Best holiday parks in Devon, as tried and tested by families

If you’re planning a UK family holiday, chances are a trip to Devon will be high on your wishlist. Home to a stunning coastline, breathtaking countryside and beautiful beaches, it’s not surprising that Devon is one of the most popular holiday spots for families.

But do you head for sand dunes and surf in Croyde or the secluded shores of Sandy Bay? The lively seafront in Paignton or Woolacombe’s award-winning beaches? North Devon or south Devon? And once you’ve figured out the location, how do you narrow down the best holiday park to stay in? 

Because we know that there’s nothing like a real recommendation from a real family, we’ve scoured the Mumsnet holiday forums for tried-and-tested holiday parks, ensuring that each site we feature on this page is fully geared up for families with child-friendly amenities and facilities in great locations that kids are sure to love. 

For more tips and inspo, we've got guides to the best holiday parks in the UK, the best Haven holiday parks, the best Parkdean holiday parks, the best holiday parks in Wales, the best holiday parks in Scotland and the best holiday parks in Cornwall, all featuring recommendations from Mumsnetters.

Best holiday parks in Devon at a glance

• Best overall: Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park

• Best in north Devon: Ruda Holiday Park, Sandy Bay

• Best in south Devon: Devon Cliffs Holiday Park, Croyde

• Best for food: Coften Holidays, Dawlish

• Best beachfront: Croyde Bay Holiday Resort

• Best quiet holiday park: Waterside Holiday Park, Paignton

• Best for young children: Golden Coast Leisure Park, Woolacombe

• Best for activities: Finlake Holiday Resort, Dartmoor

• Best location: Ladram Bay Holiday Park, Budleigh Salterton

• Best for views: Braddicks Holiday Park, Westward Ho!

1. Best overall holiday park in Devon: Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park 

Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park | Check availability

What we like

• Three holiday parks for the price of one

• Wide range of accommodation options

• Huge range of on-site activities 

• Extensive entertainment programme

• Ideally located for exploring Croyde, Woolacombe and Ilfracombe 

What we don’t like

• Some activities cost extra

• Uphill walk back from the beach may be challenging with younger children 

What Mumsnet users say

“I have to say this in capitals because it's so good WOOLACOMBE BAY holiday park. Not Woolacombe Sands, Woolacombe Bay (with the beachball logo). They are absolutely fantastic and have so much free entertainment and activities so even if it rains you are covered.”  (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user FamilyGredunza)

“Another vote for Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park. We went this year with a three-year-old and one-year-old and we loved it. You can use the pools and facilities at the other three nearby parks too free of charge.” ” (Recommended by Mumsnet user 2childrenandout) 

Our verdict 

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.

Read next: The best family-friendly hotels in Devon, as rated by Mumsnetters

2. Best holiday park in north Devon: Ruda Holiday Park, Croyde

Ruda Holiday Park | Check availability

What we like

• Great location, steps away from a beautiful beach

• Fun cascade pool with slides, rapids and flume

• Excellent outdoor facilities

• Extensive evening entertainment programme 

What we don’t like

• Bar prices are expensive 

• Recent reviews suggest that Croyde Burrows, the touring part of the park, needs some investment 

What Mumsnet users say

“Ruda Holiday Park in Croyde is nice.”  (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user shivbo2014)

“Up in North Devon near Croyde, we loved Ruda holiday park - the beach is a five mins walk away” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Mrscaptainraymondholt) 

Our verdict 

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.

Read next: The best family-friendly beaches in Devon, according to Mumsnetters

3. Best holiday park in south Devon: Devon Cliffs Holiday Park

Devon Cliffs Holiday Park | Check availability

What we like

• Flagship Haven site

• Large, spacious holiday park with a wide range of facilities

• Familiar franchises such as Papa John’s, Burger King and Millies Cookies

What we don’t like

• Some may prefer a smaller, quieter park 

What Mumsnet users say

“We went to Devon Cliffs about three years ago and had a fantastic time. The site is one of their flagship sites and is massive but it’s pretty easy to find your way around. There are loads for everyone to enjoy and I'd definitely recommend the kids’ club. For a lovely day out there’s a theme park nearby called Crealy which is good.”  (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Fivemoreminutes1)

“We did Haven Devon Cliffs in August and it ticks all the boxes” (Recommended by Mumsnet user RedSoloCup) 

Our verdict 

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.

4. Best Devon holiday park for food: Coften Holidays 

Coften Holidays | Check availability

What we like

• Family-run site 

• Great dining options for the whole family

• Close to a Blue-Flag beach 

• High ropes course through Coften Woods

What we don’t like

• Takeaway options can be expensive 

What Mumsnet users say

“I have had many friends stay at Cofton Holidays near Dawlish.  The campsite has a choice of caravans, lodges, cottages & camping. Dawlish Warren is nearby and is a lovely area with a huge long beach. It has a good reputation.”  (Recommended by Mumsnet user Summerhouse1998)

“I live in Dawlish, recommend Cofton completely as well. It's family run, not a big chain. We visit often for the coffee shop/swimming and always say we would happily come on holiday.” (Rated by Mumsnet user ThatDreamSheep) 

“We went to Cofton Holiday Park earlier in the year with our baby and it was fab. Excellent facilities, two bars with entertainment and an indoor and outdoor pool. Dawlish/Dawlish Warren beach is close by which is nice and sandy.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user ClearButtons)

Our verdict 

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.

5. Best beachfront holiday park in Devon: Croyde Bay Holiday Resort 

Croyde Bay Holiday Resort | Check availability

What we like

• Direct beach access

• Smaller, quieter park for a more relaxed experience 

• Lots of outdoor space

What we don’t like

• Smaller site has fewer facilities than others in the local area

• No outdoor pool or slides/flumes 

What Mumsnet users say

“Croyde is lovely. Worth looking at Croyde Bay Holiday Village, they have family hotel rooms and ‘cottages”  (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user SoManyTshirts)

“Croyde Bay in Devon. Gorgeous beach. Lovely indoor pool (but no slide), and lots of entertainment for kids and adults in the evening. They have cottages where you can take dogs. There is lots to do on-site. We had a couple of great holidays there when our sons were 9 and 10.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Bbq1) 

Our verdict 

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.

6. Best quiet Holiday Park in Devon: Waterside Holiday Park, Paignton

Waterside Holiday Park | Check availability

What we like

• New indoor swimming pool 

• More relaxed holiday park than larger, busy sites

• A steam railway borders the park 

What we don’t like

• Hillside location less suited to those with mobility challenges 

• Minimal evening entertainment 

What Mumsnet users say

“Waterside Holiday Park & Spa, Weymouth! Loads for kids and adults to do there, we go every year!” HappyMondayKidz

Our verdict 

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.

7. Best holiday park in Devon for young children: Golden Coast Holiday Park 

Golden Coast Holiday Park | Check availability

What we like

• Choice of indoor and outdoor pools 

• Close to Woolacombe Beach 

• Jam-packed entertainment schedule 

• Choice of bars and restaurants 

What we don’t like

• Some activities cost extra

• Some reviewers found a BBQ (although stated) wasn’t included in their accommodation 

What Mumsnet users say

“We just had a wonderful holiday at the Golden Coast in Woolacombe”  (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user ihatebojo)

“We stayed at Golden Coast in Woolacombe in a bungalow - lovely for small kids. Both Woolacombe and Ilfracombe are nice.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Nodancingshoes) 

Our verdict 

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. 

8. Best holiday park in Devon for activities: Finlake Holiday Resort

Finlake Holiday Resort | Check availability

What we like

• Wide range of activities for children of all ages

• On-site spa and fitness suite

• Excellent countryside location 

What we don’t like

• No evening entertainment 

• 15-minute drive to the beach 

What Mumsnet users say

“I don’t think it has entertainment but Finlake in Devon is lovely. Has a lovely pool with slides”  (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user SoldierBoy)

“Second Finlake. Beautiful part of Devon and lots to do on and off-site” (Recommended by Mumsnet user sultanaloaf) 

Our verdict 

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.

9. Best located holiday park in Devon: Ladram Bay Holiday Park

Ladram Bay Holiday Park | Check availability

What we like

• Private beach for guests

• Great entertainment programme seven days a week in peak season

• Beautiful coastal location 

What we don’t like

• Some activities cost extra

• Entertainment can be on the lively side 

What Mumsnet users say

“Ladram Bay near Otterton in East Devon is amazing - they have their own beach and a small clubhouse with entertainment, onsite shop and takeaway and restaurant etc - lovely swimming pool too”  (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Mrscaptainraymondholt)

“Ladram Bay in South Devon is quiet and is a favourite of ours. There’s a playground and pool. There is entertainment and a bar but it’s not loud, we’ve just given the entertainment a miss. The site overall is quiet or certainly the parts we’ve stayed in. It has a private beach too.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Ionacat) 

Our verdict 

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. 

10. Best holiday park in Devon for views: Braddicks Holiday Park, Westward Ho!

Braddicks Holiday Centre | Check availability

What we like

• Amazing views over Lundy Island

• Wide range of accommodation with sea views 

• Close to the beach 

• A family-friendly restaurant with a kid’s menu 

What we don’t like

• Minimal facilities for kids 

• No on-site pool 

What Mumsnet users say:

“Braddicks at Westward Ho! as the caravan site is so close to the beach and the village has nice places to get ice cream and coffee. Plus it is very good value - the last week of August is the cheapest I’ve seen. The beach is amazing and with rock pools - we could literally get in cossies and so for a swim in the free lido pool or sea and then walk back with a towel around us to shower and change. It’s a real bucket and spade beach, they also do fab surfing lessons, great fish and chips etc You don't need to use the car for a week”  (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user ivykaty44)

Our verdict 

Westward Ho! Holiday park in 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.

What’s included in the price of a holiday park stay?

Holiday parks and resorts may vary but most packages include family-friendly accommodation and access to on-site facilities including restaurants and outdoor facilities such as playgrounds and pools. Many holiday parks in Devon have some entertainment included, whether that’s kids’ clubs and daytime entertainment or a jam-packed evening entertainment itinerary during peak season.

Some holiday parks charge a small fee for activities such as surf hire, archery and instructor-led sessions. Since the covid pandemic, you may also find that holiday parks have moved to a pre-booked system to manage numbers in their swimming pools and activity centres.

What’s the best destination in Devon for families?

There are so many beautiful destinations to explore in Devon, so you can’t go far wrong whether you opt for the more exposed north Devon coastlines or the more sheltered shores of south Devon.

The most popular areas among Mumsnet users include Woolacombe, thanks to its stunning Blue Flag beach with excellent surfing and swimming conditions and Croyde - the quaint village with excellent family-friendly pubs, ice creams and a traditional seaside holiday feel. 

What’s the biggest holiday park in Devon?

By far the biggest holiday park in Devon is Haven Devon Cliffs, Haven's flagship site. As well as a huge range of accommodation options. Haven Devon Cliffs has loads of on-site family-friendly facilities for children of all ages, no matter what the UK weather brings. It's a popular choice with Mumnetters due to its heated outdoor pool and gorgeous beachfront location.

What’s the best holiday park in Devon?

Woolacombe Bay gets our vote for the best holiday park in Devon. With some new facilities added to their already wide range of child-friendly activities and entertainment, Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park provides access to three holiday parks for the price of one - so you’re sure to find something to entertain your whole party. 

How we chose our recommendations

Because we know that there's nothing like a real recommendation from a fellow parent, we first headed to the Mumsnet forums to find out which holiday parks in Devon were being recommended for families.

We then did some research, looking at which Devon holiday parks had won accolades or been featured in 'best choice' lists, before investigating customer feedback and reviews. 

Having collated all that information, we then narrowed our list down to the best family-friendly holiday parks in Devon.

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate.

Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their own friends and family.

About the author

Lucy Cotterill is a mum of two and a Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in baby/child and lifestyle product reviews and roundups. Having written product reviews on her own blog, Real Mum Reviews since 2012, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of baby products, scrutinising reviews and consumer feedback to help parents make confident purchases that benefit their families.  

As a city dweller from Birmingham, Lucy has spent many of her summers travelling down to Devon and Cornwall with her family, having spent several family holidays in Woolacombe, Croyde and Ilfracombe in particular. 

Originally from a HR background with a degree in Business Studies, Lucy developed a real passion for blogging and writing when her children were young, going on to write for several online publications including US parenting site Pregistry and the Evening Standard. When she’s not manically tapping the keys of her laptop, Lucy loves nothing more than to cosy up with her Kindle and enjoy the latest thriller, or compete in Nintendo Switch rallies with her daughters, aged six and 10.