Haven Holidays, a beloved UK holiday park operator for over 60 years, is set to expand its partnership with Wetherspoons, bringing the popular pub chain to most of its 39 seaside locations. Currently, nine parks already feature a Wetherspoons pub, and the collaboration has proven so successful that CEO Simon Palethorpe aims to extend it across nearly all sites.
CEO's Vision for Expansion
Speaking at Haven's Kent Coast park, home to the newly opened Wetherspoons pub The London Stone, Palethorpe stated: 'I would like to see us growing this concept further across our estate. I definitely think there is an opportunity for the majority of our parks to have a Wetherspoons.' In just two years, Haven has sold one million Wetherspoons pub meals, surpassing initial expectations.
Successful Partnership
Reflecting on the milestone, Palethorpe told the Mirror: 'I could only have dreamed at that point that it would be this successful with our guests as it has been. We are here celebrating a million, but I expect it to be many millions in a couple of years time.' The partnership, which began in 2024, was designed to enhance Haven's food and beverage offerings, with £9 million invested from a broader £14 million upgrade programme.
Haven's Popularity and Recognition
Haven remains a top choice for UK staycations. In 2025, consumer watchdog Which? ranked it mid-table among the best UK holiday parks, outperforming Butlins and Parkdean, and just behind Center Parcs. Its Hopton site in Norfolk was named AA Holiday Park of the Year in 2025, praised for its coastal location and welcoming guest experience.
Guest Reviews
On TripAdvisor, visitors have described their stays as 'absolutely brilliant.' One recent guest at the Kent Coast site commented: 'We are in love and addicted to this place.' Another said they 'loved every minute of our holiday from start to finish.' The Wetherspoons pubs also receive high praise. A family visitor noted: 'We ate at Wetherspoons most days but every time the food was fresh and hot and a great variety. The servers were extremely welcoming and nice to us every time.'
Pubs and Locations
The first Wetherspoons opened in March 2024 at Haven's Primrose Valley Holiday Park in Filey, North Yorkshire. Since then, four more have been added: at Cala Gran in Blackpool, Lakeland in Cumbria, Riviere Sands in Cornwall, and Hopton in Norfolk. Haven has also introduced Burger King restaurants at some sites as part of its food and beverage upgrades.
Accommodation Costs
Prices vary by park and accommodation type. For example, a three-night stay in September for four guests at Hopton, Norfolk, in an Emerald Lodge costs around £459. These 16ft-wide holiday homes include a 40-inch TV in the living room and a 22-inch TV in the main bedroom. Alternatively, larger caravan options, 12ft wide with modern furnishings and decking, are available for just under £250.
Future Outlook
With the partnership thriving, Haven plans to continue expanding its Wetherspoons presence, ensuring even more guests can enjoy affordable pub dining during their seaside breaks.
