An online travel expert has uncovered what could be the most affordable holiday in the UK, with a price tag of just £6.60 per person per night. The discovery was made by Steven, who runs the YouTube channel Beachlife and Beyond, during a three-night stay at the Haven Kent Coast Caravan Park.
First Impressions of the Budget Caravan
Steven's off-peak getaway began with "absolutely awful" weather, but his spirits remained high. Upon arrival, he found the caravan to be immaculately clean, creating a positive initial impression. The accommodation was well-equipped, featuring a decent-sized television and, in a surprising twist, not one but two microwaves. He was also impressed to find a dishwasher, which he noted was a first for a 'Bronze' grade caravan.
However, the comfort of the sofa-bed was a notable drawback. Steven advised potential visitors, "I recommend... bring your own duvet cover and sleep on top of that. Otherwise the poor sod who ends up lying on this is going to have a really bad back." When he raised the issue, the Haven staff were quick to provide extra bedding.
Navigating the On-Site Amenities and Hidden Costs
The park itself is huge, boasting a range of facilities including two licensed bars, a fish and chip restaurant, a Papa John's, and a Burger King that offers delivery to caravans. For entertainment, there's bingo and two sizeable amusement arcades.
A crucial point for visitors to understand is the requirement for a Haven 'Play Pass' to access most of these amenities. Without one, Steven warned, you are "effectively banned from the rest of the site." He humorously added, "They've got 'Gandalf' on the door stopping you getting into anything." While there is an on-site supermarket, Steven found the prices to be steep and opted for a half-hour drive to an Aldi in Rochester for his weekly shop.
The Holiday's Hiccups and Final Verdict
The stay was not without its problems. The caravan grew cold in the dismal weather, and a more significant issue arose with the shower, whose temperature dial was jammed on the coldest setting, forcing Steven to boil kettle water for washing. Haven responded swiftly, sending a security guard and arranging for a plumber, though the issue could not be fixed immediately. On the third day, the site experienced a temporary power outage.
Despite these challenges, Steven was overwhelmingly positive about the value for money. The total cost for five people for three nights was £99, working out to just £20 per person for the entire stay, or £6.60 per night. He noted that without the entertainment passes, the cost would have been an even more astonishing £4 per person per night.
His final assessment? For a incredibly cheap UK holiday that's just an hour from London, the Kent Coast Caravan Park offers remarkable value, provided you come prepared with your own entertainment and are aware of the additional costs for on-site activities.
