Great ideas for an Easter staycation in North Devon

Easter will be here before you know and with it, another chance to get away for a week or so. If you’re eagerly looking forward to your next trip to North Devon, here are some suggestions for places to stay across the region, perfect for the whole family.

One of the biggest draws to this region is the incredible coastline much of which falls within the North Devon AONB. The North Devon Coast also forms Britain’s first surf reserve, due to the ideal conditions for a range of watersports. If you like the idea of not only being close to the coast but also Britain’s best beach, take a look at what is on offer at Willingcott Valley Holiday Village.

Located on the outskirts of Woolacombe, Willingcott Valley Holiday Village offers a range of high quality cottages to choose from on a self-catering basis. A number of the cottages are converted from former farm buildings and offer a perfect base for exploring North Devon. With options of 2,3 and 4 bed properties, you can be assured that there will be enough room for everyone, whether you’re planning a group getaway with friends, a family holiday or just a romantic break. Each cottage has a fully equipped kitchen and the site has stunning views of the Willingcott Valley, where you can join the Tarka Trail or just a short journey away, you can find the coast and a range of family friendly activities.

Another beach known for its surf is Westward Ho! This one is favoured by younger and less confident surfers as the waves tend to be smaller but it is also a good choice for the experienced. Braddicks Holiday Centre is set right beside the beach and has a range of different accommodation options to suit every budget. For those of you who want a good view of the beach, check out their modern caravans. Each one has a decked veranda where you can watch the surfers at your leisure.

Image: Braddicks Holiday Centre

Also in Westward Ho! is Beachside Holiday Park, which slopes gently down to the beach and has spectacular views of the coastline. This park is well suited for those who want to explore, as the village centre is just a few minute’s walk away and you can easily access a host of walking trails, cycle routes and more. For those of you who want to enjoy a couple of rounds of golf this Easter, you’re well placed to visit the Royal North Devon Golf Course, the oldest course in England.

Another holiday park near an award winning beach is Parkdean’s Ruda Holiday Park. From the park, you can enjoy Croyde Bay with its seemingly endless golden sands and village full of surf shops and eateries. If you don’t want to travel too far, there are a host of things to do onsite, including a 230ft waterslide, they even have their own surf shop and lessons, if you want to head out onto the waves and give the region’s favourite sport a try yourself.

Holiday parks are a great option for families or those that want the freedom of self-catering with all the facilities and comfort of a top hotel, but they aren’t the only option available to you this Easter. If you like the idea of having a real home from home experience while in North Devon, why not book a cottage for the Easter break?

Birchill Farm Cottages near Great Torrington is surrounded by beautiful countryside and gives you the chance to spend Easter with the farm’s various animals. Guests can join in with daily feedings of the ponies, donkeys, pigs, ducks, chickens, geese, goats, lambs, rabbits and guinea pigs – what could be better than seeing the baby chicks and lambs at Easter? Guests are welcomed with a complimentary cream tea – perfect for a visit to Devon! Each cottage is also designed to make your family holiday as relaxing as possible.

Another great option for families is North Hayne Farm which has won awards for their accessibility and their child friendly provision. On site is a purpose built accessible children’s farm which has twice daily activities to support learning within the Early Years, ideal for keeping their brains active during the holidays and away from their screens! The farm has an autism friendly award and is well suited for visitors with additional needs. Each of the cottages are named after childhood characters and have a variety of features, so you can pick a property that best suits your needs.

Image: North Hayne Farm Cottages

In the charming fishing village of Appledore is Catboat Cottage,  a 200 year old fisherman’s cottage that still has many of its original features, some of which are believed to have originated from an old ship’s timbers, appropriate considering the village’s maritime history. Plus, Appledore is a great place for catching the sunset and is close to a host of family friendly attractions which will no doubt be offering extended openings and special activities for Easter.

If you fancy something a bit more structured where you won’t have to worry about stocking up with food, check out some of North Devon’s hotels.

In Bideford, where you can easily access the coast and the Exmoor National Park is the Royal Hotel which dates back to the 17^th century. The hotel is one of the finest in the region and features 32 luxury rooms, including family rooms. Whilst staying, you can also use the leisure facilities at their sister hotel for free, take advantage of complimentary wifi and the onsite eateries. From here you can easily visit the premier towns and villages of the area and join the Tark Trail, as well as spending time at the region’s top attractions.

For a hotel on the beach, book a stay with Saunton Sands Hotel. The facilities include a state of the art spa, gym, swimming pools, tennis courts and the beach itself. The hotel is right on the sea front, so you can easily make your way down to the sand and enjoy splashing about in the waves. The hotel offers surfing sessions and even provides two hours of free childcare per day, so the parents among you can have some time to themselves too. With 24 hour room service and a host of luxury facilities, this is a wonderful beachside hotel for the Easter season.

Image: Saunton Sands Hotel

Feeling inspired and want some more suggestions for places to stay this Easter? Find a host of accommodation options here.