjoying regular and extended breaks at their parks.

Already in 2011 they have seen a 75% increase in enquiries from people interested in having a “bolthole by the sea” compared to the same period last year.

They say, “We’re experiencing unprecedented interest in purchasing caravan holiday homes. Whilst it’s too early yet to predict how this will impact on sales we’re confident that this year more people than ever will want an affordable escape from their day to day lives.’

Other factors which are believed to have boosted the interest in UK breaks are the high price of fuel and fears of possible flight disruption for holidays abroad. Interest in holiday homes, which start at just £15,000, has also been boosted by a Haven prize draw offering those who enter the chance to win a £40,000 brand new luxury caravan.

Holidaymakers are recommended to book before the end of Feb for the best price deals including excellent discounts on school holiday dates. With prices from as little as £99 for a family of up to six for a Spring break (available at a choice of parks and dates) it’s hard to go wrong!

Call 0871 230 1900 or click on www.haven.com. For more information on holiday homes go to www.havenholidayhomes.co.uk

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Note to Editors
For more information call About Words on 01444 235154 or email Deborah@aboutwords.co.uk

12 year old Ben Lands his Dream Job!

Like plenty of other kids, twelve year old Benjamin Lyons likes nothing better than a family holiday near the seaside with UK favourite Haven Holidays.  He’s been a great fan of Haven since he was tiny and has clocked up visits to Greenacres in  North Wales, had fun at Thorpe Park near Cleethorpes and is a regular visitor to The Orchards,  not far from his home in Essex.

But Ben,  who attends a performing arts school  has his sights set firmly on stardom.

So imagine his delight when he landed the contract to appear in the Haven TV commercial – with the added bonus of being the Face of Haven for 2011!  Ben’s cheeky grin and ‘boy next door’ looks were  exactly what Haven were looking for when they auditioned for the TV ad – but they hadn’t expected to find an ardent Haven fan into the bargain.

‘ I was shouting and jumping around with excitement when I heard the news,’ says Ben.  ‘There were so many other children at the auditions that I didn’t think I’d be successful.   They didn’t ask me if I’d ever been on a Haven Holiday but for me landing this role is a dream come true!’

Filming the commercial was easy for Ben – he just had to play himself! 

‘It was loads of fun.  I had a week off school to do all the things I like best, like playing on the flumes and slides and going in the Water Walkerz.’  Lucky Ben’s ‘working day’ involved  cycling, crazy golf, games on the beach and crabbing in rock pools,  trying out the climbing walls and having a go at fencing.   The filming took place at four different parks and the only thing Ben didn’t much like was the travelling. ‘Usually when we go to Haven we go to a park closer to home!’   

So what does Ben like best about Haven?   Unsurprisingly for someone who enjoys fishing and gymnastics, karate and football as well as learning  tap dancing, modern dancing, break dancing, street dancing and ballet at school – it’s the wide choice of activities on offer with Haven that Ben enjoys best.

He says, ‘You’re just never really bored – there’s always something to do,  like fencing or archery.  And you can try out things you’ve never done before, like the high ropes course at Hafan y Mor or the Water Walkerz in the swimming pools.  There’s just never a dull moment.  And, I like the fact that I  get to do more things with the rest of my family.  I love spending time fishing with my Dad - we don’t get so much time to do that at home'.

Despite his skills on the dance floor Ben says he’s really quite shy.  He doesn’t like getting up on stage on holiday and refuses to enter the talent contests. 

But Ben is already looking forward to another holiday with his family at Hafan y Mor  where he’ll have a chance to spend more time enjoying the activities filmed for the TV commercial  ‘And have another go on the high ropes course!’  he chuckled.

See Ben talking about his holidays and his dream job as the ‘Face of Haven’ by clicking on www.haven.com/promotions/tvad/

Top value at £6 per night

Did you know that Haven Holiday’s renowned facilities, entertainment and stunning locations are also available for touring caravans,  motorhomes and campers?   A total of 23 Haven Holiday parks offer touring facilities with prices currently available from as little as £6 per night!

Whilst the price is cheap and cheerful, the facilities are first class.  This winter Haven have invested £40million on their holiday parks – with £1million spent specifically on upgrading their touring facilities.  They recently won the BTA award for the Best Camping and Mobile Tour Operator for the 2nd year running.

Expect heated shower blocks, covered dishwashing facilities and the option to upgrade to hard-standing pitches with electricity, water and drainage – with dedicated wardens on hand at most parks to help ensure your touring holiday goes  without a hitch (handy for camping and caravanning novices!)

And you’ll be able to enjoy the use of heated indoor and outdoor leisure pools, sports facilities and a comprehensive package of new and exciting daytime activities, kid’s clubs and family entertainment in the evening.   Other facilities available include climbing walls, fishing, golf and even spas!

Early booking offers in the newly released Haven Touring and Camping brochure will save you up to 50% off  Spring breaks, including selected  Easter School holiday dates.  And you can save up to 30% on selected Bank Holiday and peak summer holiday breaks.     You’ll need to book a minimum of four nights – but at £6 per night for a family of up to eight people,  who cares?

Price offers are subject to availability so nab a break whilst these prices are still current.

Call 0871 230 1933 or click on www.haventouring.com

                                                            

26^th Jan 2011

Note to Editors:  Price offer quoted  based on Blue Dolphin for 4 nights from April 4^th – subject to a minimum stay of four nights.

For media information, hi res photos and feature length articles call Deborah McCabe on 01444 235 154 or email deborah@aboutwords.co.uk

Haven splashes out £1 million at historic holiday park

Haven Holidays is splashing out £1 million on upgrading the pool complex at Caister Holiday Park as the resort looks forward to another busy season.

The indoor pool is being given a complete make-over with a new changing area and stylish new spectator area overlooking the pool.

The investment comes as the holiday park, on the site of Britain’s oldest holiday camp dating back 105 years, is looking forward to what promises to be another record season with bookings up 10% on the same time last year.

General Manager Mark Collymore said: “Caister Holiday Park has been going from strength to strength – which is fantastic when you consider its rich heritage going back to 1906. 

“The new pool facilities will be an added attraction for our holidaymakers and the families and couples who own holiday homes with us, as part of our ongoing programme of enhancing the holiday experience for our guests.”

Caister Holiday Park has more than 300 “owners” who have holiday homes on the park so they can have regular weekends away to enjoy the many facilities on the award-winning resort.

Many of the owners live within easy reach of Caister including some from Great Yarmouth who enjoy a full diary of social events associated with having a holiday home at the park. 

Other new developments include replacing the Carousel entertainment venue in an extended area of Caister Holiday park with a new playing area.

Haven has also reported a big increase in enquiries about holiday homes, which start at just £15,000, as more families are attracted to the prospect of having an affordable “bolthole by the sea.”

For more information visit about holiday homes visit  www.havenholidayhomes.com

Short breaks at Caister start from as little as £99 for a four night Spring break (based on Standard accommodation for up to six people).   Holidaymakers will be able to use the new swimming pool complex at no extra cost.   Click on www.haven.com or call 0871 230 1900.

January 2011

Ends

Note to editors

For more information and hi-res images contact Deborah at About Words

01444 235154 or email Deborah@aboutwords.co.uk

Quick – nab a half price Haven Holiday before their early booking offer ends

Haven Holidays, Britains’ largest operator of UK family holidays, has a huge choice of dates and destinations available with savings of up to 50% on the brochure price – but the half price offer is due to end on January 31^st.

Four nights at Caister, in Norfolk arriving on 25^th April will cost less than £100 for a family of up to six in a Standard self-catering holiday home and a similar break at Craig Tara in Scotland arriving on 2^nd May  will cost from £97.50. 

Or book a three night weekend break in May at Hafan y Mor in North Wales from £108 or a seven night holiday at Devon Cliffs from £205 arriving on May 6^th.  All prices are based on  Standard two-bedroom self-catering holiday homes sleeping up to six people – but savings apply to the whole range of accommodation, right up to the luxurious Platinum holiday homes.

What’s more the price includes a whole range of new activities and entertainment including kids’ clubs; interactive workshops ranging from Annabel’s Creative Kitchen (devised in conjunction with children’s cooking guru Annabel Karmel) to Circus Workshops;  fun-packed science sessions; Wildlife Detectives and football coaching.

There are huge heated indoor leisure pools (free of charge to holiday guests); sports facilities; play areas and lively evening entertainment for all the family.

Haven have 35 holiday parks around the UK in some superb locations with easy access to beaches, resorts and attractions.  Click on www.haven.com or call 0871 230 1900 for details and immediate bookings – and you’ll be glad to know there’s no extra charge for paying by credit card!

And if you’re committed to school holidays, Haven are offering savings of up to 25% on Easter and Peak Season dates as well – but you do need to book before January 31^st.

For media information, press trips, feature length articles and hi-res images call Deborah McCabe on  01444 235 154 or email deborah@aboutwords.co.uk

Haven’ even more fun for less money this year

Haven Holidays, Britain’s favourite family holiday park operator are promising their best ever entertainment package at their 35 holiday parks this season – and,  with even more included in the price,  their short breaks represent excellent value for money.

Interactive fun is top of the agenda for kids during the day and there’s no charge for a whole range of activities designed to appeal to kids of different ages and interests.   Kids can get the hang of juggling and plate spinning at the Circus School;  dance themselves fit in the Kids Alive B Fit sessions;  rustle up some healthy snacks and sandwiches in Annabel’s Creative Kitchen and  get to know the names of all the local flora and fauna in the Wildlife Detective programme!  This summer they are introducing   ‘Wildlife Detectives LIVE!’ where youngsters can get up close and friendly with animals, pets and insects; a  new interactive Magic Session and a lively show that gives science child appeal.

Look  out for Haven’s new club for children aged 9-12 years old designed to appeal to  sophisticated ‘tweenagers’, with ‘Little Cubs’ welcoming under-5’s and ‘Club R&B’ the perfect venue  for 5-8 year olds.   This year there will be more arts and crafts and ‘messy mornings’, with all materials  provided free of charge.

Expect  summer-time pantos, a touring circus, wrestling, some great new character shows and a chance to dress up for Polly’s Fancy Dress Ball.....plus lots more, all at no extra cost.

Haven aren’t just about the children.  Evenings really promise to sparkle with early evening family shows, high-energy concert-style performances and  the best in contemporary music from rock anthems to iconic classics and top visiting acts as well.  

Self-catering holiday homes are charged per family and not per person making  it easier  to budget.  With a choice of 35 parks around the UK,  you can choose a holiday within easy driving distance and minimise your fuel costs.

Book before the end of January  for the best choice of half price Spring and early Summer deals and discounts on school holidays.  With prices from as little as £99 per family for a Spring break (available at a choice of parks and dates including the early booking discount)  it’s hard to go wrong!

Call 0871 230 1900 or click on  www.haven.com

For media information and images call Deborah McCabe on 01444 235 154 or email deborah@aboutwords.co.uk

THE HAVEN FUN & FITNESS ‘SPORTS TOT OF THE YEAR’ AWARDS

Do you know a toddler with the potential to be ‘Sports Tot of the Year’?

Many top sports personalities were demonstrating  their skills before they even started school.  

Tiger Woods was just two years old when he started playing golf and Andy Murray was only three when he picked up his first tennis racquet.    David Beckham had his heart set on a career in football from an early age and Annika Reeder,  who became England’s youngest ever Commonwealth Gold Medallist at the age of 14,  started gymnastics at the age of 3.

With the 2012 Olympics just around the corner, the Haven Fun & Fitness Campaign has announced plans to encourage sporting talent amongst younger children with the launch of a nationwide search for the ‘Sports Tot of the Year’.

Early years practitioners, parents and relatives are being asked to nominate any under- 5’s they feel are showing signs of special sporting talent and would benefit from additional coaching or lessons.

The Sports Tot of the Year Award will be made to the child showing unusual talent in the special categories of Gymnastics and  Tennis as well as ‘Most Sporting Potential’ .  

A spokesperson for the campaign said, ‘We’re passionate about promoting physical activities for all under-5’s.  Launching the Sports Tot of the Year Awards will allow us to seek out some exceptional youngsters and provide them with valuable opportunities to improve their potential.’

Once all nominations have been received successful candidates will be asked to supply  a video  for final assessment by the judges.    The final stage of the competition will see the winning tots receive an award presented by a local sporting hero as well as a year’s free tuition in the appropriate sporting field. 

If you know a tot that leaves you spellbound with their gymnastic abilities, has already mastered their backhand stroke or even leaves you breathless with their break-dancing moves, the entry form is available to download from www.havenfunfitness.com/sportstotawards

 The competition is available to children aged five and under and entrants can be submitted by parents or by pre-schools (with parental permission).

Haven Fun & Fitness provides free sports equipment to early years settings to help encourage younger children that it’s fun to be fit  and raise awareness of the benefits of physical activity.   Now in its third year many thousands of under-5’s at pre-schools around the country have already benefitted from the free kit that is designed to appeal to younger users and promote both team and individual sports.  In 2011 the kit can include a ‘Sports Day’ pack with everything you need to stage a successful sports day for toddlers.  Pre-schools can register for the scheme by clicking on www.havenfunfitness.com

 

The Sports Tot of the Year Awards will be officially launched on January 21^st – details will be available on www.havenfunfitness.com from January 14^th.    Closing date for entries is April 8^th.  Awards will be made to the winning tots during May.

For media information please contact About Words on 01444 235 154 or email office@aboutwords.co.uk