We were invited to try out a new wave of caravan holidays in Devon – and it’s changed our view of staycation holidays for life
We were given the opportunity to review a new wave of caravan holidays in Devon, so Nancy Emery took her family down for a few days of understated luxury.
Like most Brits, I’ve holidayed in the UK, and stayed in many caravans along the way – some shoddy, some not so shoddy, but at least there’s never a dull moment.
From the drunken memories of an 18 – 30’s caravan site in Newquay as a teen, to more recent jaunts as a family of four to the windy Barmouth seaside in October; my caravan history has been a mixed and interesting experience.
It’s hard to go through life in this country without coming into contact with this great British tradition at some point – and if you have managed this then hats off.
For some, it’s a part of life, for others, like me, it’s something you go back to every once in a while to remind yourself you are, in fact, British and proud, and can handle anything. Even a tin can as a bedroom, a periodically flushing toilet, and living off beans because you don’t want to light the grill.
Well, those days are officially over, because there’s a new wave of caravan holidays in Devon that are going to make you think differently about it all.
We were invited to try out one of the newest models from holiday home manufacturer Willerby. Part of its ‘New Wave’ range now available at Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park on the famous Devonshire Gold Coast.
Glama-van
Its hard to call the 2017 ‘New Wave’ model a static caravan, even though that’s what it is. But this one has so many luxurious additions. Everything from coastal themed interior design to the comfy sofas, wall-mounted flat screen TV, the fully-integrated kitchen and the large retro 60’s fridge-freezer.
And then there are the spacious rooms, the freshly-pressed bed linen and ample wardrobe space, coupled with the large decked exterior that has its very own picnic bench and family-sized barbecue.
There really are so many comfy conveniences and mod-cons, like central heating that comes on at the touch of a button, which make a stay in a New Wave Willerby caravan a truly pleasurable experience.
Heading out for a jam-packed day of activities with the knowledge that you’ll come home to one of these caravans makes it all that little bit more enjoyable.
And, if I could guarantee the updated comfort of one of these caravans every time, I think I’d be happy to escape for staycation breaks much more often. The only thing left to decide would be where to go.
Location, Location, Location
We were sent to Woolacombe Bay in Devon which is a lovely part of the world. Its main beach has been voted the best in the UK on Trip Advisor and the atmosphere about town is happy, relaxed and family-friendly.
There are three Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks in the area and we stayed at ‘Woolacombe Bay’, situated about a 15-minute walk from the beach. You can’t fault the facilities for children with an on-site cinema, bowling lanes, several restaurants, arcades, in-door and outdoor swimming pools and more than one play centre.
But elsewhere in the local area, there are many local attractions to explore too. From theme parks, to wildlife centres and Exmoor Zoo. We managed to fit in a visit to The Big Sheep, which is one of the area’s main highlights and is great fun for kids with lots of rides, animals and activities.
We also visited Watermouth Castle, which has a fabulous view over the bay and a huge hidden theme park at the back – you must have a go on the toboggan run. And the Combe Martine and Wildlife Dinosaur Park had lots of animals, birds of prey and a dinosaur attraction – winner, winner with two little boys in tow.
A nice little upgrade
As a nation, we love a cheeky little upgrade, if it’s affordable, of course, and why not? We’ll take those premium seats at the cinema for a few extra quid; we’ll go for more leg room on a budget flight; and we’ve managed glamping because it means we can still straighten our hair while pretending to rough it at a festival.
Well, now we can fully embrace caravan holidays in Devon at least. Because the aptly-named ‘New Wave’ Willerby caravan will provide all the glamour you’ll need.
Our trip…
We stayed in a 2017 ‘New Wave Willerby’ caravan at Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park.
Visit Willerby UK for more details. A stay at the Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks starts from as little as £79 for your whole family. Call 01271 872 368 for more information.
