The 7 best holiday parks in South Devon for families

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If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in South Devon with the kids, then look no further, it’s a fantastic base for a UK staycation and there are some great holiday parks perfect for family-friendly holidays on the coast. We had a brilliant time in Devon – there are loads of things to do with the kids (it’s home to some super family attractions) and you’ve got beach days and the countryside to explore at every turn. So, if you’re looking for the best spots for your family holidays, then keep for reading because these are my top picks for the 7 best holiday parks in South Devon – and I’ve added some ideas for fun things to do with the kids too.

1. Haven: Devon Cliffs Holiday Park

Perched on the cliffs of the Jurassic Coast in South Devon, and one of the most popular Haven holiday parks, Haven Devon Cliffs has loads to offer a family beach getaway. (If you love a good view then this one is perfect!) The park offers direct access to a sandy beach for padding, sandcastles and fossil hunting. It has a fabulous indoor pool complex (complete with multiple water slides!), outdoor swimming pools, tube slides, high ropes, a NERF training camp, pool inflatables, crazy golf and more – there are so many activities for the kids at this one! When it comes to days out, Paignton Zoo is an hour away, whilst Crealy Theme Park is just a 30 minute drive, and a bit further away you’ll find the popular Woodlands Family Theme Park too. For more information, and prices for your dates, click here to check out Devon Cliffs Holiday Park on the Haven Website.

2. Parkdean Resorts: Challaborough Bay Holiday Park

Another one of the best holiday parks on the sunny coast of South Devon, Challaborough Bay has a gorgeous beach right on its doorstep – it’s a secluded horseshoe cove perfect for relaxed days on the sand. This Parkdean Resorts site has an indoor heated pool which offers water activities for the kids, as well as a sauna for the adults. There’s a playground, arts & crafts, battle blasters, a multi-sports court and evening entertainment. The park boasts lots of activities for adults too, if you need a bit of time for yourself. There are loads of great days out on offer nearby – wander the South West Coastal Path or hop on a sea tractor to explore Burgh Island. Plus, Dartmoor Zoo and Woodlands Family Theme Park are both around a half an hour drive away. For more information, and prices for your dates, click here to check out Challaborough Bay Holiday Park on the Parkdean Resorts website.

3. Park Holidays UK: Waterside Holiday Park

Well rated on TripAdvisor, Waterside Holiday Park in Paignton offers a lovely base for family holidays, and it’s another great option if you’re looking for somewhere budget-friendly to stay with the kids. Set on a hillside with stunning sea views over the English Riviera, it offers easy access to beaches and the South West Coast Path. The park features an indoor swimming pool, restaurant and a kids’ play area – and you’ll even see the trains go past from the nearby Dartmouth Steam Railway which is just a 10 minute drive away. This holiday park is so well located for amazing family days out – Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark and Paignton Zoo are both 10 minutes away, and Woodlands Theme Park is around a 40 minute drive. For more information, and prices for your dates, click here to check out Waterside Holiday Park on the Park Holidays UK website.

4. Parkdean Resorts: Torquay Holiday Park

The bustling town of Torquay is one of the most popular holiday spots in South Devon so, if you’re on the lookout for family-friendly parks near there, Torquay Parkdean Resorts is a great option. Just a 15 minute drive away, it’s well located for a getaway alongside the golden beaches of the English Riviera. There’s loads to do on-site – the park has an indoor heated swimming pool with a waterslide and plenty of pool activities, as well as archery, sports, an adventure playground, battle blasters, arts & crafts, kids’ clubs and lots of activities for tiny tots. The location is perfect for days out with the kids – Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark and Paignton Zoo are both around a 15 minute drive away, and it’s about half an hour from Woodlands Theme Park too. For more information, and prices for your dates, click here to check out Torquay Holiday Park on the Parkdean Resorts website.

5. Park Holidays UK: Golden Sands Holiday Park

Golden Sands Holiday Park, in Dawlish Warren, is a fantastic choice for budget-friendly family holidays – it’s a lovely place to stay with the kids if you fancy a seaside escape in South Devon. Just a short walk from the award-winning Blue Flag beach, the park offers both indoor and outdoor heated pools, a clubhouse with entertainment and a restaurant. The kids will love the adventure playground, segways, crafts and the amusement arcade, plus there are plenty of nearby attractions to explore. You can enjoy days out to places like Paignton Zoo and Crealy Theme Park which are both a 40 minute drive from the site. Guests also have access to facilities at the sister park, Dawlish Sands, doubling the fun! For more information, and prices for your dates, click here to check out Golden Sands Holiday Park on the Park Holidays UK website.

6. Lady’s Mile Holiday Park

Open all year round, Lady’s Mile Holiday Park in Dawlish is another one of the best parks in South Devon for family holidays. If the kids love water, you’ll be pleased to know that the site boasts indoor and outdoor swimming pools, waterslides and an inflatable obstacle course. There are some great activities available too including: arcades, a pump track for older kids, playgrounds, soft play and kids’ clubs. The park is around a 20 minute walk from a sandy beach – perfect for budget-friendly fun (don’t forget your buckets and spades!) – and there are some great days out nearby. Places like Paignton Zoo and Crealy Theme Park are both around a 40 minute drive away. For more information, and prices for your dates, click here to check out Lady’s Mile Holiday Park on the Hoseasons website.

7. Park Holidays UK: Dawlish Sands Holiday Park

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly place to stay, Dawlish Sands Holiday Park is in a stunning coastal location with a Blue Flag beach nearby – it’s a great base for an adventure with the kids in South Devon. The park has a lovely indoor swimming pool, an adventure playground, a restaurant and a club house with entertainment. You can also make the most of what’s offer at its sister park Golden Sands (it’s just down the road) which has an outdoor swimming pool too – perfect for holidays over the summer months. If you’re after some fun family-friendly days out, Paignton Zoo and Crealy Theme Park are both around half an hour’s drive from the holiday park. For more information, and prices for your dates, click here to check out Dawlish Sands Holiday Park on the Park Holidays UK website.

What are the best things to see and do with the kids in South Devon?

If you’re looking for things to do in South Devon with the kids, Paignton Zoo offers a fantastic family day out. Spread across 80 acres, it houses over 2000 animals including: lions, giraffes, monkeys and rhinos. Devon is also blessed with some of the most beautiful and family-friendly beaches in the UK offering golden sands, rock pools and stunning coastal walks, so you can enjoy days out with the kids on the coast without spending a penny. Blackpool Sands, near Dartmouth, offers a more secluded feel with crystal-clear water, while Bantham Beach near Kingsbridge is a favourite for families thanks to its wide sandy stretch and shallow waters.

There are lots of fabulous attractions in South Devon too. Woodlands Family Theme Park is a fantastic all-weather attraction. It features the largest indoor play area in the South-West of the UK, perfect for rainy days, as well as exciting outdoor rides like water coasters and toboggan runs. You’ll also find the popular Crealy Theme Park near Exeter – which has over 60 rides and attractions, as well as zoo and farm animals. And, if you’re visiting South Devon over the summer months, Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark looks like great fun for the whole family!

Which is nicer – North or South Devon?

Choosing whether to stay in North and South Devon really depends on what kind of family getaway you’re looking for – but both are fantastic for frugal holidays with the kids! North Devon is ideal for nature lovers and surfers with its wild Atlantic coast, rolling hills and sandy beaches like Woolacombe Bay and Croyde. It’s a bit quieter and perfect for rock pooling, coastal walks and budget days out in Exmoor. South Devon, on the other hand, has a slightly milder feel with charming seaside towns like Dartmouth and Salcombe, calm beaches and family-friendly attractions such as Paignton Zoo and steam train rides.

There are some awesome family attractions in both North and South Devon – Devon seems to be home to loads of adventure / theme park type days out. So, I think it’s too hard to choose which is nicer – there are so many gorgeous spots to explore in both parts. We had an awesome trip in the North of Devon but equally I can’t wait to visit the South too – let me know what you think in the comments! I hope that this article has helped you to decide which of these fabulous parks is best for your family holiday in South Devon, and hopefully I’ve given you some ideas for some fun days out as well. Whichever you choose, I hope that you have a fabulous holiday – and check out this article for even more things to do with the kids: The 10 best things to do with the kids in Devon.