Better Value Holiday Home Ownership Than Big-Name UK Holiday Resort Brands

When the time comes to start looking at holiday home ownership, your mind probably goes straight to big-name resort brands. 

They dominate the conversation and their TV adverts, glossy brochures and on-park facilities can make them feel like the obvious choice.

But, here’s the thing – many buyers find that better value doesn’t always mean cheaper. 

In fact, some of the best value holiday homes are found on smaller, less commercial holiday parks.

These are the places where your money goes further, even if the initial purchase price isn’t dramatically lower.

What Does “Better Value” Really Mean?

Value is about far more than the headline price of a holiday home. 

It’s the full ownership experience, including:

• The space around your caravan
• The atmosphere of the park
• Ongoing running costs
• How often you’ll realistically use your holiday home
• The long-term enjoyment and flexibility you get

According to CLA, there were around 70,000 holiday homes in England and Wales in 2021.

But, the holiday homes that provide the best value aren’t always those with the cheapest price tag.

A cheaper caravan on a busy, overdeveloped park with high annual fees might cost you less on day one, but far more time, both financially and in quality of life.

This is why a lot of wannabe holiday home owners are purposely looking away from big-name UK holiday resort brands.

Holiday Resort Brands vs. Smaller Parks: Bigger Plots, Not Bigger Branding

In 2023, UKCCA found that there were 4,754 holiday parks and campsites operating in the UK.

This figure is made up of big-name holiday resort brands, and smaller, lesser-known sites.

One of the biggest differences between large resort brands and independent or smaller parks is space.

On many big-name holiday parks, maximising unit numbers is key.

That can mean caravans placed close together, limited outdoor space and less privacy on your pitch.

However, smaller or less commercial parks tend to take a different approach with larger plots, more room between holiday homes and space for decking, seating or parking, without feeling overlooked.

With smaller, independent parks, you’re not paying for a logo or branding.

You’re paying for land, layout and comfort.

Fancy a Quieter and More Relaxed Setting?

Big resorts are designed to attract high volumes of short-stay guests. 

For some buyers, that lively atmosphere with a lot of entertainment is a plus.

But, that’s not the case for everyone.

Independent parks often focus on peaceful surroundings, natural landscapes and a creating sense of community, rather than constant turnover of holidaymakers.

If your idea of a break is sitting outside with a coffee, enjoying the view and the quiet, this kind of holiday home environment can deliver far better value.

Lower Ongoing Costs Can Make a Huge Difference

This is where the idea of better value really comes into play.

Large, heavily marketed holiday resorts often come with:

• Higher annual pitch fees
• Charges for facilities you may rarely use
• Regular price increases

Smaller parks frequently have:

• More modest pitch fees
• Simpler, clearer fee structures
• Fewer unexpected extras

Even if your caravan costs a similar amount upfront, lower ongoing costs can save thousands over the course of your holiday home ownership.

Swimming pools, bars and on-park attractions look impressive in brochures, but how often will you really use them?

Many holiday home owners find that local beaches, walks, pubs and attractions get far more use.

Smaller parks often prioritise location over facilities, putting you closer to what you actually enjoy doing. 

What Do You Want For Your Holiday Home Ownership Costs?

Big-name UK holiday resort brands aren’t the wrong choice for everyone. 

But, they’re not automatically the best value either.

When you look beyond the branding and focus on plot size, park atmosphere, ongoing costs and how you’re actually going to use your holiday home, it’s easy to see why many buyers choose smaller sites.

Better value isn’t about paying the least. 

It’s about getting more of what matters from your holiday home ownership, year after year.

Sources

CLA, 2021

UKCCA, 2023