Seven items to always take to a UK holiday park – according to an expert
A HOLIDAY park guru who has visited dozens of sites across the UK has revealed the seven items he always packs.
Travel expert Robbie Lane writes in-depth reviews about holiday parks across the UK and he recently told Sun Online Travel the seven items he always has on hand.
Robbie Lane is the face behind the specialist website, Holiday Park Guru and on his specialist website, the former BBC journalist writes detailed reviews of holiday parks in both the UK and Europe.
From adults-only trips to ski holidays and popular chains like Center Parcs and Butlin’s to little-known independent sites and budget-friendly breaks, it seems Robbie has covered it all.
He told Sun Online Travel: “Swimming trunks are essential, especially if there’s a pool.
“Even those holidaymakers who think they won’t swim, will quickly find that it’s a great to fill the time.
“Personally, I also like to take a changing towel and a pair of Crocs so I can waddle back to the accommodation rather than getting changed at the pool – although you may be more concerned about your style than me!”
Robbie also makes sure to pack a bottle of wine – or two – when he heads on his holiday park vacays.
This is because “onsite shops and restaurants at holiday parks tend to be expensive”.
To help keep holidays budget-friendly, Robbie recommends bringing food and drink with you, or ordering an online shop to coincide with your arrival.
He added: “If you are staying at a large holiday park then bikes or scooters are useful.
“Although, be sure to lock them up as they may go missing, unfortunately.”
To keep energy levels high for all those family bike rides, the Holiday Park Guru also recommends packing something to black out the windows in the children’s bedroom.
There are plenty of other miscellaneous items that always find their way into Robbie’s car, with the expert adding: “My wife laughs at me, but I always pack a few practical things to make the holiday easier, including a multi-socket extension – just in case we end up in a caravan without enough plugs.
“If it’s hot, then we bring a fan or two. Some caravans can get quite hot and stuffy as they aren’t particularly well insulated.”
Robbie’s final holiday park essential may seem a little unusual but it’s actually pretty useful.
He added: “Finally – and this is very peculiar – I always bring a can of WD40.
“You are living in quite close proximity in a caravan and I can’t bear it when a door squeaks and wakes everyone up so the first thing I do is oil the doors.”
The best holiday parks in the UK 2024
HERE is the list of Which?’s best UK holiday parks 2024.
- Potters Resorts
- Forest Holidays
- Bluestone Wales
- John Fowler Holiday Parks
- Hoburne Holidays
- Hoseasons
- Waterside Holiday Group
- Warner Leisure Villages
- Centerparcs
- Haven Holiday Parks
- Parkdean Resorts
- Butlins
- Park Holidays UK
- Away Resorts
- Largo Leisure Parks
- Pontins
Last week, Robbie revealed England’s top three underrated holiday parks – with private beaches, indoor water parks and jet skis for kids.
And here are the other lesser-known holiday parks named among the best in the UK.