Our first official family camping trip, just us four, no friends or extended family, came right after the schools broke up for Summer. We needed quality time together. July had been rough: David had to leave his job and I was told I was being made redundant (a story for another day). The kids needed a break too, so we packed up the cars and headed for a last-minute deal I found at Haven Blue Dolphin on the Yorkshire Coast.
It had been years since I’d been to a Haven site. As soon as I saw it online, nostalgia hit! I wanted my kids to have that same caravan holiday magic I remembered. So, booked it. No regrets.
David got there before me and tried to put up our “new” (second-hand) tent with no instructions and no clue. By the time I arrived, we were still flapping, neither of us much more useful than a chocolate teapot if im honest. Thank god for YouTube, which finally saved the day!
So, here’s what we loved about our stay and one thing we really, really didn’t. 😵💫
1. Location by the Play Park
We lucked out with a pitch right next to one of the play parks. The kids felt independent wandering off, but I could still keep an eye on them from the tent. Win-win.
2. Cliffside Walks & Beach Access
Blue Dolphin sits right on the cliff edge, and the coastal walks are stunning. We even found a safe path down to the beach. The views were unreal and if you know me, you know I’m happiest by the sea.
3. Filey Beach Adventures
Filey’s beach is only a 5–10 minute drive away. We went crabbing, rock climbing, and splashing in the sea. Definitely a core memory day for the kids and David (I believe we activated a fishing dream). We finished it off with fish, chips and curry sauce at a seafront chippy (followed by ice cream, obviously). Silence at the table = food was spot on.
4. Kids’ Club Entertainment
Evenings can drag a bit when you’re camping, but Haven’s kids’ club was brilliant. Disco nights with Rory the Tiger kept the little ones partying for hours, while we chilled nearby with a cheeky wine and Guinness. Perfect balance.
5. The Pool
Kids + pool + slide = happiness. Booking it was a faff, and it really needs a refurb, but they still loved every minute. They’re total water babies… until you mention showers, then it’s dramas. 🙄
The One Thing We Didn’t Love 😬
The toilet and shower block. Honestly, grim. I ended up bringing in my own cleaning products before using anything. Bins weren’t emptied, floors felt like Popworld at the end of the night. Im almost certain the cleaner was on holiday. For such a busy site it needs a scrub at least 2-3 times daily.
We got exactly what we needed from this trip: family time, laughs, and a break from reality. Would we go again? Maybe but probably in a caravan with our own facilities. The Yorkshire Coast though? 1000% YES. It’s already on my list to go back, especially after my little detour to North Landing (check out my TikTok for that). There’s so much more to explore.
What are you favourite spots in Yorkshire?
For tips on our camping equipment click here!