Thornwick Bay offers a Haven of relaxation

Caravan holidays have certainly come a long way since I was a lad.

Back then my holidays were spent in a tiny caravan, where the table had to be collapsed to make a bed, chilly nights were spent sleeping in glooves and a midnight trip to the toilet involved a tricky trip with a torch to a toilet black at the bottom of a boggy field.

Life is very different now with tourists expecting a touch of luxury and a home from home when they hit the road.

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And if you want luxurious campsites, at an affordable price, then Haven Holiday is certainly the place to go.

With the sun shining, and a free weekend ahead, I ventured up to the company’s brand new Thornwick Bay resort on the Yorkshire coast to take a trip back down memory lane with my family.

The park, located between the resort of Bridlington and the eye-catching Flamborough Head beauty spot, has enjoyed a £10million investment programme over the winter months.

My weekend home from home certainly sparkled with luxury and felt much more like a hotel suite than a mobile home on a hillside.

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The living room was expansive and very comfortable, the kitchen modern (and so well equipped you could muster up a roast dinner). while the master bedroom even boasted en-suite facilities with a bath. I’ve stayed in much much worse hotels that’s for sure.

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Thornwick Bay also more than impresses with a host of new facilites, including high-quality swimming facilities, cafe bar, entertainment venue, an activity barn, play parks and an owner’s lounge with its own cafe bar for those who own their own caravans on the park.

What impressed me most was the vast open spaces with purpose built walking trails disappearing far into the distance, allowing guests to take full advantage of the fresh air and views.

All the developments have taken inspiration from its stunning location, which is just minutes from the magnificent Flamborough Head.

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The iconic landmark, with its famous lighthouse, boasts stunning 80m high cliffs and are home to many sea bird breeding colonies, including kittiwakes and gannets.

There are two secluded bays perfect for sea fishing from the beach and spotting marine mammals such as porpoise and seals, while just along the coast at Bempton Cliffs is one of the best places in the UK for rock pooling.

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For me there is nowhere finer to sit than at the top of an English clifftop as the sun beams down. And, as we sat enjoying the stunning vistas and peace and quiet, I couldn’t help but think how much people would rave if Flamborough was a French or Australian resort.

But then that’s probably the beauty of the place, it’s secret, stunning and secluded and best kept that way.

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And for those seeking a bit more ‘glitz, glamour and noise’ and the old seaside favourites of fish and chips and ice cream Bridlington and Scarborough are nearby.

Scarborough is a particular favourite of mine and a place I will always regard as England’s seaside resort.

The South Bay is positively delightful and a relic of a bygone era and simpler family-friendly times.

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Don’t get me wrong, all the delights of modern seaside life are there but, unlike other resorts like Blackpool and Great Yarmouth, Scarborough has stayed true to its roots and resisted the temptations to cash in on the booze trade and cheapen its image.

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Vast amounts of money has also been spent revamping the north bay, with smart new holiday homes, leisure facilities and beach promenades popping up, money which is very well spent.

Scarborough has something for all, whether that’s an impressive shopping town centre, miles and miles of winding cliff paths and extensive open beaches or some quaint pubs serving up some of the freshest sea food around.

After three days of ‘living’ at Thornwick Bay it really did make me wonder what it would be like to live there permanently.

Waking up each morning to a freshness that only seaside air can bring and an endless vista of sparkling blue sea is rather special, it certainly beats listening the builders constructing homes near to my house.

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It is a lure that certainly pulls at the heart and makes me want to go back to Thornwick Bay, perhaps for good one day.

It is, afterall, possible to own a holiday home at Thornwick Bay from £14,995, where owners can experience a whole range of exclusive benefits at Thornwick Bay, including fishing on the lovely lake and free owners’ parties, clubs and events.

For furhter information on holiday home ownership CLICK HEREHaven are offering a four night self catering holiday staying at Thornwick Bay Holiday Village in Yorkshire - prices start from £519 (saving 20 per cent) per family. Price is based on a family of six sharing Deluxe accommodation on 25th July and includes kids clubs and family entertainment.

To find out more about this holiday or to book visit www.haven.com or call 0333 202 5305.