First Holiday

[OBonio]

We're looking at taking our littl'un on holiday for the first time. I'm thinking April time after Easter so we avoid the peak rates (while we can). We're thinking of going to Devon. Static caravan is looking like the most likely at the moment.

Has anyone any recommendations for places or areas to stay?

[kate1976]

I've stayed here http://www.caravancampingsites.co.uk/devon/welcomefamily .htm it was a good holiday!

Wherever you end up, have a great time!

[sherrardk]

Whilst static caravans are brilliant they can be a bit cold and damp (even the one we stayed in in August) but they have gas fires so I would take a fan heater or something with you.

[OBonio]

Thanks kate, added that to the list, looks good :o) And yes, I think we're going to enjoy this a lot. A good excuse to go to all the children's attractions that I've supposed to have grown out of ;o)

Thanks for the tip there sherrardk. April isn't the best time of year, but money's a little tight. We might be able to stretch to a chalet yet.

[sanlou26]

Hi OBonio

I have stayed at the Welcome Holiday Park. It was brilliant. My family kept going back for several years when I was a child. Although I haven't been for six years (I moved to Exeter, so I have it all on my doorstep), my sister and her family have been going for the last five and the children love it. The amusement, the beach and the sea,

The train station is very very close, with frequent service, to Exeter, Plymouth, Torquay, Paignton, Totnes, Newton Abbot, Exmouth, Dawlish, Teignmouth and lots of other places. I would recommend a visit to Exeter to see the Cathedral and the Quay and Plymouth to see the Hoe and the Barbican. There is also the aquarium on the barbican. If that's the sort of thing you like to do. Bus services are also frequent and there used to be a stop right outside the holiday park.

Otherwise relax and admire the local scenery. You are able to walk from Dawlish Warren to Dawlish along the beach at low tide, play on the beach, walk the nature reserve, play in and on the amusements and rides and generally have a wonderful time.

What happy memories it brings back! Have a good holiday where ever you choose to go.

[malde]

id always recommend butlins where kids are concerned! ive been going ever since i was 6 and my little brother was 1. we still love it now at 20 and 14. obv the activities u r interested in change as u get older, but for very little ones, theres bob the builders yard, with little shows and games with bob the builder (well bloke in suit) also kiddies rides (all free) and great entertainment in the evenings. good luck with ur holiday, wherever you choose!

[Sparkles3]

We stayed in a Haven caravan (www.havenholidays.co.uk) in Cornwall last October, the caravan was the Gold Deluxe version and had heating in all of the rooms - this is highly recommended knowing our weather! You can use Tesco clubcard tokens towards the cost of Haven holidays too.

Another option that we have taken ever since my youngest was 1 is to go to Center Parcs (www.centerparcs.co.uk), this has been fantastic for holidays with our two little ones, as there are lots of play areas and of course the swimming pool that is absolutely free when you get there. Center Parcs is more expensive than Haven, but not horrendously priced outside of school holidays and absolutely perfect for young children and families - to be honest, I was disappointed with Haven, but I think perhaps because I've grown to expect so much from CP.

(no, I don't work for Center Parcs!)

[zipadeedodah]

Also living quite close, am just reiterating sanlou26's answer really - Dawlish Warren is lovely, and is in a good location for access to lots of nice places near by. Havn't stayed in the holiday park itself, just visited for days, but unless the weather is awful, would be well worth a visit I'd say.