Our Story
Haven's story began in 1964, opening its doors with a simple goal: to help families enjoy the great British coast. In 2000, Haven joined the Bourne Leisure family alongside British Holidays, which was later fully merged under the Haven brand in 2004. Since 2025, Haven has operated as a standalone business.
Over the years the business has grown steadily, not just in size, but in ambition. What started as a handful of parks has grown into a network of 39 holiday destinations, each with its own charm but united by the same commitment: to create memories to last lifetime.
The parks have evolved too. From adding Adventure Villages and Marina Bar entertainment venues to new accommodation and landscaped surroundings, Haven has continued to invest in making every visit better than the last. Since Blackstone’s acquisition in 2021, that investment has accelerated, allowing the business to expand, innovate, and dream even bigger.
And it's just getting started.
1906
The first British Holiday camp, Caister Socialist Holiday Camp opened. British holiday camps, including Haven, owe their history to a range of operators with philanthropic aims of offering the poor a chance to sample the delights of the countryside and seaside.
Haven still operates this site today.
1963
In 1963 the Queen and Prince Philip paid a visit to Butlins Pwllheli - now known as Haven’s Hafan y Mor - following the Duke’s stay there during WW2.
1964
Leisure Caravan Parks was set up by Peter Harris, David Allen, Robert Seaton and John Cook known as the ‘Old Boys’ on 1st March 1964. The Haven brand was established and has been a key player in the UK holiday market for over a century.
The 'Old Boys' took over Bourne Leisure following the death of the original founder Graham Bourne. They managed the Butlins, Warner and Haven brands.
1988
Rory the Tiger, the first Haven mascot is introduced. The Seaside Squad have been entertaining families for over 30 years and bring fun to holidays across Haven's parks.
Today, Rory is now joined by the rest of the Seaside Squad - Jaz the Bear, Annie the Elephant and George the Gorilla.
2000
Bourne Leisure purchased the Rank Holiday Division for £725 million which included the brands Butlins, Haven, Haven Europe, Oasis Village and Warner. It moved to its current head office at 1 Park Lane in Hemel Hempstead.
2005
Haven's first franchise with Burger King opened at Haggerston Castle. By 2009, 11 further Burger King restaurants had opened across Haven sites.
2021
The Blackstone Group acquired a majority stake in Bourne Leisure, Haven's parent company.
2022
Haven completed the acquisition of its first park since being taken over by Blackstone; a previously family-run site in Skegness named Richmond Holiday Centre.
The park offered more than 700 pitches of accommodation, a swimming pool, entertainment venues and restaurants. It is Haven's first Holiday Park in Skegness since owning Coastfield.
2024
Haven signed an exclusive agreement with J D Wetherspoon to operate at its parks. Haven is the first and only UK holiday park operator to enter a commercial partnership with the pub company. The first J D Wetherspoon pub opened at Haven Primrose Valley in North Yorkshire with Cleethorpes Beach, Devon Cliffs, Kent Coast and Haggerston Castle following in its success.
Haven has since announced another £9 million investment, opening J D Wetherspoon pubs at Cala Gran, Hopton, Lakeland and Riviere Sands in 2026.
2024
Haven purchased Holivans Caravan Park in Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire. Situated next door to Haven Golden Sands joined together, they formed one of the biggest holiday parks in the region. Development began in Winter 2024 and complemented the £10 million already invested into the park.
2025
In 2025, Haven's capital structure and governance was changed and Haven begins operating as a standalone business.
