So you’ve just returned from your annual family holiday and now the anticlimax is sinking in. But does it really have to be another year until you can soak your feet in the sea, walk along the sand or enjoy the sense of being away from it all? With Haven it certainly doesn’t have to be that way.
Having your very own bolt hole by the seaside couldn’t be easier with Haven. If you’ve visited one of their idyllic destinations along Britain’s coastline why not do some research into buying your own caravan? Cornwall is just one of a wide range of destinations which span the whole length of the UK, from the magical charm of the Lake District to some of the UK’s top coastal resorts, with 35 locations to choose from you can be there in under two hours.
Perran Sands, is one of those destinations you wish you’d found sooner in life. Located in a picturesque area across 3 miles of golden sandy beach, this North Cornish coast is famous for its Atlantic rollers which makes it a surfers paradise.
There are a wide range of activities on site which also make it an outstanding place to visit, but even more so, Perran Sands is a home from home which you should truly consider investing in for the ultimate in work / life balance if weekends and holidays in Cornwall take your fancy.
From newborn babies, to great grandparents there is something for everyone at this incredible site, even the family pet!
The roads near to the resort are a delight to drive along. Winding countryside lanes that showcase the very best vistas, ocean views and Cornish landscapes help build the excitement before your holiday begins.
When we first arrived the sun was beaming and I noticed a family taking selfies at the infamous Perran Sands park entrance sign. Check in was simple, a free car park next to the centre and a full information pack about our stay was presented to us. Here you are given your caravan keys, information about activities onsite, an easy to read map of Perran Sands, activity passes you may have purchased, restaurant menus, guides to local off-site days out and some helpful instructions on how to find your accommodation.
Just a short walk away is the swimming pool, entertainment complex, adventure golf course, bars and restaurants – and that’s just for starters.
We drove a couple of minutes from reception and arrived at our zone, Pentreath View. Without doubt it has to be one of the most beautiful spots I have come across in the UK. With 180 degree panoramic views of the ocean as well as the many cliffs and dunes leading down to an expansive golden beach it is the perfect location for a family holiday. Even for couples looking for a romantic break you couldn’t get a more beautiful site.
The caravan had its own parking space so we parked up and took a look around. We were situated right next to sunset point, and the footpath to the beach could be reached by strolling down the dunes just a few short metres.
Almost as soon as we had arrived our accommodation manager joined us and had brought an iron, baking tray, high chair and single bed child rail which he was only too happy to install on one of the single beds in the twin room. For families that have children using a cot, a travel cot can also be provided for a small fee.
The caravan was accessed via a charming wood stained ramp leading up to a spectacular deck looking right out across the ocean. This helped us with the pushchair when the little one was fast asleep one day and we wheeled him right up to the front door.
Upon entering the caravan the first thing that struck me was the sheer size of the living space and the quality and cleanliness of the furnishings. Spotlessly clean, and kitted out with all of the latest mod cons, this was a real spectacle compared to another company we had stayed with previously (mentioning no names).
Haven understand how to go the extra mile, with excellent customer service and attention to detail, which is extremely reassuring when booking somewhere new. Their level of expertise takes out all of the hassle making it a straightforward and pleasurable experience choosing your holiday – or for owners, your future holiday home.
The living room was better than many 4* hotel suites, with a flatscreen LCD television, surround sound, ornate glass coffee table and stylish 3 piece suite. There was even a gas fire which came in handy on one of the nights where a storm came just after sunset.
Sliding beech wooden doors between the living room and a fully fitted kitchen / diner meant that you could separate the two rooms if mum and dad wanted to eat dinner in private while the kids watched DVDs.
The kitchen was well balanced, with all sorts of amenities fitting into the space. Features including a pull out ironing board, a fitted fridge and freezer underneath the work surface, not to mention a glass dining room table and chairs were definitely a welcome addition to the space. As you walked further through the caravan, there was a bathroom on the left which had a gorgeous deep bath in it, complete with fitted sink and toilet. There was a twin bedroom on the right with wardrobe and shelves, plus a spacious master bedroom at the back with an incredibly comfortable double bed, fitted bedside tables, walk in wardrobe and surprisingly – yet another bathroom (ensuite).
All the rooms had double glazed windows and the kitchen had a single side entrance door. In the living room, French windows opened out onto the sea view deck. It truly was a wonderful place to spend a few days with the family.
At Perran Sands the range of onsite activities includes such delights as Bushcraft activities, mini fencing for children as young as 4 years, learn-to-swim sessions, adventure golf, football and basketball, access to the local surf school, surfboard and wetsuit hire at very reasonable prices. There is a club house with a wide range of amusement games, arcades and three onsite bars to get a cold beer or much needed glass of wine to wind down. There’s also a full programme of family entertainment and kids clubs.
The food at Perran Sands is also fantastic. There are numerous restaurants including the vibrant Cook’s fish and chips restaurant and take away, Papa John’s Pizza which may come in handy if you fancy a night in, as they deliver straight to your door, and Surf Bay restaurant and bar.
We spent a lot of time exploring Cornwall and were often out in the evenings but we had the pleasure of eating at the fabulous Surf Bay restaurant on a couple of occasions. Surf Bay as the name illustrates is a melting pot of all that is cool about surfing. The bar tables are carved in the shape of surfboards, the menus are full of delicious options and there’s even a VW camper van called Alfie where you can eat your meal. Make sure you book that in advance because Alfie is in high demand. Surf Bay has an open kitchen so you can watch the chefs at work and the mellow and relaxed atmosphere takes the edge off with staff who are only too happy to help. The food is also fantastic including classic surf and turf options through to a wide range of rum cocktails, vegetarian and children’s meals.
When you choose to become an owner on a Haven park you become part of a community. The benefits include owners only facilities like lounges and gyms, special owner events like wine clubs and parties, and a Privilege Card that gives you a 15% discount card in shops and restaurants on park. A Pre owned holiday home starts at £17,995
For further information on buying a holiday home with Haven www.havenholidayhomes.com
Things to do near Perran Sands Haven
Lappa Valley Steam Railway
A must attraction for rail enthusiasts, there are three miniature railways that run through this beautiful conservation area.
Newquay
Voted one of the nation’s favourite seaside towns and widely regarded as the surf capital of the UK.
Blue Reef Aquarium
Blue Reef is part of an exciting new generation of aquarium attractions inspiring a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world.
Dairy Farm World
This place is great for young children. There are nature trails, farm animals, a maize maze, an indoor play centre, drop slides and pony rides.
Padstow
Excellent for food lovers and home to Stein’s various fisheries, fish and chip shops, restaurants, coffee houses, patisseries, etc etc. It is a quaint harbour town with a great atmosphere and plenty to do for all ages.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
There are 200 acres for your family top enjoy with gardens, pleasure grounds and a sub tropical jungle.
Eden Project
See the world’s largest greenhouses, housing plant species from the Tropics and the Mediterranean.