Top Family Holiday Resorts In Devon

A charming land of gentle rolling countryside, picture-perfect thatched cottages and scrumptious cream teas, Devon epitomises the quaintness of England like no other region. If you're planning a holiday at one of Devon's family holiday parks this summer, you'll be following in the footsteps of generations of families who have come here to combine the fun of the park with some unforgettable days out, whether it be collecting shells on the beach or horse-riding across gentle moorland. Devon has so much to offer that wherever you choose as a base for your holiday, you'll be hard pressed to make a selection of days out from among the hundreds of family activities and attractions on offer.

North Devon

Few areas can offer such a charming blend of spectacular coastline, rugged moorland and picturesque villages as Northern Devon. Lying on the fringes of Exmoor nNtional Park, the seaside town of Ilfracombe has all the ingredients for a family day out including boat trips to Lundy Island and a mouthwatering chocolate emporium for a sweet afternoon treat. West of here you will find the swathes of surfing beaches for which the North Devon coastline is famous, and the market town of Bideford, which offers plenty of atmosphere with its colourful carnivals and festivals. Woolacombe, with its 3 mile stretch of golden sands, is a huge draw for families and typifies everything that is great about the Devonshire coast, with opportunities for sports, horse-riding and surfing those Atlantic waves. If you're passing through the surrounding villages, be sure to enjoy a stroll down the cobbles of Clovelly, and see its lovely whitewashed cottages draped with flowers reaching down to the harbour.

South Devon

The stunning coastline of South Devon is marked by river estuaries, cosy hidden coves and traditional fishing harbours, whilst its countryside is the setting for sleepy thatched villages such as Cockington, probably the most photographed village in England. If you're touring the area, be sure to visit the colourful harbour at Dartmouth and enjoy the far-reaching views from its castle, before going on to enjoy the town's great restaurants and shopping. A short drive from here, just past Stoke Fleming, be sure to stop at Blackpool Sands, one of the most beautiful beaches in England. Further South, the peaceful town of Salcombe shelters in the Kingsbridge Estuary. The town's seafaring heritage is celebrated at the Maritime Museum, which offers plenty of educational fun for children.

The English Riviera

Torquay, Paignton and Brixham are known collectively as the English Riviera and between them they share no less than 20 beaches. All three towns, and others such as Torbay and Teignmouth, hark back to the days of Victorian seaside elegance but with a touch of the sub-tropical flavour, with palm trees growing in abundance. Best loved for their beaches and their vibrant family-friendly atmosphere, each town nonetheless has its own special warmth. So come and build sand castles on the beach at Torquay, soak up the atmosphere on the harbour front at Brixham, and enjoy the events of Childrens' Week in August in Paignton. Away from the towns there's plenty to do, from cycling along leafy lanes to touring Devon's historic manor houses, or stepping back in time with a trip on the South Devon Railway.