Head for a caravan holiday park this autumn for a nostalgic family break

A recent survey by the Hilton Group* found that 58% of parents are eager to recreate their own childhood holidays when planning for 2025. For many Brits, this means returning to classic holiday parks, whether that’s pitching a tent, parking up a caravan or motorhome, or embracing modern glamping options.

Understandably popular during the peak summer months, autumn is also a great time for a retro stay in a static caravan that offers all of the holiday park atmosphere and amenities without the crowds or the need to worry about the weather.

Dan Yates, founder of the UK’s leading outdoor accommodation platform Pitchup.com and someone who grew up on a holiday park in Devon, says: 

“Caravan holidays are a fantastic choice for families, offering the freedom of the great outdoors, space to explore and precious time together without the usual distractions. They’re more flexible than traditional seven-night package deals and far more affordable, leaving room in the budget for a few extra treats!”

Here are Pitchup’s top holiday park picks across the country to stay at this autumn, including some that still have availability for half-term at the end of October. 

Nolton Cross Caravan Park, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Pembrokeshire has plenty of pretty places to visit, and one of the county’s finest gems is St Brides Bay, a stunning stretch of coastline between Skomer and Ramsey islands. It’s part of the breathtaking Pembrokeshire Coast Path, with a few Sites of Special Scientific Interest to explore along the way.

Just a mile and a half inland from the charming hamlet of Nolton Haven sits Nolton Cross Caravan Park, nestled in open countryside on a working farm. It’s the ideal spot for a family holiday – with plenty of space for the kids to enjoy ball games and a centrally located play area. For those seeking some quiet time, head to the coarse fishing lake, just 500 metres away, offering peaceful views of the Preseli Hills.

If you’re looking to explore the surrounding area, Pembrokeshire is brimming with attractions. There is the breathtaking Pembrokeshire Coast Path, where you can embark on scenic walks, or visit Skomer Island, home to diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. The historic town of Tenby is also nearby, with its charming streets, vibrant shops and beaches, all perfect for a family day out.

Feeling peckish after all that fresh air? Owners Emily and Simon run an on-site farm shop following a “gate to plate” philosophy, offering home-reared beef and other local produce with low food miles – perfect for a hearty meal with a side of stunning views.

Price: Gold 2 bedroom static caravan, sleeps up to six people, from £240 per stay (3-night minimum stay). Book: pitchup.com (open til end November). 

The Pepper Pot Caravan Park, Gloucestershire

This spacious, quiet park in Gloucestershire is ideal for families looking to immerse themselves in nature as the leaves turn this autumn, as it is located close to Slimbridge Wildfowl Trust and Green and the River Severn Estuary, and ten miles from the National Arboretum at Westonbirt. It’s also a fantastic choice for foodies, as the Pepperpot country pub next door is well-known for its home-cooked fare, including a tailored children’s menu. 

Three-bedroom static caravans include one double and two single bedrooms, with shower-room and toilet plus a fully-equipped kitchen. Each caravan has its own plot with room for a car and leafy surrounds including privacy hedges.

With just five static caravans and 25 other pitches, the atmosphere is calm and quiet though there’s plenty to do in the local area to keep younger guests busy including the Pumpkin Patch at Cattle Country Farm Park just six minutes away. The Forest of Dean is less than an hour’s drive, where attractions including Puzzlewood and Clearwell Caves await, as well as canoeing or kayaking along the River Wye.

Around 2.5 hours west of London, within ten minutes of Junction 13/14 of the M5, it’s a great stop-off for those heading on to South Wales or further down towards Devon and Cornwall this October.

Price: 3-bedroom static caravan and up to four people from £100 per night. 

Book: pitchup.com (open all year)

Rockley Park Holiday Homes, Dorset

On the ancient Jurassic Coast, this thoroughly modern holiday park is packed with activities, entertainment and amenities – not least direct access to the beach. From the indoor swimming pool (with waterslides) to a climbing wall and abseiling, via tennis, basketball and miniature golf, as well as play areas, fishing and bicycle hire, this is a one-stop-shop for a fun-filled short break. 

When it’s time to rest and refuel there are four restaurants and takeaways to choose from as well as a beach cafe and on-site shop, for relaxing meals overlooking Poole Harbour. Contemporary static caravans are light and bright with all mod cons, and well-positioned to make the most of the sea views. 

There are plenty of options for day trips, with Poole itself just ten minutes’ drive away, glitzy Sandbanks around 25 minutes, and natural wonders like Durdle Door at Lulworth Cove 40 minutes away. Head inland to enjoy local attractions like Monkey World, Paulton’s Park and Peppa Pig World, all within an hour of the site. 

For more wholesome activities in keeping with the vintage vibe, try hunting for fossils at Kimmeridge Bay or Charmouth, or head to the Museum of Jurassic Marine Life (also at Kimmeridge) for examples of previous finds. 

At around 2.5 hours’ drive from west London this is one of the most accessible parts of the South West, as well as one of the UK’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and offers a great opportunity to fill little brains with science and history as well as holiday fun.

Price: Two-bedroom Daffodil static caravan and up to four people from £173 per stay (3-night minimum). Book: pitchup.com (open til end December). 

Castaways Holiday Park , Norfolk

Enjoy beachfront bliss at this holiday park on the Norfolk coast, with direct access to the sand and views out over the sea. 

Accommodation options include 2- and 3-bedroomed statics, as well as larger contemporary lodges. Each unit has its own toilet and bathroom facilities as well as fully-equipped kitchens. 

There are plenty of amenities on site including a shop and restaurant with bar at the Cliff Top Inn, a secure play area and arcade-style games room with air hockey, video games and grab machines. 

For seaside strolls, just follow the path that runs along the coast to nearby Mundesley (two miles) or Walcott (a mile and a half); there are several spots to stop for ice cream en route. 

This part of the world is known as the Deep History Coast, as it includes West Runton, where the UK’s biggest mammoth skeleton remains were found in 1990 and fossils are still uncovered on a daily basis. Download the mobile app and find the 11 Discovery Points along the 36km route, complete with guidance from a hominin family, AI prehistoric animals and a fossil identification tool.

Traditional seaside town Cromer (25 minutes drive) has seaside attractions in spades: the pier hosts tribute acts and quiz nights and is a great place to try your hand at crabbing and pick up fantastic fish and chips. The Lighthouse Inn at Walcott (6 minutes’ drive) is a long-established family favourite with a menu including plenty of fresh locally caught fish and seafood. 

At around 2.5 hours from London, it’s an ideal choice for those looking to escape the city for some coastal calm.

Price: 2-bedroomed static and up to six people from £264 per stay (3-night minimum stay). Book: pitchup.com (open all year).