With the cost of bricks and mortar property in Devon constantly on the rise, more and more people are looking to holiday and caravan parks for more affordable holiday home options. Gone are the days of damp, rickety caravans – today’s parks feature luxury self-catering accommodation that is spacious, clean, neutrally decorated, often featuring all mod cons including flatscreen TVs and DVD players.
Whether you are looking to buy a holiday home or simply looking for a fun, family-friendly way to holiday in Devon, our guide will help you choose a park that’s right for you. If you’re keen to see what 21st century parks have to offer, a great place to start is at the Park Resorts website, where you’ll find both prestige and affordable holiday homes throughout Devon.
One of the first things to think about is what kind of holiday you are looking for. Do you prefer woodland walks and rambling, strolls along the seaside, city breaks with plenty of attractions close at hand? Deciding what you want to get out of your holiday will help you decide which locations to start looking at – coastal, urban, or rural.
Location is also important when it comes to considering travel time. For a really relaxing break, you don’t want to spend too much time in the car, especially when you are travelling with small children. So when you look at prospective caravan parks and holiday homes, check the drive time from your home or the nearest train station or airport.
If you do not own a car, or are planning not to drive on holiday, then make sure that you look for sites that have good public transport links to get you from A to B. You can check out the current local bus and train routes around Devon at the Devon County Council website here.
Once you’ve chosen a location you can start looking for caravan parks and holiday homes in the area. Doing your research online is by far the quickest and easiest way to compare sites, but you can also apply for brochures too. The more sites you compare, the more likely you are to find a good deal and a park that suits you.
Take a good look at the onsite activities on offer and think about whether they will suit your family. The choice of activities available at modern holiday parks is vast, and a far cry from the usual puppet shows and face painting of old. You’ll find fun, challenging activities for all ages, from archery and football coaching to circus skills and abseiling.
If you’re travelling as a family, it can be easy to concentrate on what the caravan parks have to keep young children entertained – but remember you need to be entertained too! Compare the onsite activities and facilities that are designed with parents in mind – is there a cinema or spa, how well equipped is the gym, is WIFI access available, and is there anywhere to get a decent cappuccino?
Lastly, it’s important to check the site rules before you book. If you’re planning to take your dog or another pet with you, make sure to check whether your chosen site allows pets, as some do not. Some parks are also adults only, so look out for this when you are looking for a site for the whole family.
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