Packing for a self-catering caravan is a different game from packing for a hotel. Some things are already there and some are not, and a few forgotten items can mean a trip to the shops on your first evening. This list is based on our own caravan on Beverley Bay in Paignton and on what we hear from guests. We have kept it to what is genuinely useful.
What is already provided
Before you pack, it helps to know what you can leave at home. Our listing includes fuel and power and bed linen in the rent, so you do not need to bring sheets, duvet covers or pay extra for electricity and heating. The kitchen has a full-size oven, a full-size fridge freezer, a microwave with a grill function, an air fryer and a toaster. There is a dining table for four, a TV, central heating, double glazing and an electric fire. There is private WiFi, a shower in the main bathroom and an en-suite toilet off the double bedroom.
What is not provided is just as important: towels are not included. Bring your own bath towels, hand towels and beach towels.
The essentials
- Towels. Bath towels for everyone, plus beach towels (the pool and beach are both close).
- Toiletries and any medication. Include sun cream, after-sun and insect repellent in summer.
- Chargers and a power bank. A short extension lead or multi-plug can be useful if your devices outnumber the sockets.
- Booking confirmation. Your key code is sent through the UK Caravans 4 Hire app the day before arrival, so keep the app handy and your phone charged.
- Bank card or cash. A cash point is available at Beverley Park reception. The listing mentions a £100 Good Housekeeping bond, so check the booking platform for how it is handled.
Kitchen extras
Check the caravan's kitchen guide in the welcome booklet on arrival, but it is sensible to bring a few basics from home so your first meal is easy:
- Tea, coffee, milk, sugar, salt, pepper and cooking oil.
- Washing-up liquid, sponge, bin bags and kitchen roll. A tea towel or two is handy.
- A few favourite food items and snacks for the journey and first evening. There are supermarkets in Paignton, and the Co-op at Hookhills is close by.
- Foil, cling film and some food containers for picnics. Torbay is an easy place to eat outside.
Clothing for Devon weather
The weather on the English coast is changeable, so pack layers rather than separate summer and winter wardrobes. A waterproof jacket is a good bet in any month, and comfortable walking shoes are worth their space because the South West Coast Path is on your doorstep. Swimwear is useful if you are visiting the Cove pool in season, and it can be fun to take one set of smarter clothes for evenings out. See the best time of year to visit for seasonal ideas.
For the beach
- Windbreak, sun hat and sunglasses.
- Buckets, spades, bodyboards or a small football.
- Flip-flops or water shoes, especially for pebbly coves.
- A dry bag or tote for wet things on the walk back.
- A flask. The beach café is handy but a hot drink from home on a windy day is hard to beat.
For children
Pack a few games, books and cards for evenings, plus night lights if your children are nervous in new rooms. A pushchair or carrier helps on the walk to Goodrington Sands, which is downhill on the way there and uphill on the way back. For more ideas see the family tips guide. Our listing does not mention cots or high chairs, so bring your own portable ones, or ask us before you book.
For dogs
Bring food, bowls, a spare lead, poo bags, a towel, bedding and any medication. We have a longer list in the dog-friendly guide, including where you can and cannot take dogs.
For bad weather
A small stack of board games, a pack of cards and a couple of films downloaded to a tablet are enough to save a rainy afternoon. The caravan has a TV but not every channel or streaming account will be available, so bring your own login if you want to watch a favourite. Our rainy-day ideas list places you can go.
For the journey
- Satnav or offline maps, in case you lose signal on country lanes.
- Car park change or an app for parking at Brixham and Torquay.
- Snacks, water and travel sickness remedies if needed.
- A cool bag for the first shop.
What not to pack
Leave the sheets and duvet covers at home, as bedding is included. Remember the caravan is no-smoking. If you are thinking of bringing a barbecue, check the park's rules first, because we have not confirmed their policy and would not assume it is allowed.
A last-minute checklist
- Towels, toiletries, medicines.
- Chargers and phone with the booking app.
- Waterproofs and walking shoes.
- Food basics and snacks.
- Games and entertainment.
- Dog or baby equipment as needed.
Before you leave home, take another look at our arrival guide for check-in and check-out times. If you have not yet booked, the button below shows live availability.
Opening times, prices, seasonal dates and rules change. Please check with each attraction, venue or the park before you travel. This is a privately owned caravan guide, not an official park or tourism site.