Have caravan parks changed much since 80s/90s?
Posted by Electronic-Fail9223@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 6 comments
Specifically Haven, but I guess they’re all pretty much the same.
I haven’t been since I was in primary school in the late 80s/early 90s but my wife, daughter (8) and I have just booked a week at one of the places I went to as a kid.
I remember being pretty much free to wander off to the park/arcade/shops/beach by myself then just find my own way back to our caravan. There was a claw machine in the arcade that wasn’t rigged to lose all the time and from what I remember the live entertainment on an evening actually entertained both kids and adults!
I can’t imagine the kids wandering around by themselves still being a thing, we’re going during the summer holidays whereas I’m sure we used to go during term time so it’s probably going to be busier than I remember, looking on the website there seems to be more activities available (at extra cost) that I don’t remember being a thing, but maybe we just didn’t do any of that stuff!
Anyone that used to go as a kid and been back as an adult with your own kids able to share your experience?
terryjuicelawson@reddit
We go to a old fashioned family owned place and it really hasn't changed a lot from the ones I remember as a kid. Cheesy entertainment, party dances (with a lot added to the repertoire), kids going off and making friends, staying up late.
SpiritedVoice2@reddit
Went to one last year, was great. Outdoor pool and play area, kids made new friends.
All the things I was snobby about pre parenthood, like caravan parks or Butlins even (if you've not been). You realise they are actually really good breaks for families when you go.
Basically wouldn't worry, children are likely to have a good time because there'll be a play park and other kids to meet. After that does it really matter.
MacSamildanach@reddit
The people there will be from generations 30/40 years after your experiences.
Yes, it will be different.
What matters is whether you can accept it.
You mentioned be able to wander of and find your way back to the caravan in the 80s. Would you be happy to let your 8 year old daughter do that now?
That's just one thing that's changed.
Dr-Moth@reddit
The caravans are built better and less weather susceptible. However, children entertainment appears to have gone downhill - I remember having a lot more for kids to do.
It's also not the 80s, most parents would not let their kids roam wild all day. This might also explain why there are less kids club activities.
ResplendentBear@reddit
I went back to a place I went in the 80s/90s. It's not changed much at all. Helps it's on the IoW which is in a little time bubble of it's own anyway.
The evening entertainment is not great and neither is the food. Then again in the 80s the food was served in baskets, so it's not got worse exactly. But my wife and I have a few drinks and talk of an evening, whilst the kids roam between the arcade, play area and impromptu games of football in a feral pack.
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