Camping holidays

The holiday park operator changed its accommodation grading over a year ago, and has clarified how this will affect customers, but some have taken to social media to voice their disappointment

Parkdean has changed the way it grades its accommodation and it has left some customers ‘disappointed’, while others have been left confused by the update.

A number of guests have taken to the Parkdean Resorts Complaint Group on Facebook and shared their experience of booking accommodation with the holiday park operator.

Parkdean’s website explains that its grading system is now based on the size of the accommodation, rather than quality or age, so Bronze, Silver, and Gold run from smallest to largest. There are also ‘Premium’ options in each of these grades.

But some customers have claimed that this is different to how other holiday parks grade their accommodation, which could make it confusing. A member of the Facebook group claimed: “Gold caravans were always more luxurious than silver or bronze and this was reflected in the higher price. This new pricing system is not only confusing but very disappointing if you think you are paying for gold quality and end up with bronze instead.”

A spokesperson for Parkdean Resorts, said: “Guests consistently tell us how much they enjoy staying at our holiday parks, and we’re proud to maintain a strong TripAdvisor rating of 4.2 from more than 12,000 reviews.

“Our accommodation categorisation system was introduced over a year ago to help guests find the holiday experience that best suits their needs. As explained on our website, accommodation is categorised by size rather than quality or age, with premium options available across each size category, offering enhanced features and higher-specification fixtures and fittings.

“All of our accommodation is maintained to high standards, and we remain committed to providing every guest with a great holiday experience.”

But some holidaymakers in the Facebook group are still claiming to be left unhappy with their accommodation. One claimed they “booked a gold van” but felt “very disappointed” at what they felt “can be described as a silver van at best”, alleging that staff on site told them “that the grading system has changed and there is nothing they can do”,

Another claimed they had “booked a gold premium caravan and at best it was a bronze” at Sandy Bay Northumberland. They alleged that when they asked a member of staff they were told “pictures are only for illustration only and the status as in bronze, silver gold or gold premium is on the size of the caravan and not the spec”.

There are other holiday park operators that do grade their accommodation based on facilities rather than size. For example, Haven offers six caravan grades, from Saver to Signature Gold, and while some grades such as Bronze and Silver are around the same size, the latter offers extra features such as an outdoor deck.

Park Holidays also offers four core tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, with bronze described as an “affordable option” while “platinum caravans are crafted to the highest standards and include private decking, en-suite facilities and premium finishes.” There’s no mention of sizing on its website.

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Seven in 10 people asked said they loved camping, rising to 85% of those under 30

Camping is the pitch perfect way to spend a staycation, especially if you are younger, a survey suggests.

Seven in 10 people asked said they loved camping, rising to 85% of those under 30. The top spot is the National Trust’s campsite at Great Langdale beneath Langdale Pikes in the Lake District.

It took 28% of the votes from the 2,000 Brits asked in the poll, with Watermouth Valley in Devon second (19%), followed by Red Squirrel in Glencoe, Scotland, (18%) and Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park on 17%. The Duchess’s Meadow in the Peak District and Cloud Farm in Devon both got 14%.

Nearly a quarter believe Britain is the best place in the world to pitch a tent. The main attractions are reconnecting with nature (45%), spending more time in the UK (44%), enjoying time with family (37%), and saving money (33%).

Other draws include getting away from it all (31%), peace and quiet (29%), the great out-doors (23%), gazing at the stars (21%), and waking to the sound of birdsong (19%).

George Wallis, of Isuzu UK which commissioned the poll, said: “The findings have highlighted some wonderful places in the UK. The UK is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, it’s no surprise loading up and heading somewhere remote remains timeless.”

The UK has an incredible range of places to camp, from national parks to unspoilt coastline, so where should you pitch your tent or drive your motorhome this summer? Research has shown the ultimate spot to enjoy the great outdoors

A ‘Summer on a Shoestring Index’ has been created to show the best-value money places to camp in the upcoming months, and the winning destination has some of the country’s best beaches as well as inexpensive spots to pitch up.

Devon beat competition from Cornwall, the Scottish Highlands, and many other beautiful UK regions to be named the UK’s best-value destination for a campervan staycation this summer.

The index, put together by Camplify UK, took into account factors including the price per day for a caravan pitch, tourist board ratings, nearby activities, and the proximity of inexpensive places to eat. Devon also topped the list thanks to its number of National Trust Properties, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and National Parks, all of which offer inexpensive days out for families.

Camping pitches in Devon can be found for as little as £14 a night, and according to Camplify 85% of campsites in the county offer stays for under £20 a night while still maintaining a rating of at least 8.5. For rural escapes, Dartmoor National Park is an incredible choice, offering untamed open moorland and deep river valleys where wild ponies roam.

Devon destinations include the beach towns of Woolacombe and Croyde, and National Trust sites such as Baggy Point and Lydford Gorge make for inexpensive days out. There’s also the North Devon National Landscape to explore, an area of outstanding natural beauty that includes rocky coves, waterfalls, and soft sand dunes.

A recent ranking of the Best Beaches in Europe for 2026 included three in Devon. These included Woolacombe Beach at number 8, which beat beaches in the Canaries and Portugal to get a top ten ranking. Trebarwith Beach came in at number 17, while Bigbury Beach in South Devon ranked at 23.

Coming second on Camplify’s list was neighbouring county Cornwall, which also has lots of free and inexpensive days out for families. Like Devon, its also known for its spectacular beaches, with some compared to the Caribbean. Kynance Cove on the Lizard Peninsula, as its turquoise waters and white sands could easily be found on a far-flung island.

For outdoorsy breaks, Cornwall is famous for surfing, especially towns such as Newquay whose beaches are considered some of the best in the UK in which to catch a wave.

Rounding off the top three was the Scottish Highlands, the perfect spot for camping among wild scenery, and waking up to views of mountains and glacial valleys. You’ll find plenty of well-equipped campsites in the region, although unlike England, wild camping is legal in Scotland if you’re in a small tent and ensure you leave no trace when you pack up the next day.

Those camping in motorhomes or bringing caravans still need to ensure they book a pitch at a campsite or other designated area. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) offer a stay the night scheme, where self-contained campers can park cheaply overnight in their car parks, with spaces on a first come, first served basis..

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The abandoned Pontins resort in Prestatyn seems to have been left to decay since its closure in November 2023

A beloved entertainment hotspot has been left dormant for years and now looks a far cry from its former glory. Pontins in Prestatyn was once a thriving holiday destination, drawing families in droves with its private beach, swimming pools and children’s play areas. Now, the site sits largely deserted and crumbling, with many residents branding it a significant eyesore.

After over half a century of welcoming guests since it first opened its doors in 1971, the resort shut permanently in November 2023. The closure marked the end of a lengthy era in the town’s story, leaving behind a sprawling site that has since become a stark symbol of its deterioration.

Speculation has been rife in the three years since about its future. Rumours range from plans for a rejuvenated tourism venture to suggestions it may be bulldozed to make way for housing.

Images of the location continue to surface online, revealing boarded-up structures, unkempt grounds and clear signs of decay throughout the former holiday park. Once beaming with holidaymakers, large swathes of the resort now look abandoned, with several buildings visibly crumbling.

At the time, the closure of Pontins sent shockwaves through the entire local community. Britannia Hotels, which owns Pontins, had also shut down its Camber Sands resort in East Sussex.

Local residents previously shared their thoughts on the future of the site with North Wales Live. Among those to speak out was Pete Davis, who runs a cleaning firm that once worked with Pontins.

He said: “It ought to be used for something. I think it should be a holiday camp again. The council could issue a compulsory purchase order (to help that happen).”

A fellow resident shared the same view: “It’s empty and I’d rather it was a holiday camp again. We moved here in 1973 and it was never any trouble to us. I don’t want it knocked down for more houses as I don’t feel there are enough doctors’ surgeries and schools, not enough infrastructure to support them.”

A grandmother and grandson described the site as “decrepit” and an “eyesore”, saying: “It’s quite decrepit and an eyesore for the local community. Something needs to be done. It should be reborn as a holiday camp or used for modern apartments. Something needs to be doing to it otherwise it’s going to become a drug den or a place for fly-tippers.”

Residents aren’t the only ones calling for change at the derelict holiday park. Prestatyn’s Mayor, Cllr Adrian West, added his voice to the chorus, stating: “I want to see the site brought back into some form of productive use again.

“For it just to be lying idle is doing nobody any good. I would not want it used for some sort of industry, given that it’s right next to the waterfront.”

Not everybody is mourning the closure of Pontins, however, with one scathing TripAdvisor reviewer writing: “Thank god this rancid filthy cesspit has shutdown. Awful, worn out and really dirty. and it needed knocking down years ago.”

A further disgruntled visitor declared: “As time has gone by all the rooms are filled with mould, vomit, worse than a dog kennel. It looks like a rubbish dump,” while another pulled no punches, stating: “There are no words to describe how awful this place is. A prison cell would be preferable to the chalet.

“The areas outside are overgrown, potholes in the car park, pavements cracked and overgrown. Concrete on stairs broken, support for stairs rotten, nails sticking out.”

Cabü by the Sea in St Margarets, Kent, is a luxury coastal cabin staycation for city dwellers seeking coastal charm without a long journey – and it’s less than two hours’ drive away

At Cabü by the Sea, baby rabbits hop playfully across the grass. “They’re quite used to us,” our host explains as she guides us towards our cabin.

“But they dig everywhere, so do watch out for burrows.”

It’s a fitting welcome to our time at this wonderfully wholesome retreat. Cabü consists of a grassy expanse dotted with luxurious one, two and three-bedroom cabins, nestled against the sea wall in St Margarets, one of those tranquil coastal villages in Kent’s overlooked corner, where Dungeness extends a languid arm into the English Channel.

Uncomplicated and serene, the atmosphere washes over you the moment you arrive, reports OK!.

Discovering the ideal seaside cabin

This spot is defined by thoughtful touches. The log burner is already stacked and primed to ignite with just one match.

Plush, generously soft towels hang in the bathroom, with striped versions on the upper shelf – designated for beach and pool. In the kitchen, there’s a picnic hamper ready should you wish to prepare something for the shore.

If you’d rather not have to do it yourself, simply order from the onsite shop.

Each designer lodge resembles something plucked straight from the pages of a cabin lifestyle book (I know, because they’ve left a copy beside the kingsize bed). It’s difficult not to instantly embrace the notion that owning a modest cabin of your own could be the solution to life’s pressures. It certainly seems that way while you’re here.

Making the most of your time at Cabü

Cabü is a spot where simple pleasures take centre stage, with a handful of added treats thrown in. There’s a pool (fenced off, so you needn’t fret about little ones wandering), and alongside it sits the sitooerie – a space blending indoors and out, where families can bond over the pizza oven and toast marshmallows side by side.

Without children in tow, we hired our own barbecue, grilled burgers on the decking, and gazed at the stars instead.

There’s also the spa facilities you can reserve by the hour – generous wooden hot tubs, a sauna and an icy plunge pool complete with a bracing bucket shower. Steel yourself and give them all a go – it’s absolutely brilliant.

What to explore in the surrounding area

We left the car untouched throughout our visit, opting instead to borrow bikes for the seven-mile ride to Dungeness (the Fish Roll at the Dungeness Snack Shack is essential), where the 21st Century seems to dissolve amid the stark, post-apocalyptic stretch of shingle and weathered boat hulls. Head the opposite way and Dymchurch (3 miles) offers classic seaside charm with fairground rides, fish and chips and ice cream, plus superb meals at Coffee Lounge.

Can’t manage the distance? Fear not, because there’s an authentic miniature steam railway covering the entire route, with a station just a 10-minute stroll away.

How to book your own cabin getaway

Prices start at £375 for a 2-night break in a studio cabin. Studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom cabins are on offer, including dog-friendly choices and one featuring a private hot tub.

Visit cabu.co.uk or ring 01303 669033.

Expiry dates aren’t the only passport detail holidaymakers need to check before flying – another overlooked rule could derail your travel plans

Preparing for a trip abroad can be stressful enough. From making sure you’ve packed everything you need to checking airport liquid restrictions and ensuring your passport is still valid, there is plenty for holidaymakers to think about before they travel.

However, some holidaymakers could face an unwelcome surprise at check-in even if their document have months to years left before it expires.

This relates to the number of blank pages remaining in a passport. While many people focus on expiry dates, some countries require visitors to have one, two or even more completely blank pages available for entry stamps or visa stickers.

Travel experts warn that passengers who fail to meet these requirements could be denied boarding by airlines or refused entry on arrival.

Airlines are often responsible for ensuring passengers meet a destination’s entry requirements and can face penalties for transporting travellers who do not qualify for entry.

According to travel guidance published by Schengen, some destinations require at least two blank passport pages for visas and border stamps. The guidance warns that airlines may refuse boarding if passengers do not have sufficient space remaining in their passport.

The requirement can catch out frequent travellers whose passports are filled with entry and exit stamps from previous trips. Experts say many people mistakenly assume a passport is suitable for travel provided it remains in date.

For travel to the Schengen Area, for instance, passport rules already require Brits to ensure their passport was issued within the previous 10 years and remains valid for at least three months after their planned departure date. Some guidance also notes that travellers may need at least two blank pages available for visas and stamps where applicable.

A recent travel warning highlighted that a lack of blank pages can become a particular issue for frequent flyers and those taking multi-country trips. Countries may require empty pages for visa stickers, while immigration officials also need room for entry and exit stamps.

Travel experts recommend checking passport validity, issue dates and the number of remaining blank pages well in advance of departure. Unlike an expired passport, extra pages cannot simply be added to a modern British passport, meaning travellers who are running out of space may need to renew the document before travelling.

According to guidance cited by travel experts, some countries require between two and four blank pages depending on the destination and visa requirements. Travellers planning complex itineraries involving multiple countries are therefore advised to check entry rules carefully before travelling.