Finding Hidden Gems for Your 2021 Staycation

Guest Blog Post - Andrewshayes Holiday Park

It’s quite possible that the word staycation is going to be up there with unprecedented as one of the most overused, possibly most annoying words of the last two years. This year however, taking the risk out of travel, especially if you want to book something soon, is going to mean playing it safe. It probably means having to reassess what you want from a holiday, but you may be surprised how little you need to compromise. 

You are ideally spoilt for choice if you can plan your get away outside the school holidays. Already demand for those brief six weeks of the summer is indeed unprecedented. Having the flexibility to holiday in outside term time is a great alternative.

Uncover East Devon 

One area of the UK that is often under the radar is East Devon. Tucked in a sleepy corner between the attractive cathedral city of Exeter and the Dorset border at Lyme Regis, this beautiful part of England has a lot to boast about. For starters it takes in a large part of the Jurassic Coast which has everything from sandy beaches and quaint fishing villages, to fossil hunting, smugglers coves and fantastic coast path walks. 

Head inland for gorgeous countryside with its lush green rolling hills where you can explore stately homes such as Killerton House, discover country pubs, indulge in a cream tea or take a ride on the slightly eccentric Seaton Tramway. 

For foodies, why not book a course with River Cottage, splash out at a Michelin starred restaurant or seek out some of the best artisan ice cream in the county. 

Award Winning Accommodation 

The final decision is where to stay. Again, the East Devon area is well blessed with a huge range of accommodation. Checking out online reviews is always a good start but this month has also seen the final of the South West Tourism Awards which followed on from the Devon Tourism Awards. The winning businesses have been independently judged on a range of criteria and the list of finalists offers many great suggestions for places to stay and visit, from pubs and cafes to days out and accommodation.

One of the winners was Andrewshayes Holiday Park near Axminster.  About as far from the notion of a Hi de Hi campsite as you can get, this park nestled in the East Devon countryside, is a real gem. A new development of luxury lodge style caravans breaks the traditional image of regimented tin boxes. With private decking overlooking unspoilt fields you will often see roe deer grazing undisturbed. There’s the option of hot tubs and as well as lovely large swimming pool. 

The delightful nearby village of Dalwood has a popular 16th Century thatched pub, you can even arrange private tours and tastings at the award winning Dalwood Vineyard or admire years of dedication to gardening at the beautiful Burrow Farm Gardens.

This year as restrictions start to ease on travel, like many, you may not be quite ready to face the uncertainty of foreign travel. Start looking soon for your UK holiday before the hidden gems in places like East Devon get snapped up as well.