Short Breaks are excited to announce that bookings for caravans and beach huts are now live.
If your child or young person is registered with us and has a SEND diagnosis, you can access bookings by signing into your Short Breaks Digital Account
If you are not already registered for Short Breaks, you will need to register here.
Bookings are made on a first come, first served basis.
There are nearly 8,000 families registered with Short Breaks which means we are not able to respond to individual queries. Updates will be made to this page as required.
To ensure fairness, families who stayed in a caravan during the school holidays or bank holidays last year will not be able to book school holidays or bank holidays this season. They can still book during term time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. When will bookings go live?
Bookings go live on 11th February at 1pm via your Short Breaks Digital Account. You can book after this date but please note there is limited availability.
2. How do I book?
Login to your Short Breaks Digital Account and click on the ‘Caravan’ button. Use the filters to search booking availability.
3. Who is eligible to book?
Families whose child or young person is registered with Short Breaks because they have a SEND diagnosis are able to make bookings through their Short Breaks account.
Families registered with Short Breaks through the Department for Education funded Short Breaks Innovation Fund because your child/young person is awaiting diagnostic assessment for Autism or ADHD are not eligible for accessing caravan or beach hut bookings.
However, if your child has now received a diagnosis, please email their formal diagnosis letter to shortbreaks@essex.gov.uk so that your account can be updated which will enable you to access beach hut and caravan bookings.
4. What dates are caravans open?
Caravans are open between Monday 31st March- Monday 3rd November 2025.
5. How much is a caravan stay?
During term time Monday to Friday stays are £180 and Friday to Monday stays are £170.
During prime dates (school holidays and bank holidays) Monday to Friday stays are £220 and Friday to Monday stays are £200.
Beach Hut bookings are £10 per day.
6. Where are the caravans located?
There are 7 caravans in Walton on the Naze and 3 in Clacton. You can find out more about our caravans and view the video tours here.
7. Where are the beach huts located?
There are 2 beach huts in Walton on the Naze and 3 in Clacton. You can find out more about our beach huts here.
8. I stayed during school holidays last year; can I do the same again?
No. To ensure fairness, families who booked a break during school holidays last year cannot book during school holidays this year.
You can still stay during term time either in the week or a weekend subject to availability.
9. Are bookings open during term time?
Yes, you can book via term time. Many families make use of term time bookings including families with home educated children, families with young people no longer attending school and young adults up to 25 years old.
If your child/young person attends an educational setting it is important you request permission or discuss this with their educational setting. Short Breaks are not responsible for decisions made by families who book term time stays and have not sought support from their child’s school or education provider.
10. Do I have to pay in full when I book a caravan?
No. A non-refundable £50 booking fee secures your booking, and the remainder of the balance is due a week before your stay.
11. Can I stay more than once?
No, each registered family can make one booking per year, subject to availability.
12. What is a support caravan?
A support caravan is an additional caravan you can book, alongside your caravan, if your child/young person requires additional carers.
You are not permitted to book a support caravan if your child/young person does not require additional care.
13. How do I book activities at Parkdean sites?
Activities are not able to be booked in advance but can be booked by the swimming pool or via the Booking Hub when you arrive at the park.
14. Can I bring my pet?
No, there is a strict no animal policy, as per the terms and conditions, which you are required to sign as part of your booking. If you are found to bring a pet, you will be asked to leave the site, and your booking will be cancelled.
If you are found to have a pet on site, you will receive a deep cleaning fee of £100.