WHY splash your cash on a far-flung getaway when there are blue flag beaches, top-notch restaurants and attractions that will keep kids happy for hours on end in Devon?
Book a stay at Park Holidays’ Golden Sands in Dawlish with Hols From 9.50, to put you in the heart of the holiday action with fun at your fingertips.
Expect live shows, a games zone for children and arts and crafts experiences such as pottery painting and customised teddy bear building.
Or you can opt for Parkdean Resorts’ Torquay Holiday Park, a little further south, which has roomy caravans and apartments sleeping up to six people.
There’s a swimming pool with a waterslide on site, as well as a restaurant and a recently refurbished bar, Boathouse, plus an amusement arcade and adventure playground.
There are plenty more adventures to be had nearby, too.
Fun for under a fiver
ABOUT a ten-minute drive from Torquay Holiday Park sits Torbay’s most historic building, Torre Abbey (torre-abbey.org.uk), which is tucked away in 18 acres of rugged parkland.
For £14.50 (for one adult and two kids) you can explore the former monastery, which dates back to 1196 and is crawling with history and crammed full of ancient artworks.
Youngsters can get stuck into interactive displays and treasure hunts or play dress-up in The Hidden House, while adults can stroll through the exotic garden.
Are you an animal lover? Not far from Golden Sands resort is Powderham Castle, where for just £2 children over the age of eight can go on “goat walks” or there are pony and donkey grooming sessions for £4 for those aged four and over.
Make sure to book in advance (see powderham.co.uk).
Cheap eats and drinks
AGGING a bargain doesn’t mean compromising on quality and those looking for a fresh lunch should make a beeline for The Shed Sandwich Bar in Dawlish.
This mini shack on Shutterton Industrial Estate will blow your socks off with home-made baguettes from £3.70, crammed with local cheeses, and juicy sausage rolls from £2.20.
All the ingredients are laid out behind the counter so you can build your own jacket or sandwich and don’t forget to pick up a homemade cake too.
For (very good) burgers and a pint, head to the Thatched Tavern (thethatchedtaverndevon.co.uk, 01803 327140), less than a ten-minute drive from Torquay Holiday Park. The cosy 17th century pub in the picturesque village of Maidencombe is dog-friendly and serves local ales and pulled beef brisket burgers.
Bargain beach days
RIGHT by Golden Sands park is Dawlish Warren beach and nature reserve, spread over 500 acres of unspoilt landscape.
Those visiting in autumn will have the best chance of spotting birds.
A staggering 23,000 wildfowl and wading species travel to the estuary around August and stay until late March.
You can see dunlins, grey plovers, bar-tailed godwits and oystercatchers, among others.
Affordable attractions
THOSE with kids should head to Woodlands Family Theme Park, a top attraction near Dartmouth. It has rides and a special “zoo farm”, which houses everything from reptiles and falcons to meerkats and horses.
Older kids will get their kicks in the Sea Monster Zone, home to the Sea Dragon Swing Ship ride, while little ones can head to the Toddler Village with a play area and ball pool.
Tickets cost from £13.45 for adults or children over 92cm, while those under 92cm go free (see woodlandspark.com).
Anyone on an adult getaway should make their way to Exe Adventures to join the daily Pub Paddle from £25pp, which is ideal for watersports novices.
Guests will head to the water’s edge in Exminster and hop in a kayak, paddleboard or canoe and brace the waterway to paddle to the Waterside pub for pints and grub (see exeadventures.co.uk).
Free for all
TOPSHAM MUSEUM in Exeter is free to enter, although donations are welcome.
Delving into the history of shipbuilding, the museum is spread over a series of 17th century buildings overlooking the Exe Estuary with furnished period rooms to explore and rivercraft exhibits.
Check the website’s event’s calendar to see what’s going on when you’re in the region (topshammuseum.org.uk).
To find out more and see all of the holidays available go to our website at thesun.co.uk/holidays.
Top parks
- Parkdean Resorts Torquay– holiday park for all the family on the English Riviera
- Park Holidays UK Golden Sands– close to sandy beaches and family attractions. Guests also have the use of facilities at a second Park Holidays venue nearby.
How do I book Hols From £9.50?
There are THREE ways to book our Holidays from £9.50:
- Book online: Collect FIVE codewords printed in The Sun daily from Saturday, January 6 to Thursday, January 25. Then enter them at thesun.co.uk/holidays to unlock booking.
- Book with Sun Savers: Download the Sun Savers app or register at sunsavers.co.uk. Then go to the ‘Offers’ section of Sun Savers and click ‘Start Collecting’ on the ‘Hols From £9.50’ page. Collect FIVE Sun Savers codes from those printed at the bottom of the Sun Savers page in the newspaper from Saturday, January 6 to Thursday, January 25. Then enter or scan the code on Sun Savers to unlock booking.
- Book by post: You can also collect FIVE of the tokens printed in The Sun each day. Cut the token out and send it back with the booking form – found in paper on Saturday, January 6 – or online at thesun.co.uk/holidays.
Terms and Conditions: Price per person based on four sharing. Multiple token/code collect. Subject to availability. Price guarantee based on four people sharing, excluding extras/upgrades . Date restrictions apply. See full Terms & Conditions here.