There are some holiday parks where the location really is the star of the show, and Challaborough Bay is definitely one of them.
Tucked away on the South Devon coast, the Parkdean resort sits just behind Challaborough Beach, with the South West Coast Path running right past it. We recently stayed here as a family and used it as a base for a few days of beaches, coastal walks and exploring this gorgeous part of Devon.
If you’re considering Challaborough Bay for a family holiday, here’s everything we discovered during our stay, plus the places nearby that I’d definitely recommend adding to your itinerary.
Where is Challaborough Bay?
Challaborough Bay is on the South Devon coast, close to Bigbury-on-Sea and opposite the famous Burgh Island.
It feels wonderfully tucked away when you arrive, with green hills surrounding the bay and the beach immediately in front of the holiday park.
It’s also directly on the South West Coast Path, so you can step out of the park and straight into some seriously beautiful coastal scenery.
The location
For me, this was one of the biggest reasons to stay here.
You’re not driving somewhere every time you want to go to the beach. Challaborough Beach is right there, so you can wander down with the kids and be on the sand within minutes. Because the beach was so big (with the tide in as well as out) it felt like there was lots of space for everyone and didn’t feel too crowded.
It also means you can mix days out with slower days at the park. Beach in the morning, back for lunch, swimming or activities in the afternoon and then down to the coast again in the evening. We did this a lot and with children it’s really nice to break the day up into shorter activities.
Our accommodation
We stayed in a gold premium caravan which slept 8 and it slept really spacious.
Our accommodation had everything we needed for a family stay, including a lovely deck where we could eat in the sunshine. Having our own kitchen was particularly useful with the children, especially on the days when we wanted an easy breakfast or dinner rather than eating out.
What is there to do at Challaborough Bay Holiday Park?
One of the benefits of staying at a holiday park is having things to fall back on when you don’t want a full day out.
Challaborough Bay has an indoor heated swimming pool, which was a big hit with the kids. As well as general swimming sessions, Parkdean runs bookable pool activities including Aqua Paddlers for younger children, inflatable Pool Parties, Water Walkerz and the Wiped Out water obstacle course. There are also adult swim sessions and even beginner scuba-diving sessions available. Activities vary during the season, so it’s worth checking what’s running for your dates and booking ahead.
They also had a great playground for under 12’s and some amazing arts and crafts which were situated in the main entertainment area by reception.
Our children tried pottery painting and make a bear, they loved getting crafty whilst we were away and it was something you could do every evening.
Walk the South West Coast Path
This deserves its own section because it differentiates Challaborough from a generic holiday park.
The South West Coast Path passes right by Challaborough Bay, making it incredibly easy to explore some of the coastline on foot.
You don’t necessarily need to plan a huge hike either. We loved simply heading out for a walk, taking in the views and then turning around when little legs had had enough.
Walk to Bigbury-on-Sea
One adventure I’d definitely recommend is exploring towards Bigbury-on-Sea.
Bigbury is one of those classic South Devon beaches that looks beautiful from almost every angle, but the real reason we wanted to visit was the little island sitting just offshore…
Visit Burgh Island
Burgh Island was probably one of the most memorable parts of our trip.
At low tide, you can walk across the sand from Bigbury-on-Sea to the island. Once the tide comes in, however, that stretch of sand disappears beneath the water.
And that’s when things get much more interesting…
Ride the Burgh Island sea tractor
This was an absolute highlight for the kids.
When the tide cuts Burgh Island off from the mainland, the famous sea tractor carries passengers across the water. A version of the sea tractor has been operating here since 1930, and it has to be one of the most unusual ways to reach an island in the UK.
We actually loved Burgh Island so much that we went back again, although on our second visit we ended up wading back through the water instead. Not my finest decision in a maxi dress, but the kids thought it was hilarious!
On our list for next time
We were hoping to visit Pennywell Farm on our way home as I have heard amazing things. Unfortunately I got a flat tyre on the way and we had to wait for the AA, but next time we’d go!
What we loved about Challaborough Bay
For us, Challaborough Bay was less about having a huge holiday park packed with attractions and more about where it puts you.
Having the beach on the doorstep, the South West Coast Path outside and Bigbury-on-Sea and Burgh Island nearby meant we could spend most of our time outdoors exploring.
It worked particularly well for us because we like holidays where we can combine easy family time with getting out and actually seeing somewhere new.
Things I’d want to know before booking
The roads are rural. The final part of the journey feels properly tucked away, so don’t be surprised by narrow Devon roads. I took our mini and was so pleased to have had the smaller car!
Bring beach stuff. With Challaborough Beach on the doorstep, you’ll probably use it far more than you think. Even though we have had heat waves the kids still did need their dry robes, so pack for every weather!
Pack walking shoes. Even if you’re not planning a big hike, the coastal path is too tempting not to explore.
Check the tides for Burgh Island. Whether you can walk across the sand or need the sea tractor depends on the tide. You can find the tide times and tractor times easily online.
Don’t over-plan. One of the nicest things about this location is being able to walk out of your accommodation and simply see where the day takes you.
Would we stay at Parkdean Challaborough Bay again?
For the location alone, absolutely.
If your idea of a family break involves beaches, coastal walks, exploring little seaside spots and having somewhere easy to return to at the end of the day, Challaborough Bay makes a brilliant base.
The fact that you can combine a Parkdean holiday with this stretch of the South Devon coast is what made the stay for us.
And if you go, make time for Burgh Island. The sea tractor was one of those wonderfully random holiday experiences the kids will probably remember far longer than anything we carefully planned.
Challaborough Bay at a glance
📍 South Devon
🏖 Beach on the doorstep
🥾 Direct access to the South West Coast Path
🏊 Indoor swimming pool
👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly holiday park
🌊 Close to Bigbury-on-Sea & Burgh Island
Sarah x
Our Dorset Life 
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