Our Dorset Life

I love a holiday abroad as much as anyone. The airport excitement, the warm evenings, the pool days, the feeling of being properly away from normal life. But I also think some of our best family memories have been much closer to home.

And the more we explore Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, the more I realise that a UK staycation really doesn’t have to feel like the backup plan.

For me, the trick is choosing somewhere with one brilliant “hero” feature, whether that’s a beach you can walk to, a pool the children actually want to use, water slides, a spa, a hot tub, sea views, beautiful food, or simply enough activities that nobody asks, “What are we doing today?” before breakfast.

So, if you’re looking for a South West break that gives you that holiday feeling without getting on a plane, these are the types of places I’d look at.

For Eurocamp energy without leaving the UK

If your children love the idea of pools, slides, activities, arcades, entertainment and being busy from morning until night, then a really good UK holiday park can absolutely deliver.

We’ve done Eurocamp-style holidays abroad and we LOVE them. The children love the independence, the water slides, the freedom, the easy food, the evening entertainment and the feeling that there is always something going on.

But you can find versions of that in the South West too.

Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks, North Devon
This is probably one of the closest UK comparisons if you want a busy family holiday with lots to do. We stayed here recently and the children absolutely loved the pools, slides, trampolining, Crazi-Bugz, adventure golf, arcade, football pitch and entertainment. You also get access to all three Woolacombe Bay parks, which means there is plenty to explore.

The beach is beautiful, although worth knowing it is a steep walk back up, so we drove down when we went with the children.

You can read our full review here

Ladram Bay Holiday Park, Devon
Ladram Bay is another one I’d look at for families who want that full holiday park feeling but in a really beautiful coastal setting. It has its own private beach, rockpooling, kayaking, an indoor pool, splash zone, adventure playgrounds, Jurassic-themed adventure golf and family entertainment.

Pentewan Sands, Cornwall
This is one to look at if you want a proper beach holiday feel. It is a five-star holiday park in Cornwall, just a few steps from the sea, with two indoor pools, adventure golf, tennis courts, places to eat and easy access to spots like Mevagissey, the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan.

Warmwell Holiday Park, Dorset
A good Dorset option if you want activities and a bigger holiday park feel without driving too far. This is one to consider for children who like being busy, especially if you want somewhere that feels easy and activity-led.

For Mediterranean beach vibes

There are some South West beaches that, on the right day, really can make you question whether you need to fly anywhere at all.

Obviously, we can’t promise Mediterranean weather, but when the sun is out, the sea is blue and everyone is sandy and happy, it can feel pretty close.

Woolacombe, North Devon
A huge sandy beach, proper holiday feel and enough space for the children to run, dig, paddle, surf and burn off energy. It’s one of those beaches that feels like a real destination.

Studland, Dorset
Soft sand, shallow water and a really beautiful stretch of Dorset coastline. It’s a lovely one for families and feels like a proper summer day out.

Sandbanks, Dorset
If you want that more polished beach day feeling, Sandbanks is always a good shout. It has the golden sand, calm water and that classic Dorset summer feel.

Fistral Beach, Cornwall
For surfy, holiday energy, Fistral is a great one. It feels lively, beachy and very Cornwall.

Salcombe, Devon
An option that looks like something from a postcard! Gorgeous beaches, amazing views and scenic walks. There are also some lovely places to stay nearby.

Carbis Bay, Cornwall
A gorgeous option if you want something that feels a bit more tucked away and blue-sea beautiful. Definitely one for a more scenic Cornwall escape.

For a grown-up coastal escape

Sometimes the best UK staycation is less about keeping everyone busy and more about making it feel like a real treat.

Sea views, good food, a spa, a cocktail in the sunshine and somewhere that feels like you’ve stepped out of everyday life for a night or two.

The NICI, Bournemouth
The NICI is one of those places that really does feel like a little slice of abroad on the south coast. It has that Miami-inspired, resort-style feel, with a spa, outdoor pool, cabanas, fire pits and a very grown-up holiday mood. It’s a great one if you want a coastal stay that feels stylish but still relaxed.

Carlyon Bay Hotel, Cornwall
A classic coastal hotel option if you want sea views, golf, spa time and a more traditional luxury hotel feel. This is one I’d look at for a grown-up break or a family stay where the adults still want it to feel special.

Gara Rock, South Devon
Perched above the sea near Salcombe, Gara Rock is one for those dramatic coastal views, beautiful interiors and proper escape feeling. It feels more boutique and remote, which can be exactly what you want from a UK break.

Harbour Beach Club, South Devon
A good one to look at if you want beach club energy without leaving the UK. Think sea air, coastal walks and a more relaxed grown-up break.

For luxe countryside stays

Not every staycation has to be about the beach.

Some of the most special South West stays are tucked into the countryside, with beautiful food, slow mornings, big views and that feeling of properly switching off.

Outbuildings, Dorset
Outbuildings is a beautiful farm hotel near Bridport, and it feels like such a lovely West Dorset escape. It has that relaxed luxury feel, with beautiful rooms, lovely food at The Cart Shed and a setting that feels peaceful without being too polished.

This is one I’d choose for a slower, more grown-up Dorset stay.

Louma, Dorset
Louma feels like one of those places that has been designed for rest. Set in the Dorset hills, it brings together restored farm buildings, estate wine, wellness, beautiful food and a slower countryside rhythm.

It’s definitely more luxe than budget, but if you want a special Dorset retreat, it’s one to know about.

Fowlescombe Farm, Devon
Fowlescombe Farm is a quietly luxurious rural retreat near Dartmoor, with just ten beautifully designed suites. This is one I’d look at if you want countryside, food, nature and a very calm, restorative break.

For children who need to be busy

This is the category I think lots of families actually need.

A beautiful stay is lovely, but if your children need constant entertainment, you need somewhere that makes the days easy.

For this, I’d look at places with pools, activities, games rooms, play barns, beach access, entertainment or enough outdoor space that children can just be children.

Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks, Devon
Great for pools, slides, sports, entertainment and a proper family holiday feel.

Ladram Bay, Devon
Good for families who want beach access, pool time, activities and a scenic Devon base.

Pentewan Sands, Cornwall
A strong Cornwall option for families who want beach, pools and lots nearby.

Moonfleet Manor, Dorset
This is a good one if you want a family hotel rather than a holiday park. It is on the Jurassic Coast and has a Play Barn with things like table tennis, mini golf, indoor football, under-5s play, a science room and escape rooms. It’s very much set up with families in mind.

Warmwell, Dorset
Another one to consider if you want a bigger holiday park feel in Dorset, with activities and enough to keep children occupied.

My South West staycation hit list

For Eurocamp energy: Woolacombe Bay, Ladram Bay, Pentewan Sands
For beach days: Woolacombe, Studland, Sandbanks, Fistral, Carbis Bay
For grown-up coastal luxury: The NICI, Carlyon Bay, Gara Rock
For luxe countryside: Outbuildings, Louma, Fowlescombe Farm
For busy children: Woolacombe Bay, Ladram Bay, Moonfleet Manor, Warmwell
For a proper Cornwall holiday feel: Pentewan Sands, Carbis Bay, St Ives area
For Dorset without going far: Moonfleet Manor, Outbuildings, Louma, Warmwell, Studland

Sarah x