If you have never stayed in a holiday caravan, you may have questions. Is it like camping? Is it cramped? What do you need to bring? We have owned and hosted guests in our caravan on Beverley Bay in Paignton, and this guide explains what a first-time stay is really like. We have tried to be honest about the downsides as well as the good bits, so you know what you are signing up for.
What is a holiday caravan?
A static holiday caravan sits on a pitch in a holiday park, connected to mains electricity and water. You do not tow it. Ours sleeps six, with a double bedroom, a twin bedroom and a sofa that folds out into another bed. It has central heating, double glazing, an electric fire, a kitchen, a bathroom with a shower and a lounge with a TV. It is closer to a small self-catering flat than to a tent.
What is included
Fuel and power and bed linen are included in the rent. The kitchen has a full-size oven, a full-size fridge freezer, a microwave, an air fryer and a toaster. There is private WiFi and a dining table for four. Towels are not included. There is a £100 Good Housekeeping bond and a no-smoking rule. The caravan is dog friendly. See the packing list.
How it differs from a hotel or cottage
- You do the housekeeping. Nobody makes the beds or cleans, so you wash up and leave things tidy.
- You are on a holiday park. Other guests are close by, you will hear some noise, and there are park rules to follow.
- It is compact. Rooms are smaller than in a house. Pack light and soft bags are easier than hard suitcases.
- Facilities are on your doorstep. On Beverley Bay that means a seasonal outdoor pool, a pub, a play area and a dog field. See the facilities guide.
- It is flexible. You can eat when you like, and bring your own food, and have a pyjama morning.
The downsides, honestly
A caravan will not suit everyone. Walls are thinner than a house, so you may hear neighbours or weather. Storage is limited. Many park facilities are seasonal, so in winter you will find fewer things open. The park's busiest times can mean queues at shops and crowds in the pool. If you want room service, a caravan is the wrong choice. If you want freedom, space for a family and a beach down the hill, it is a good one.
Choosing your dates
Arrival days on our listing are Friday, Saturday or Monday, as shown on the booking calendar. Check-in is from 3pm and check-out is by 10:30am. For a first stay we suggest a short break, such as a Monday to Friday or a weekend, to see whether you like it. Winter, off-season, last-minute and Christmas short breaks are offered subject to availability. See the best time to visit.
Booking safely
All bookings are made through our listing on UK Caravans 4 Hire, where you can see live prices and availability and pay securely. Use the button below to check dates.
Arriving
We message you a key code through the UK Caravans 4 Hire app the day before you arrive, so you can let yourself in from 3pm. Our arrival guide takes you through the first hour step by step.
Food and shopping
Many first-timers love the self-catering side. Bring tea, coffee and basics, then shop on the first day. The shop on the park is about 0.14 miles from the caravan, and there are supermarkets in Paignton, including the Co-op at Hookhills. Mix home cooking with a few meals out, and see our eating guide for ideas.
What to do with your week
Go to the beach, walk the coast path, take the steam train to Dartmouth, visit the zoo and watch the sun set from the decking. Our things-to-do guide and days-out guide give you plenty to choose from. If you have children or a dog, read the family tips or the dog-friendly guide.
Common first-timer mistakes
- Forgetting towels, which are not provided.
- Over-packing and over-planning.
- Assuming every park facility is open all year.
- Assuming park passes are included. They are an optional extra bought at reception for the indoor pool and Starlight Bar, but you do not need one for the Cove outdoor pool or the Saltwater Kitchen.
- Leaving the washing-up until the last morning when check-out is 10:30am.
Is it for you?
If you like the idea of a simple, flexible seaside holiday with your own kitchen, a caravan is a relaxed way to try Devon. If you like quiet and luxury, a hotel may suit better. We would rather you chose the right holiday than a wrong one, and we are always happy to answer questions through the booking platform.
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.