Observatory Science Centre & Museum

For a family day out that combines fun, education, and scientific discovery, visit the Observatory Science Centre & Museum at Herstmonceux. With over 100 interactive science exhibits to explore, there is lots to keep little minds entertained.

The centre features several indoor galleries with interactive activities, and children can also test their engineering skills. Visitors can also explore the observatory’s telescope domes, which is a great opportunity to learn about how astronomers used to study the night sky.

Arundel Castle

Dating back to the 11^th century, Arundel Castle overlooks the town of Arundel and offers a fascinating glimpse into England’s past. Explore its historic rooms full of collections of furniture and artwork.

Outside, the castle’s gardens provide plenty of space to wander and enjoy the scenery. With colourful flower displays and beautiful landscaped grounds, enjoy 38 acres during the spring, summer and autumn months.

Bluebell Railway

Travel through the beautiful Sussex countryside on Bluebell Railway. Operating traditional steam trains, visitors of all ages can experience travelling by rail in years gone by.

The journey takes you through beautiful woodland and countryside, while you enjoy the sights and sounds of the steam locomotives. Additionally, the railway operates special events throughout the year.

Build a Seasonal Maintenance Routine

Spreading tasks across the year makes upkeep easier to manage.

Start with a spring clean and a check for any issues that may have developed over winter. During the season, keep surfaces clean, look out for leaks and check that doors and windows open, close and lock properly.

Before colder weather arrives, plan any winter preparation your home needs. Even if your park remains open, a holiday home left unoccupied during winter may need additional protection.

Keep a simple record of servicing dates, inspections and repairs so you know what is due next.

Keep Your Holiday Home Fresh Between Visits

Good ventilation helps manage moisture. Keep fixed ventilation unobstructed and ventilate the home while you’re there, particularly after cooking or showering.

Before leaving, make sure furnishings are dry. Where practical, leave internal doors and cupboards ajar to help air circulate, and position loose cushions so air can move around them.

Moisture absorbers may help in enclosed spaces, but they do not replace ventilation or repairs. Investigate persistent condensation, damp patches or musty smells rather than simply masking them.

Close and lock external doors and windows before you leave.

Prepare for Colder Weather

If you’re leaving your holiday home unoccupied during colder months, ask your park team about winterisation and professional drain-down services.

The correct process depends on your home and heating system, so follow your manufacturer’s guidance and use a suitably qualified professional. Check your insurance policy for any requirements relating to frost protection, drain-down and periods when the home is empty.

For an extended absence, remove perishable food, empty bins and leave the interior clean and dry. If switching off and emptying the fridge or freezer, leave its doors ajar. Secure outdoor furniture and follow the agreed winterisation plan for water, gas and electricity.

What Affects the Lifespan of a Static Caravan?

Several factors can influence how long your static caravan remains in good condition.

Regular Maintenance

Just like a traditional home, a static caravan benefits from regular care and attention.

Checking the roof, gutters, windows, doors and external seals can help identify small problems before they become more expensive repairs. Water ingress, for example, can lead to damp and damage if left untreated.

Keeping up with routine maintenance and recommended servicing can make a significant difference to the longevity of your holiday home.

Location

Coastal holiday parks may experience greater exposure to salt air and strong winds, while rural locations can present challenges such as overhanging trees and excess moisture.

Regular exterior checks and cleaning can help protect your caravan against the elements.

Frequency of Use

Naturally, a static caravan that is occupied frequently may experience more wear and tear.

Leaving a caravan unoccupied still needs to be checked regularly for issues such as damp, leaks, frozen pipes and ventilation.

Does the Age of a Static Caravan Affect How Long It Can Stay on a Holiday Park?

Although a static caravan may remain in good condition for many years, the length of time it can stay on a holiday park depends on the terms of the relevant agreement.

Parks may have different requirements relating to the age, condition and maintenance of holiday homes, alongside specific licence periods.

Whether purchasing a new or pre-owned caravan, it’s important to understand these terms before committing to ownership.

Discover Dog Friendly Beaches Near Snettisham Holiday Park

For dog owners who love visiting Norfolk, holiday home ownership at Snettisham Holiday Park makes it easier to enjoy regular breaks by the beach. Snettisham is ideally located to explore the West Norfolk Coastline and attractions.

Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of owning a holiday home. With an owner’s only community, you benefit from familiar faces, well-maintained surroundings and long-term enjoyment.

Hunstanton

Known for its striped cliffs and beautiful sunsets, Hunstanton offers plenty of opportunities for dog walks along the coast. It is worth noting that dog restrictions do apply to parts of Hunstanton beach between 1st April and 31st October. However, Old Hunstanton Beach welcomes dogs all year round.

Wells-next-the-Sea

Wells-next-the-Sea is a picturesque seaside town surrounded by beautiful coastal scenery. Part of the Holkham Bay, dogs are welcome on the beach year-round. The golden stretch of the beach offers a huge sandy playground for your furry friend and stretches for miles.

Discover Dog Friendly Beaches Near Eastern Beach Holiday Park

Holiday home ownership at Eastern Beach Holiday Park means you can enjoy more time by the sea whenever you like. With direct coastal access, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your time with your dog.

Invest in your leisure time, wake up to the sound of waves, and enjoy the slower pace of life by the sea. Additionally, you will make lifelong friends in our holiday homeowner’s community.

Caister-on-Sea

Caister Beach is one of the most dog-friendly beaches on the Norfolk coast, with no restrictions all year round. Backed by lovely sand dunes, the sandy shore is perfect for spontaneous seaside walks without having to travel far from Eastern Beach.

Contact The Family Parks Group

If you’re looking at purchasing a holiday home in the UK, contact The Family Parks Group. With a number of family holiday parks in Kent, East Sussex, Dorset and Norfolk, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Pack Less and Relax More

We all know how much preparation can go into packing for a holiday, especially when you’re travelling with children.

With your own holiday home, you can keep many of your essentials there ready for your next visit. Clothes, toiletries, children’s toys, games and all those little things you normally have to squeeze into the car can already be waiting for you.

That means less time packing and more time enjoying your break.

No Searching for Somewhere to Stay

Finding the perfect accommodation can be one of the most time consuming parts of planning a holiday.

When you own a holiday home, you already know where you’re staying. There’s no scrolling through accommodation, comparing prices or worrying that your favourite location might be fully booked.

Your home away from home is ready and waiting for your next visit.

Create Your Own Home Away from Home

Perhaps one of the best things about holiday home ownership is having somewhere that feels like yours from the moment you arrive.

It’s a familiar place where you can switch off, spend quality time with the people who matter most and create memories you’ll look back on for years to come.

From sunny summer afternoons to cosy autumn weekends, your holiday home can become somewhere the whole family looks forward to returning to again and again.

Numerous Tourist Attractions

Wherever you decide to stay in the UK, there are plenty of places to visit. If you’re thinking of booking a stay in Kent, visit Camber Castle, Folkestone Museum, or walk the North Downs Way National Trail. For those booking a stay in Norfolk, visit Thrigby Hall & Wildlife Gardens, Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach, or stroll along Caister-on-Sea Beach.

Additionally, if you’re booking a stay in Dorset, our Lyons Gate Holiday Park has several fishing lakes for all ages and abilities. Alternatively, explore the local area and visit Monkey World or see the iconic Durdle Door. For booking a stay in East Sussex, unleash your inner adventurer at Go Ape Bedgebury, or explore the caves at Smugglers Adventure Park.

No matter which of our parks you choose, there is a huge range of things to do nearby!

Easy Travel with Children

Planning a holiday abroad with children can be stressful. For young families, travelling across the UK eases the stress, reduces disruptions and eliminates lengthy airport waits. To add to this, holidaying in the UK means you can pack everything you need without worrying about luggage limitations. You can also take pit stops as often as you like.

When you arrive, you will have everything you need for your holiday. With a range of different facilities onsite at all our static caravan parks, you can make your getaway feel like home.

Is Holiday Home Ownership Right for You?

If you already find yourself regularly booking UK breaks, returning to the same areas or wishing you had more opportunities to get away, ownership may be something worth exploring.

For many people, ownership isn’t about taking more holidays — it’s about having the freedom to enjoy more time doing the things they love.

Choosing the Right Holiday Park

Choosing the right park is just as important as choosing the right holiday home itself.

Every park has its own atmosphere, surroundings and community feel, which is why we always recommend visiting in person before deciding.

At The Family Parks Group, our parks range from peaceful countryside locations to family-friendly coastal settings, each offering something slightly different depending on the lifestyle you’re looking for.

Finance and Insurance

Finance options may be available through approved third-party providers, subject to status. We work alongside CREDO Asset Finance, who may be able to assist with holiday home finance options and help guide you through the process.

Protecting your holiday home is equally important, which is why we work alongside Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited (Gallagher), who provide specialist holiday home insurance solutions for owners.