9 Best Family Holidays In Devon For The Perfect Staycation

The summer holidays are fast approaching, and with beach holidays across the sea still seeming slightly out of reach, we're looking to our own sunny coastline for our summer trips.

With jet-setting to Europe becoming cheaper and easier than ever in the past few years, most kids haven't experienced the sometimes-soggy, always special UK camping trips of our youth. With 2020 being a year full of twists and turns, these UK holidays destinations might be the perfect trip down memory lane to create family memories that are more special than ever before.

We've put together a list of fantastic Devon destinations for your next family trip, ranging from quirky campsites to luxury hotel breaks and wacky theme park resorts. There's sure to be something for every family on the sunny Devon coastline to make your 2020 holiday one for the books.

With an incredible water park, flumes and water playground, your kids will never want to leave Finlake Holiday Resort. And luckily for parents looking for a much-needed rest, the spa facilities, outdoor heated pool and lava saunas are likely to make you not want to leave either. Whether outdoor or indoor swimming pools are more your thing, you'll definitely find what you're after in the resort.

Sprawling across 130 acres of lush countryside, with archery, zorbing and fencing for your kids, and a beach only 30 minutes away, these cosy family lodges provide everything you need for a fun-filled family stay. Dine out in the Retreat bar, or have a family take away night to take the stress away from mealtimes after action-packed days horse riding, fishing and taking full advantage of the beautiful nature trails.

The lodges are providing extra cleaning and extra time between bookings at the moment to keep your family worry-free.

For a little dose of luxury in your 2020 break, Pickwell Manor is just the ticket. With six acres of grounds and gardens with spectacular coastal views, you can indulge in all of the fantasies of lavish living, while unwinding in truly decadent style.

Wander through the nearby fields for twenty minutes, and you'll arrive at the sandy beach. Practice your backhand with a game of tennis while admiring views of the Italian garden, and settle in for a barbecue on the decking when you're ready to wind down.  Get to know the friendly animals on-site, and if you can't bear to leave your furry friend at home, you'll be pleased to know the manor is dog friendly! Stay in one of the manor's grand apartments - the perfect base for exploring all the natural beauty and excitement that Devon has to offer on a family trip.

With an expansive golf course, luxury Elan spa and modern apartments and lodges, Bovey Castle offers a family-friendly Devon holiday for you to truly relax and enjoy your trip away. In light of recent circumstances, the castle is taking extra precautions to keep you safe during your stay, including one-way systems, floor-markers and signage. For a contemporary luxury Devon family holiday, this is the perfect option - as they pride themselves on being, 'unashamedly indulgent.' With only 22 three-storey country lodges, you'll feel like you're in your own private staycation paradise. Step outside, and you'll find yourself in the stunning Dartmoor National Park, with its endless awesome walks, and picnic opportunities - the hotel can arrange a picnic to be made for you for an even more relaxed stay, or stay in the grounds for a delightful afternoon tea on the terrace.

For kids that are dreaming of Disneyland, Crealy Theme Park and Resort might be the perfect 2020 Devon family-friendly holiday! Kids can get their driving licence in the mini driving range, or feed the friendly meerkats at Meerkat Manor and have the ride of their life on the log flume, not to mention you're minutes away from some of the best sandy beaches, and a short trip from beautiful coastal Teignmouth. Stay in one of the cosy lodges with your own hot tub, or if you're on more of a tight budget, pitch a tent in the campsite and get to know the friendly neighbours. With kids at the heart of the stay, the entertainment is never-ending, and you're sure to go away with some great memories. Unfortunately, you can't bring your pets, but you'll be busy roller-coasting through the days and enjoying the live shows, so we're sure you'll still love this Devon resort.

You can't beat camping for a classic British family-friendly holiday, and The Wood Life in Kenn is one of the most popular campsites in Devon. Spark your kids' imaginations with a stay in Woodman's Wagon treehouse with its own private woodland, complete with fields of beautiful bluebells and friendly woodland animals. Take a stroll through Haldon Forest Park, or hire some mountain bikes if you fancy a taste of adventure. You'll love a wander down to the quaint village Powderham Country Store, where you'll find some of the county's best sausages to sizzle over an open fire under the stars. Away from the crowded parts of Devon, this is up there with our favourite family holidays to Devon in 2020 because of its tucked away peaceful charm.

If you're missing your beachside tropical holiday in 2020, this popular cliff-top Mediterranean style hotel should be top of your list. Watch the yachts from your window, dip in the swimming pool and book a family game of squash or tennis and enjoy the Devon sunshine. Fine diners will love the Rosette-awarded Regatta restaurant with its stunning panoramic views. Keep younger kids entertained in the soft play kids club, and take on other families in a competitive game of pool in the games room.

For beach and sea lovers, there's no short supply, with a host of sandy stretches and hidden rocky coves to explore, kids can forage in the rock pools and take a dip in the warm waters. With a stable 2020 safety regime, there will be no need to worry about your family's safety - staff's temperatures are measured daily, and the hotel takes social distancing extremely seriously to make sure your stay is anxiety-free.  

Image © Ocean Pitch

For a North Devon camping trip, Ocean Pitch is definitely one of our favourites. With self-catering pitches and instagrammable luxury glamping pods, there's something for every family here. The salty sea breeze will have you running to the beach for their incredible surfing lessons. If tent life isn't for you, you'll feel at home in one of the cosy pods with idyllic views over the bay, complete with comfy king-size beds and a DVD player for family film nights. Foodies will fall in love with Biffen's Kitchen, run by well-travelled surfer Biff, with incredible cuisine inspired by his trips around the globe, including Moroccan lamb stew, Katsu curry and hot-crossed bun french toast to name but a few! For a family holiday filled with great grub, stunning sea views and surfing the waves, this is the child-friendly Devon holiday destination for you.

If you're the kind of family that don't like to leave your pets when you go away, you'll be right at home in this quaint farm befriending the many farm animals on site.  Finding holidays in Devon for families can sometimes be tricky, but these holiday cottages are truly child friendly, complete with a soft play area, tennis court and rabbit petting area. Forget self-catering and pick up one of the locally made meals available, as well as the yummy Devon speciality ice creams. You'll make best friends with Robin the donkey, the most popular resident on the farm. The toddler race track is a must-see, and the indoor heated pool is the perfect place when it's cold outside. Head to the nearby sandy beaches, or Dartmoor National Park, but we're guessing with the friendly atmosphere on the farm, you'll be happy staying beside the cottages for your entire stay!

Looking for a luxury cottage for your 2020 Devon holiday? You won't want to look any further than this coastal stay - one of the most beautiful cottages in the whole of South East Devon.  Relax in the bubbling hot tub, or splash away the days in the friendly leisure complex, complete with waterfall pool and Roman swimming pool. Young children will love the popular play area and football field for kids to play all day. Pets are welcome in most cottages - great news when pets are part of the family we don't want to leave behind! You're a short drive from Devon's most popular beaches and coastal walks if you're going to venture outside of the cottages too! Rest assured that the owners are doing all they can to keep you safe, with thorough cleaning and sanitation, social distancing and extra time between booking the cottages.

Note: Please always check with the individual venue before making plans, as openings and restrictions are at risk of change due to COVID-19.