During the second week of the summer break, my family and I explored the popular Hopton Haven holiday park, and I’m eager to share our experiences.
Hopton Haven markets itself as a family-friendly getaway on the Norfolk Coast, featuring two swimming pools, a wide range of activities, and direct access to the beach. It draws families seeking a lively vacation atmosphere. Since our previous holidays didn’t emphasize entertainment or child-centered options, my young children, aged two and five, were genuinely thrilled. As newcomers to caravan parks, we were eager to see what it had to offer.
Before embarking on our journey, we were advised to download the ‘Haven app’, which serves as a comprehensive tool for all information related to our holiday. It is intuitive, visually appealing, and significantly enhances the vacation experience. Through the app, we could effortlessly book activities, reserve dining, order meals, and find essential details about our stay.
Arrival and Registration
The check-in and registration process was both quick and smooth. Upon our arrival, the staff took note of our vehicle’s license plate, and after a swift name confirmation, we were guided to our caravan without needing to exit the car!
Once settled in, we received our activity passes, which allowed access to restaurants, entertainment, and various facilities. It’s important to carry these passes, as they are necessary for entry into many areas. Although the passes added an extra cost to our reservation, they proved invaluable, particularly for taking part in the complimentary activities. The schedule was brimming with meet-and-greet sessions, craft activities, and events led by the ‘Seaside Squad’, all included in the pass and perfect for younger children.
Lodging
Arriving at our Gold Caravan, the premier option at the park, we noticed the balconies of neighboring caravans were quite close, raising some initial concerns about privacy—especially since the standout luxury of the Gold caravans is the spacious wrap-around balcony.
Inside, we were pleasantly surprised by the cleanliness, amenities, and overall layout. The living room boasted plush carpeting and comfortable sofas, while the bedrooms featured cozy beds dressed in high-quality linens. The kitchen was stylish, modern, and fully equipped. Following the packing guidelines outlined on the Haven website ensured a hassle-free self-catering experience.
Staying in the Gold Caravan elevated our overall experience significantly. The inclusion of an extra bathroom, hairdryer, and towels was a major plus. Well-placed privacy curtains helped alleviate our concerns about being overlooked.
We enjoyed beautiful weather throughout our visit, and despite the absence of air conditioning, the caravan remained airy and comfortable. The numerous windows, including ceiling windows and large sliding doors that opened onto the balcony, created a delightful atmosphere. The ability to open windows for fresh air while maintaining security was an added bonus. The caravans’ surroundings, with well-kept lawns and shrubs for privacy, enhanced the setting.
Facilities and Leisure
On our first evening, we dined at The Garden House, the on-site restaurant that I had reserved in advance. Unfortunately, our excitement dwindled when we were presented with sticky menus that raised concerns about the meal quality. The food was unappetizing and visually lacking.
We sampled a range of items, including starters, mains, and selections from the children’s menu, all presented haphazardly. Even though the menu featured various vegan and vegetarian options, the dishes were poorly seasoned, and the fries were soggy. Nachos came drenched in cheese sauce with dips placed on the side, and the ingredient quality and presentation fell short of expectations. While the staff was friendly and service adequate, the dining experience did not meet our hopes.
We also tried takeaway pizza from Papa John’s, which was a slight improvement over the restaurant offerings but still below our expectations. Enjoying the pizza at one of the beachside picnic areas with views of the sea helped salvage the experience. Enhancing the food quality and presentation is essential for us to consider dining there again.
The bar and restaurant were open throughout the day, serving Costa Coffee and cold drinks, though the service varied among staff members, suggesting inconsistent training, especially in preparing hot beverages. Better preparation for peak times could resolve these issues effectively.
These hiccups may be addressed by the summer’s end.
Hopton features both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, the latter looking more impressive in photos. The indoor pool is particularly suited for children, featuring a slide and a toddler pool, while the outdoor pool attracted mostly adults and older kids, providing ample space. Even with the wonderful weather, one could still enjoy the abundance of indoor activities during a rainy stay. A reservation system for the pools prevents overcrowding, and we found that each area felt spacious enough during our visit.
Since our trip was spontaneous, we worried about securing spots for certain activities that could be booked up to 12 weeks in advance. Thankfully, we were able to inquire on-site, and they made efforts to accommodate us.
We participated in a variety of activities offered, all easily accessible through the app, which clearly indicated suitable age groups. Each activity was thoughtfully organized, enjoyable, and worth the cost, ranging from free to £22 per child. The staff’s friendliness added to our experience, and I was pleasantly surprised by the small group sizes, even during peak summer.
We took part in the Seaside Squad’s Make-A-Bear Party, Inflatable Arena, Dinosaur Fossil Adventures, and Magical Makers and Balloon Modelling. The Magical Makers activity became our favorite, keeping the kids engaged for hours with their take-home kits—a truly wonderful family experience.
Less expensive activities appeared to sell out quickly, but if that happens, there are numerous options available on-site that don’t require pre-booking.
Direct beach access at Hopton Haven was another highlight of our stay. The beach was stunning, with various pathways leading to the water. I highly recommend bringing beach toys, but if you forget, there’s a mini supermarket on-site that sells them. Although the main play area in the Activities center was somewhat modest and a bit worn, exploring the many other play spaces within the park was worthwhile. We found delightful play areas shaded by trees and enjoyed the varied landscapes throughout the park.
The site remained clean, well-maintained, and safe. We encountered a minor issue outside our caravan, and after a quick call, someone promptly came to resolve it, even after regular hours. The staff were eager to help and took the time to provide detailed assistance.
Final assessment
In summary, Hopton Haven offers a fantastic family getaway. With plentiful entertainment for kids, parents can truly relax, and our family left feeling refreshed and content after our stay.
To make the most of your visit, I recommend bypassing the dining options on-site and instead investing your budget into the activities, as they were all exceptionally enjoyable.
