Best Beachside Holiday Parks in Devon
Devon is famous for having some of the best beaches in the UK and Woolacombe Beach in North Devon has been ranked at 13 in the world’s best beaches by TripAdvisor. It is easy to see why, great surf, 3 miles of golden sands, lots of parking and facilities and a stunning backdrop that leads down to crystal clean waters.
Devon has two distinctly different coasts that appeal to different holiday requirements so if you are looking for a beach based holiday park, our research is here to help you. The North Devon coast has a great selection of top family holiday parks in Devon near to the beach and is ideal for families that want unbroken stretches of sands, great for surf and watersports and lots of sea based activities and has some great caravan parks by the sea. The main beaches are all westerly facing and pick up unbroken Atlantic swells providing great surf, perfect if you have older kids that want to get into adrenaline water sports like surfing, stand up paddle boarding (SUP) and coasteering and you can see our top holiday parks for surfing holidays here. The coastal path runs along all of these beaches and the views are stunning so if you just like to watch, you can find a spot to relax and enjoy the fun.
The South Devon coast offers some beautiful beaches with a more serene atmosphere. The beaches are more protected from the Atlantic swells so the surf is generally smaller making the beaches perfect for families with younger children. The beaches and the resorts along the South Devon coast are also more developed such as Paignton and Brixham and are also great for boating enthusiasts with Salcombe being a real favourite. The main beaches on both coasts are patrolled during the main holiday season by RNLI lifeguards and are generally well developed with clean water and good facilities.
If you are looking for holiday parks in Devon by the beach, both North Devon and South Devon have some great options for you and we have selected 10 of the best beach holiday parks in Devon for you to research for your holiday. Click here to view our best beach holiday parks in the UK, to find out best dog friendly holiday parks in Devon click here and here for the latest last minute and cheap caravan holidays in Devon.
Dawlish, Devon
Dawlish Sands Holiday Park is a smaller holiday park near the popular Dawlish Warren and beach. We like this holiday park because it is less developed and retains a more informal feel than the larger holiday park although you do get the benefit of shared facilities with Golden Sands at Dawlish. Dawlish is a great beach for families, especially those with young children and offers that familiar beach based holiday that parents are looking for. The beach is patrolled by RNLI Lifeguards during the summer months and the facilities are great as well with lots to do in and around the beach. A pretty and simple walk down to the beach and once you are there, there is no real need to leave. This gently sloping beach is perfect for families with young children, it is popular but never really gets extremely crowded, you can usually find your own space in the sand, even in the summer months.
Dawlish and Dawlish Warren both have really relaxed feels about them, this is a real family resort and is perfectly geared up for young families specifically. In a sense, it is a bucket and spades resort for families without the noise and if the weather is not great, there is so much to do nearby. Exeter is an easy drive and if you like shopping, this is one city with a thriving high street, it is young, bustling and fashion forward.
Dawlish Sands Holiday Park has good facilities that include an indoor pool and a family bar with a restaurant, playground, amusement arcade and there are lots of things to do nearby. A great beach based holiday park if you are looking for a traditional Devon beach holiday in a static caravan and the holidays at Dawlish Sands Holiday Park are also really good value for money.
Dawlish Sands Holiday Park
Warren Road
Dawlish Warren
Devon
EX7 0PG
Tel: 01626 244737
Exmouth, Devon
Devon Cliffs Holiday Park in Exmouth is perfect for a family beach holiday, especially with younger children or if you prefer the calmer waters of the South Devon coastline. Make no bones about it, this is a big holiday park with the pros and cons that comes with it. If you want facilities, entertainment, a great pool and a really safe beach, Devon Cliffs has the full package. The beach itself is a Blue Flag beach with the back drop of the red cliffs behind and is ideal if you have youngsters that want to play and splash around in the sea. Less likely to get the huge waves that you find on the North Devon beaches, Devon Cliffs offers a gentler experience and if it is your first time looking for a beach based holiday park in Devon, this could be ideal.
Devon Cliffs also offers a huge range of facilities along with direct access to the beach. Enjoy both heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools with water flumes and features, three play areas outdoors, a bowling alley, climbing area, adventure golf, trampolines, sports range and yes there is more. So many places to eat and drink, we do not have the time to list them so if you want a holiday park by the sea in Devon, Devon Cliffs has to be checked out. It is a big holiday park though, maybe not for those that want a tranquil stay in the countryside, a great place for families looking for a beach and lots of fun!
Devon Cliffs Holiday Park
Sandy Bay
Exmouth
Devon
EX8 5BT
Tel: 01395 226 226
Croyde, North Devon
If you want a beach based holiday park for surfing with easy access to one of the best surfing beaches in the UK, Ruda Holiday Park in North Devon must be seen as one of the best options. The pro’s of Ruda are that it is a simple and very short walk down to Croyde Beach, simply put, stunning beach with amazing surf and incredibly popular.
There are very few holiday parks in Devon this close to one of the finest beaches in the country and Ruda takes the accolades. There are plenty of hire shops around Croyde so you do not need to bring your own boards and wetsuits, just hire them when you get here. The beach is simply stunning with sand dunes to be explored behind the beach, the amazing walk that Baggy Point offers to the north and Down End point to the south. If you want fun in the waves at a holiday park that is ideal for all ages, Ruda offers everything.
The facilities at Ruda are also fantastic with a giant blue water flume, a rapids pool and many other water slides to keep you entertained along with quality family entertainment in the evenings. Ruda is a well established and very popular holiday park. At Ruda, you get direct access to a fantastic beach!
Ruda Holiday Park
Croyde Bay
Devon
EX33 1NP
Woolacombe, North Devon
There are several holiday parks around the Woolacombe area and we chose Woolacombe Sands because it is the closest holiday park to the magnificent Woolacombe beach with a footpath that takes you right into the centre of Woolacombe village from the park, it is a bit of a trek back up but well worth it. Woolacombe Sands also retains a family feel and has been owned by the same family for 30 years.
A large number of the holiday homes at Woolacombe Sands also have great views down the valley and the park retains an informal and friendly feel that is not too over developed along with helpful staff and owners. Woolacombe beach is just stunning, 3 miles of probably the best sand and surf in the country and the facilities in the village and close to the beach really make it exceptional. On a hot sunny day, the beach is very busy and popular, the walk down takes out the hassle of finding a parking space.
Woolacombe Sands also has good facilities with on site entertainment and both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool. This is a real family park with a well run kids club, crazy golf, play park and amusements. The club house and bar are perfect for an evening’s entertainment and this holiday park in Woolacombe is not so big that you lose the familiarity with the staff and your fellow holiday makers. A great place for families young and old, beautiful views and a gorgeous walk down to probably the best beach in the country.
Woolacombe Sands Holiday Park
Beach Road
Woolacombe
North Devon
EX34 7AF
Tel: 01271 870569
Westward Ho!, North Devon
Beachside Holiday Park in Westward Ho! Is a simple holiday park with direct access into the village centre where there are plenty of quality pubs and restaurants in a holiday village that has changed significantly over the years and is becoming really popular. As a beach, Westward Ho! Is great for families that want fun in the water and to relax on the sand although it sometimes does get fully covered at high tide. The beach is really easy to access and if you have reduced mobility or use a wheelchair there is a gentle slipway giving you easier access to the beach. There is no need to drive if you re staying at Beachside, it really is just a short and flat walk down to the beach.
The village is also growing significantly with a number of great places to eat and lots of entertainment.
The park does not offer entertainment and does not have a pool, although there is a sea pool directly opposite. The prices reflect this so it does offer great value for money static caravan holidays in North Devon if the beach is your big draw. A lot of the caravans at Beachside Holiday Park in Westward Ho! Also have beautiful views of the sea, it can be mesmerising just sitting and watching the surf. A relaxing holiday park with easy access to the beach and offers great value for money!
Beachside Holiday Park
Merley Road
Westward Ho!
Devon
EX39 1JX
Tel: 01237 421163
Near Bigbury, South Devon
Challaborough Bay Holiday Park gets a mention because the beach is really picturesque, the location is great and you get a combination of both worlds. This is a horseshoe shaped beach near to Bigbury on Sea where you can see the famous Burgh Island. Challaborough Bay is not the biggest beach in the world but it is picturesque and gets good waves on the right swell and wind direction and is typically very calm in the summer months. There are two holiday parks in the near vicinity and we chose Challaborough Bay Holiday Park because it has great facilities and offers an ideal base for a family beach holiday. The beach is popular with surfers on the South Devon coast although other nearby beaches are sometimes more popular so it never feels that crowded.
Challaborough Bay also has two slip ways and is a popular set of point for sailing, especially diving and fishing which is very good in the local area. The holiday park sets very close to the entrance to the beach, there are no issues with parking, just enjoy the short walk. The village also has a convenience stores and a beautiful Waterfront Bar and Restaurant with great views and popular during the summer’s evenings.
Challaborough Bay Holiday Park has an indoor heated pool along with a gym and a sauna, the park offers a range of water based activities and you can even learn to surf here. There is evening entertainment during the peak season and a takeaway if you want to take it really easy during your holiday. A perfect location for a beach based family holiday and would suit families of all ages, not necessarily with the pumping surf that you get in North Devon, but a fun wave on a safe, clean and pretty beach that is charming and a perfect place to laze around.
Challaborough Bay Holiday Park
Near Bigbury
South Devon
TQ7 4HU
Brixham, South Devon
South Bay Holiday Park is set on the edge of the pretty fishing town of Brixham with Goodrington, Paignton and Torquay nearby. We chose this park because it is a typical quality Torbay holiday park that is totally tailored for families that want traditional Devon with lots to do, places to go. South Bay Holiday Park is a medium walk down to St Mary’s Bay, there are steps down to the beach so it may not be suitable for some. St Mary’s Bay is a pretty horse shoe bay but there are no facilities here which is good and bad, you might struggle if you need them but this also means that the beach is quiet, even during the summer months. It is a great little beach to explore, plenty of rock pools and generally a safe beach, great for snorkelling and the sea life here is abundant.
There is a plethora of other beaches that offer everything for the family nearby. Goodrington Sands, Broadsands Beach and Paignton are all very popular, excellent facilities but they do get crowded in peak summer season on a hot day. Brixham is one of those Devon towns that is really thriving, a bustling harbour with fresh fish landed every day and an abundance of eateries, a pretty town where one of the best activities is just to sit and watch the harbour life. This increasing popularity has come at a cost, it does get very busy in the summer but Brixham retains a traditional charm that is adored by holiday makers.
The surrounding area is very geared up to tourists, if the weather is not that great, do not worry, there are so many things to do and places to go, you will never be bored. South Bay Holiday Park has a new club house and is geared for traditional holiday park entertainment. There is a heated indoor pool and an outdoor pool with a flume available during the summer months. Kids club, an adventure playground, games den and lots more mean that this park is perfect for families with young children and it is great value for money. South Bay Holiday Park is perfect if you re looking for a traditional South Devon holiday park near a range of beaches and attractions so that you will never have a quiet day!
South Bay Holiday Park
Brixham
South Devon
Tel: 01803 853004
Woolacombe, North Devon
Twitchen is not really close to Woolacombe Beach although there is a regular bus service that is free and operates regularly as the park is one of a group of four that shares the facilities. It is a beautiful holiday park with lots of character and is set in the grounds of an old manor house that was once a boarding school. If you want to walk to Woolacombe, take the old ‘donkey path’ along the south side of the valley, a beautiful walk with great views.
The real seller though is the walk through the middle of the valley down to Combesgate Beach, a stunning walk through National Trust land but a bit of a hike back up. Combesgate is really unspoilt but does get covered at high tides. The lack of parking here actually helps and even when Woolacombe is rammed to the hilters, Combesgate is often nearly empty. Rock pools galore, space galore, climbing rocks galore and the waves are often better than at Woolacombe although there is no lifeguard cover. Barricane Beach is also accessible from mid tide and you can find shells here from as far as the Caribbean!
Twitchen Holiday Park has a vast amount to offer families with a new club house, indoor and outdoor pools and it even has its own cinema. The list of attractions at Twitchen and its three sister holiday parks is fairly endless, if you want entertainment day and night, you can find something to do here. The park is also well set out and has a lot of character, the different areas of the park are not rammed with caravans side by side and having a lot of National Trust and farming land around the park, it really does feel like real Devon, a relaxed atmosphere and there are plenty of stunning views. Twitchen Holiday Park is a perfect base if you want a family holiday with a walk or free bus trip down to two of the best beaches in the country.
Twitchen House Holiday Park
Mortehoe Station Road
Woolacombe
Devon
EX34 7ES
Tel: 01271 870 848
Combe Martin, North Devon
Combe Martin Beach Holiday Park is not the biggest holiday park in the world, it is quiet and tranquil, probably suited for families with younger children or those that want a base to explore the local area. Combe Martin beach is not the biggest beach in the world but it does have great access, rock pools and shops are right by the entrance to the beach. Look and research a little bit closer however and you will find out that this area is actually perfect for a range of watersports.
Nearby Active Escape for example, based a short drive away at Watermouth Cove, opposite Watermouth Castle which is a great day out for families, is a must visit adventure centre if you like your watersports and adrenaline. One of the best locations for coasteering, Active Escape offers a range of activities and coasteering is the real draw. This part of the North Devon coast is actually northerly facing so when the main beaches are being pounded by waves, you can get a sea of tranquillity here in crystal clear waters, this makes the location perfect for coasteering, this is essentially jumping of high rocks into the sea for the uninitiated and is a real adrenaline rush. You can hire a SUP or even a giant SUP that takes up to ten people, canoes, literally anything. From Ilfracombe nearby there are wild life cruises, trips to Lundy and fishing charters as well as a great pasty and ice cream shop down by the harbour.
Combe Martin Beach Holiday Park has limited facilities with an outdoor pool, club house and bar. A very pretty little park with beautiful views and does offer shared facilities with another park. We like Combe Martin Beach Holiday Park because you don’t need big waves to have fun, there is a lot more to the sea. Also, if you love walking, the coastal path to Little Hangman is a must, a stunning view from the top and a great place for a picnic!
Combe Martin Beach Holiday Park
Combe Martin
North Devon
Tel: 01271 882563
Otterton, Budleigh Salterton
Ladram Bay Holiday Park is one of the larger holiday parks covered here and has everything you will need. The facilities list is endless but the real draw for beach lovers is actually Ladram Bay. This is a pebble beach, not the golden sands of some of the others but the beach is sheltered, the water quality is exceptional and this does provide for some beach based fun not available at other parks. You can hire a bot to explore the bay and other nearby coves or even do a spot of offshore fishing. Hire a kayak and take a picnic to hit a secluded spot and enjoy the sea. Take a SUP and gently glide across the ocean and maybe catch a few waves. If you love exploring the water, Ladram Bay is a perfect spot.
The holiday park is exceptional and has always enjoyed a reputation as one of the outstanding holiday parks to enjoy in South Devon. It’s unique position and location mean that whilst the park is a good size and has lots of facilities, it is not really very crowded. There is a great swimming pool and outdoor splash zone, absolutely brilliant for young children. The facilities include an outdoor playground, pirate ship, adventure golf, climbing wall, soft play area, kids’ den, amusement arcade and lots more.
The park is also a hive of activity, you can even have swimming lessons here, learn archery, climbing lessons or gym instruction.
We think Ladram bay Holiday Park is ideal for families that want to be close to the sea, a pretty beach with easy access and endless fun, games and activities on the park itself. There are lots of different accommodation types so you are not just restricted to static caravans, you can have luxury lodges, glamping pods and even camp, there is something for every family here covering a wide range of budgets.
Ladram Bay Holiday Park
Otterton
Budleigh Salterton
Devon
EX9 7BX
Tel: 01395 568398