Take a Devon Staycation Break in 2023.
A Guide to a Fabulous Devon family holiday staycation break with your Campervan, Motorhome, Caravan or Under Canvas!
Since the pandemic taking a staycation Devon family holiday in the UK have seen a massive increase and this popularity has continued despite the opportunities to go abroad opening up again. Now that the cost of living has skyrocketed cash strapped families are very much looking at affordable options or short breaks for their escapes. A look at the Visit Britain website highlights a wealth of wonderful places to visit in this country. With so many top things to do in Devon and a wonderful variety of places to visit in Devon, it’s a smart choice. There are many benefits to planning a trip if you are lucky enough to own a caravan, campervan, motorhome or even if you prefer sleeping under canvas and the main bonus is FREEDOM. With this style of holiday you and your family have the ability to explore amazing locations, be your own boss and plan your own itinerary so you can enjoy the best days out in Devon. Also, with the average family having less money to spend on luxuries including holidays at present, booking into a holiday park or campsite has a huge appeal being much cheaper than a hotel or self-catering cottage so ideal if you’re on a tight budget.
Devon Camping and Caravan Parks
If you’re not a member already it’s worth looking up the Caravan & Camping Club and joining 700,000 other members to enjoy some great discounts and get helpful advice and expertise. Check out their website to see a comprehensive list of camping and caravan sites.
Sit outside with a good book, a beer and chill out or dive inside for a board game if the weather is wet. Light up a barbeque, sizzle the sausages or veggie kebabs and enjoy your meals al fresco sat outside on a picnic bench in the sunshine – or drive to a nearby town or village to eat out – the choice is yours. Most camping and caravan sites have plenty of room to play outside so the whole family can get involved – rounders, cricket, croquet, throw the frisbee with the dog or put a net up and play badminton or play a volleyball game. It’s the perfect opportunity for parents to have fun and play with their kids, unrestricted. Find more Devon Caravan and Camping sites
‘Stay & Play’ at Devon’s Top Attractions
Some of Devon’s Top Attractions also offer self-catering accommodation where you can get free entry to the attraction. Check out at River Dart Country Park, Crealy Theme Park & Resort, Woodlands Family Theme Park, The Big Sheep, Lundy Island, RHS Rosemoor, Watermouth Castle, Clovelly, Buckfast Abbey & Morwellham Quay,
Things to do in Exeter & East Devon
Find the best Devon beaches?
There is a fantastic variety of sites available in Devon with top-class facilities which mean you can still enjoy a hot, clean shower every day and wash up in a proper sink! Many caravan parks have play areas, swimming pools, restaurants or cafes and shops with all the essentials from food basics to wetsuits and bodyboards. You can decide if you want to be right near the beach and in the thick of the tourist scene, or choose a more secluded and peaceful site where you can get away from it all. Devon is blessed with over 64 beaches, many of which are award winning and carry ‘Blue Flag’ and ‘Seaside Award’ status. These are 15 stunning beaches in the North Devon area and over 50 stretching from Seaton to Plymouth in the East and South Devon area. Take a look at the Devon Beach Guide so you know the right destination to head for.
Find the best days out in Devon at Devon’s Top Attractions
Another huge benefit is flexibility – Devon is a big county and each region has different scenery, attractions and activities so with a ‘home on wheels’ there is the option to have a multi-centre holiday and stay in more than one area of Devon on your holiday. In every part of Devon there are award-winning tourist attractions within easy reach to guarantee a fantastic day out in Devon so make sure you allow time to visit one of Devon’s Top Attractions on your stay.
Devon Dog Friendly Beaches
Bring your bikes, surf and body boards and bring the dog too, there are many dog friendly campsites in Devon and most sites have dog walking areas and are pet friendly. It’s worth finding out which beaches are dog friendly too, especially in the summer. For more details on the best dog friendly Devon beaches see the Devon Beach Guide on pages 16-17.
Over 20 dog friendly Devon Days
Dogs deserve a day out too and to be a part of your next family day out. There are many dog friendly Devon attractions who openly welcome our adorable four legged friends. You can take your pet pooch on our steam trains, trams and boat cruises, wander the grounds of Devon’s top stately homes and gardens and let them explore our natural attractions out on Dartmoor. At attractions who have livestock, dogs aren’t permitted but some do have lockable kennels, water and exercising areas. Take a look and check out all the places you can visit with your faithful friend and plan your next dog friendly day out. Find Devon dog friendly days out.
Things to do in Exeter & East Devon
If you holiday in East Devon you’ll be close to the city of Exeter a place with over a 2000 years of history and plenty to show off! Architecture and heritage, vast array of places to enjoy good food and drink, retail therapy might also be required and if so, you will find it all here. At the heart of the city lies Exeter Cathedral; one of the finest examples of decorated gothic architecture in the country. Visit RAMM the award-winning museum for FREE family fun and travel back through time! Descend beneath the city’s streets in a guided tour of Exeter’s Underground Passage, constructed in medieval times, once back above ground head for the river, with a selection of watersports or enjoy an ice-cream with a view!
East of Devon is a fabulous place to visit whether it be for a walk on a dog-friendly beach, explore the nearby towns such as Sidmouth and Seaton, walk along the Jurassic Coast; perhaps one of the most attractive areas of the county? Most of the area is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are nature reserves and stunning wetlands to see the bird life as well as dramatic cliffs that line the coast and many places of historical interest inland and by the sea to explore, its a great place to head for a family day out. Seaton Tramway, The Donkey Sanctuary, World of Country Life, Stuart Line Cruises are all close by. Find places to stay in East Devon.
Things to do in South Devon and Torbay
Torbay, the South Hams, Start Bay, the English Riveria whichever words or area we refer to, South Devon presents you with the perfect opportunity to explore everything and anything for everyone! Areas of Outstanding Beauty, a World Heritage Coast and miles of spectacular coastline and a plethora of rural towns and peaceful villages. Torbay is the large bay on Devon’s south coast. Overlooking clear blue waters with plenty of vantage points along the South West Coast Path, don’t forget to pack your camera and binoculars! The Bay is made up of three towns; Paignton, Torquay and Brixham and it is the golden sands and blue waters of Torbay which has led to the bay and its seaside towns named the English Riviera. Home also to some of Devon’s top attractions including Paignton Zoo, Kents Cavern, Babbacombe Model Village, Torre Abbey and Bygones. Find places to stay in South Devon.
Things to do in North Devon
North Devon has miles of coastline featuring award-winning sandy beaches, spectacular cliffs, fantastic waves and wonderful trails whether you are on a bike or on foot so there’s no shortage of great ideas for days out in North Devon. This area of coast forms part of the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which is perfect for exploring around Croyde, Saunton and Braunton has some of the best surf in the country and for exploring via the South West Coast Path and the various walking and cycling trails offering fabulous sea views. Why not spend a great day out with the kids at The Big Sheep, The Milky Way, Exmoor Zoo, Quince Honey Farm, RHS Rosemoor or at Dartington Crystal? Find places to stay in North Devon
Things to do in West Devon & Plymouth
If you stay in West Devon, then Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City will be on your doorstep with world famous landmarks, top tourist attractions and an unrivalled maritime history. It’s located at the mouth of the River Tamar and nearby are the rural towns of Ivybridge and Tavistock; just a couple of gateways to Dartmoor National Park. Our attractions on the moor include River Dart Country Park, Becky Falls, Buckfast Abbey and Canonteign Falls.
Rain or shine, there’s plenty to see and lots of fun things to do in Plymouth with its breath-taking views, lots of fresh sea air, retail therapy and great places to eat with tons of historical sites to be explored, the vibrancy of the city and variety of experiences on offer shows the uniqueness of this part of Devon. Plymouth Hoe has stunning scenic vantage points and iconic Seaton’s Tower. It is said that in 1588 on 20 July the Sir Francis Drake was playing bowls when news of sightings of the invading Spanish Armada was brought to him. It is easy to immerse yourself in Plymouth’s seafaring heritage. A trip to Plymouth wouldn’t be complete without a visit to The Box, Plymouth’s new £46 million cultural destination which houses a museum, gallery and archive plus a café, shop and bar. Find places to stay in Plymouth
No matter whereabouts in the county you holiday, a staycation in Devon is guaranteed to provide many fabulous days out with the kids, special time to treasure and with so many visitors to Devon coming back year after year it’s time to get planning so you can jump in your campervan and hit the road for a really memorable trip!
Find more Devon attractions and book tickets.
