Haven Holidays Guests: Don’t Miss These Off-the-Radar Local Finds
You’ve booked your holiday at Haven Holiday Park – awesome! Now it’s time to start planning how to make the most of your time in the area. Sure, the parks have amazing amenities to keep you busy but don’t miss out on the hidden local gems just beyond the park grounds. We’ve got the inside scoop for you on the under-the-radar spots you’ll want to check out. From secluded hiking trails to charming villages to restaurants serving up local specialties, there’s so much to experience if you just know where to look. Follow along in this series as we share our favorite off-the-beaten-path attractions near each Haven location. With these guides in hand, you’ll feel like a local as you explore the surrounding region. The discoveries you make will take your holiday from great to unforgettable!
Exploring the Hidden Gems Near Haven’s Essex Coast Parks
Discover Quaint Villages and Picturesque Countryside
Around Haven Holiday’s Essex Coast parks, you’ll find charming villages and breathtaking countryside vistas. Take a short drive to explore Mersea Island, with winding country lanes, oyster farms, and beaches. Or visit Dedham Vale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with stunning walking trails along the River Stour.
Taste Local Delicacies at Farmer’s Markets and Farm Shops
Essex is home to amazing local food. Check out farmers markets in Colchester, Clacton-on-Sea, or Manningtree for artisanal breads, cheeses, and chutneys. Or stop by a farm shop, like Jimmy’s Farm Shop, for organic meat, eggs, and handmade jams. For a real treat, try Colchester Oysters, cultivated in Mersea Island’s oyster beds since Roman times.
Discover Centuries of History
With a rich history spanning over 2000 years, Essex has many historic attractions to uncover. Visit the remains of St. Peter’s Chapel, a 7th-century wooden chapel, or explore Colchester Castle, the largest keep in England. Or discover the scenic ruins of St. Osyth’s Priory, a 12th-century Augustinian abbey.
Whether you want to explore the picturesque countryside, taste farm-fresh cuisine, discover centuries of history, or all of the above, the hidden gems near Haven’s Essex Coast parks offer memorable adventures for every interest. Get out and explore – you never know what hidden treasures you might find!
Under-the-Radar Activities Near Haven’s Yorkshire Coast Holiday Parks
If you’re staying at one of Haven’s holiday parks along Yorkshire’s scenic coastline, you’re in for a treat. Beyond the parks’ entertainment and amenities, hidden gems are waiting to be discovered.
Picturesque Villages and Quaint Shops
Head inland just a bit and you’ll find postcard-perfect villages like Staithes, Runswick Bay, and Robin Hood’s Bay. Staithes is especially charming with its cobblestone streets, art galleries, and fishing boats bobbing in the harbor. Pop into the quirky shops for unique souvenirs before enjoying fresh seafood at the Cod and Lobster Inn.
Majestic Coastal Walks
For breathtaking views, set out on the Cleveland Way National Trail. This 100-mile path follows dramatic cliffs towering over the sea. Near Haven’s Thornwick Bay Park, a scenic 4-mile stretch will take you past historic Whitby Abbey and the picturesque village of Sandsend.
Steam Train Rides
All aboard the North Yorkshire Moors Railway for a nostalgic ride through stunning countryside. Vintage steam locomotives depart from Pickering and travel through the moors to Whitby, a journey of about 25 miles that lasts over an hour. It’s a highly scenic excursion that both kids and kids-at-heart will love.
With gorgeous landscapes, rich history, and traditional seaside charm, Yorkshire’s coastline has no shortage of hidden gems. Use your Haven holiday as an opportunity to discover the area’s best-kept secrets. You’ll return home feeling like you’ve experienced the authentic spirit of this breathtaking region.
Haven Holidays Guests: Top Local Finds Near Your Haven Holiday Park
Picturesque Portreath Village
Just a 15-minute drive from Haven Perran Sands is the charming village of Portreath. This quaint former mining village is home to a scenic harbor, sandy beach, and historic architecture like the Portreath Arms Inn which has been an inn since 1640. Enjoy a pint with the locals, then stroll along the harbor walk and watch the sunset over the ocean.
Tehidy Country Park
If you’re staying at Haven Park Dean or Haven Harlyn Bay, Tehidy Country Park is a perfect escape into nature just a few miles away. This 250-acre woodland park has scenic trails for walking and cycling, as well as spots for picnicking by a lake. Climb to the top of the park’s highest point, Carn Brea, for panoramic views of the sea and surrounding countryside. The park is also home to the remains of Tehidy House, a grand manor house that was mostly demolished in the early 1900s.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
One of Cornwall’s top attractions, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, is only a 30-minute drive from Haven Riviere Sands. This enchanting garden was lost for decades before being rediscovered and restored in the 1990s. Stroll through exotic jungle valleys, a walled flower garden, and a working kitchen garden. The gardens are also home to a giant’s face hedge maze, a rope bridge, and a Burmese python named Monty. Plan to spend at least half a day exploring all the gardens have to offer.
Porthcurno Beach and Telegraph Museum
If you’re staying at Haven Porthcurno Beach, the beach and museum right next door should be at the top of your list. Porthcurno Beach is one of Cornwall’s finest beaches with soft white sand and turquoise waters. At the Porthcurno Telegraph Museum, learn how Porthcurno became the hub for international telecommunications in the 19th century. The museum is located in historic cable huts used to house telegraph equipment that connected Britain to its colonies. Finish your visit with a drink at the cafe overlooking the beach.
