If you’re planning a family break to Devon Cliffs Haven Holiday Park, you’re in for a treat. I’ve stayed here several times over the years and it has become one of our favourite places for an easy seaside getaway. The park is perched above the beautiful South Devon coastline near Exmouth, with incredible sea views, a long sandy beach, and more things to do than you could possibly fit into one stay.
Devon Cliffs is Haven’s largest holiday park and, in my opinion, one of the best. It manages to combine that classic British seaside charm with modern facilities, plenty of family entertainment, and easy access to some of Devon’s best attractions.
Our First Visit to Devon Cliffs
My first visit was back in 2019 when Arlo was a toddler. I’d found a great deal through The Sun Holidays for a midweek break at the end of September. He was two at the time and absolutely loved it. The on-site soft play was perfect for his age, and although he was a bit too young for the arcade games, the flashing lights alone kept him fascinated.
The real highlight of that trip was the beach. We spent hours building sandcastles, paddling in the shallows and spotting jellyfish along the shoreline. Arlo would burn off all his energy dancing at the early evening disco before collapsing into bed, leaving me to enjoy a quiet night in the caravan with a sea view.
I chose to return to visit Haven Devon Cliffs for my first trip away as a single parent and, honestly, I couldn’t have picked a better place. The site felt safe and familiar, the facilities were all within easy reach, and it was only about a three-hour drive from Birmingham. That combination of independence and comfort really made it special.
Arriving and Checking In
I’ve returned to Devon Cliffs several times. Check-in has always been quick and well organised. On one occasion, we arrived late on a Friday night after work but had no problems collecting our keys and settling in. The team always give you a map with directions down on it because the park is so big!
The caravans have always been spotless, bright and airy, with everything you need for a few days by the sea. Even the budget options are well maintained and comfortable. When Arlo was little, I loved having a balcony for extra space and fresh air, a little safe space to keep him cornered in safely but, every caravan, even the budget ones I’ve stayed in have been great.
One thing we love is how there are bunnies just wandering around on the grass around the caravans.
The park is built on a hillside, which means many of the caravans have sea views. It also means there’s a bit of walking involved, but that’s part of the charm. I’d recommend choosing a pitch somewhere in the middle of the park so you’re not too far from either the beach or the main complex. There are car parks at both of these sites so you can drive around if you need to but they can get very busy.
On-Site Facilities and Activities at Haven Devon Cliffs
There’s always something happening at Devon Cliffs. The main complex has everything you’d expect from a Haven park, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, arcades, soft play and a large entertainment complex with two different evening entertainment venues, Bugsys and Malone’s.
Arlo’s favourite activity was the high ropes course, which we booked easily at the activity reception. There are two levels, one for younger children and one for older kids, and it was a huge hit. We’ve also stumbled upon craft fairs and small markets on-site during past visits, which are a nice touch if you enjoy browsing local stalls.
The entertainment team are fantastic. Each evening there’s a mix of live shows, kids’ party dances and family quizzes. It can get busy, but we’ve never struggled to find a table, even on weekends. It’s worth checking the schedules for your visit which are on display in the complex lobby so you can find out exactly what’s on and plan your holiday accordingly.
The Beach and Local Area
One of the best things about Devon Cliffs is direct access to Sandy Bay Beach. It’s a huge, clean stretch of sand that’s ideal for paddling, rock pooling and early morning walks. I usually drive from our caravan down to the beach car park, especially when Arlo’s legs are tired after swimming or running in and out of the waves. This was I can cram his toys, buckets and spades, towels, snacks and everything else in the boot.
Beyond the holiday park, there are plenty of attractions nearby. We always make time for World of Country Life, which is right next door to the park. It’s a brilliant day out with animals, play areas and interactive shows. Arlo still talks about the time he got to hold Echo, a huge eagle owl. Visiting in spring meant we also got to feed baby lambs, which was a lovely memory.
We have also been towards Exmouth for a boat ride on the river Exe and visited Bicton Park Botanical Gardens too.
Food and Eating Options
Devon Cliffs has plenty of food options, from sit-down restaurants to takeaway pizza and fish and chips. We had a great meal in the main restaurant one Saturday evening. Despite being packed, the service was quick and friendly, and the portions were generous.
That said, I actually love cooking in the caravan. To save money and make life easier, I often pre-order a Gousto or Hello Fresh box to be delivered to my home before we travel. I bring the ingredients with us, along with a small box of essentials like tea towels, washing up liquid, and breakfast items. It means we can eat well without spending a fortune. I always find that caravans are well equipped with everything you could possibly need.
Tips for Families Visiting Devon Cliffs
- Book activities early to avoid disappointment.
- Bring towels, swimwear and essentials so you’re not relying on the on-site shop.
- Pack for all weathers, even if it rains, there’s plenty to do indoors.
- Consider your location, central caravans are best for families as they’re close to everything.
- Don’t overlook the quieter months, the park is beautiful in spring and early autumn, and the beach is often empty in the mornings.
There’s no single “best” time to visit Devon Cliffs. We’ve been in March, May and September, and each trip has had its own magic. The beach is gorgeous all year round and there’s always entertainment to keep kids happy, whatever the weather.
FAQs About Devon Cliffs
Where is Devon Cliffs Haven located?
Devon Cliffs is near Exmouth in South Devon, around three hours from Birmingham by car.
Can you walk to the beach from Devon Cliffs?
Yes, there’s direct access from the park to Sandy Bay Beach, so you can walk, although it’s a fairly steep pathway back up the hill from the beach which is exhausting!
Is Devon Cliffs good for kids?
Absolutely. There’s soft play for little ones, an adventure course for older kids, and endless entertainment throughout the day. This is probably one of the best staycations in the UK.
Do all caravans have sea views?
Not all, but because of the hillside layout, many do. Others overlook green spaces and play areas, others are closer to the car parks so every pitch has something to offer. I never request anything specific and am happy to go with the flow.
What are the best things to do near Devon Cliffs?
Enjoy the beach, explore the coastal path walks, visit Exmouth town, or watch the sunset from the cliffs above Sandy Bay. I’ll be honest and admit then once we are on site, we rarely leave. There is so much to do that for a short break you have everything you could possibly need.
We did really enjoy a day out at Bicton Park Botanical Gardens and also heading out on a cruise of the river Exe for some wildlife spotting,
Haven Devon Cliffs is clean, safe and full of variety, with both indoor and outdoor fun whatever the weather. For me, it’s the perfect mix of convenience and adventure and you’ll have plenty to keep you busy.
Every time we go, Arlo finds something new to fall in love with, whether it’s the high ropes, the animals at the neighbouring farm, or simply running barefoot on the sand. For families looking for a stress-free UK break, Devon Cliffs is a destination that delivers time and time again.
Last Updated on Monday, November 3, 2025 by Lavania Oluban