Exmoor Zoo, Barnstaple

This award-winning Zoo is where you can get up close to some truly weird and wonderful animals, from funny and playful penguins to lovely ring-tailed lemurs, plus you’ll get to learn lots of exciting facts about the animals too.

As well as the fantastic animal experiences, Exmoor Zoo has a packed programme of talks and feeding shows, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to see its over 600 different residents in action if you stay just 30 minutes drive away at Ruda Holiday Park, Croyde Bay.

Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park, Ilfracombe

Only 30 minutes drive from Ruda Holiday Park, Croyde Bay, you will find the Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park where you’ll not just learn about living creatures, but those that are extinct too. See the giant animatronic dinosaurs in action and find out about these fearsome beings in the museum, before paying a visit to the real-life animals that include penguins, otters, meerkats and even wolves.

Paignton Zoo, Paignton

Devon is known for its lush areas of natural beauty, and Paignton Zoo puts a large area of it to good use with orang-utans, macaques, tigers, lions and gorillas all making their home in the forest.

In fact, there are areas of the zoo specially designed for all kinds of creatures, including those that inhabit the wetlands, desert, tropics and savannah, so you never know who you’ll see during your visit! Go wild when you stay at Torquay Holiday Park just a 15 minute drive away from the Zoo!

Buckfast Butterfly & Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary

For something different for all the family just 30 minutes from Challaborough Bay Holiday Park try the Buckfast Butterfly & Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary. You can enjoy and learn about tropical butterflies in the specially designed habitat of which you become part.

You not only see the butterflies but feel the rainforest atmosphere that they enjoy as you see their amazing life cycle unfold.

In the Otter Sanctuary there are three species of otter to see, our native British otter, the playful Asian short clawed otters and the large North American river otters who love to show off.

You can find out more about our holiday parks in Devon by visiting our region and park sections of this website. Just click the ‘Our Holiday Parks‘ button in the navigation bar at the top of this page.

Or why not check availability for the upcoming school holidays by visiting our May Half Term page now.

In fact, taking a caravan holiday in Norfolk is quite the opposite of stressful, with a comfortable caravan in which to relax, unwind, and enjoy some quality time with those you love most. What’s more our caravan park in Norfolk, Cherry Tree Holiday Park, is perfectly located to unlock the best and most unique things that Norfolk has to offer.

Everything on Offer

What makes Norfolk so special is that no matter what type of holiday you’re looking for, you’ll find it within reach. Sun seekers and beach lovers can head to Great Yarmouth, whereas nature fanatics and adventurous types can enjoy exploring the famous Norfolk Broads by boat, and taking in the sights of these picturesque wetlands that are quite unlike anywhere else in the UK.

If you need a little city life whilst on holiday in Norfolk you can head to Norwich, which also has a rich Norman history to discover, and of course families with children are spoiled for choice with attractions like BeWILDerwood, Africa Alive, and Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach only a stone’s throw from Cherry Tree Holiday Park. So this summer, forget expensive plane tickets and passports, and head to Norfolk for a family holiday that you’ll remember for years to come.

Stay at Cherry Tree Holiday Park and there’s always something to do, from splashing around in the indoor and outdoor pools and kids’ clubs, to grabbing your fishing gear for a day at the lakes. Check availability for May Half Term and book your holiday today!

Here at Parkdean we are committed to making sure your holiday with us is the best it can be. That’s why for 2013 we are making up beds ready for your arrival in all of our quality accommodation, at no extra cost!

We know how precious your free time is so now you can start your holiday as soon as you arrive at one of our 24 award winning holiday parks – drop your bags and hit the beach, pool or surf.

When you choose a holiday or short break with us, you can be assured you will be staying in top quality accommodation. We’ve added new holiday homes across our parks in 2013 to give you even more choice when booking your holiday.

We’ve got something to suit every taste and budget including fantastic caravans, luxurious lodges and limited selection of cottages, apartments, chalets and even some houses – ideal for larger groups. Check out the great range of holiday homes we offer »

Calling all young travellers…help call the holiday shots

We are giving youngsters across the UK the chance to have their say on what they think are the best UK holiday hotspots, as we create the nation’s very first travel guide created exclusively for kids, by kids.

The holiday guide, entitled ‘The UK, Our Way,’ will be launched this May. It aims to become the ultimate ‘rough guide’ for tiny travelers, giving unique insider knowledge on the perfect places for children to explore and enjoy during their break, whilst also highlighting how to make the most of all the UK has to offer.

We are asking for children to help create this cool travel companion by nominating their favourite holiday spots – from their favourite place to holiday and the best beach to build sandcastles on to the best rock pools for hunting sea creatures and where to buy the most delicious ice cream.

Children can contribute by visiting our survey and filling out the simple form. As a thank you, one lucky child will be entered into a free prize draw to win a week long family holiday to one of our 24 holiday parks. Closing date for entries is 13th May.

Fill out the survey now »

Dunrobin Castle (pictured)

Dunrobin Castle is the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses and the largest in the Northern Highlands with 189 rooms. Dunrobin Castle is also one of Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited houses dating back to the early 1300s, home to the Earls and later, the Dukes of Sutherland.

With a castle to explore Dunrobin is just a 22 minute drive from Grannies Heilan Hame Holiday Park.

A Thrilling Day Out at Landmark Adventure Theme Park

Do rollercoasters, log flumes, mazes, rock climbing and even aerial assault courses sound like your children’s idea of a good day out? If so, don’t miss the Landmark Adventure Theme Park in Carrbridge just a 45 minute drive from Nairn Lochloy holiday Park, where the whole family can enjoy all of these activities and so much more.

Dog Sledding at the Cairngorm Sleddog Centre

You don’t have to go all the way to snowy Norway to experience dog sledding. Just 1 hour from Tummel Valley Holiday Park you can head with your family to the Cairngorm Sleddog Centre in Aviemore, the only daily working dog sledding centre in the UK, to learn all about the sport and its history, as well as take a thrilling ride in a buggy while the dogs pull you along!

Wildlife Spotting at Loch Lomond Nature Reserve

If your family are keen nature enthusiasts, you’ll love a day out at the Loch Lomond Nature Reserve, which in summer is carpeted with bluebells and wild garlic and is a flurry of activity thanks to flocks of warblers, flycatchers and many other types of birds. Keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of the beautiful fallow deer, too. Jump in the car and it is only 1 hour away from Wemyss Bay Holiday Park.

Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach (pictured)

Thrilling coasters and traditional rides sit side-by-side at Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach, a historic theme park at the heart of this beautiful beach town that’s always a hit with kids – and those that are kids at heart! What’s more, entry is free, so you can come and go throughout your family holiday as you please.

BeWILDerwood

If your children are adventurous types, don’t miss a trip to BeWILDerwood, a forest full of treehouses, zip wires, slides, bridges and boats, plus friendly creatures and so much more. It’s the ultimate playground with areas to suit explorers of all ages, and you might find yourself returning the next day for more.

Africa Alive!

You don’t have to travel all the way to Africa to see its beautiful and magnificent animals. At Africa Alive! in Norfolk, you can see all kinds of creatures from fennec foxes and meerkats to buffalos and giraffes, all roaming around in an enormous natural setting that lets you admire these animals, and learn lots about them too.

Merrivale Model Village

See your world in miniature at Merrivale Model Village, where entire tiny towns can be found among the lush flower gardens, and a 45mm G gauge railway travels throughout! What’s more, remember your pennies as there’s a vintage penny arcade with slot machines, as well as a 9-hole crazy golf course to create a grand day out for the whole family.

With the next school holidays just round the corner look no further than Cherry Tree holiday Park for an excellent holiday for the kids (plus plenty for you to enjoy too). Visit our May Half Term Holidays page now.

Being awarded a Blue Flag is one of the most prestigious accolades a beach can receive, and you’ll find plenty while on holiday in South Wales. What’s more, on a caravan holiday at one of our Welsh Holiday Parks you’ll be perfectly located to enjoy the best of them, so let’s take a look at where you should head with your bucket and spade this summer.

Rhossili Bay, Gower

You only have to know that Rhossili Bay has been named the best beach in Britain, and the 10th best in the world, to be assured that this beach is a must-see on your caravan holiday in South Wales! There are three miles of sand and stunning coastal views to enjoy here, and though the sun might not always shine, you’ll always have a memorable day out here.

Despite Rhossili Beach’s remote location, it’s just an hour and a half from Pendine Sands Holiday Park, so make sure you put it on your to-do list for a South Wales caravan holiday to remember!

Langland Bay, Mumbles

Within walking distance of the charmingly-named Victorian seaside village of Mumbles is Langland Bay, a golden sandy beach that’s a firm family favourite during the summer, and a surfer’s paradise in winter. The many rock pools will keep the kids entertained all afternoon long, and there are plenty of places to grab an ice cream on the promenade.

Rest Bay, Porthcawl (pictured)

Just a stone’s throw from our holiday park at Trecco Bay is the beach of Rest Bay, another popular location among surfers that also has plenty to offer holidaymakers that just want to relax. Dig your feet into the soft sand, take a stroll up the rocky coastline or even hop on the road train to the local fun fair if you feel like you want to explore!

Our two fantastic holiday parks in South Wales

Trecco Bay is one of the UK’s largest holiday parks, offering non-stop fun. You can even walk to Porthcawl from Trecco Bay’s Blue Flag beach. Check availability for early Summer holidays »

Pendine Sands is an ideal base for exploring Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, the walled town of Tenby and the village of Laugharne, home of the famous Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. Check availability for early Summer holidays »

You can choose from Tummel Valley Holiday Park located by the River Tummel in the stunning Perthshire Highlands. Nairn Lochloy Holiday Park which is located 15 miles from Inverness on the shores of the Moray Firth or Grannie’s Heilan’ Hame Holiday Park where you can step straight onto Embo Beach from your caravan or explore the rugged landscapes that encapsulates the park.

Almost every kind of outdoor activity is on offer in the Scottish Highlands, from swimming to hiking and everything in between, but make sure you look out for the diverse wildlife that inhabits the landscape for a glimpse of some real Scottish characters!

On a stroll through various parts of the Scottish Highlands you might encounter creatures like the red squirrel, the wild goat, the beautiful blue hare and the majestic wildcat, which is notoriously difficult to spot so don’t forget your binoculars.

An array of different wildlife inhabits each different part of the Highlands so you never know what you might see, though you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for the adders.

Be Eagle-Eyed

Keep your eyes to the sky too on caravan holidays to Scotland, as there are many colourful species of birds that soar overhead in the Highlands. Among them are the golden eagle, the peregrine falcon and the red kite, and it’s an awesome sight to see them scoping out their prey against the Scottish Highland scenery.

You’re in for a treat if you head to the coast too, as bottlenose dolphins, grey seals and even minke whales inhabit the waters. You might be able to see some from land if you’re lucky, but hop onto a boat trip for your best chance of seeing these wonderful creatures on your Scottish caravan holiday.

Why not check out our spring breaks in Scotland and discover the wonderful natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands for yourself.

On the north coast of Cornwall, less experienced surfers should head to the likes of Watergate Bay where the waves are powerful yet manageable, and the occasional barrel ensures that you’ll always have an exciting session.

As you may know the north Cornish coast is also home to Newquay and the famous Fistral Beach, the capital of European surfing and the spot where the Rip Curl Boardmasters competition is held each year. That’s thanks to it being a consistently good place to surf, and you might have to battle for a spot on the waves during the summer, though it will certainly be worth it!

Surf in the South

In South Cornwall, great surf spots are fewer but you can still ride the waves at Whitsand, one of the longest beaches in the region where the forgiving waves are perfect conditions for those wanting to try surfing for the first time while on holiday in Cornwall.

However the southern coast of Cornwall also tempts highly experienced surfers to Porthleven, a notoriously challenging spot that’s an absolute no-go for novices, yet will get the adrenaline pumping among surfers that can handle the huge waves.

To be close to the action in 2013 why not visit one of our Newquay Holiday Parks. We have Crantock Beach, Holywell Bay, White Acres and of course Newquay. Check availability for our fantastic summer holidays today.

A Tub of Devonshire Cream

Enjoying a traditional Devon cream tea is an absolutely essential part of any South Devon holiday, but you don’t have to leave that pleasure behind. Pick up a few tubs of locally produced Devonshire cream to take home with you, as well as a few scones for good measure! What’s more, you don’t have to worry about the cream ‘going off’ – just store the tubs in the fridge in your Parkdean caravan until it’s time to leave.

A Few Bottles of the Local Beer

Take home a real taste of your relaxing holiday with a few bottles of Otter Beer, produced in Devon at the Otter Brewery. Named ‘Brewery of the Year’ for 2013 by the Good Pub Guide, the Otter Brewery uses locally ingredients and sustainable methods of brewing to produce their delicious beers, so you can be sure that you’re supporting a great business too.

A Piece of Jewellery

There is a thriving arts and crafts scene in Devon, and at the Devon Guild of Craftsmen in Bovey Tracey there is an extensive selection of locally produced trinkets available to buy. This includes jewellery from Devon-based artists like Ann Bruford, Gillian Stein and Lizzie Sanders, which are as beautiful as they are unique, and that you’ll proudly wear until your next getaway!

You can choose from three fantastic holiday parks in Devon for your next stay. Challaborough Bay nestled alongside its own beach near Bigbury. Ruda, stunningly situated on the popular surfing beach of Croyde Bay and Torquay only a short drive from the delights of the English Riviera.