Stay at home Britain

Recent research has revealed that almost half the population of Britain (48%) are seriously considering a UK holiday this year – and more than three-quarters (79%) of those who took their main holiday in the UK last year are likely to return again in 2011. Britain is increasingly being favoured by those in professional occupations, with 41% of respondents saying that the ‘staycation’ has increased its appeal, mentioning better accommodation, restaurants and service (source Travel Weekly 23/3/11).

Haven Holidays have confirmed that current sales for the forthcoming season support this research.

Bookings for their self-catering holidays are 5% ahead of last year with touring holidays (using customers’ own tent, caravan or motorhome) seeing an even more substantial increase with sales 10% ahead of 2010.

What is even more satisfying for the brand is the level of repeat business, with more than 60% of bookings for this year from customers who have previously enjoyed a holiday with Haven.

Tim Gibson, Director of Haven Holidays said, ‘Our continued investment in our parks, facilities, accommodation and service ensures a high level of customer retention. This winter we have invested around £55million across our 35 holiday parks, including £27million on new caravan accommodation, new safari tents and new environmentally friendly holiday homes. We have also spent around £6million on making our water based venues even more fun and attractive for families. Our goal is to listen to our guests, act on their feedback, continually re-evaluate the product we offer and in doing so, exceed guest expectations. We act to keep the holiday experience fresh whilst retaining all the elements that families love and enjoy.

‘We appeal to different people for different reasons,’ continued Tim. ‘For some families it’s the activities, Kids’ Clubs , excellent facilities and full programme of daytime and evening entertainment – others simply love our seaside locations and easy access to wonderful beaches, countryside, heritage, visitor attractions and resorts. But all value the quality time they get to spend together as a family on holiday with us – something that has become quite a rarity in day to day life.’

As the UK’s largest domestic holiday operator, Haven anticipate welcoming around 600,000 families to their 35 Parks this year – or 2.5million at holidaymakers throughout the season. One million British children are expected to enjoy the Haven experience!

And Haven’s own research has also shown an increase in the number of families from urban conurbations booking a seaside break. ‘It’s the perfect escape from city life,’ said Tim. ‘People have been enjoying holidays by the coast since the 18th Century and all indications are that this will continue. We have a wide spread of locations that make our Parks very accessible and we’re glad to see British families’ love of the seaside is undiminished.’

Prices for a break with Haven Holidays range from as little as £129 for a three or four night Spring break for a family of up to six people up to £1455 for a week in a top of the range Platinum holiday home at a five star park in the Summer. For more information click on www.haven.com or call 0871 230 1900.

31st March 2011

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Haven Holidays’ Mission Statement

"Provide at our holiday resorts services and products which enable the maximum number of families to enjoy a holiday or holiday home ownership, in a safe, secure and appealing environment.

Identify and develop new services, facilities and locations to maintain and improve the attractions of our holiday resorts."

Lead its employees towards excellence, recognise achievement and provide opportunities to develop their careers.

Maintain the integrity of the company and its brands.

Thus:
Growing the profit of the company year by year to benefit:

The guests with an experience they value
The environment using only those resources appropriate to our task
The employees with a fulfilling job
The shareholders and bankers with a sustainable and secure return, commensurate with the risk on their investment

Own your own holiday home for less than £8000!

If you’re tempted by holiday home ownership but still haven’t taken the plunge, Haven have come up with an offer that will let you dip your toes in the water without breaking the bank.

This season they are offering new Owners the chance to buy their own caravan holiday home from less than £8000.

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 this year they have reported a ‘significant’ increase in enquiries from people interested in having a “bolthole by the sea” compared to the same period in 2010. Factors believed to have boosted the interest in UK breaks are the high price of fuel and fears of possible flight disruption for holidays abroad.

A spokesperson for Haven said, “We’ve experienced an unprecedented interest in purchasing caravan holiday homes with enquiries up by more than 55% compared to the same period in 2010. We want to meet the needs of new customers with an affordable introductory offer which will allow people to experience the benefits of holiday home ownership without it breaking the bank.’

Haven offer a wide choice of locations all around the UK and a great social life combined with the satisfaction of owning your very own home from home. Most Owners live within easy driving distance of their chosen park and make regular use of their holiday home during the season.

Owners have access to exclusive facilities, lounges, gyms and even spas and swimming pools on some parks – as well as regular social events and activities at no extra cost.

The introductory offer to buy a comfortable, well-cared for pre-owned home offers all the benefits of holiday home ownership and starts from just £7995. And there’s plenty of choice available for holiday homes sleeping up to six people with two or three bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen/dining area and comfortable wrap-around lounge furniture.

Available at a choice of 32 Haven parks around the UK, prices may vary depending on style and location. Holiday homes on offer include a two bedroom Atlas Mirage at Golden Sands, near Mablethorpe in Lincolnshire at £7995; a Willerby Vacation at £10,995 at Primrose Valley on the North Yorkshire Coast; an Atlas Sahara at The Orchards near St Osyth in Essex at £10,995 and a BK Savannah at Devon Cliffs near Exmouth for £11995.

Click on www.ukholidayhomesales.co.uk for details and to arrange a viewing. You will need to budget for site fees, insurance and running costs.

29th March 2011

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

Give in to temptation!

If you’re finding the temptation of sunshine and mild weather hard to resist, the offer of a four day break by the sea from only £99 might well be enough to make you pack your bags and head for the coast.

Haven Holidays have Spring deals available at a number of parks from just £99 in two-bedroom self-catering ‘Superior’ holiday homes.

Whilst the parks are ideal for families (and their holiday homes will comfortably sleep a family of up to six people) their superb locations make them the perfect base for couples, with excellent walking, fishing lakes, golf courses and easy access to visitor attractions, resorts and British heritage.

Haven’s Devon Cliffs, near Exmouth in South Devon sits on the Westerly end of the World Heritage Jurassic coastline. Enjoy spectacular walking and book yourself into the parks’ first class Spa to ease your aching muscles at the end of the day.

Kiln Park, is just a stroll from the popular Welsh resort of Tenby and is within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Haven employ a full time Park Ranger who will take little ones on nature walks around the holiday park and lead guided walks through the National Park and along the coast as well.

In Cornwall, Riviere Sands has stunning views across the Hayle Estuary to St Ives and has direct access to the 630 miles of the South West Coast Path. And further along the coast path Haven’s Perran Sands forms part of Cornwall’s largest sand dune system – it’s a popular park with surfers as well as walkers.

Or head to Allhallows on the Thames Estuary which recently opened up the closest beach to London. It’s a superb spot for bird-watching and offers golf and horse-riding too.

Prices start at just £99 for a four night break based on 4 nights at Allhallows arriving May 9th. Three nights at Kiln Park from 8th April costs from £139 and Easter deals are still available from £159 for a family of up to six people at Riviere Sands. Click on www.haven.com or call 0871 230 1900.

And if the Spring sunshine has encouraged you to dust off your tent, caravan or motorhome then you can nab an even bigger early season bargain. Pitches at Kiln Park start at as little as £11 per night based on a four night stay arriving 9th May. Click on www.haventouring.com or call 0871 230 1933.

28th March 2011

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

Sharron Davies opens new super-sized pool at Caister Holiday Park

Sports and TV personality Sharron Davies will feel at home when she opens a new super-sized swimming pool at Haven’s Caister Holiday Park.

At 33 metres, the stunning new £1.1 million indoor pool with breathtaking glass roof is more than 30% longer than most swimming pools - so there’s plenty of opportunity for the serious swimmer, or young racers, to develop their full stroke.

The investment is part of a major upgrade for the 21st century in facilities at what is the site of Britain’s oldest holiday camp going back 105 years.

In another exciting development, a sandy beach area is being created next to the pool. Plans are already underway to create additional elements such as a giant flume which will be added to the indoor pool – and it is hoped to build an additional outdoor pool.

Sharron Davies will be cutting the ribbon at Caister’s new pool on Saturday April 9th (3pm) as part of an afternoon of entertainment including a display by a local synchronised swimmers group and Water Walkerz races.

General Manager Mark Collymore said: “Water fun is a key part of any Haven holiday and we lead the way in the number of fantastic water activities we offer including AquaJets, Turbo Paddlers, fun inflatables and Water Walkerz.

“Our stunning new pool means holidaymakers and owners of holiday homes on our park will have even more room to enjoy the activities or simply relax and chill out – especially on the nearby beach area we’ve created.”

Building the new pool involved removing the old Bull and Bush entertainment venue and plans are also being considered for a major upgrade of the historic Neptunes entertainment venue where many famous names such as Tommy Cooper, Eric and Ernie and Des O’Connor trod the boards.

Mr Collymore added: “Caister Holiday Park is doing better than ever with bookings up 16% year on year. It’s a case of 105 years-old and still going strong – which is proof if anyone needed it that seaside holidays are as popular as ever. And with Haven’s commitment to investment and improving facilities, there’s no better place to enjoy a lovely beach holiday than Caister Holiday Park.”

Easter holidays with Haven are available from just £179 for a family of up to six sharing Standard self-catering accommodation, including free access to dozens of leisure and sports activities, a full entertainment programme and stunning countryside or seaside locations. For more information visit www.haven.com or call 0871 230 1900

Ends

Note to editors

For media information, pictures or full length features, please contact AboutWords on 01444 235 154 or email office@aboutwords.co.uk

Britain's newest sandy beach opens on one of the sunniest days so far this year!

The quarter of a mile of sandy beach at Haven Holidays’ Allhallows Leisure Park near Rochester is the closest stretch of sand to the centre of London.

The beach, on the Thames estuary, used to be a popular attraction for local residents and visitors more than two decades ago.

But it became overgrown with weeds and the tide covered much of the sand with shingle and rocks.

With the approval and support of the local parish council, Allhallows Holiday Park – one of Haven’s 35 UK family holiday parks - brought in diggers to clear away 60 tons of rubble and debris and have reclaimed the sandy beach which is open to the public.

Allhallows re-opened for the summer season on March 18th and holidaymakers and caravan Owners were delighted to discover that the park now boasts its own sandy beach. The park offer guests a full programme of daytime and evening entertainment, two heated pools, a coarse fishing lake, a nine hole golf course and offers horse-riding amongst its activities – but until this week the beach was not a major attraction.

Richard Bradford, General Manager of Allhallows said: "It's a wonderful stretch of beach. I saw some pictures of how it used to look 20 or 30 years ago when it was very popular with local residents and holidaymakers, and thought it would be great to re-create that and restore the sandy beach.

"Already it's been very popular with families going there to make sandcastles and enjoy the spring sunshine. It's another amenity for people to enjoy and it's great to see it being used again."

Four night mid-week Spring breaks at Allhallows start at just £99 for a family of up to six people on selected dates. Call 0871 230 1900 or visit www.haven.com

23rd March 2011

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

Changing Caravans

Haven Holidays have linked with Anna Ryder Richardson, former star of the popular makeover programme ‘Changing Rooms’, to show how a few personal touches can transform a caravan.

Anna, who was renowned for her bold use of colour in the popular TV series, took up Haven’s challenge to inject extra life and style into the holiday homes offered for sale at their 34 Parks around the UK.

Haven say, ‘Our caravans come fully fitted with lounge and dining furniture, a well-equipped kitchen and built in beds. They are ready to move into immediately but a few finishing touches make all the difference.’

With cushions, throws, bed-linen, kitchen equipment, crockery and a few accessories such as candles, dried flowers and bowls of pot pourri the caravan was ‘madeover’ into an instantly attractive ‘home from home’.

Anna said, ‘The makeover was such a lot of fun. I was brought up on caravanning holidays but hadn’t realised just how spacious and comfortable static caravans have become. My children would love this!’

Since leaving the programme and embarking on a new life running her own sustainable wildlife park in Wales, Anna’s taste in design has taken on the more natural eco-friendly shades which featured predominantly in her caravan makeover.

She said, ‘ I especially love the curly cushions in natural creams, although I couldn’t resist adding towels with bright accent colours in the shower-room.’

All the additional touches were supplied by HomeBase. New holiday home owners who would like to get the ‘Anna Ryder Richardson’ touch will be able to purchase the accessories as a complete kit.

For more information about holiday home ownership on one of Haven’s 34 UK Parks call 0871 230 1299 or click on www.havenholidayhomes.com.

Haven are currently running a competition to win an ABI St David holiday home (image below). Visit www.havenholidayhomes.com/abicompetition to enter.

21st March 2011

ABI St David three bedroom caravan available for sale at around £43,239 (based on Kiln Park in Wales).

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

Haven’ly gates re-open for summer

Haven Holidays re-opened their 35 UK holiday parks on March 18th. If you feel the need for some fresh sea breezes and to feel the sand between your toes, grab a break by the coast from as little as £99 per family and blow away the winter cobwebs.

Holidaymakers returning to Haven will be able to enjoy the benefits of a winter investment in excess of £55million in new facilities, improved venues and new holiday homes.

First for fun – check out the new lazy rivers at Weymouth Bay and Presthaven Sands and multi-lane slides in the pools at Devon Cliffs and Blue Dolphin. This year even more parks have improved their swimming pools as feedback from customers has shown how important the pool is to their holiday enjoyment.

Best for accommodation - Haven’s new eco-friendly holiday homes will help minimise still further your impact on the environment, using up to 45% less gas and electricity. Or book a super-swanky Platinum holiday home –click on www.devoncliffs-select and you can choose your view at Devon Cliffs.

Tops for tots – take advantage of value for money mid-week Spring breaks before your little ones reach school age. Activities include Annabel’s Creative Kitchen; ‘Little Cubs’ club; mini-sports coaching; Water Confidence sessions; character shows and other evening entertainment are all free of charge.

Free wi-fi! All Haven parks have free wi-fi, so if you want to share your holiday fun with your friends on facebook then don’t forget your laptop!

Greener than your average holiday park – Haven provide holiday homes for up to 600 non-paying guests – including many that fly in regularly from overseas. All Haven parks have bat and bird boxes installed as part of a green policy to encourage more wildlife to share their parks.

Mid-week Spring breaks start at £99 based on a family of up to six people in ‘Standard’ two-bedroom accommodation at a choice of coastal parks.

Click on www.haven.com or call 0871 230 1900.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Haven outdoor pools and new pool developments will be open in May.

Calls to 0871 numbers cost 10p per minute plus network extras.

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

Stay close to the Olympic action at Weymouth Bay

Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour will play host to 10 exhilarating sailing events during the 2012 Olympics, featuring a variety of craft from dinghies and keelboats to windsurfing boards.

If you want to be sure of good value for money accommodation in the area, Haven Holidays are offering seven nights in a ‘Superior’ self-catering holiday home at their Weymouth Bay Holiday Park from 27th July 2012 from £765 – for a family of up to six people.

And if some members of your party are more interested in Kids Clubs, mini-sports and having a good time in the swimming pool than the events taking place in the harbour – then you can do that free of charge!

Click on www.haven.com or call 0871 230 1900. Bookings can be made from Friday 18th March.

Treat Mum to a break from the Kitchen

Thinking of treating your Mum to a meal for Mother’s Day? Book a seaside break with Haven Holidays and treat her to dinner every night for the whole weekend instead!

Choose one of Haven Holiday’s half board breaks and make it a holiday for everyone – at prices that won’t get you in a stew!

Half board holidays are available at Hafan y Mor in North Wales and Craig Tara on the Ayrshire coast and include a huge buffet breakfast to set you up for the day with a choice of generous buffet menus in the evening. Snap up one of Haven’s special deals with meals currently available from just £249 for a family of four in comfortable apartment accommodation for three nights arriving on April 1st.

Or book one of Haven’s self-catering breaks from just £149 for a family of up to six people over Mother’s Day Weekend - based on three nights in a ‘Superior’ holiday home arriving on April 1st (price available at selected Haven Holiday parks including Wild Duck in Norfolk; Presthaven Sands in North Wales and Combe Haven, near Hastings).

Haven’s new menu options will make it even more of a treat for Mum. Breakfast, lunch and dinner have all had a complete taste overhaul with new freshly prepared flavours and lots more choice – and with no need to cook, you can concentrate on having a good time!

Daytime activities offer something for everyone with superb indoor leisure pools, kid’s clubs, multi-sports courts for football and other team sports, mini-golf, go-karts, indoor and outdoor play areas – with most facilities available at no extra charge.

Live entertainment, music, dancing and cabaret at a choice of evening venues ensures that you can take your Mum out for a night out - every night!

Click on www.haven.com or call 0871 230 1900 for bookings and details of other special offers.

14th March 2011

For media information, pictures or full length features, please contact AboutWords on 01444 235 154 or email office@aboutwords.co.uk

The lasting benefits of a family holiday with Haven

In these times when it seems everyone is under increasing financial pressure sometimes having a holiday may seem like a luxury too far.

Yet, having some family quality time away from home in different surroundings such as the countryside or seaside, can have lasting benefits that far outweigh the cost.

And for children, the opportunity to make sandcastles, play in the sea, enjoy organised activities alongside other youngsters and the chance to play in a safe, secure environment should be a part of growing up.

Organisations like the Family Holiday Association recognise the importance of holidays for strengthening family bonds and giving people on limited means a chance they might otherwise never enjoy.

As Britain’s biggest family holiday company, Haven is proud to work with the FHA and many other charities to help people in many different circumstances enjoy a well-earned break.

Charities can take advantage of fantastic offers and additional savings on brochure prices.

It’s easy to block book accommodation across a range of parks and dates to provide individual holidays at group rates, or take a group booking at one park if everyone would prefer to take a break together. Planning ahead makes sure you can take advantage of the best possible discounts – and that you secure your first choice of dates and park.

With 40 years of experience and an award-winning service recognised by all the professional organisations in the holiday industry, Haven is the perfect partner for charities looking to organise respite or other breaks for families or individuals. A holiday park can also be the perfect choice if you’re looking to include a gala dinner or planning a conference or AGM – with excellent venues and the option to provide catered facilities.

With 35 parks all in fabulous coastal locations, there’s a wide selection of stunning holiday destinations to choose from with Haven.

And every holiday includes all the great attractions and facilities you would expect including a wide range of eating out options, first class facilities with heated indoor and outdoor pools, sports, play areas and a variety of attractions from fishing lakes to climbing walls. There’s also a full programme of entertainment with kids’ clubs, family stage-shows, music, dancing and cabaret - or simply the opportunity to relax, explore and have fun.

Superb self-catering holidays start at just £99 per family of up to six in Standard accommodation for three or four nights, and Haven also has a fantastic range of adapted and fully accessible Caravan Holiday Homes which are specifically designed for wheelchair access with ramps, wide sliding doors, converted WC/shower rooms and trapeze lift handles.

And to make it even easier for organisers, a dedicated groups team is on hand to guide you through the booking process step by step and will even arrange a park visit to ensure you’re aware of all the facilities and to facilitate any special requirements. Amy Joyce , Haven’s Charity Account Executive has years of experience working with groups of all sizes and is always happy to help!

For more information email charities@haven.com, talk to a specialist advisor on 0871 230 1911 or click on www.havengroups.co.uk/charity.

2nd March 2011


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Happy Pancake Day!!

Try Mrs Mac’s Happy Pancake Dinners!

Pancakes are a tasty treat served simply with sugar and lemon – but have you thought about making them into a meal?

Cook your pancakes in the usual way before spooning in one of these delicious, savoury fillings. Roll up and serve with salad or a green vegetable.

• For Mediterranean style pancakes fill with ratatouille, roll up and grate cheese over the top

• Tuna Fish Treat! Make a white sauce and add a generous handful of grated cheese, a small tin of sweetcorn and a tin of tuna. Cook together until the cheese has melted and the other ingredients have blended in. Put a spoonful on each pancake and roll up!

• A slice of ham, grated cheese and cherry tomatoes. Roll up, cover with foil so the pancakes don’t dry out and pop in the oven until the cheese has melted and the tomatoes have softened – about 5-10 minutes.

• There’s much room for mushrooms! Cook mushrooms in a little butter with crushed garlic until they’ve softened. Add a dollop of crème fraiche and chopped parsley and roll into the pancakes. Top with grated cheese.

• Thinly slice a chicken breast and cook in a little oil with some thinly sliced green peppers. Add a spoonful of pesto and a dollop of cream cheese and roll into the pancakes.

• Make a smiley pancake face with cherry tomatoes for eyes, a strip of cucumber for a nose, grated carrot for hair and a frankfurter sausage for a smiley mouth!

View these and other Happy Snack ideas at www.havenfunfitness.com

Bring Pooch for a Pound

Your four legged friend might not star at Crufts but that doesn’t make your favourite pooch any less deserving of a holiday!

Haven Holidays, Britain’s favourite seaside holiday operator, would like to reward all dogs who haven’t made it to the podium at Crufts with a consolation prize.

They say, ‘Treat your dog to a Spring Break between March 18th and April 4th and we’ll reduce the cost to just one pound!’

Many UK beaches operate a ‘No dogs’ ban between Easter and October so nab an early season break and enjoy long bracing walks along Britain’s beautiful coastline and the chance for doggy games on the beach before the ban starts.

And it’ s not just your dog that will have a good time – Haven offer a choice of 35 parks in stunning coastal and countryside locations including several with direct access to the South West Coast Path, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and the Cleveland Way. Expect first class facilities, heated indoor pools, sports, organised activities and a full programme of daytime and evening entertainment.

Prices start at just £99 for four night Spring Breaks at a choice of parks. Dogs are welcome in ‘Standard’ accommodation with a maximum of two per booking. Usual cost is £20 per dog per break but during the promotional period the charge will be just £1. Some restrictions apply.

Call 0871 230 1900 or visit www.haven.com

7th March 2011

For more info and images please contact AboutWords on 01444 235 154 or email office@aboutwords.co.uk

Haven Holidays unveils industry’s greenest ever holiday home

In a first for the industry, Haven Holidays, who have 35 holiday parks in the UK, commissioned leading static caravan manufacturer Willerby to produce ‘The Vision’, a holiday home incorporating a raft of environmentally-friendly features.

The initiative confirms Haven’s place at the forefront of best environmental practices in UK tourism and has been endorsed by Anna Ryder Richardson, former star of Changing Rooms and now a passionate campaigner on behalf of her own sustainable and conservation-led zoo.

The new eco-van will produce savings of at least 45% in electricity and gas costs with huge benefits for reducing carbon emissions and saving energy costs.

From the outside the new van looks similar to many in Haven’s fleet of more than 50,000 holiday homes.

But Willerby say the secret lies in the most sophisticated insulation ever installed in a luxury, static caravan. The insulation, including walls, ceilings and floors, provides similar layers of protection as bricks and mortar, taking the holiday home industry to a new level. ‘The Vision’ also includes double-glazing, 100% energy efficient lighting and water saving devices throughout.

Anna said, ‘Eco-tourism is a major player in changing the way we live our lives and the more we adapt and change our own practice the better it is for the planet. Holidaying in the UK is not only fun but it’s also better for our carbon footprint. I love the idea of taking this one step further by buying a caravan that has such low impact on the environment.’

The caravan comes complete with free standing furniture, integrated kitchen appliances, a king size bed, space saving fold-under twin beds and a fully fitted bathroom complete with corner bath. Anna added, ‘I love the way it looks. It’s very contemporary and stylish but still very welcoming. The lovely earthy colours give it just the right feel.’

Haven anticipate that demand for purchasing the new eco-friendly caravans will be high as potential new owners seek out a holiday home that will lessen their impact on the environment and make significant savings in energy costs.

A spokesperson for the brand said: “This is a first for the industry and a real demonstration of Havens’ commitment to environmentally-friendly practices.

‘Owning a caravan on one of our parks is in itself a commitment to a sustainable holiday choice, avoiding air travel in favour of regular holidays closer to home. We are confident that both new and existing Owners will opt for the advanced eco-benefits of ‘The Vision’, saving costs and further minimising their impact on the environment.’

To find out more about ‘The Vision’ and holiday home ownership with Haven click on www.havenholidayhomes.com.

4th March 2011

For media information, interview opportunities and photographs please contact Deborah McCabe on 01444 235 154 or email deborah@aboutwords.co.uk.