Caravan Park Holidays in South Devon in 2021

Guest Blog Post - Caravan Sleeps*

With over 120 miles of spectacular coastline, fabulous Blue Flag, family-friendly beaches, pretty, peaceful fishing villages, and three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it's no wonder holidaymakers have opted for South Devon for over 150 years.

Nowadays travel restrictions and uncertainty mean that many of us are going on a staycation this year, holidaying at home in England. 

So why does Caravan Sleeps love South Devon so much?

South Devon with clear waters, miles of award-winning golden sand and an easy-going climate, is a holiday abroad at home. Without the hassle.

There are around 300 first-class camping, caravanning and glamping options to suit your holiday ideals and pocket. You can pitch up in the heart of the enchanting countryside or with a view of the sparkling sea. 

For a touch of luxury, there are glamping options such as shepherds' huts, safari tents and pods. 

Good road, rail, and bus links across the west country and beyond make South Devon an ideal base for touring the area, even venturing over the borders into Cornwall or Dorset. 

South Devon Holiday Parks

There are various holiday parks in South Devon where you can either pitch up with your accommodation or instead rent or buy a caravan or lodge to enjoy as much as you wish!

Here are some of Caravan Sleeps top South Devon picks:

South Bay Holiday Park is just a gentle stroll from the picturesque Brixham harbour. Paignton Zoo, Babbacombe Model Village are all nearby. A footpath leads down to the lovely sandy beach at St Mary's Cove, perfect for sunbathing and beach games. The host of facilities include an indoor heated pool, a clubhouse with entertainment, play areas and adventures for the children.

Hoburne Holiday Park Paignton is close to the fantastic sandcastle-friendly beach at Goodrington Sands, with gorgeous views across the surrounding countryside. Ideally located for exploring the picturesque villages along the coast or for a long walk on Dartmoor, this lively Holiday Park offers first-class amenities, including a sauna and steam room, fitness suite, entertainment, amusements and an adventure playground with lots of fun for the children.

Oakdown Holiday Park is a secluded, peaceful haven close to Sidmouth. The tranquil, scenic location, the Jurassic Coast, Blue Flag beaches make this an idyllic holiday setting.

Beverley Holidays is a family-run holiday park close to the sandy beaches in Paignton, Torquay and Brixham. Beverley offers modern holiday caravans and hot tub lodges with unparalleled sea views, family entertainment, and fantastic facilities. There are swimming pools and hot tub, a golf course nearby and a bird hide for nature lovers.

South Devon Beaches

We also love South Devon for the beaches. Paddling, swimming, sunbathing, rockpools and burying your family in the sand. For many of us, the beach is synonymous with the holiday, though some prefer lively resorts and others relaxing seclusion. South Devon has an abundance of stunning options.

Safe, family beaches include Sandy Bay in Exmouth, set in a sheltered bay. Bantham Beach is safe enough for the children to swim and beyond the shallows; it's great for water sports such as canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding. Beer Beach is an old smuggler's beach set in a stunning location under the limestone cliffs. You can watch the fishing boats bringing in their catch.

Possibly one of the most beautiful beaches is Blackpool Sands situated just along the coast from the Dart estuary. An idyllic shingle beach sheltered by pine trees, here's an oasis of tranquillity. Then there's charming Hope Cove Beach snuggled beneath rugged cliffs on the edge of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

For an unforgettable family holiday, the one and a half miles of award-winning sands sheltered by the dunes at Dawlish Warren is sure to delight. Perfect for a memorable family seaside holiday. There are lots of family activities on offer, including rides, water sports and go-karts.

An ecologically important wildlife sanctuary, Dawlish Warren is home to thousands of birds and a haven for bird watchers and nature lovers.

The list of unique South Devon seaside locations seems endless.

Exploring South Devon

For walking and hiking, the Devon section of the South West Coast path takes in 120 miles of breath-taking views from Plymouth to Seaton. At Dartmoor National Park, there are trails and walking routes across valleys, hills, and streams in wild, spectacular countryside. Cycling, kayaking, climbing, pony trekking and fishing are among the many popular activities on legendary Dartmoor.

You must explore the pretty towns and villages inland and along the coast for excellent restaurants, pubs, and little shops. Enjoy heavenly fresh fish and chips as you watch the fishing boats come and go.

Budleigh Salterton is situated on the River Otter estuary. The reed beds and marshland are a haven for migratory birds and a Site of Specific Scientific Interest for bird watchers.

Travelling along the coast south of the market town of Newton Abbott on the river Teign, you'll find the pretty coastal towns of Teignmouth and Shaldon, you can cross the Teign Estuary between the two on one of England's oldest passenger ferry The River Beach and the Arts Quarter are well worth visiting in Teignmouth and at Shaldon, a wildlife Trust and the smuggler's tunnel.

Further along the coast you’ll reach Torbay and the English Riviera resorts of Torquay, Paignton, and the charming fishing community of Brixham, with lots of superb restaurants and pubs. A day out with the children might take you to Paignton Zoo and the Geo play playground on the seafront or Cockington Country Park.

For a great day out, the South Devon Railway is a historic steam train ride along the heritage line alongside the River Dart between Totnes and Buckfastleigh through the most awe-inspiring landscapes. At the mouth of the river, Dartmouth is rich in maritime history, and there's the 600-year-old castle which can be seen from an incredible, scenic boat trip on the river. You can also see Greenway, Agatha Christie's house, from a river tour. Perched on the banks of the River Dart, Dittisham is one of many pretty villages in South Hams with beautiful views and surrounded by gorgeous countryside.

The historic cities of Exeter and Plymouth both offer fabulous shopping, restaurants, theatres, and places of interest. Exeter's magnificent cathedral and incredible underground passageways should be high on your to-do list, along with the vibrant quayside and the Albert Memorial Museum. 

Steeped in maritime history and now a modern multi-cultural city with superb shopping, Plymouth is also well worth exploring.

With so many delightful, magical places to visit and so many exciting things to do in South Devon, the benefits of camping and caravanning are evident after a fabulous day out. You're not tied to any routine or timetable; you can come and go as you please, which is just as it should be on holiday.

We also love a scrumptious Devonian cream tea! Yummy scones, clotted cream, and strawberry jam-cream first, of course.

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