Best Holiday Parks Near London for your Family Holiday in 2024

When it comes to planning a holiday near London, there are a couple of reasons why you might consider a caravan holiday park or lodge.

Perhaps you’re seeking affordable family-friendly accommodation close to the bustling heart of London, or maybe you’re in dire need of a quick escape from the city’s constant hustle and bustle.

While you won’t find holiday parks within the central London area (for obvious reasons), there are plenty of options located within a reasonable hour to 90 minutes of the city centre. As you read on, we’ll be sharing what we believe are the very best.

Why Choose a Holiday Park near London?

London is a city bursting with activities and attractions to keep any traveller entertained. From world-renowned museums like the British Museum, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and the V&A Museum to iconic landmarks such as the Tower of London, the London Eye, The Shard, Westminster Abbey, and Tower Bridge, the options are seemingly endless.

However, the bustling pace of London can be overwhelming, and sometimes you just need a peaceful retreat. This is where holiday parks come into play, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and convenience.

Let’s dive into the best holiday parks near London based on location, facilities, value for money, and customer reviews.

Holiday Parks Near London:

• Haven Kent Coast Holiday Park
• Seaview Holiday Park
• Alberta Holiday Park
• Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat
• Lee Valley Caravan Park

Haven Kent Coast Holiday Park, Kent (1 hour from Central London)

Address: Allhallows, Rochester ME3 9QD

Haven is a name synonymous with caravan holidays in the UK, boasting 40 parks scattered along the country’s picturesque coastline. Haven Kent Coast Holiday Park, formerly known as Haven Allhallows, is the closest option for those coming from East London.

Haven’s reputation precedes it, and at Kent Coast, you’ll find an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, on-site dining options, and a plethora of activities to keep the kids entertained. Adults can enjoy amenities like the tennis court, nine-hole golf course, and a serene fishing lake.

Recent investments have enhanced the park’s offerings, including a thrilling adventure village with high ropes and bungee trampolines. The entertainment area has also been upgraded, now featuring a terrace with stunning Thames views.

However, it’s worth noting that the beach at the park is more pebbly than sandy, situated along the Thames Estuary. If you’re seeking more picturesque beaches, you’ll need to venture a bit further. TripAdvisor reviews rate the park at 3.5/5, while Google Reviews paint a more impressive picture with a rating of 4.2/5.

If you’re in East London and seek a convenient family getaway with a trusted holiday park name, Haven Kent Coast might be your best bet. Keep in mind that having a car can be advantageous, as getting to Kent Coast from central London can be a long bus ride if you rely solely on public transportation.

When booking a Haven holiday, you have a choice to make regarding the use of facilities. If you’re content with accommodation alone, you can save money by selecting the ‘Haven Hideaway’ option during booking. However, if you’re eager to make use of the swimming pool, play some mini-golf, and enjoy the entertainment, then the standard ‘Haven’ holiday is the way to go.

Haven Kent Coast Holiday Park Highlights:

• Indoor and outdoor swimming pools
• On-site dining options
• Abundant kids’ activities
• Tennis court and nine-hole golf course
• Fishing lake
• Adventure village with high ropes and bungee trampoline
• Scenic terrace overlooking the Thames

Seaview Holiday Park, Whitstable (1 hour 30 minutes from Central London)

Address: St John’s Rd, Whitstable CT5 2RY

Seaview Holiday Park in Whitstable offers a great-value, bustling, family-friendly holiday park near the beach. The park receives reviews averaging around 4/5 and is managed by Park Holidays UK, which operates numerous caravan holiday parks across the UK. Another nearby Park Holidays UK park is Alberta Holiday Park, which is slightly closer by car but a bit farther from a railway station.

Seaview Holiday Park provides an outdoor swimming pool, a sports pitch for some friendly competition, and a playground for the little ones. Evening entertainment and an on-site bar/restaurant make dining out a breeze. The beach is just a stone’s throw away and is predominantly pebbly.

This holiday park is well-suited for those coming from East London. If you’re relying on public transport, Seaview Holiday Park is approximately a couple of miles from Herne Bay Railway Station. From there, it takes roughly 90 minutes to reach Central London via train.

Seaview Holiday Park Highlights:

• Outdoor swimming pool
• Sports pitch
• Playground
• Evening entertainment
• On-site bar/restaurant
• Proximity to the beach

Alberta Holiday Park, Whitstable (1 hour 30 minutes from London)

Address: Faversham Rd, Whitstable CT5 4BJ

Alberta Holiday Park, the sister park to Seaview Holiday Park, offers a budget-friendly option. It’s located about three miles from Whitstable Railway Station, providing a 90-minute journey into London Victoria.

The park’s amenities closely mirror those of Seaview Holiday Park. There’s an outdoor heated swimming pool and a splash pool designed for younger children. A playground offers additional entertainment, and the local beach is conveniently situated nearby. Keep in mind that some caravans are set back a fair distance from the beach, requiring a 10-minute walk.

Evening entertainment is available for guests, and there’s a clubhouse serving food on-site.

Alberta Holiday Park Highlights:

• Outdoor heated swimming pool
• Splash pool for younger children
• Playground
• Proximity to the beach
• Evening entertainment
• On-site clubhouse with dining options

Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat, Surrey (1 hour from Central London)

Address: Tilford Rd, Farnham GU10 2DD

Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat is an excellent choice for those seeking a base for day trips to London or a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

The park is approximately a 35-40 minute train ride from London Waterloo, followed by a 20-minute car journey from Farnborough Railway Station. If you’re driving, you can reach Tilford Woods in about an hour from central London, and it’s even quicker if you’re coming from South or West London.

While the park lacks extensive on-site facilities, it compensates with the availability of lodges, some of which feature hot tubs. The pricing is competitive with many caravan parks, and you have a variety of lodging options, accommodating 2, 4, or 6 people.

For additional options in the area, consider Edgeley Holiday Park, which is also a short drive from London. Edgeley boasts a swimming pool, playground, and tennis court, making it an attractive choice for families.

Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat Highlights:

• Lodges with hot tubs
• Variety of accommodation options
• Proximity to London for day trips
• Tranquil surroundings

Lee Valley Caravan Park, Hertfordshire (45 minutes to London)

Address: Charlton Meadows, Essex Road, Hoddesdon EN11 0AS

Lee Valley Caravan Park is situated within a massive public park spanning 10,000 acres, offering a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors from London, Essex, and Hertfordshire. While the holiday park is only a small part of this vast site, it provides a modest selection of affordable holiday homes, caravans, and luxurious lodges with hot tubs, accommodating 4 to 6 people.

This park is an excellent choice for those who enjoy cycling or hiking along miles of scenic trails, as well as fishing. However, it doesn’t offer an extensive array of on-site facilities.

To reach Lee Valley Caravan Park, it’s a 10-15 minute drive to Waltham Cross railway station, which connects to North London in just 30 minutes. Alternatively, if you head northwest, you can reach Whipsnade Zoo in under an hour. The zoo claims to be the UK’s biggest, making it a great option for a family day out.

Lee Valley Caravan Park Highlights:

• Set within a vast public park
• Choice of holiday homes, caravans, and lodges
• Scenic trails for cycling and hiking
• Fishing opportunities
• Proximity to North London and Whipsnade Zoo

Additional Options – Parkdean Resorts Coopers Beach, Essex

While we’ve covered our top five picks, it’s worth mentioning Parkdean Resorts Coopers Beach, located on Mersea Island, Essex. This holiday park offers a complete package for holiday makers, combining seaside charm with a host of free facilities.

Parkdean Resorts Coopers Beach provides access to open waters and a swimming pool, along with an adventure playground and a multi-sports court for active guests. The park offers a variety of accommodations, including luxury lodges, beach houses, and caravans.

London is within easy reach of this park. After exploring the beauty of the Essex countryside, you can hop on a train and reach the centre of London in under an hour. This convenient location allows you to explore iconic London landmarks such as the Shard and the East London markets. Alternatively, you can keep your holiday local with a trip to Colchester Zoo or a day at Clacton Pier.

Parkdean Resorts Coopers Beach Highlights:

• Seaside charm on Mersea Island, Essex
• Range of accommodations
• Access to open waters and swimming pool
• Adventure playground and multi-sports court
• Convenient access to London and Essex attractions

Final Thoughts

When it comes to planning a holiday near London, the options are abundant, catering to a variety of preferences and budgets. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly fun, a tranquil escape, or a mix of both, these holiday parks near London offer a range of amenities and experiences to ensure a memorable getaway.

From the convenient and action-packed Haven Kent Coast Holiday Park to the serene Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat, and the seaside charm of Parkdean Resorts Coopers Beach, there’s something for everyone within a short distance of the vibrant city of London.

So, pack your bags, plan your activities, and embark on an unforgettable holiday adventure.