Blog
Best Holiday Parks in the UK 2024
15/05/2023
The sun is (finally) shining and we’re getting in the holiday mood. We have a range of holiday parks across England and Scotland to choose from, whether you need a dog-friendly getaway, a family adventure with lots of activities, or an escape perfect for couples; there’s something for everyone.
We’ve rounded up 5 Verdant locations from across the country, based on the unique, must-experience qualities that make them some of the best holiday parks in the UK. Now, skip the airport hassle and baggage limits by choosing a staycation this year!
Queensberry Bay, Dumfriesshire, South West Scotland
There’s a reason why they call them ‘man’s best friend’ – bring your dog along with you on your holiday to Queensberry Bay Leisure Park and let them enjoy the refreshing Scottish seaside air.
Queensberry Bay at a glance:
- Dog-friendly
- Coastal retreat with breath-taking views
- Closed-off dog area
- Lots of great walks
- Range of accommodation available
- Stunning new bar and restaurant
With plenty to keep both you and your four-legged friend entertained, you’re sure to enjoy their enthusiasm in discovering a new place. We have a range of accommodation that welcomes pets, from glamping pods to caravans, just take your pick!
What’s more, Queensberry Bay harbours a very special closed-off area just for furry friends, meaning you can let your dog socialise and run around without having to worry. This unique location offers endless options for stretching your legs, too, including both countryside and coastal routes.
Take your pooch down to Rockcliffe Beach or Carrick Bay, and they’ll be sure to love running on the sand and splashing in the sea. After a long day of walking and exploring, you can certainly find a dog-friendly spot to grab a bite to eat, such as The Olive Tree Tearoom at the Dalbeattie Garden Centre.
But don’t just take it from us – previous holidaymakers have loved to stay at Queensberry Bay. They’ve described their experiences as “a lovely scenic getaway, if you want to mostly relax or go for a stroll [and] very dog friendly which was great for us” (Diane Wilson) and having “lots to see and do with great walks nearby”. So, if you fancy coming along, don’t hesitate to have a browse of our fantastic holidays available at Queensberry Bay!
Thurston Manor, East Lothian, South East Scotland
Want to take the family away for a fun-filled holiday? Look no further than Thurston Manor Leisure Park. Being one of our larger parks, it has plenty of space to discover and explore.
Thurston Manor at a glance:
- Ideal for families
- Two play parks
- Swimming pool and whirlpool bath
- Hunter’s Bar and Restaurant
- Muir’s Bar
- Fantastic entertainment
- Discounts on local attractions
With two outdoor play parks including slides, swings, and climbing walls, your little ones will certainly be kept busy! The bright and bustling arcade offers plenty of games to play, with opportunities to win exciting prizes to be kept as souvenirs from their fun-filled holiday.
Fancy a dip? The whole family can enjoy splashing in the swimming pool or relaxing in the whirlpool. After building up your appetite in the pool, you can pop across the complex to Hunter’s Bar and Restaurant, which offers a varied menu of delicious food! For those of you with a sweet tooth, one of our previous stayers particularly recommends the apple and strawberry crumble with ice cream (Mr Pateson).
We also boast a dedicated family room with seasonal entertainment: our all-new Verdant Vibes entertainment will have you laughing, learning, singing, and dancing! Look out for our resident foxes, Vinnie and Violet, who will help to make memories for your little ones.
Parents, don’t worry, there is plenty of fun for you too! Grab a cheeky drink in Muir’s Bar and enjoy playing bingo in The Venue before watching some fantastic live acts. There are also plenty of days out in East Lothian to enjoy, from cable wakeboarding at Foxlake Adventures (where guests and owners can take advantage of 10% off standard prices) to diving into the history of Bamburgh Castle.
Previous Thurston Manor holidaymakers have said that “you can have an adventurous holiday or a relaxing holiday” (Mrs Hutchinson). What are you waiting for? Book your perfect family adventure in the heart of East Lothian.
Erigmore, Perthshire, Central Scotland
Treat your significant other to a romantic getaway this year within the peace and tranquility of the Perthshire countryside.
Erigmore at a glance:
- Perfect for couples
- Countryside retreat
- Hot tub accommodation available
- Pet friendly accommodation available
- Indoor heated pool, sauna & whirlpool bath
- Cosy lounge bar
- Edinburgh and Glasgow nearby
If relaxation is your top priority, Erigmore Leisure Park is the perfect choice for you and your beau. Enjoy the scenic drive through the village of Birnam by Dunkeld, before arriving at the beautiful estate, boasting the Grand Victorian Baronial Mansion in the centre.
Choose from a range of accommodation types including lodges, cottages, apartments, and caravans. Our personal favourite is Erigmore Cottage, which has a beautiful exterior, as well as your own secluded garden and hot tub. What’s more, the cottage sleeps four and is pet- friendly, meaning it’s perfect for double dates with an added four-legged friend!
For a more modern abode, the Boutique Spa Lodge 1 harbours an open plan interior as well as its own decking with a hot tub (it’s very Instagrammable, if we do say so ourselves).
The gorgeous accommodation isn’t the only thing going for this holiday park – its fantastic facilities include an indoor heated pool, sauna & whirlpool bath, and a cosy lounge bar. With everything you need for a calming stay, there is no need to even leave the park! However, if you fancy a trip out to the bustling cities, Edinburgh and Glasgow are an accessible drive away.
Previous bookers have raved about the park, saying that “the setting is stunning with so many beautiful trees around the grounds” (Mrs Symonds) and “the area and facilities were fantastic”.
Have a little browse of our Perthshire holidays and see for yourself why it would be perfect for your next couples getaway.
Heather View, County Durham, Northern England
If your boots are made for walking, Heather View is the leisure park for you.
Heather View at a glance:
- Countryside retreat
- Plenty of beautiful walks
- Cycling and horse riding routes nearby
- Historical areas nearby
- Facilities: Riverview Bar & Grill, shop, fishing, play areas
- Lots of accommodation types to choose from x
Enjoy stunning views of the lush Durham Dales, just a few miles away from Heather View Leisure Park. If you fancy an active day in nature, venture into the beautiful Hamsterley Forest, which has endless routes for walking, cycling and horse riding. You can also discover a range of nearby historical areas including Barnard Castle, and a variety of museums.
Facilities on the park include the Riverview Bar & Grill, a shop for picking up essentials, on park fishing, and play areas for the little ones. Children are also sure to love the Discovery Trail – an interactive experience involving a walk around the park where you can learn all about your favourite animals, birds, and bugs.
Some of our favourite walks in County Durham include the Durham Heritage Coast Walk, boasting gorgeous clifftop views, and Durham Camra Beer Trail – a pub crawl with a twist.
Previous stayers such as Anne Elliot described Heather View as an “excellent experience from start to visit”, and a “little gem of a place” (Martin Robinson).
For more little gems in County Durham, take a look at our other parks in the area.
Golden Coast, North Devon, Southern England
For the go-getters and thrill-seekers, Golden Coast Leisure Park is packed full of exciting activities.
Golden Coast at a glance:
- Coastal retreat
- Close to Woolacombe Beach
- Range of accommodation types
- Lots of activities: watersports, high ropes, climbing wall, pottery making
- Cleavewood customers can also use the facilities
- Four bars & restaurants
- The Old Mill pub (dog-friendly)
- Discounts on local attractions
Action-packed holidays are our speciality at Golden Coast. Our on-park activities offer hours of endless fun; whether you want to challenge the family in a round of bowling or golf, or have a go on our popular wave surfing simulator. In fact, you can even book your activities before arriving on your holiday, meaning you can get your itinerary sorted in advance and save the stress of planning while you’re there.
Why not pop down to Woolacombe beach while you’re here? It’s just a short drive away and offers a traditional seaside experience. If you fancy venturing further from the park, we offer discounts for Golden Coast customers on lots of local attractions such as The Big Sheep farm and theme park, and Ilfracombe Sea Safari.
After a tiring day of fun activities, the family and pet friendly Old Mill Pub is welcoming for everyone and offers a host of delicious meals (including a mouth-watering carvery every Sunday). You can easily spend all evening in this pub as we often screen live sporting events as well as host live entertainment from quizzes to live singers and magicians!
Sleep easy in our comfortable accommodation whether it be a villa or apartment. With rooms to accommodate up to six people, the whole family can come along to enjoy a fantastically fun holiday. The Ocean Tide Villa is one of our personal favourites as it comes completes with a BBQ in your outdoor seating area!
For these “great facilities and activities for all ages” (Suzy Swift) and “absolutely fantastic entertainment” (Andrea Fletcher), take a look at the holidays we have available in North Devon!
Now’s the time to book your staycation of a lifetime and make unforgettable memories. Before you go, make sure to get clued-up on our staycation money-saving tips so you can make the most of your holiday.
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