We can all picture in our mind’s eye the idyllic family holiday; plenty of outdoor space, good weather and places to play with the kids! In the South West, that romantic idea is very much the reality for families choosing to holiday in the region, with so many wonderful options for family friendly campsites. If you’re thinking that you need a break from it all but want to stay in the UK, consider a stay with one of these family friendly campsites! All come highly recommended by visitors to the area.
Whitehill Country Park, Paignton
Wondering whether you’d rather have countryside walks or access to some of Devon’s most beautiful beaches? Whitehill Country Park offers the best of both, with its setting on a 40-acre former stud farm with badgers, kestrels, pheasants and buzzards just some of the wildlife on the site. The park has even won awards for its approach to wildlife management. The site is only a couple of miles from the golden sands of the English Riviera, with the beaches of Paignton, Torquay and Brixham just a short drive away. On site there’s a heated pool and plenty of play areas and walks.
https://www.whitehill-park.co.uk
Yomer Wood Camping, near Lee
If you’re craving some true old-fashioned wild camping out in nature, with nothing but a tent to sleep in, a campfire to keep you warm, a stream to paddle in and the sounds and sights of nature to take in, Yomer Wood Camping offers the true outdoor experience. The peaceful woodland setting and large 10-acre site means your pitch will be free of human neighbours, but the trade-off is that facilities are minimal; you’ll be using a compost loo and washing in that stream! Yet there’s nothing like authentic camping, with opportunities for woodland crafts and connecting with nature and activities right near the North Devon coast you won’t find anywhere else.
https://www.yomerwoodcamping.com
Beer Head Caravan Park, Beer
Beer Head is very much a family enterprise, having been in the same family for more than 80 years. Overlooking Lyme Bay and just minutes from the beach, the site has pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes but lodges and caravans too. It’s pet friendly and is just a short walk from the fishing village of Beer. It’s a great location for exploring the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Bueaty and is a good choice for a sedate and calming family retreat.
https://www.beer-head.com
Langstone Manor Holiday Park, near Tavistock
Set in a sheltered wooded valley on the south-west edge of Dartmoor National Park is Langstone Manor, this peaceful holiday park offers a great escape to the countryside for those wanting to explore all the moorland has to offer; Dartmoor is great for families wanting walks, cycling, climbing and horse riding. As well as camping pitches for tents, touring caravans, campervans, motorhomes and trailer tents, they have stylish static caravans and fantastic glamping pods to offer a camping holiday in luxury comfort.
https://www.langstonemanor.co.uk
Haldon Forest Holiday Park, near Exeter
While Devon is best known for the rolling hills of its peaceful countryside — something you’ll definitely experience at Haldon Forest — the county does have two notable cities to explore in Exeter and Plymouth. This campsite, tucked away in the Kenn Valley just a mile from the 3,500 acre Haldon Forest Park, is also a short drive from Exeter. The beautiful historic cathedral city has a quay and city centre well worth a visit, plus it’s great for shopping . The forest park is renowned for its walks and cycling trails, so this site offers the best for those wanting outdoor activities and a small taste of city life, while also not far from South Devon’s beaches.
https://www.devoncaravanpark.co.uk
The Hen’s Den at Orchard Organic Farm, Stokeinteignhead
No need to bring your tent with you to The Hen’s Den, as this site has cosy glamping pods set in a peaceful spot among cobnut trees overlooking an apple orchard. Each of the dens has comfy beds — but you will need to bring sleeping bags and pillows — heating, electricity and a personal locker and amenities area with toilet, shower and kitchenette. There’s picnic benches and firepits for outdoor dining, while the farm is just a mile from Stokeinteignhead, a sandy beach and the South West Coast Path.
https://orchardorganicfarm.co.uk/the-hens-dens/
Hele Valley Holiday Park, Ilfracombe
This five-star rated park has a series of award wins under its belt, having been a winner of Devon’s Camping and Caravanning Park and Holiday Park and Village of the year award, also scooping a David Bellamy Gold Award for Conservation, TripAdvisor Excellence Certificate, Britain in Bloom Gold Award and Visit England five star grading. The park has a selection of flat and sheltered pitches to choose from, though you could choose to stay in a deluxe studio pod with en-suite facilities.
https://www.helevalley.co.uk
Exmoor Coast Holidays, Lynton
If you want panoramic coastal views, few campsites will offer you more than Exmoor Coast Holidays at Caffyns Farm. The site is set high up, overlooking the North Devon coast and the Valley of the Rocks, giving you breath-taking views and a sense of space that few other campsites can offer. The sheer size of the 160 acre site means there’s sites for campers wanting seclusion or to be out in the open with those views. For horse-loving families, Exmoor Coast Holidays is home to the only coastal trekking centre on Exmoor, catering for riders of all ages and experience — and they even offer bike hire too.
https://www.exmoorcoastholidays.co.uk
Appledore Park, Okehampton
You’re guaranteed some beautiful natural views while staying at Appledore Park, as it stands within the UNESCO North Devon Biosphere Reserve, close to the market town of Okehampton for any amenities. The park was named one of the top 100 in the country in 2019 and if you stay here, you’re guaranteed a relaxed time outdoors.
https://www.appledorepark.co.uk
Ladram Bay Holiday Park, Budleigh Salterton
Ladram Bay is touted as the holiday park with ‘something for everyone’; for starters, the East Devon campsite has its own private beach and secluded bay on the stunning Jurassic Coast, so you won’t even have to travel to get the sand between your toes! Kids can be kept busy with the swimming pool, adventure golf course, adventure playground with giant pirate ship, arcade games, soft play area and so much more… plus there’s a programme of instructor-led activities, where families can try their hands at raft building, sea scooters and body zorbing! You’ll certainly be kept busy during your time in Devon at Ladram Bay, that’s for sure!
https://www.ladrambaycaravans.com