Best holiday parks in Devon, as recommended by families

This family-owned 5-star holiday park has a stunning setting in a peaceful valley in Dawlish, south Devon, just 30 minutes off the M5. 

There’s a choice of caravans, self-catering cottages and luxury hot tub lodges, as well as a spacious campsite, and it’s just minutes away from the Blue Flag sandy beach at Dawlish Warren. 

There are loads of family-friendly facilities to keep kids entertained whatever the weather. From splashing in the outdoor pool or heated indoor pool, there’s also a soft play area, pool tables and a fun amusement arcade. For a more exhilarating experience, check out the eight-metre-high rope course with tight ropes and rickety bridges meandering through Cofton Woods. 

Dining options are fantastic at Cofton, with a real focus on locally sourced ingredients and high-quality meals. On sunny days, you can dine alfresco at Amelia’s. On Sundays, the Cofton carvery is not to be missed, and the traditional dog-friendly pub, The Swan is a great place to relax after a day at the beach. Alternatively, the Pizza Kitchen and fish and chip shop offer a great choice of takeaway options - ideal for families with younger children who may tire easily after a full day of fresh air.

Children will love meeting Digby the Dinosaur, the Cofton park mascot, with evening entertainment including bingo, cabaret shows and comedy acts.

Steps from Croyde Bay beach in North Devon, Ruda Holiday Park offers accommodation options to suit all budgets including caravans, hot tub lodges and holiday cottages as well as larger three or four-bedroom lodges and Lundy House - a six-bedroomed property for larger groups. (You’ll also find touring and camping options at Ruda but this area of the park could do with some modernising based on recent TripAdvisor reviews)

There’s loads to entertain kids of all ages on-site, from the Cascades Tropical Adventure Pool with 230ft waterslide and rapids to the outdoor adventure playground, playing fields and tennis courts. You can even spot local wildlife from the outdoor nature trail. There’s also a surf hire shop for budding surfers or bodyboarders. 

When the sun goes down, tuck into family-friendly meals at the restaurant and enjoy evening entertainment at the Atlantic Blue Entertainment Lounge, or simply grab a fish and chip takeaway for a more relaxed evening back at your accommodation. 

Croyde is well known for its stunning sand dunes and traditional family-friendly pubs and is conveniently located for visiting some of North Devon’s most popular attractions like Coombe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park and The Big Sheep.

Haven’s biggest holiday park, Devon Cliffs is located in south Devon in an area known as Sandy Bay, with an award-winning beach just a stone's throw away.

There’s accommodation to suit all budgets, with caravans ranging from saver to signature standard, or if you’re willing to splash the cash, more luxurious lodges with stunning sea views. 

There are loads of family-friendly facilities on site including an indoor heated pool with multi-lane slides and flumes, and outdoor pools when the weather’s on your side. There’s also a shallow water play pool with a gentle slide for younger guests.

Kids will love the traditional amusement arcades and challenging the family to a round of adventure golf. For adrenaline junkies, there’s a giant inflatable cushion at The Jump as well as a high-ropes course and a Nerf training camp. 

Picky eaters will love the familiarity of brands like Papa John’s Pizza and Burger King, while the Box Bar on the beach provides the perfect place to treat yourself to a refreshing drink and watch the sunset while the kids play on the sand.

If you like getting value for money, head to Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park in North Devon. In addition to great facilities, you also get access to the nearby facilities of Twitchen House and Easewell Farm, allowing plenty of choice for your family. 

There are no camping or touring options here, but there’s a wide range of accommodation options, including caravans, luxury apartments and lodges with hot tubs. The elevated location offers impressive sea views and beautiful Woolacombe Bay is a short walk away, although note that little legs may want to be carried during the 15-minute walk back uphill. 

Young kids will love the pirate play in the indoor heated pool, while older children will rave about water activities like stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking out on the lake. There are also some really impressive new facilities for 2023, including a large outdoor pool with a sun terrace, a water flume, a spray zone and a multi-lane water slide.

In the evenings children can tuck into family favourites and stonebaked pizza out on the terrace. At the Ocean Entertainment Bar, the Woolacombe entertainment programme runs day and night, featuring everything from pool parties to talent shows, cabaret acts and a silent disco.

If your perfect family holiday in Devon revolves around trips to the seaside, Hoburne Devon Bay is a hard one to beat. Perched above Goodrington Sands on the English Riviera, the park is easily within walking distance of this family-friendly beach, while the pier, harbour and several family-friendly attractions of Paignton (including the excellent Paignton Zoo) are just minutes away.

You're also brilliantly placed for exploring Brixham, Torquay and the surrounding coastline, not to mention the Dartmouth Steam Railway which runs right next to the park - kids love riding the steam train and the views are hard to beat.

Back on site, there's plenty to keep everyone happy, from the indoor pool and flume to the heated outdoor pool, adventure golf, soft play and playground. It's not quite as hectic as some of the larger holiday parks, and the wide range of accommodation on offer, from comfy caravans to lodges with sea views and hot tubs, makes Hoburne a great choice for those looking for a relaxing base from which to explore all the fun of the English Riviera.

Reviewed by Mumsnet tester Rebecca Warbis: Read our in-depth Ladram Bay Holiday Park review

This stunning five-star resort has an enviable location on the Jurassic Coast, with its own private beach on a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There’s a fantastic range of accommodation options, including luxurious caravans, apartments and hot tub lodges, as well as seasonal glamping and touring areas. 

Kids will love the large pool, and the Splash Zone is a great place to cool down when temperatures rise. Ladram Bay has an impressive entertainment programme running seven nights a week during the summer season. The Ozzie’s Den Kids Club offers plenty of fun during the day. In the evenings, families can battle it out at Bingo, or take part in high-energy game shows and talent competitions. 

There are indoor soft play areas, outdoor adventure playgrounds, amusement arcades, adventure golf and an indoor climbing wall. Or take to the water and hire motor boats, kayaks and paddle boards. 

With a prime seaside location near the stunning sand dunes at Croyde Beach (also rated one of the best surfing beaches in the world), Croyde Bay Holiday Park is a great option for families looking for a Devon holiday park with direct beach access. It also makes a convenient base for exploring the neighbouring towns of Saunton and Ilfracombe. 

Accommodation ranges from hotel rooms for smaller families to self-catering cottages and four-bedroom lodges. While it’s smaller than other holiday parks in north Devon, there are still plenty of family-friendly facilities. Families can play bowls, croquet and crazy golf on site, and there’s a brightly-coloured outdoor play area for burning energy before bed. 

You won’t find an outdoor pool at this resort, however, the 25m heated indoor pool is great fun to swim in all year round. And there’s an on-site surf shop for equipment and surf lessons for beginners. 

Bay Restaurant serves classic family dishes and the more relaxed Dune lounge bar offers evening entertainment during the summer season including discos and magic shows.

For some families, the constant hustle and bustle of a busy holiday park simply doesn't appeal. If you’re looking for a quieter site that promises stunning views and outdoor fun, Waterside Holiday Park is an excellent choice.

Set in a peaceful valley on the outskirts of Paignton, it sits in an elevated position with breathtaking views of the stunning south Devon coastline. It’s also close to one of Devon’s best Blue Flag Beaches, Goodrington Sands, so take your bucket and spade. 

The park is relatively small and quiet but there’s plenty to keep children entertained, from the outdoor play park to the famous steam train that borders the park. The new indoor swimming pool and jet pool also ensures the fun doesn’t stop if the British summer fails to deliver. 

During the peak summer season, Waterside puts on a range of weekend evening entertainment, leaving guests free to make their own plans or relax in the comfort of your caravan or chalet.

With a prime location just five minutes’ from Woolacombe Beach in North Devon, Golden Coast is conveniently located for visiting surrounding villages including Braunton and Ilfracombe. With caravans, villas, apartments and houses, you can find a comfortable base for your break no matter the size of your family or budget.

Keeping young children entertained on holiday can be challenging, especially if the weather isn’t on your side. At Golden Coast, there are plenty of indoor options, including a lively bowling alley and Waves ceramics studio - a more relaxing way to spend the afternoon if the heavens open. There are indoor and outdoor pools - kids will love the high-energy flumes and the wave surfing simulator.

There are four bars and restaurants on site. Head to the Old Mill for traditional or the Beach House for laid-back lunches. Kids will love the Golden Coast mascots, and pool parties, discos and live shows will keep the fun going all evening long. 

Hailed by Mumsnet users as a great alternative to Center Parcs, Finlake Holiday Resort is a privately-owned park set on 130 acres of Dartmoor countryside in south Devon.

The ideal base for a fun-filled family holiday, you’ll find a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities to suit children of all ages. There’s plenty for parents too, with a fitness centre for Zumba sessions and a choice of relaxing treatments at the spa.

Children will love the heated outdoor waterpark with its giant slide as well as the indoor water playground. For active types, there are picturesque nature trails and outdoor tennis courts. And adrenaline junkies can head out on the lake with water walkers, body zorbs or sea scooters. There’s also horse riding and two on-site fishing lakes.

There’s no evening entertainment at Finlake but there’s a bar and restaurant for family dining and a cafe for light bites and breakfasts. You can also grab a takeaway or visit the on-site shop to stock up on locally sourced essentials.

Braddicks Holiday Park in Westward Ho!, North Devon gets our vote for the best Devon holiday park for views, thanks to the onsite Pier House which provides some pretty epic sights as the sun goes down over Lundy island.

With a choice of villas, caravans and luxury apartments, the accommodation is just a short walk from the beach. You won’t find heaps of facilities at Westward Ho!, and there’s no pool or kids’ club. However with the beach lido and sensational surf conditions right on your doorstep, this holiday park makes a great base for exploring your surroundings. 

Catering well for little ones, Westword Ho! has an extensive kids’ menu packed with family favourites, and the Sunday carvery with kids’ sundae is sure to go down a storm.