The caravan holiday checklist: Your essential guide to packing

At Haven sites the bed linen is included as standard. Not only does having bed linen included mean one less thing to pack, but more importantly all the beds will all be made up when you arrive. Towels are only included in our Silver, Gold and Signature caravans, so we’ll remind you to bring these later on. 

You can hire all the essentials for tots that are too cumbersome to take in the car such as:

• highchairs

• pushchairs

• cots (mattress not included)

• bed guards

If you are in a Saver or Bronze caravan, then towels can be hired at a surcharge, subject to availability. Our bales contain four bath and two hand towels for your stay.

We have a large range of hire goods available if it's not possible to squeeze everything in your car or if anything is forgotten that varies by park - call us to hear the full list*. For anything you do forget, we have shops and services on park for all your needs.

*A refundable hire goods deposit of £10 applies when you hire items. The price of items may be subject to change.

Even if you eat out for dinner or get takeaways every night you’ll still be in the kitchen for the odd meal. While our kitchens contain a fridge, microwave, hob, oven, kettle and toaster as well as most utensils, you’ll want to bring these extras:

• Washing-up bits: cloth/sponge, washing-up liquid and hand wash

• Tea towels

• Oven gloves

• Kitchen roll

• Kitchen foil to wrap and store food

• Plastic plates, cups and cutlery if you have young children and don’t want things getting broken

There are of course restaurants on site but half the fun of a static caravan holiday is preparing your own meals, to do this you may want to bring some staples.

• Tea bags/coffee

• Squash

• Salt & pepper

• Tomato sauce and other condiments

• Cooking oil

• Your favourite tasty treats (for you, the kids and maybe even the dog)

• All the above are available in our on-site Mini Market if you do happen to need anything

Some basic bathroom utilities will be one of the things to take on every caravan holiday.

• Hand soap (you might like to bring more than one if there are two bathrooms in your accommodation)

• Towels (towels will be supplied in Silver, Gold and Signature models)

• Cosmetics

• Toilet rolls, toiletries, and a bathmat

• Hairdryer (a hairdryer will be supplied in Silver, Gold and Signature models)

• SPF 30 (or higher sun screen) - a waterproof sunscreen is better, even if you are not swimming, as it protects you better if you sweat.  Remember, to apply the sunscreen 20-30 minutes before going outside, and at least every 2 hours (if you swim or sweat a lot, use it more often). 

Alongside your ordinary clothes there are several other items you make want to take.

• Comfortable shoes for exploring

• Outdoor clothes

• Sunglasses

• Wellies or flip flops depending on your location and the weather!

• Waterproofs

• Nightwear

If you are planning on going to the beach or have pre-booked a swimming slot in one of our pools, here are some items you might want to bring:

• Swimwear - swimming costumes/trunks

• Goggles, armbands, inflatables

• Swimming towels

• Floats and swimming nappies for little ones

• £1/trolley coin to keep your items safe in our pool lockers (subject to park and availability)

• A spare bag for your wet clothes

Each of our on-park swimming pools also has a shop area, where you can stock up on any swimming must-haves. Think goggles, floats, inflatables and armbands. We also stock the re-usable Happy Nappy, which replaces disposable swim nappies.

Many of our activities can take place whatever the weather, so here are a few recommendations of what to bring:

• Pack a pair of trainers or shoes that can attach to the feet. Crocs, heels and sandals are not suitable for many of our activities

• You'll need a pair of socks for our soft play areas and sessions such as Bounce & Play and Bungee Trampoline

• Pack clothes that you don't mind getting dirty and are suitable for the conditions outside

• Clothing with room and no bits that could catch

• Hair ties

• Waterproofs

• Planning on going fishing? Please remember your rod licence. We do not provide rods and equipment, so please remember to bring your own

• Planning on playing golf? Club hire is often included but you may want to bring your own

Everyone looks forward to a sun-kissed holiday, but it's important to stay safe in the sun. The British Skin Foundation outline some key items you should pack to protect yourself in sunny conditions.

For more information about how to stay safe in the sun, including sun safety advice for parents, visit the British Skin Foundation's website.

This list of items will keep you entertained in the caravan whatever time of the day you happen to be indoors.

• Electrical devices such as iPads for playing music and games

• Chargers for all your electrical devices

• A night light if your children don't like pitch black rooms 

• Board games

• Toys

• DVDs (a DVD player is included in your accommodation if you’ve booked a Silver or Gold caravan, any of our Lodges, Comfort Plus or Premier chalet, or Comfort with veranda apartment)