Eleven months, 13 days and about four hours. That was the last time we had a holiday, a proper get-away-from-home-for-a-week holiday.
After 21 months ofย breastfeeding Little B at all hours of the day and night while juggling work and a four-year-old, I don’t think I’ve ever been more knackered or been more in need of a break.
So when the team atย Hoburne Holidaysย asked if we’d like to review their Devon Bay holiday park just outside Paignton, Devon, we didnโt need asking twice.
What you get
Think static caravans set in a shady holiday park overlooking the sea on the south coast of Devon.
There are a variety of caravans available, from standard two-bedroom caravans (from ยฃ628*) to superiorย and platinum plus versions sleeping up to six people, many of which are dog-friendly.
We were given a platinum plus caravan with three bedroomsย (ยฃ1,229 for seven nights for a family of fourย this August*), gated decking (which can be locked so you don’t have any escapees), an open plan kitchen, dining and living area with TV and DVD player and a bathroom with an en suite loo to the main bedroom.
I was pleasantly surprised at the standard of the inside – recently refurbished, our caravan was more like a hotel suite than a caravan and it was absolutely spotless.
Linen and towels are supplied so you don’t have to worry about those, and in many ways the kitchen was better equipped than our kitchen at home – there was a huge cafetiere, the fridge freezer was bigger than our own and so was the oven (I was expecting camping size).
I was a bit worried about only having a shower as BB and Little B both have baths at home, but the shower was a double with a moulded built-in seat so it was easy to wash them without too much fuss.
The caravan was double glazed with central heating and an electric fire in the living room, so out of season I can imagine it being really cosy and warm.
There were also thoughtful touches like a little box with tea, coffee and sugar, a little bottle of washing up liquid and a j-cloth and dishwasher tablets so we didnโt need to rush out and buy anything straight away (although there is a park shop with everything you’d need), and colouring books with crayons for the kids.
Things to do
There’s so much to do in the park I don’t know where to start! The kids absolutely loved the indoor pool, which has a flume as well as a sauna, steam room and fitness suite.
The water was the perfect temperature for little ones, and is lagoon-style so ideal for non-swimmers to play in the shallows.
A photo posted by Natalie Brown (@confessionsofacrummymummy) on
I, meanwhile, loved the outdoor pool, which is heated throughout the summer.
I swam in it every morning for half an hour which was a fab start to the day and what holidays for me are all about.
Outside there’s also separate adventure playgrounds for under sixes and over sixes, crazy golf and a nature trail where there are all sorts of animals from swans to butterflies and wild flowers including blackberries.
The main clubhouse has live music seven nights a week, kicking off with an appearance by Hoburne’s mascot Sammy the seahorse at 7pm every evening.
BB looked forward to this and the kids disco, which takes place before the main act of the evening, every day and being allowed to go to the disco was a great bribe during the day.
There are plenty of food options too, from a coffee-shop style cafe to a restaurant, snack bar and takeaway, and also a soft play which is open all day and so handy if the weather isn’t so good.
A photo posted by Natalie Brown (@confessionsofacrummymummy) on
Days out
With so much to do at the park itself you could easily stay there your whole holiday without wanting – or needing – to venture out.
That said, Torbay has so much to offer from sandy beaches (a novelty for us living in pebbly Hove) to National Trust properties and of course the famous Dartmouth Steam Railway which runs along the coast, and you’d be missing out if you didnโt have at least one day out.
Babbacombe Model Village
This really is a must for anyone with small children. A 20 minute drive along the coast from Hoburne Devon Bay (you’ll see Torquay on the way) Babbacombe model village is a collection of more than 400 miniature buildings and more than 13,000 model people (including Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry!) set in perfectly manicured miniature gardens.
A photo posted by Natalie Brown (@confessionsofacrummymummy) on
Thereโs a little river and an electric train running through it, a fire breathing dragon and new for 2016 is a superhero mansion featuring all the iconic characters.
Entry for four of us cost ยฃ30.85 (ยฃ10.95 for adults, ยฃ8.95 for children and Little B was free because he’s under three) and I think it was worth every penny.
Brixham Harbour
A 10 minute drive from Hoburne Devon Bay is the quaint fishing harbour of Brixham, complete with a full-scale replica of Sir Francis Drake’s famous galleon Golden Hind.
A photo posted by Natalie Brown (@confessionsofacrummymummy) on
We ventured there one evening in search of a fish and chip supper, and we werenโt disappointed. Try Simply Fish on the harbour front which serves possibly the best fish and chips we’ve ever tasted.
A photo posted by Natalie Brown (@confessionsofacrummymummy) on
Dartmouth Steam Railway
Every day the steam train chugs it’s way along the coast in front of Hoburne Devon Bay, and you get a bird’s eye view from the clubhouse.
We caught the train from Goodrington Sands to Greenway Halt, the stop for Agatha Christie’s holiday home Greenway, and back again and it was such fun!
A photo posted by Natalie Brown (@confessionsofacrummymummy) on
The scenery was amazing and again the trip was worth every penny – ยฃ8.50 for adults, ยฃ5 for children and under threes are free.
Greenway House & Gardens
The holiday home of Agatha Christie, Greenway House and Gardens on the edge of the River Dart is about 30 minutes from Hoburne Devon Bay and is now owned by the National Trust.
Parking is limited and you have to book a parking space in advance, so going by steam train or boat is recommended (we went by train).
The house is a short walk through gorgeous woodland from the station, and once there you’ll find walled gardens and the house containing Agatha Christie’s belongings including her typewriter.
A photo posted by Natalie Brown (@confessionsofacrummymummy) on
We’re National Trust members so entry was free, but expect to pay ยฃ25.80 for a family of four if you’re not.
Goodrington Sands & Paignton Beach
Goodrington Sands is the closest beach to the holiday park – you could walk it through the nature trail and it’s well signposted – while Paignton beach is a five minute drive, or a bus ride from the park.
The sand (which is red owing to the area’s Permian red rocks) was a real novelty for BB and Little B as theyโre used to the pebbles of Brighton and Hove, and BB loved being able to make sandcastles, which you can’t do where we live.
A photo posted by Natalie Brown (@confessionsofacrummymummy) on
And I loved just having five minutes peace while they played!
My verdict
Before our trip to Hoburne Devon Bay I wouldn’t have said a static caravan on a holiday park with organised evening entertainment was really our sort of thing.
Ever miserable, Misery Guts declared our (by which he meant his) enjoyment would be determined by what our neighbours and the ‘other people’ were like.
I say don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. The holiday park was so peaceful we were barely aware of our neighbours, who were lovely anyway, and we both agreed it was the most relaxing holiday we’ve had since having children.
Everything has been thought of child-wise in terms of facilities so there was plenty to entertain the kids, and I didnโt feel like I had to worry about them tearing the caravan apart or breaking anything because it was all relatively child proof.
We also didn’t feel like we were shelling out money hand over fist for activities because the pools, parks, soft play and entertainment are all included.
BB actually cried when it was time to leave, and I know how she felt.
Listening to the steam train chew-chewing along the coast every day was the theme tune of our holiday – after just a few days Misery Gutsโs face had visibly relaxed and the kids were loving having both of us on hand to play with them, and after a week we were all looking tanned, rested and as though we’d been abroad.
A photo posted by Natalie Brown (@confessionsofacrummymummy) on
While ยฃ1,229 may sound like a lot of money for a UK holiday, I do think it was good value for money when you consider everything that was included.
And best of all, I’m a lot less knackered – which is absolutely priceless!
A photo posted by Natalie Brown (@confessionsofacrummymummy) on
BB’s postcard to her Granny and Granddad pretty much sums it up – thank you Hoburne Holidays!
We were given a week’s stay at Hoburne Devon Bay free of chargeย for the purposes ofย review. As always all opinions are my own, and based on my own honest experience.
Linking up with…
Flippin eck this place looks amazing! I would never have thought you could get all this from a caravan park? I’m so impressed. I always went on caravan holidays as a child and my son likes them more than going abroad. Such a lovely area too. Glad you’re feeling more rested!! Tor xx #bestandworst
We had a caravan when I was little but it wasn’t a patch on this – these ones were all singing and all dancing!
Uumm WOW! Really sounds so worth the money will all the amenities and activities available there =) #whatevertheweather
We had such fun, we really did. It IS possible to have a relaxing holiday with kids!
Wow! Now that’s a fancy caravan!! Honestly, the price would probably put me off initially but seeing all the added extras (plus no stressy airport trip) does make it worth the money. Looks like a beautiful place, glad you were able to have a nice relaxing time ๐ #ablogginggoodtime
I know what you mean about the cost, but on a holiday without all the facilities you’d be shelling out money for activities/entertainment each day. I think overall this type of holiday would probably save a family money overall!
Very nice place!
I got just the desire to go there ! … For the next sunbath, remember HappySun download (www.happysun.co.uk), free app to protect you from the sun!
Thanks for the tip…
Oh wow! That does look so much fun! I don’t know what to comment on first?! The caravan is amazing, way better than ones I’ve stayed in before and the pools look perfect for entertaining small people (such a cute photo with the little rubber ring!). The fish and chips really looks like the best, I’m sure it was delicious too and my boys can’t get enough of steam trains and the model village is very sweet, a perfect family holiday! Thanks so much for linking up to #Whatevertheweather ๐ x
It really was a holiday packed full of memories – we all had a ball!
I love our caravan holidays, they are the best.. I just wish we always had the weather to enjoy them. #ablogginggoodtime
That’s the only thing – the weather can make or break it…we were really lucky and had sun everyday x
We love caravan holidays. Only done a few in the UK but this looks like a great place to visit. Great that there are dog friendly ones too as we have 2 dogs which would tag along too . Glad you had a lovely holiday #whatevertheweather
I caravanned in France, Germany and Italy a lot as a child but this was my first time in this country – it was such fun!
Oh wow this looks fantastic and a great review, very thorough. We often favour Eurocamp and stay in a static home, it’s good fun! Thanks so much for linking up to the #bestandworst lovely
We used to stay with Eurocamp when I was little – always a tent though! This was luxury in comparison!
That looks like the perfect family holiday. The park looks fab and so much to do nearby. I’m a sucker for a model village! #whatevertheweather
The model village was one of my highlights!
Oh I would love a holiday like this. Sadly a bit too pricey for us right now. We did a similar holiday when biggest was ten months and I loved it. The caravan was so luxurious it was just as nice as any other kind of accommodation. Simply glad you had a relaxing stay! #whatevertheweatherkids
Our caravan was certainly as nice as a hotel – in fact it was nicer than many hotels we’ve stayed in!
We’ve stayed at a couple of Hoburne parks and they are absolutely brilliant. Looks like you had a great time exploring Devon and staying on site, glad you got the break that you needed x
I would definitely recommend Hoburne, they really did think of everything x
I was really interested reading this to see what was included. It looks pretty good value to me with the lovely pool complex there and some great places to visit close by too so you don’t feel like you are just in a holiday camp all the time. I can see why BB would have loved this, kiddo heaven.
It was parents’ heaven too because there was so much to occupy the kids!
Meant to add popping by from #TriedTested
Thanks so much x
Oh now that sounds like a fab holiday!
Glad you all enjoyed your stay ๐ x #TriedTested
It was so relaxing – and so nice looking back on it now!
I love how they have so many activities on site to entertain the kids, wear them out & keep them busy – it usually means that they sleep well at night! #TriedTested
Both mine slept like logs the whole week!
That is a fancy caravan! I am always a bit worried about booking these as I am not sure on the standard and quality, but this looks lovely and so much to do. I’m pleased you had a lovely holiday x #triedtested
Thank you! I was so surprised by the quality inside – not what I was expecting at all!
That looks an amazing caravan. And with all those fab amenities on site. What a great holiday #triedtested
I could have moved in!
I’m so glad you had a lovely time on your Devon holiday. I didn’t realise we had a Hoburne so close to us here. I’ve visited the ones in the New Forest since I was tiny. The swimming pool and entertainment look very familiar #triedtested
I think the format is probably the same at all of them – and it works!
Awww I love caravan holidays as they take me right back to my childhood. I am so glad that you had a wonderful time – that pool looked awesome!
Thanks for linking to #ablogginggoodtime
I must admit the gated decking sounds really appealing – we had a great caravan last year but it didn’t have a gate which was really tricky for us with an 18mo!
Thanks for sharing your review on #TriedTested this week x
We live not far from here and it’s such a lovely area, loads to do. Love the accommodation with decking and gate – genius! Thanks for linking up with #TriedTested