Planning a coastal escape to Devon Cliffs Holiday Park requires knowing what's actually on-site, how the park layout works, and what your booking covers. Perched on the cliffs above Sandy Bay in Exmouth, this destination spans one of the largest self-catering footprints in the country. You get sweeping views of Lyme Bay, direct paths down to an award-winning beach, and a massive roster of activities that keep families busy from morning until night.
Unlike standard hotels, a stay here depends heavily on your accommodation tier and whether you purchase a Play Pass. The main complex sits at the bottom of a deep valley, meaning almost every caravan or lodge sits higher up the hillside. Knowing what to expect before you pack your bags saves you from unexpected uphill walks and extra costs at the gate.
Accommodation Options and Park Layout
Choosing where to stay on the park dictates your daily routine. Accommodation ranges from budget-friendly metal-framed caravans to spacious, double-glazed lodges with private decking.
- Saver Caravans: The most affordable entry point, measuring around 280 square feet with basic furnishings.
- Bronze and Silver Caravans: Wider floor plans (roughly 420 square feet) offering central heating, double glazing, and better kitchen setups. Silver options include smart furnishings and sometimes partial views.
- Gold and Signature Lodges: The premium tier, scaling up to 560 square feet with wrap-around decking, front-row sea views, and optional air conditioning.
The park's geography is steep. The central swimming and entertainment complex sits at the base of the grounds. If you book a caravan on the upper ridges, expect a hearty trek back uphill after a swim or an evening show. Guests with mobility concerns or heavy pushchairs should request pitches closer to the main hub or check the park map carefully before confirming.
Swimming Pools and Water Complexes
Water activities form the core of the daily itinerary. The site features three pools, split between indoor and outdoor facilities that operate seasonally.
The heated indoor pool complex stays open year-round and includes multi-lane slides, tube flumes with inflatable rings, and dedicated splash zones for toddlers. During peak summer months, the outdoor pool opens up with its own flume and sunbathing terrace.
Access to these swimming pools requires a valid Play Pass. If you book through a private owner who only sells a "Hideaway" tier, pool entry isn't included, so check your booking details carefully. Lifeguards monitor all pool zones, but children under specific heights need adult supervision in the water at all times.
Dining and On-Site Eateries
With over a dozen food and drink venues scattered across the park, you don't need to leave the grounds for meals. Options range from quick takeaways to sit-down restaurants.
- South Beach Cafe: Perched right on the clifftop, this venue is widely praised for panoramic sea views, local seafood, and a dog-friendly seating area.
- The Red Rocks: A familiar pub-style venue offering classic family meals, children's menus, and large-screen sports television.
- Fast Food and Takeaways: On-site outlets include Burger King and Papa Johns, alongside traditional fish and chip shops for evening meals by the caravan.
Things to Do Beyond the Beach
Aside from the private access path down to Sandy Bay beach, the activity programme features over 40 structured sessions.
Older kids and teenagers can tackle the aerial adventure course, climbing walls, bungee trampolines, and virtual reality experiences. Younger children enjoy guided Activitots sessions that focus on basic coordination, ball skills, and obstacle courses.
When you want to explore the surrounding area, the South West Coast Path runs right past the boundary. A short drive down the road leads you to Exmouth town centre or the wider Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, famous for fossil hunting and dramatic rock formations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Play Pass to enjoy the park?
You only need a Play Pass if you want to use the swimming pools, book physical activities, or enter the evening entertainment venues. If you book a basic accommodation-only rate, you can still access the restaurants, arcades, and outdoor play areas without a pass.
Are dogs allowed at Devon Cliffs?
Yes, selected caravans and lodges are designated as pet-friendly. The South Beach Cafe and specific areas of the outdoor venues welcome dogs on leads, and Sandy Bay beach allows dogs during certain off-peak months.
How do I get to the beach from the holiday park?
The park provides direct access to Sandy Bay via a steep clifftop path and stairs. Because of the incline, it's a strenuous climb back up, so visitors with toddlers or mobility challenges often prefer driving to nearby alternative beaches in Exmouth.
What baby equipment is provided in the caravans?
Standard caravans do not come equipped with travel cots, high chairs, or bed guards as standard. You must either bring your own or arrange hire through the park or a private hire company before arrival.
