The 5 best holiday parks in North Devon for families

Table of Contents

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in North 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 North 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 5 best holiday parks in North Devon – and I’ve added some ideas for fun things to do with the kids too.

1. Parkdean Resorts: Bideford Bay Holiday Park

Parkdean Resorts Bideford Bay is one of the most family-friendly holiday parks on the North Devon coastline if you want to stay just a short drive from some of the most beautiful beaches in the area. The site boasts over 30 activities including: adventure golf, battle blasters, kids’ clubs, aqua fun, arts & crafts, sports, a waterslide and activities for the grown-ups too. The park has indoor and outdoor heated pools, perfect for fun whatever the weather, and it’s just a 15 minute drive to the historic town of Bideford. It’s so close to some fabulous days out as well – The Milky Way Adventure Park and North Devon Wake Park are both just a 2 minute drive away! Plus, The Big Sheep and the Hartland Heritage Coast are only 10 minutes away – what a great location! For more information, and prices for your dates, click here to check out Bideford Bay Holiday Park on the Parkdean Resorts website.

2. John Fowler: Ruda Holiday Park

Ruda Holiday Park, formerly owned by Parkdean Resorts, has recently been acquired by John Fowler but it’s been one of the most popular parks for family holidays in North Devon for a long time. The indoor swimming pool with a flume has lots of water-based activities on offer and the site boasts a soft play, sports courts, evening entertainment, hoverboards, arts & crafts and an adventure playground too. For adults in need of some relaxation, there’s a sauna available as well. When it comes to days out, you’ll find The Big Sheep, The Milky Way Adventure Park and North Devon Wake Park all within an hour’s drive of the park, and Croyde Bay beach is on your doorstep if you fancy some surfing or sandcastle building. For more information, and prices for your dates, click here to check out Ruda Holiday Park on the Hoseasons website.

3. Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks

The Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks are another great option for family-friendly holidays with the kids – they have 3 parks on the gorgeous North Devon coastline, and (regardless of which one you stay at) you can use the facilities at all three. With indoor and outdoor pools, waterslides, arcades, segways, soft play, a surf simulator, evening entertainment, beautiful beaches nearby and loads of kids’ activities – there’s lots on offer to keep the whole family busy. You can enjoy a touch of indulgence without breaking the bank. We recently enjoyed a hot tub holiday at Woolacombe Bay (on their Twitchen House site) and had such a brilliant time. There are some fantastic days out nearby too – The Milky Way Adventure Park and North Devon Wake Park are both an hour’s drive away. Click here to check out my Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park review for all the details.

4. Park Holidays UK: Stowford Farm Meadows

If you like holiday parks that are a little bit quieter, then Stowford Farm Meadows is a good choice for relaxing family holidays in North Devon – it’s set within 500 acres of stunning countryside and there’s plenty for the kids to do. The site offers crazy golf, horse riding, an adventure playground, nature trails, an indoor swimming pool, an arcade and a restaurant. There’s also a proper pitch and putt course – if you take your golfing a little bit more seriously! With holiday cottages, as well as caravan accommodation, you can choose what suits your family and your budget. The location is great for days out – Watermouth Theme Park & Castle and Exmoor Zoo are both within a 20 minute drive, and the Tarka Trail cycling paths are nearby. For more information, and prices for your dates, click here to check out Stowford Farm Meadows on the Park Holidays UK website.

5. Golden Coast Holiday Park

Just two miles from the gorgeous Woolacombe Bay beach and surf-friendly waves, Golden Coast Holiday Park offers a great base for a family getaway in North Devon. It boasts outdoor and indoor swimming pools with slides and splash zones, adventure playgrounds, a soft play area and an arcade for rainy-day entertainment. There are tons of activities on offer for kids of all ages too including: mini golf, ten-pin bowling, sports courts, high ropes, diggerland, ride-ons, a surf simulator and a climbing wall – no time to get bored! There are some great days out nearby if you fancy doing some exploring – The Milky Way Adventure Park, The Big Sheep and North Devon Wake Park are all 40-50 minutes away from the park. For more information, and prices for your dates, click here to check out Golden Coast Holiday Park on the Hoseasons website.

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

There are a couple of great theme parks in North Devon – The Milky Way Adventure Park has a fantastic balance of outdoor rides like roller coasters, adventure golf, bouncy pillows and a mini-train ride, alongside indoor soft play zones, dodgems and other activities. Whilst The Big Sheep Farm and Theme Park is a really popular one for younger kids offering things from sheep racing and lamb feeding, to soft play zones and outdoor rides. The gorgeous beaches are perfect for free family fun too – Woolacombe Bay is lovely – and the aqua park at North Devon Wake Park is fantastic.

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. 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 North 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 5 best things to do in North Devon with kids.