Family-Friendly Campsites in the UK and Europe

Family-friendly campsites make touring easy when the kids come too. This guide explains what to look for, then shares the family sites reviewed first-hand.

Why Choose Family-Friendly Campsites?

A good family site keeps everyone happy. The kids have plenty to do, and the adults get a proper break. In addition, you won’t need to drive out every day to find something to do.

However, family sites vary a lot. Some are big holiday parks with pools and evening shows. Others are quieter touring parks with a play area and space to ride bikes. So it helps to know what you want before you book.

Touring with children for the first time? Read the guide on how to tour with children in a caravan. Everything here works for caravans, motorhomes and campervans.

What Family-Friendly Campsites Usually Offer

Swimming Pools

Indoor pools work in any weather, while outdoor pools are a summer treat. Also, some parks have slides, and a few have full water parks.

Play Areas and Soft Play

A safe play area is a must for younger children. Meanwhile, soft play is a lifesaver on a rainy afternoon.

Evening Entertainment

Generally, larger parks often run shows, discos and kids’ clubs. So check the times, as late shows can affect nearby pitches.

Activities

Look for crazy golf, sports courts, bike hire, fishing or arcades. As a result, older children stay busy without leaving the site.

Food and a Shop

An on-site shop saves a trip for milk and bread. Meanwhile, a café or restaurant gives everyone a night off cooking.

Space to Explore

Woodland walks, open fields and nearby beaches all help. Above all, children love room to roam.

How to Choose the Right Family Site

Before you book, run through these questions. They’ll help you find a site that suits your family.

  • How old are the children? Toddlers need a safe play area. On the other hand, teenagers want activities and Wi-Fi.
  • Lively or quiet? Big holiday parks are busy and fun. In contrast, smaller touring parks are calmer.
  • What’s included? Sometimes parks charge extra for pool sessions, entertainment passes or activities.
  • Where is the pitch? Near the play area is handy. However, next to the entertainment venue may be noisy.
  • When is it open? In some cases, pools and clubs run only in peak season.
  • Is the dog coming? Check the dog rules, as some family parks limit numbers or areas.

For more help, see how to choose the right caravan site and how to choose a pitch.

Family-Friendly Campsites Reviewed First-Hand

Caravan Adventuring personally visits every campsite in its official reviews. Of those, these are the ones that stood out for families.

Trevornick Holiday Park, Cornwall

A family-friendly coastal site with a pool, evening entertainment and crazy golf. The review calls it a strong base for a family break in Cornwall.

Sandford Holiday Park, Dorset

Indoor and outdoor pools, soft play, an arcade and kids’ activities. Overall, it suits families who want an activity-filled park holiday.

Seal Bay Resort

A large, lively holiday park near the beach. For example, there are pools, ten-pin bowling, arcades and evening entertainment.

North Shore Holiday Centre, Skegness

A playground, sports areas and an entertainment complex on the Lincolnshire coast. As a result, it worked well as a family base.

Camping Sandaya Riviera d'Azur, France

Six pools, including a water park with slides, plus evening entertainment. Above all, the water park is brilliant for families.

Camping Cypsela Resort, Spain

Several pools, nightly entertainment and coach transfers to the beach on the Costa Brava. Overall, it’s great for families.

Seen by Creators: Cofton Holidays, Devon

Cofton Holidays sits among the hills near Dawlish in south Devon. It has touring pitches for caravans and motorhomes. For families, there’s a heated indoor pool, children’s facilities, entertainment, a high ropes course and fishing lakes.

Caravan Adventuring hasn’t reviewed Cofton yet. However, two Caravan Adventuring creators have stayed and filmed it. So you can watch their videos below and see the site through their eyes.

Find out more on the Cofton Holidays website.

Caravan Trails at Cofton

Touring Marshalls at Cofton

Holiday Park Groups and Clubs Worth a Look

These groups run lots of family-friendly sites. They aren’t reviews, and facilities vary from park to park. So always check the park’s own page before you book.

Haven

Haven has touring pitches across 17 of its UK holiday parks. Better still, tourers can use the pools, restaurants and entertainment. Haven touring and camping.

Parkdean Resorts

Parkdean has touring at its touring and camping parks. Depending on the park, there are pools, play areas and restaurants. Parkdean touring and camping.

Away Resorts

Away Resorts has touring pitches at several parks, including St Ives Bay. For example, that park has an indoor pool, arcade and activities. Away Resorts touring.

The Camping and Caravanning Club

The Club lists family-friendly sites, with play areas and games rooms. In addition, many are near beaches and attractions. Family-friendly Club sites.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club

The UK’s largest touring network. In addition, its website has family holiday ideas. Caravan and Motorhome Club.

Best of British Holiday Parks

A group of independent 5-star holiday parks. Find it, and other groups, on the Campsite Groups page.

Family-Friendly Campsites FAQs

Usually, it’s a mix of things to do and a safe, welcoming feel. That might be a pool, a play area, entertainment or simply lots of space. As a result, the whole family can relax.

Yes, many are. Lots of big holiday parks have touring pitches, and tourers can use the same pools and entertainment. However, check what’s included in the pitch price first.

Some can be, particularly near the entertainment venue in summer. So, if you want a quieter night, ask for a pitch away from the clubhouse.

Often, yes. But rules vary, so check before you book. See the best dog-friendly caravan sites for ideas.

Yes. In fact, most family sites welcome caravans, motorhomes and campervans. Even so, check the pitch size and hook-up if you have a larger van.

Still looking? Ellie can suggest family-friendly campsites that match what you need.

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