Dorset - anyone been to Warmwell, or other self-catering?

[HairyToity]

Starting to think about summer holidays, and thought we might try Dorset.

We usually stay in a cottage or log cabin. However we don't usually choose too quiet as our eldest (7) complains she is bored. They have previously enjoyed holidays with animals to feed, or in a small complex with games room and swimming pool.

Warmwell looks like the type of place the DC would love, although busier than we are used to. However not sure if I am missing somewhere else in Dorset.

Reviews are mixed for Warmwell.

It’s quite nice! The last time we were there the local deer wandered over every day for carrots and apples that they would just eat from your hands.

It’s a bit densely populated (some cabins are really close together) but we just used it as a base really - masses to do nearby so we weren’t there much.

We’ve stayed at freshwater - Right on the beach and very quiet but loads to do. It’s a short walk along the beach to west bay and has an on-site pool indoor and outdoor. It is caravans rather than lodges but loved it

Thanks. We have done static caravan for a short break. We like more space for a week, or at least decking around caravan so 2 year old can run around in circles through caravan and decking area.

I'm tempted by Warmwell.

What about the south hams OP? South Devon. Within decent driving time to the Eden Project / Surf School at Bigbury (amazing!) / crabbing in Salcombe harbour for the younger ones / woodlands activity park / sailing / east portlemouth beach. A good selection of holiday homes in Salcombe or Kingsbridge. I think there may also be static caravans near South Sands area of Salcombe.

We stayed at Warmwell. DD2 loved it because of the woods and the free range deer.
DD1 enjoyed it because of the ringoes.
Accommodation fine.
Can't remember quality of pool or restaurant.

I wouldn't go back because there wasn't enough of the kind of stuff we like to do nearby.

We live in North Wales. Warmwell is the absolute top end of maximum car journey length with a 2 and 6 year old. South Hams is slightly further again.

We may well end up with a cottage near Tenby. I just thought Warmwell would provide us with a different area to explore and is within budget. My main criteria is I would like a holiday that isn't stressful. I thought lots to do on site may help entertain the children. I'm being very indecisive this year.

I enjoyed our holiday last year in Tenby far more than Warmwell!
We liked the boat trip out round the little island. And the castles.

We loved Warmwell. A pheasant or grouse (can't tell the difference) frequented our verandah every day, and we saw a deer. DS enjoyed the dry ski slope too.

@teentimestwo thanks. We've been to Tenby before, it's our safe easy holiday. I know it's somewhere we'll all enjoy, and less travelling too. It is just Warmwell looked like somewhere quite different - ringo down a dry ski slope, activities on site, and a pool with slide and waves. Also we've never been to Dorset.

May I ask why did you prefer Tenby to Warmwell/ Dorset?

Thanks

There wasn't enough nearby that we liked doing (older age group). We prefer going out and about rather than staying on site. Dorset is very nice though, we are in Hants. (Our safe holiday is Jersey.)

@teentimestwo Thanks. I'm starting a new job next month, after over two years as a SAHM, so want to leave booking to see if we want a holiday with on site soft play, or we're in need of something more chilled.

The oldest loves organised activities, and swimming, and all things tacky, so she won't want to leave the site. She is very social too. She is the intense child who wants to be entertained all the time, so Warmwell looks ideal. She loves being busy and easily gets bored.

The youngest can spend hours pottering about on a beach, and is much much easier.