What's The Difference Between Haven Caravan Grades?

1/12/2023

Yes folks, it's our 2024 comparison of Saver v Bronze v Silver v Gold v Signature models of Haven caravan

**Since we wrote this guide, Haven has created its own detailed PDF accommodation comparison table.
You can download it from this page on Haven's website**

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There’s a significant difference in price between the different types of Haven accommodation –particularly during peak season. So, what are you getting for upgrading?

The grading for Haven caravans changed in 2021. The old system of standard, deluxe, prestige, platinum and platinum plus has been replaced with a new grading system. Personally, I think the new system is easier to understand.

The current system looks like this. From cheapest to most expensive:

Saver (cheapest)
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Signature (most expensive)

For anyone who has been to Haven before, the new 'Saver' caravans are similar to the 'Standard - older model' caravans whilst the 'Bronze' caravans are similar to the 'Standard - newer model' caravans. Gold is similar to the old 'Platinum plus' models. If you haven't been to a Haven before, check out our guides to the 10 best Haven holiday parks and our guide to saving money on a Haven holiday.

You'll find that some Haven parks don't have every grade of caravan, and some have extra options such as lodges, chalets, apartments, glamping or beach houses. This guide will start by focusing on caravans but there's a bit about lodges further down.

Here's our table showing some key differences, along with further explanation below. Details are correct at the time of writing - it may well change over time.

Grade/ facility	Saver	Bronze	Silver	Gold	Signature
Width	10ft	12ft	12ft	14ft	12ft
Central heating and double glazing	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Towels	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
TVs	1 TV (32"+)	1 TV (32"+)	2 TVs (40" and 22")	2 TVs (40" and 22")	2 TVs (40" and 22")
Dishwasher	No	No	No	Yes	No
Pull out bed in lounge	No	Yes	Yes	No	No
Microwave, oven, hob	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Sea views/ lake views	No	No	No	No	Yes
Fridge/ Freezer	Under counter fridge	Under counter fridge	3/4 size fridge /freezer	Full size fridge/ freezer	Full size fridge/ freezer
Decking/ veranda	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Dog friendly options	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

Width: A couple of feet makes a big difference if you are filling up a caravan with a family and assorted relatives but it's less of a big deal if you're just a couple or a couple with one child. Saver models are 10 foot wide, which is 3 metres (the equivalent of one and a half adult males lying down). Bronze and Silver are 12 foot which is 3.6 metres (roughly two adult males lying down) whilst Gold caravans are 14 foot or 4.2 metres.

It's worth noting that the 'Signature' models are actually narrower than the Gold models. The Signature models have the best views, but they're a couple of foot narrower.
Central heating and double glazing doesn't come with all Haven caravans. The Saver models just have heating in the lounge. Of course, heating is less important in August but double glazing is good in summer because it helps keeps a caravan cool (double glazing keeps heat out as well as keeping heat in). Saver models also don't have decking or outside space, so it's a bit harder to spread yourselves out.
Towels are only included with the Silver, Gold and Signature Haven caravan grades. They aren't included with the Saver and Bronze caravans. However, you do get bedding with all grades of caravan including Saver. Beds are made up regardless of which grade of caravan you choose. You can also pay a one-off to get towels included.
TVs come in all caravans but you get bigger 40 inch TVs in the Silver, Gold and Signature caravans. You also get a smaller 22 inch TV in the bedroom with those three grades. Personally, I could cope with a smaller TV for a week - back in my day we had a 14 inch TV in the lounge whilst on holiday and we thought we were doing alright...
Dishwashers are only in the Gold and Signature Haven caravans. I love having a dishwasher on holiday because we don't eat out very much so it's a big bonus for me. However, if you aren't cooking much then I wouldn't say it's a big deal for a smaller party.
A pull out bed in the lounge is provided in the Bronze model but you don't get a pull out bed in the Saver, Silver, Gold or Signature caravans. That means that a two bedroom Bronze caravan can actually squeeze an extra two people in so might be cheaper overall. However, keep in mind that a pull out bed is OK for a night or two but isn't great for a whole week. Also, it's inconvenient if Aunt Ethel is sleeping in the lounge and wants to go to bed at 7pm.
Microwaves, ovens and hobs are provided in all caravans.
Fridge/freezers vary depending on grade. The Saver grade and Bronze grade Haven caravans only have an undercounter fridge whilst the Silver model has a 3/4 size fridge freezer. The Gold grade and Signature models have a full size fridge freezer. Again, this will be a big deal if you are cooking a lot but less of an issue if you plan to eat out most nights. We like to have a box or two of ice creams in the freezer on holiday but if that's your only reason for having one then you're probably better to buy a few McFlurries whilst you're out and about.
Decking/veranda space is a real plus point during the summer, particularly if you have a sea view. The Saver and Bronze models don't offer this at all, as far as I can tell. With the Silver and Gold models you get outside decking. With the Signature models you get outside space plus a sea view or a lakeside view.
Gas, water and electricity are included with all models.
Hair dryers and bluetooth speakers are only included with Silver, Gold and Signature models. I didn't include them in the table as I don't think they will sway a lot of people's decisions.
Sea Views/ Lake Views are guaranteed with a Signature grade of caravan at Haven. However, some cheaper grades of caravan come with a good view. These are usually called something like 'Bronze - Front Row Sea View' on the booking form.

Summary of what you do and don't get in each grade of Haven caravan

Saver Haven caravans

Haven saver caravan (formerly Haven standard caravan)

Haven's Saver caravans are the cheapest option

The Saver Haven caravans are the cheapest. They are the narrowest and they don't have a freezer or a dishwasher. You don't get outside decking and you don't have a pull out bed in the lounge. However, you get an oven, microwave, hobs and one modestly sized TV. You don't get towels as standard but you do get bedding.

You don't get central heating or double glazing but you do get heating in the lounge.

They are similar to the older 'standard' models of caravan, for the benefit of anyone who was familiar with Haven's old grading system.

Some of these caravans are dog friendly at most Haven parks.

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Saver caravan holidays

Bronze Haven caravans

Bronze caravans are the second cheapest model - they're a bit wider than Saver and have a couple of extras

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Bronze caravan holidays

Silver Haven caravans

Silver caravans are the same width as a Bronze but they have an extra TV and outside space

The Silver Haven caravans are quite a big step up in facilities from the Bronze models.

They are the same width as a Bronze caravan, but you get a fridge/freezer rather than just a fridge which you get in the Saver and Bronze caravans. You get a larger TV in the lounge and an extra TV in a bedroom.

You also get towels provided, unlike Saver and Bronze. The only downgrade is that you don't get a spare pull out bed in the lounge.

For me, the most significant upgrade is that you get a bit of decking or a balcony. I love sitting outside in a summer's evening whilst sipping on a can of Lilt. If you have young children, it's much nicer than just sitting in the lounge with the TV turned down low.

If you're bringing a dog, then this is the highest grade of accommodation that you will be able to book.

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Silver caravan holidays

Gold Haven caravans

A Gold Haven caravan is a bit wider and it comes with a dishwasher and larger fridge/freezer

The Gold Haven caravans have just a couple of key upgrades compared to a Silver caravan.

The main upgrade is that they are a couple of feet wider. That makes them feel a lot more spacious if you've got a caravan full of children. You also get a slightly bigger freezer and a dishwasher which are both useful additions for a big group.

I probably wouldn't bother upgrading from Silver to Gold if you're a couple who plan to eat out all week.

None of the Gold accommodation at Haven is dog friendly.

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Gold caravan holidays

Signature Haven caravans

A Signature caravan isn't as wide as a Gold caravan but it has a lakeside view or a seaview

The Signature Haven caravans are pretty much the same as the Gold caravans.

The major difference is that they offer better views.

However, they are actually a couple of feet narrower (about 60cm) than the Gold models.

You get everything else that you get on cheaper models including outside decking/veranda and two TVs. Curiously, you don't seem to get a dishwasher - presumably because they are not quite as wide.

Again, you don't get a spare pull out bed in the lounge.

If you are bringing a dog, then you won't be able to book a Signature caravan.

So, which grade of caravan should I choose?

That's a good question.

For me, a Silver caravan or a higher grade is ideal, but it really depends on what's important to you.

For me, the most important differences between the cheaper caravans and the more expensive Haven caravans are a) the fridge/freezer b) the dishwasher and c) the outside decking/veranda.

However, that's because we like to self-cater on a caravan holiday or a lodge holiday and it is very limiting if you don't have a decent freezer. We find that it's less of a holiday if you have to wash up all the time.

I also love sitting outside on a summer's evening, so a bit of decking is worth it for me. A sea view is something I'll pay for as long as it's not extortionate, but I don't want a lakeside view as I prefer to keep the children away from lakes!

I'm less bothered about towels, hair dryers and bluetooth speakers because I can bring my own. I'm also not bothered about how big the TV is.

I would certainly want central heating and double glazing during the colder months but Haven close their parks in winter, so I could probably live without that if I had to. A slightly wider caravan is certainly more spacious, but we tend to get out and explore a lot anyway so it's not essential.

Of course, the amount that you are paying extra is a big consideration. As an example, we searched for a week's holiday for a family of four in early October 2024 (off peak) at Haven Kent Coast in Kent (previously called Haven Allhallows). Prices looked like this:

Saver caravan - £268
Bronze caravan - £304
Silver caravan - £358
Gold caravan - £502
Signature front row seaview - £646

So, in this instance it would only cost £36 to upgrade from Saver to Bronze. I'd certainly pay that for a wider caravan with central heating in October. In fact, I'd probably pay £90 to jump from the lowest grade to the Silver grade. I probably wouldn't pay for the top grade as I'm not likely to spend much time sat outside looking at the view in October.

The difference between the highest and lowest grade is around £400 for this week.

We then looked for a week's holiday at Haven Perran Sands in Cornwall in early August 2024 (peak season). Prices were:

Saver caravan - £1420
Bronze caravan - £1560
Silver caravan - £2100
Gold caravan - £2460
Signature front row sea view caravan - £3260

So, in this instance there is a difference of about £1800 between the cheapest and most expensive grade of caravan. Upgrading from Saver to Bronze is about £140, which I don't think is worth paying as you won't use the heating in summer. It will be a little cramped, but we would spend most of our time out and about in summer.

In this instance, I'd be much less keen to upgrade from Saver to Gold. I'd rather save myself about £1200 and make do without a dishwasher and a freezer. With the money I'd saved I could take the family out for dinner every night.

What about Haven's lodges? Should I go for Emerald, Diamond or Signature?

Let's move on to lodges, since Haven now offers quite a lot of these as an upgrade to a caravan.

The most appealing thing about a lodge over a caravan is its width. Haven lodges range from 16-20 foot wide whilst caravans range from 10-14 foot wide. To put it another way - the largest lodges are twice as wide as Haven's smallest caravans.

Lodges are currently an upgrade option at 11 Haven resorts, which is about a third of their parks. The Haven parks with lodges include:

Devon Cliffs in Devon
Littlesea, Weymouth Bay and Rockley Park in Dorset
Lakeland in the Lake District/Cumbria
Hopton and Wild Duck in Norfolk
Seton Sands in Scotland
Church Farm in Sussex
Hafan y Môr and Lydstep Beach in Wales

Haven Hopton is one of 11 resorts which has lodges - these ones are in a rather good location

The grading system for Haven's lodges

Haven's lodges have three main grades including

Emerald (£)
Diamond (££)
Signature (£££)

The Signature grades have a name like 'Signature Sea View' or 'Signature Lake View' depending on what you can see out the window.

As with the caravans, Haven has produced an excellent comparison document, which you can download on this page.

We started to produce our own massive comparison chart until we realised that the differences between the lodge grades are actually very simple. Here's the summary:

Haven's Signature lodges (£££) are wider, they have dishwashers and they have great views.
Haven's Diamond lodges (££) are the same size and have the same facilities but they don't have such good views.
Emerald lodges (£) are narrower, they don't have sea views/lakeside views and they don't have dishwashers.

Here's a simple table explaining the differences:

Grade/ facility	Emerald (£)	Diamond (££)	Signature (£££)
Width	16 foot	20 foot	20 foot
Sea view/ Lake view	No	No	Yes
Dishwasher	No	Yes	Yes

Everything else is the same. In all three grades of Haven lodge you get:

kitchen facilities including a microwave and full size fridge freezer
two TVs, including a 40 inch+ TV in the lounge and a smaller TV in a bedroom
ensuite facilities with one of the bedrooms
bedding and towels provided
central heating and double glazing
outside decking and seating

Haven's Signature Lodges are the bee's knees - they are 20 foot wide and they have great views

Haven's Emerald Lodges (£) are the cheapest - they are 16 foot wide and don't have a sea view

Haven's Diamond Lodges are 20 foot wide, but they don't have sea views

So, is it worth upgrading from a Haven caravan to a Haven lodge?

It depends! The 'upgrade' isn't necessarily better, it really depends on what's important to you and what time of year you are visiting.

The difference between the second highest grade of caravan (Gold) and the lowest grade of lodge (Emerald) is quite modest. An Emerald lodge is 2 foot wider (60cm) but that's the only upgrade I can spot. In fact, an Emerald lodge doesn't have a dishwasher whereas a Gold caravan does - so it may be seen as a downgrade for someone like me who hates washing up!
'Upgrading' from the most expensive caravan (Signature) to the cheapest lodge (Emerald) is similarly double-edged. The lodge is quite a lot wider (16 foot compared to 12 foot) but a Signature caravan has much better views. A couple or a smaller family visiting in summer may decide to sacrifice a little bit of space for a glorious sea view.
Upgrading from a caravan to a Diamond (££) or Signature Lodge (£££) is a much bigger leap up in comfort, in my opinion. You are getting a 20 foot wide property, which is 6-8 foot wider than the top two grades of caravan. A Diamond grade lodge doesn't get you a nice view, so there is a trade-off compared to the Signature grade of caravan.

How much will it cost me to upgrade from a caravan to a lodge with Haven?

As with our caravan price comparison, it really depends when you visit. We looked at an off-peak holiday at Haven Devon Cliffs, which is one of their biggest holiday parks (or perhaps the biggest, depending on what you read). Here are the prices we found for a family of four staying in early October 2024 for a week:

Saver Caravan - £228
Bronze Caravan - £264
Silver Caravan - £462
Gold Caravan - £660
Signature Caravan (with Sea View) - £768
Diamond Lodge - £1254
Signature Lodge (with Sea View) - £1398

(Note: they didn't have any Emerald Lodges for our comparison).

So, upgrading for an off peak week would cost us:

£144 to upgrade from a Diamond Lodge to a Signature Lodge. These two lodges are very similar apart from the sea view. Personally, I would pay £144 for a sea view for a week.

£1170 to leap from a 10 foot wide Saver caravan to a 20 foot Signature lodge with a sea view. This is a big jump, but it's also a very different property. If you are just looking for a cheap break, stick with a smaller caravan!
£594 to upgrade from a 14 foot wide Gold caravan to a 20 foot wide Diamond Lodge. These two grades are pretty similar, apart from the width, so I think that's quite a lot extra for an off peak date.
£630 to upgrade from a 12 foot wide caravan with a sea view (Signature caravan) to a 20 foot lodge with a sea view (Signature lodge). These two properties are very similar apart from the width. You also get a dishwasher with the lodge. I would be tempted by that upgrade as you are getting a couple of extras.

Let's look at how much those upgrades would be at peak time at Haven Devon Cliffs Holiday Park. This time we looked at prices for early August 2024.

Saver Caravan - £1079
Bronze Caravan - £1205
Silver Caravan - £1583
Gold Caravan - £1961
Signature Caravan (with Sea View) - £2123
Emerald Lodge - £2177
Diamond Lodge - £2879
Signature Lodge (with Sea View) - £3095

So, upgrading for an off peak week would cost us:

£216 to upgrade from a Diamond Lodge to a Signature Lodge. As above, the only difference is whether or not you get a sea view. I think £216 is worth paying!

£2016 to upgrade from the cheapest caravan (10 foot wide Saver) to the top grade of lodge (20 foot Signature lodge with a sea view). This is about twice what it costs for the same upgrade off peak.
£918 to upgrade from a 14 foot wide Gold caravan to a 20 foot wide Diamond Lodge. Again, the upgrade costs about twice as much as it does off peak.
£972 to upgrade from a caravan with a sea view to a lodge with a sea view. That is about £300 more than the upgrade costs off peak.

There is a huge difference in what you get with a Haven Saver caravan...

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...compared to a Haven Signature Lodge - but there's also a big difference in price

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