Devon Cliffs Holiday Park: Complete Guide to Activities, Beach, Accommodation & Nearby Attractions

Planning a family holiday on the Devon coast? Devon Cliffs Holiday Park offers a combination that is difficult to beat for families: a large holiday park, direct access to a sandy beach, coastal views and a huge choice of activities for different ages. Set in the Sandy Bay area near Exmouth, the park is one of the larger holiday parks in the Haven group. Its location means you can spend a full day enjoying the facilities without leaving the park, then explore Exmouth, the surrounding coastline and nearby attractions when you want a change of scenery.

There is an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, waterslides, aerial adventure activities, bungee trampolines, adventure golf, Segway experiences and several entertainment options. The nearby beach adds another major attraction to the holiday.

But what is Devon Cliffs Holiday Park actually like for families? Is the beach easy to access, what can children do, where can you eat, and what attractions are worth visiting nearby?

Here’s a complete guide to help you plan your stay.

Why Is Devon Cliffs Holiday Park So Popular?

The biggest reason families choose Devon Cliffs is its combination of coastal location and on-site entertainment. The park sits above Sandy Bay, giving many areas of the resort a coastal atmosphere and views towards the sea. The beach is only a short distance away, while the park itself provides enough activities to fill several days.

It’s also a useful base for exploring East Devon. Exmouth is only a short drive away, while the wider area includes coastal walks, family attractions, the Exe Estuary and sections of the Jurassic Coast. The park is particularly suited to families who don’t want to spend every day driving from one attraction to another. You can have a pool day, an activity day or a beach day without going far.

What Is the Beach Like at Devon Cliffs?

One of the biggest advantages of Devon Cliffs is its location beside Sandy Bay. The beach is a major part of the holiday experience and gives families the option of having a traditional seaside day without needing to travel to another town. The setting is especially attractive because you’re combining a sandy beach with the dramatic Devon coastline.

Is Sandy Bay Good for Families?

Sandy Bay can be a great choice for families who want to mix beach time with activities at the holiday park. Children can play on the sand, paddle when conditions are suitable, and enjoy a change of scenery from the resort. However, remember that this is a coastal location with cliffs and changing sea conditions. Keep children supervised near the water and check local conditions before swimming.

Can You Walk to the Beach?

The beach is very close to the holiday park, but the clifftop location means access isn’t the same as walking from a flat seaside promenade. This is worth considering if you’re travelling with a pushchair, young children or anyone with limited mobility. If beach access is important to your holiday, check the current accessibility information before travelling.

What Else Can You Do Around Sandy Bay?

The coastal setting is ideal for walks and enjoying sea views. You can also use the South West Coast Path to explore parts of the surrounding coastline, making the beach more than just a place for swimming and sandcastles.

Things to Do at Devon Cliffs Holiday Park

There is enough happening at Devon Cliffs to keep families busy even if they decide not to explore the surrounding area.

Swim in the Indoor and Outdoor Pools

The swimming facilities are one of the park’s major attractions. There is an indoor pool for days when the weather isn’t cooperating, along with outdoor pools for warmer weather. The pool area also includes multi-lane waterslides and flumes, giving older children something more exciting than simply swimming lengths. The outdoor pools operate seasonally, so availability can depend on the time of year. For families visiting outside the warmer months, the indoor pool provides a useful alternative.

Try the Tube Slides

The tube slides add a more adventurous element to the pool experience. They’re particularly appealing to children who have already outgrown basic splash areas and want something faster and more exciting. If your children are particularly keen on the slides, check the current height and age requirements before your visit.

Take on the Aerial Adventure

The aerial adventure course is one of Devon Cliffs’ more distinctive activities. It allows older children and adventurous family members to climb, balance and negotiate obstacles at height. This is a good option when you want something more challenging than traditional playground equipment. Because adventure activities can have age, height and safety requirements, make sure everyone meets the current conditions before booking.

Try the Bungee Trampolines

Bungee trampolines combine jumping with the feeling of being suspended above the ground. They’re particularly appealing to energetic children who want a short, high-energy activity between other attractions.

Have a Go on a Segway

The Segway experience gives visitors a different way to explore the park environment. It is generally more suitable for older children and adults than for toddlers, making it a useful activity when a family includes teenagers or adults looking for something different.

Play Adventure Golf

Adventure golf offers a slower-paced alternative to the more energetic activities. It’s particularly useful for mixed-age families because parents can play alongside children rather than simply supervising. It also makes a good break between swimming and more physically demanding activities.

Try Beach Watersports

The coastal setting opens up opportunities for watersports, depending on the season and current availability. For families interested in trying something active on the water, the beach location gives Devon Cliffs an advantage over holiday parks that are inland. Always check current conditions, age requirements and booking arrangements before planning your day around a particular watersport.

Entertainment at Devon Cliffs

The holiday doesn’t stop when the outdoor activities finish. Devon Cliffs has two entertainment venues, providing daytime and evening entertainment for families. Depending on the programme and season, you may find children’s activities, games, live performances and evening shows. This is particularly useful for families with younger children because you can have a full day of activities without needing to organise your own evening plans. The entertainment schedule can change throughout the year, so it’s worth checking what’s running during your specific stay.

Is Devon Cliffs Holiday Park Good for Toddlers?

Yes, but there are a few things parents should consider.

Younger children can enjoy the swimming facilities, play areas and age-appropriate entertainment, while the beach provides plenty of room for simpler activities such as playing in the sand. The advantage of a large park like Devon Cliffs is that older siblings can take part in more adventurous activities while younger children have their own options.

What Makes It Good for Young Families?

The biggest advantage is variety. You don’t need every activity to be suitable for your toddler because there are enough different facilities for the whole family to find something to enjoy. The nearby World of Country Life is another particularly useful attraction for families with younger children, as it is very close to the park and offers a different type of experience.

Things Parents Should Consider

The clifftop setting means you should take extra care with younger children around coastal areas. Beach access can also involve a slope, so families using pushchairs should plan accordingly. For a toddler holiday, choosing accommodation close to the facilities can make a noticeable difference.

Is Devon Cliffs Good for Older Children and Teenagers?

This is one area where Devon Cliffs has a strong advantage. Older children and teenagers have plenty of activities that go beyond traditional children’s entertainment. They can try:

• Tube slides
• Aerial Adventure
• Bungee trampolines
• Segway experiences
• Adventure golf
• Watersports
• Swimming
• Sports activities
• Beach activities
• Evening entertainment

Teenagers are also more likely to appreciate the opportunity to explore Exmouth and the surrounding coastline rather than spending the entire holiday inside the park.

Accommodation at Devon Cliffs Holiday Park

Devon Cliffs offers several accommodation options, including caravans and lodges. The right choice depends largely on your budget, group size and how much time you expect to spend at the accommodation.

Accommodation type	Best for
Standard caravan	Families looking for a more budget-friendly stay
Upgraded caravan	Families wanting extra comfort
Premium accommodation	Guests looking for additional features
Lodge	Families wanting more space
Dog-friendly option	Families travelling with pets

Choosing the Right Location

The park is large, so accommodation location can matter. If you have young children, check how far your accommodation is from the main facilities. A sea-view or coastal location may be attractive, but the most scenic accommodation isn’tnecessarily the most convenient for every family. For families with mobility considerations, ground-floor and accessible accommodation options may be available, but these should be checked before booking.

Is Devon Cliffs Dog Friendly?

Yes, dog-friendly accommodation is available.

The coastal surroundings can be particularly appealing if you enjoy walking with your dog. However, individual attractions, restaurants and beach areas may have their own rules, so check the current restrictions before travelling with a pet.

Food & Drink at Devon Cliffs

You don’t need to leave the park every time you’re hungry. Devon Cliffs has several food and drink options, including South Beach Café, which is particularly notable for its clifftop setting and sea views. The park also has Slim Chickens and a J D Wetherspoon pub, giving families a mixture of quick meals, casual dining and pub-style food. This variety can be useful when different members of the family want different things.

Why Is South Beach Café Worth Visiting?

The food is only part of the appeal. The café’s position on the cliff means you can sit down for a meal or drink while enjoying views towards the coast. It’s especially appealing around lunchtime or later in the day when you want a break from the park’s activities.

What Can You Do Near Devon Cliffs?

One of the best things about staying at Devon Cliffs is that you’re not limited to the holiday park. The surrounding area has enough attractions to create a completely different itinerary each day.

Explore Exmouth

Exmouth is the obvious nearby destination. The seaside town has a large beach, seafront walks, cafés, shops and access to the Exe Estuary. It’s close enough to make a half-day or full-day trip practical. You can also explore the Exmouth and Orcombe Point area for coastal scenery and walks.

Visit World of Country Life

For families with younger children, World of Country Life is one of the most convenient nearby attractions. It combines animals, outdoor areas and family activities, making it an easy alternative to another day at the holiday park. Its proximity to Devon Cliffs also means you don’t have to spend a large part of the day travelling.

Explore the Exe Estuary

The Exe Estuary offers a completely different experience from the busy holiday park. You can enjoy riverside scenery, wildlife and walking routes, with the Exe Estuary Trail providing an option for visitors who want a more active day outdoors.

Visit Sidmouth

Sidmouth is another good choice if you’re interested in traditional seaside scenery. The town combines a beach, gardens, independent shops and coastal views. It’s a useful option when you want to explore further along the East Devon coast.

Visit the Donkey Sanctuary

The Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth is another family-friendly attraction worth considering. It can be combined with a trip to Sidmouth, making it possible to create a full day without having to drive between several distant destinations.

Explore the Jurassic Coast

Devon Cliffs also provides access to the wider Jurassic Coast area. This is particularly appealing to visitors who enjoy geology, coastal scenery and walking. Rather than trying to see everything in one day, choose one or two coastal areas and take your time exploring them.

A 3-Day Devon Cliffs Holiday Itinerary

If you’re visiting for a long weekend or short family break, you can combine the park with nearby attractions without making the schedule too complicated.

Day 1: Settle In and Explore the Park

Arrive, unpack and spend your first afternoon exploring Devon Cliffs. Start with the swimming pool and choose one or two activities before having dinner on site. Finish the evening with the entertainment programme.

Day 2: Beach and Park Activities

Start the day at Sandy Bay. Spend some time on the beach before returning to the park for activities such as the aerial adventure, adventure golf or waterslides. Have lunch at South Beach Café and enjoy the coastal views. Finish the day with evening entertainment.

Day 3: Explore Exmouth

Spend your final full day away from the park. Visit Exmouth beach and seafront, explore the estuary or choose a nearby attraction such as World of Country Life. If you still have time before leaving, return to Devon Cliffs for one final swim or activity.

Devon Cliffs Holiday Park in Bad Weather

Devon weather can be unpredictable, but a rainy forecast doesn’t necessarily mean cancelling your plans. The indoor swimming pool is the obvious first choice. You can also use indoor entertainment and dining options before returning to your accommodation. For a full rainy-day alternative, Exmouth has additional indoor attractions, including museums and creative activities. The key is to avoid planning your entire holiday around outdoor attractions. A good Devon Cliffs itinerary should always have at least one indoor backup option.

Practical Things to Know Before Visiting

A little planning can make a large holiday park much easier to navigate.

Check Activity Availability

Not every activity necessarily operates at the same times throughout the year. Some experiences may also require booking or have separate charges. If your children have a particular activity they are determined to try, check its availability early.

Think About the Park’s Size

Devon Cliffs is a large holiday park. That is excellent for the number of facilities available, but it also means you may have some walking between accommodation, entertainment, restaurants and activities. Comfortable footwear is therefore essential.

Pack for the Coast

Bring more than just swimwear. A sensible packing list includes:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Waterproof jackets
• Warm layers
• Swimwear
• Beach towels
• Sun protection
• Beach footwear
• Spare clothes for younger children
• Reusable water bottles

Even during summer, coastal weather can change quickly.

Plan Around the Tide

If the beach is an important part of your holiday, check the tide times. This is particularly useful if you want to spend several hours on Sandy Bay rather than simply visiting for a short walk.

Consider Your Accommodation Location

If you’re travelling with toddlers or anyone with mobility difficulties, convenience may be more important than having the most attractive view. Check the accommodation location and accessibility details before booking.

Is Devon Cliffs Holiday Park Worth It?

For families who want a holiday where the beach and the resort are both major parts of the experience, Devon Cliffs is a strong option. Its biggest advantage is variety.

• You can spend the morning swimming, the afternoon at Sandy Bay and the evening watching entertainment without ever needing to get in the car.
• Then, on another day, you can visit Exmouth, explore the Exe Estuary or travel further along the Devon coast.
• The park’s size is both a strength and something to consider. There are lots of facilities, but the resort can feel busy, and getting around may involve more walking than at a smaller holiday park.
• It’s also worth remembering that some activities may cost extra or operate according to seasonal schedules.
• For families who value convenience, activities, beach access and the ability to create a flexible holiday itinerary, Devon Cliffs offers a particularly strong combination.

Planning a memorable stay at Devon Cliffs Holiday Park? Before you go, explore our guides to the best UK holiday parks and discover more family-friendly holiday destinations.

Conclusion

Devon Cliffs Holiday Park is a strong choice for families who want a coastal holiday without sacrificing on-site entertainment. Its clifftop position above Sandy Bay gives the holiday a genuine seaside feel, while the swimming pools, waterslides, aerial adventure, bungee trampolines, adventure golf and entertainment provide plenty to do when you aren’t on the beach.

The location is another major advantage. You can easily combine the holiday park with Exmouth, the Exe Estuary, World of Country Life, Sidmouth and wider East Devon attractions, meaning you’re not limited to the resort. For families with toddlers, the variety of facilities and nearby attractions makes planning easier. For older children and teenagers, the more adventurous activities help keep the holiday interesting.

The best way to enjoy Devon Cliffs is to avoid treating it as simply a place to stay. Use the park for activities and entertainment, Sandy Bay for classic beach days, and the surrounding Devon coast for exploring. That combination is what makes Devon Cliffs Holiday Park particularly appealing for a family holiday in East Devon.