If you fancy a family break away but don’t want the hassle of going abroad then Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks could be the perfect answer, writes Lisa Broom.

Have fun in the on-site, and heated, outdoor pool

There are four parks located on the north Devon coast and each offers a host of fun activities and entertainment for both children and adults. The Golden Coast, Woolacombe Bay, Twitchen House and Eastwell Farm are all located within a few miles of each other.

It doesn’t matter which park you stay on as there is a bus service which runs between each of them so you are able to make the most of all the facilities at each site.

A few miles down the road is the pretty seaside village of Woolacombe which has a beautiful beach with miles of golden sand and blue sparkling sea surrounded by spectacular scenery.

On each park there are different options for accommodation to suit all budgets. From the basic pitches for camping and caravans with electrical hook-ups to static caravans, apartments and lodges, which are a home away from home. They all have different facilities to meet your needs.

The Golden Coast site, which is the largest of the parks, is only a five-minute drive to the beach. It is the only park with a pub on site which is handy for grabbing a quick drink or bite to eat.

It also has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a sauna, ten-pin bowling, ceramics painting, amusement arcade and cinema. For those wanting to try out more extreme activities there are water slides, a bungee run and trampoline and a climbing wall.

Staying in a lodge really is like being at home. They are spacious and beautifully furnished and include an en-suite shower room, washing machine, dishwasher, TV, DVD player, and a patio area. If you fancy a break away in the cooler months they do have central heating.

On arrival a welcome pack had been left in the kitchen with supplies including milk, eggs, bacon and wine. A nice touch and one that saves you packing all those extras or racing around to get supplies, although there is a well-stocked supermarket on the site.

North Devon’s only 15-hole pirate-themed adventure golf can be found in Woolacombe town

After settling in there’s time to have a wander around the park and see what it has to offer. It’s great place to take the whole family, leaving parents time to relax while youngsters can be amused in a safe environment.

There’s always something going on, with various clubs for children of different ages. There is a cafe and bar area with pool tables, which in the evening plays host to entertainment for both families and later on for adults. There are comedy acts, vocalists, magicians, tribute acts and also bingo and a disco.

If you fancy some time off the park there are plenty of towns and beaches to visit that are nearby. Croyde Bay and the picturesque town of Ilfracombe are a short drive away and there are lots of coastal walks and tourist attractions to enjoy.

With all this, it’s hard not to want to pay a visit and explore fun-packed parks and beautiful area.

Fact file:

• Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks is offering savings of up to 30 per cent on 2012 holidays for bookings made and paid for in full by January 31.
• This means a family of four can enjoy a week’s holiday in a caravan holiday home from just £98. Call 0843 208 0368 or see www.woolacombe.com/bp
• For details visit www.woolacombe.co.uk