Heron 41, Scratby – California Cliffs, Parkdean, sleeps 6, pet friendly, bed linen and towels included – close to the beach

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Okay, so Heron 41 isn’t technically a hotel at all – it’s actually a caravan on the California Cliffs Holiday Park in Scratby, but honestly? That 9.4 rating makes total sense once you see what you’re getting. I mean, when most people think “caravan holiday,” they’re probably picturing something pretty basic, but this place really surprised me. It’s got this boutique feel that’s way more polished than your typical Parkdean setup.

The location is what really sells it, though. You’re literally a five-minute walk from Scratby Beach, and I’m talking about the good stretch of sand too – not the rocky bits you get further up the coast. The kids were in the sea before we’d even properly unpacked, which is exactly what you want when you’re trying to keep six people happy in one space. Speaking of space, they’ve done something clever with the layout here. It doesn’t feel cramped like some caravans do, and the fact that bed linen and towels are sorted means you’re not arriving with half your car boot full of laundry. The pet-friendly thing is genuine too – there’s actually space for dogs to move around, and the beach access means they can get proper exercise without you having to drive anywhere.

You know what I appreciated most? The little details that show someone actually thinks about what families need. The shower pressure is decent (honestly, this matters more than you’d think), there’s enough fridge space for a week’s shopping, and the heating works properly – which is crucial because let’s be real, Norfolk in anything but high summer can be properly chilly. The holiday park itself has that typical Parkdean vibe with entertainment and facilities, but Heron 41 feels separate enough that you’re not dealing with constant noise from the main areas. We could hear the sea at night instead of other families, which was lovely. The only minor thing is that parking can get a bit tight during peak times, but that’s more about the park in general than this specific caravan. If you’re looking for something that bridges the gap between camping chaos and hotel prices, and you want to be properly close to a decent beach without the Yarmouth crowds, this actually delivers. It’s one of those places where the rating reflects reality instead of just clever marketing.