UPDATE: |’I’m going away to Wales for three nights, I’m not going to Barbados’ News

Mark Hayward from Middleton had a nasty surprise after booking a holiday at Haven

A dad says he has been left fuming after being hit with an unexpected extra charge at a holiday park while celebrating his wife’s 50th birthday.

Mark Hayward had booked a weekend at a Haven holiday park in Wales to enjoy his partner’s milestone with a special family getaway.

He told the M.E.N. they had chosen a cabin to stay in at the resort, which was also home to bars and a nightclub on site – which they believed were included.

But after making the initial booking Mark, from Middleton, says he was stunned to find out access to these was not included in the £300 price he had paid.

And the dad, who works in insurance, was left reeling when he discovered it would be another £260 to purchase entertainment passes for the family over the weekend, on top of the price he had already paid.

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According to Haven, because the accommodation Mark stayed in belonged to a private owner, and he booked the stay directly rather than through Haven, it meant a ‘Play Pass’ was not included in the price.

But Mark said it was not clear at the time of booking that the activities would not be part of the deal. And warned other not to get caught out by the fee.

“I was devastated, frustrated, angry. It was like a kick,” he told the Manchester Evening News.

“I’ve actually paid £300 plus £75 deposit to then be told it’s another £260 for the passes. We thought we were getting passes included.

“I’m going away to Wales for three nights, I’m not going to Barbados!”

But he added things only got worse when he took a look at some of the other options on the campsite, only to realise that those came with the pass included.

He added: “We saw it was £260 to have this pass, which I thought was a bit steep. I thought to get a caravan for the weekend, and I saw a caravan for £400 with the passes. I thought, wow.

“I just think as returning customers it’s harsh that they’re inflating the prices for people that are going directly onsite.”

Mark has holidayed at the site before, and even worked on the bar there when he was 18, but the whole experience has left him feeling cold.

“It’s my wife’s 50th,” he said, “I just think it’s really harsh. We want to celebrate her birthday.

“We’re not exactly rolling in money, I would’ve liked some sort of good will gesture.

“You’re trying to celebrate something only to be told it’s going to be double the price – the excitement has been taken away.”

A spokesperson for Haven told the M.E.N.: “The satisfaction of our guests is incredibly important to us and we always listen to their feedback. In this case, Mr Haywood booked his stay directly with the owner of a caravan – not through Haven.

“This sort of private arrangement provides a stay in a fantastic coastal location, but does not include a Play Pass which gives access to all of Haven’s on-site entertainment and facilities.

“All visitors to our parks, including those who have rented through a private hire, are welcome to purchase a Play Pass from Haven should they wish to. The best way to ensure complete certainty on what is included in your holiday is to book directly.”