Over the past decade, staycations across the United Kingdom have transformed from simple backup options into preferred holiday choices for millions of families, couples, and group travelers. Modern UK staycationers expect high-quality accommodations, varied entertainment options, scenic locations, and excellent value for money. Among the leading players in the UK holiday park industry, Away Resorts has carved out a unique space by delivering staycations that blend traditional seaside charm with modern, quirky, and boutique luxury experiences.
Whether you are looking for a classic coastal getaway, a serene woodland retreat, or an action-packed family break filled with swimming and entertainment, choosing the right holiday park operator is essential. This comprehensive, unbiased review explores everything you need to know about Away Resorts in 2026. From park locations and accommodation types to dining options, pricing, customer service, and direct comparisons with competitors, this guide provides an in-depth evaluation to help you decide if Away Resorts is the right fit for your next UK holiday.
What is Away Resorts?
Away Resorts is a prominent UK-based holiday park operator known for offering vibrant, versatile, and well-equipped staycation destinations across England, Wales, and Scotland. Unlike traditional holiday park brands that adhere strictly to standardized caravan layouts, Away Resorts focuses on modernizing the staycation experience.
The company blends classic UK park traditions—such as evening entertainment shows, indoor swimming pools, and arcade fun—with modern luxuries, including private hot tubs, boutique glamping units, stylish lodges, and contemporary dining venues. Their ethos centers on creating memorable experiences for all age groups, catering equally to multi-generational families, pet owners, romantic couples, and group travelers.
Away Resorts Overview
Founded in 2008 by Carl Castledine, Away Resorts set out to reinvent the British holiday park experience. Recognizing that modern travelers wanted cleaner, more stylish, and fun-filled holiday environments, the company steadily acquired and upgraded high-potential coastal and countryside parks across Great Britain.
Today, Away Resorts operates a growing portfolio of over 20 unique holiday parks. Over the years, the company has invested heavily in infrastructure upgrades, premium accommodation developments, and enhanced food and beverage offerings. Headquartered in Hemel Hempstead, UK, Away Resorts has established itself as one of the fastest-growing and most forward-thinking holiday park chains in the country, maintaining a strong focus on customer satisfaction, location diversity, and accessible luxury.
Away Resorts Holiday Parks & Destinations
Away Resorts operates destinations strategically positioned near major national parks, famous coastlines, and picturesque countryside areas. Each park possesses its own distinct personality, catering to different styles of holidays:
- Tattershall Lakes (Lincolnshire): One of Away Resorts’ flagship destinations, famous for its expansive lakes, jet-skiing, water sports, aqua park, and outdoor cinema experiences.
- Whitecliff Bay (Isle of Wight): Situated atop stunning cliffs with direct access to a secluded beach, making it ideal for coastal lovers and classic seaside holidays.
- Sandy Balls Holiday Village (New Forest, Hampshire): A picturesque woodland park tucked away inside the famous New Forest National Park, offering alpaca walks, woodland cycling, and cozy lodge stays.
- Retallack Resort & Spa (Cornwall): A luxury-focused resort featuring modern water sports, an aqua park, a full-service spa, and high-end lakeside accommodation options near Cornwall’s best beaches.
- St Ives Holiday Village (Cornwall): Nestled in a quiet woodland setting close to the artistic and coastal hub of St Ives.
- Barmouth Bay (Snowdonia/Eryri, Wales): Offers a rare combination of mountain views and direct sandy beach access, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts exploring North Wales.
- Piperdam (Scotland): Set in beautiful Scottish countryside, featuring golf facilities, fishing lakes, and luxury spa lodge options.
- Cleethorpes Pearl (Lincolnshire), Mersea Island (Essex), and Golden Sands (Rhayader, Wales): Smaller, tranquil parks suited for relaxed, slow-paced breaks.
Accommodation Options at Away Resorts
One of the standout attributes of Away Resorts is the diversity and quality of its accommodation options. Rather than offering basic, uniform stays, Away Resorts categorizes its properties to suit every taste and budget:
1. Caravans
- Value & Comfort Caravans: Great for budget-conscious travelers, offering fully equipped kitchens, comfortable living areas, heating, and TV setups.
- Luxury Caravans: Wider, highly modernized caravans featuring stylish interior decor, double glazing, central heating, master bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, and spacious outdoor verandas.
2. Lodges & Exclusive Units
- Luxury Lodges: Expansive wooden lodges featuring open-plan living rooms, full modern kitchens, private sun decks, and high-end furnishings.
- Hot Tub Lodges: Many luxury lodges come equipped with private, outdoor heated hot tubs on the deck—a signature offering across Away Resorts locations.
- The Barn & The Beach House Collections: Premium, architecturally designed holiday homes offering contemporary luxury styling, perfect for special occasions.
3. Quirky & Glamping Accommodations
- Rockley & Esme Units: Retro and boutique-styled holiday units customized with vibrant colors and fun design elements.
- Glamping Tents & Safari Tents: Canvas glamping stays providing an authentic outdoor adventure experience without sacrificing comfortable beds, lighting, and cooking spaces.
4. Camping & Touring Pitches
Selected parks (such as Sandy Balls and Whitecliff Bay) offer fully serviced grass and hardstanding pitches for campervans, motorhomes, and traditional tents, supported by clean shower facilities and utility blocks.
Key Features of Away Resorts Explained
Away Resorts separates itself from traditional holiday providers through several key features:
- Hot Tub Availability: A vast percentage of lodges and top-tier caravans across their parks can be booked with private outdoor hot tubs, maintained daily by on-site teams.
- Pet-Friendly Policies: Almost all locations feature dedicated dog-friendly accommodations, allowing guests to holiday alongside their pets without compromising on room quality.
- Flexible Stays: Guests can book mid-week breaks (Monday–Friday), weekend getaways (Friday–Monday), or full week-long stays.
- Digital Convenience: The Away Resorts Guest App allows visitors to check in digitally, view activity schedules, book restaurant tables, and order food directly to their outdoor deck or table.
Activities & Entertainment
Away Resorts places a strong emphasis on providing activities that keep children entertained while giving adults opportunities to relax:
Outdoor & Water Adventure
- Aqua Parks & Water Sports: Locations like Tattershall Lakes and Retallack Resort feature large inflatable obstacle courses on water, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, and jet-skiing.
- Target Sports & Archery: Supervised archery, laser tag, and target shooting sessions for children and adults.
- High Ropes & Zip Lines: Aerial adventure courses designed for thrill-seekers.
Kids & Family Activities
- Craft workshops, pottery painting, slime-making, and fairytale-themed events for younger children.
- Outdoor cinema screenings under the stars during summer months.
- Playgrounds, bike hire, and woodland nature trails.
Evening Entertainment
- The Away Resorts Theatre Troupe: Live stage productions, musical performances, and pantomimes.
- Guest Acts: Live bands, solo vocalists, comedians, and tribute acts.
- Family Game Shows & Quizzes: Interactive evening bingo, quizzes, and kids’ disco hours inside main entertainment complexes.
Swimming Pools, Splashpads & On-Site Facilities
Water facilities are a central feature of most Away Resorts locations:
- Indoor Heated Pools: Clean, fully lifeguarded indoor pools available year-round for leisure swimming, aqua-fit classes, and water aerobics.
- Outdoor Pools & Lido Areas: Heated seasonal outdoor pools equipped with sun loungers, ideal for summer staycations.
- Splashpads & Water Play Zones: Interactive shallow-water zones featuring tipping buckets, water jets, and small slides for toddlers and young children.
- Gyms & Spas: Premier parks like Retallack Resort and Piperdam offer fully equipped fitness centers, steam rooms, saunas, and treatment rooms offering massages and facials.
Food & Dining Options
Dining at Away Resorts focuses on relaxed family meals, high-quality pub classics, and quick grab-and-go options:
- The BAR & Eatery / Culinary Alpaca: The central family restaurant concept found across most parks, serving burgers, wood-fired pizzas, fish and chips, steaks, salads, and kid-friendly menus.
- Outdoor Food Trucks & Pop-Ups: Summer pop-up stalls selling wood-fired pizzas, ice cream, churros, and craft beers near pool and entertainment zones.
- On-Site Convenience Stores: Stocked with everyday essentials, groceries, local produce, bakery goods, and holiday souvenirs.
- Self-Catering Facilities: All accommodation types feature comprehensive self-catering facilities, including cookers, ovens, microwaves, fridges, and essential kitchenware.
Family, Couples, Dog-Friendly & Accessible Holidays
Family Holidays
Away Resorts is built with families in mind. Safe environments, dedicated kids’ clubs, daytime crafts, splash zones, and high chairs across restaurants ensure hassle-free travel for parents traveling with infants, toddlers, or teenagers.
Couples & Romantic Breaks
While family-friendly, parks like Sandy Balls, Retallack, and Barmouth Bay offer peaceful woodland or lakeside settings. Private hot tub lodges, couples’ spa treatments, and quiet scenic trails make it an appealing option for romantic weekend getaways.
Dog-Friendly Holidays
Away Resorts is widely recognized as one of the UK’s most dog-friendly operators. Dogs are allowed in designated caravans, lodges, and outdoor patio dining areas. Many parks also feature dedicated dog wash stations and scenic walking trails.
Accessible Holidays
Away Resorts provides specially adapted accommodations equipped with ramp access, wider doorways, roll-in wet rooms, lowered kitchen counters, and grab rails to support guests with mobility requirements. Accessible parking options are also available near main venues.
Booking Process
Booking a stay through the official website (awayresorts.co.uk) is straightforward and user-friendly:
- Search & Filter: Enter your preferred destination, travel dates, party size, and specific filters (e.g., hot tub, dog-friendly, accessible).
- Choose Accommodation Grade: Select your preferred accommodation level, from budget caravans to top-tier luxury lodges.
- Add Extras: Customize your stay by adding late checkout, pet fees, activity passes, or towel/linen upgrades.
- Payment: Secure your booking with a low initial deposit, with the remaining balance spread out or paid closer to the check-in date.
Away Resorts Pricing & Holiday Deals
Away Resorts offers tier-based pricing dependent on location, seasonality, and accommodation type:
- Off-Peak Breaks (Autumn/Winter/Early Spring): Short midweek stays can start as low as £99–£180 for standard caravans.
- Peak Season (Summer Holidays & Bank Holidays): Prices for premium hot tub lodges during peak July/August periods can range from £800 to £1,800+ per week.
- Deals & Discounts: Away Resorts frequently runs seasonal sales, early-bird booking discounts, NHS/service worker discounts, and last-minute weekend special offers.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Accommodation Variety: Highly unique units ranging from retro caravans to high-end spa lodges with private hot tubs.
- Top Locations: Prime coastal, woodland, and lake settings near major UK tourist attractions.
- Water Sports & Activities: Outstanding facilities like aqua parks, jet-skiing, high ropes, and indoor swimming.
- Pet-Friendly: Excellent facilities and accommodation choices for dog owners.
- Modern Technology: Smooth check-in, app-based food ordering, and clear digital communication.
Cons
- Peak Season Pricing: High-demand summer weeks can become expensive for premium lodges.
- Activity Costs: Certain specialized activities (e.g., water sports, archery, pottery painting) require extra payments beyond the base booking.
- Variable Park Sizes: Smaller parks offer fewer facilities compared to massive destinations like Tattershall Lakes or Sandy Balls.
User Experience
The overall customer experience at Away Resorts is designed to be modern and low-stress. From arrival, contactless check-in systems and clear park signposting help guests settle quickly. The park spaces are generally well-maintained, landscaped, and organized into quiet residential-style zones separated from active entertainment hub spots. The use of their dedicated mobile application enhances the overall stay, allowing guests to manage schedules without waiting in physical queues.
Safety, Trustworthiness & Customer Service
Away Resorts maintains high standards across safety and guest support:
- Safety: Swimming pools and water sport lakes are monitored by certified lifeguards. Nighttime security patrols ensure quiet hours are respected across accommodation grounds.
- Cleanliness: Accommodations undergo strict cleaning protocols before guest check-in.
- Customer Support: On-site Guest Services teams handle inquiries, maintenance requests, and local recommendations. Online customer service handles cancellations, date adjustments, and booking amendments efficiently.
Away Resorts vs Competitors
| Feature / Brand | Away Resorts | Haven | Parkdean Resorts | Butlin’s | Center Parcs |
| Vibe / Style | Boutique, modern, quirky | Classic family coastal | Traditional UK park break | High-energy entertainment | Deep woodland nature retreat |
| Hot Tub Availability | Extensive options across parks | Limited | Selected locations | Very limited | Exclusive executive lodges |
| Water Sports | Excellent (Lakes, Jet Ski, Aqua Parks) | Standard pools & slides | Standard pools | Indoor splash worlds | Subtropical Swimming Paradise |
| Dog Friendliness | Very High | High | High | Restricted | Moderate |
| Price Point | Mid to High-End Luxury | Budget to Mid-Range | Budget to Mid-Range | Mid-Range | High-End Premium |
Who Should Use Away Resorts?
Away Resorts is ideal for:
- Families seeking modern, active staycations with entertainment, pools, and adventure sports.
- Couples looking for romantic woodland or seaside getaways featuring luxury hot tub lodges.
- Dog Owners who want quality accommodations without being restricted to low-tier rooms.
- Group Travelers planning celebrations, reunions, or special events in multi-bedroom lodges.
Expert Verdict
Away Resorts successfully elevates the traditional British holiday park model. By investing in quirky accommodation designs, top-tier hot tub lodges, high-octane water activities, and elevated food options, it bridge the gap between classic caravan holidays and expensive luxury resorts. While peak summer pricing and additional activity costs require sensible budgeting, the overall quality, clean settings, and diversity of locations make Away Resorts well worth booking for a UK holiday break in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are towels and bed linen provided at Away Resorts?
Bed linen is provided across all accommodation tiers. Towels are usually included in luxury lodges and exclusive units, but guests booking standard or value caravans may need to bring their own or purchase a towel bundle add-on during booking.
Is Wi-Fi available at the holiday parks?
Yes, free basic Wi-Fi is accessible across main entertainment venues and most accommodations. Upgraded high-speed Wi-Fi packages may be available for streaming or remote work needs depending on the park.
Can I bring my dog to Away Resorts?
Yes, Away Resorts is exceptionally pet-friendly. Designated dog-friendly options are available across caravans, lodges, and glamping units. Up to two dogs are generally permitted per accommodation for a small additional fee.
What time is check-in and check-out?
Standard check-in typically begins between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM depending on the accommodation grade, while check-out is generally by 10:00 AM on the morning of departure. Early check-in options can be added to your booking.
Are swimming pool sessions free of charge?
Yes, access to standard indoor and outdoor swimming pools is included with your holiday park booking pass. However, specialized water activities like aqua park inflatables, jet-skiing, or scuba trials carry separate booking charges.
Final Conclusion
If you are planning a UK staycation that balances outdoor fun, stylish accommodation, excellent facilities, and high accommodation standards, Away Resorts stands out as one of the premier choices in the UK holiday market. Whether you want to relax in a private hot tub under the trees at Sandy Balls, ride the waves at Retallack Resort, or enjoy lakeside activities at Tattershall Lakes, Away Resorts delivers a modern, memorable, and enjoyable staycation experience for guests of all ages.
