Looking for a family holiday in South Devon? South Bay Holiday Park sits above Brixham’s busy harbor. It’s a clifftop gem with sea views, pools, and fun for kids. I’m Warren Driscoll, a luxury travel writer with seven years of experience. Since 2018, I’ve explored places like Ibiza villas and French Alps chalets. I visited South Devon to uncover what makes this park special. This guide shares honest tips and deep insights. It helps you plan a great trip to South Bay in 2025.
What Makes South Bay Holiday Park Special?
South Bay Holiday Park lies on a cliff. It overlooks Brixham, a colorful fishing town. The park feels hidden yet lively. Families love its pools and kids’ activities. The English Riviera’s beaches are close. You get sea views and a quiet escape. I walked the paths here in 2024. The breeze and harbor views were amazing. This park suits families, couples, and pet owners.
Where Is South Bay Holiday Park?
The park is in Brixham, South Devon. It’s part of the English Riviera. Brixham’s harbor is 0.7 miles away. A footpath leads to St Mary’s Cove, a sandy beach. Torquay and Paignton are nearby. You can drive from Exeter in about an hour. Use the A38 and A3022 roads. A bus stops outside the park. It costs £2.60 to Brixham. The hilly terrain may be tough for wheelchairs. Call the park to check accessibility.
Accommodation Options at South Bay
South Bay offers caravans, chalets, and apartments. They suit different budgets and group sizes. I stayed in a platinum caravan in 2024. It was clean and modern with a sea view. Here’s what you can choose:
- Caravans: Sleep 4–8 people. Options include bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. Some have Wi-Fi and verandas.
- Chalets: Sleep 2–6. Great for couples or small families. Many are pet-friendly.
- Apartments: Sleep up to 6. Some overlook the play area. Ground-floor units allow pets.
Pet-friendly options cost £39 per pet per week. Most units have kitchens, TVs, and seating areas. Book early for summer. Platinum caravans sell out fast.
Family-Friendly Facilities
Families love South Bay’s activities. The park has indoor and outdoor pools. The outdoor pool opens from May to September. It has a flume and toddler area. I saw kids laughing on the flume. The indoor pool is heated year-round. Only park guests can use the pools. Other facilities include:
- Foxy Club: A kids’ club for ages 5–14. Kids meet characters and play games.
- Adventure Playground: Features slides, swings, and climbing frames.
- Crazy Golf: Fun for all ages. It’s simple but needs minor repairs.
- Arcade: Small but great for young kids. They collect tickets for prizes.
The Oceanus Club hosts evening shows. Expect bingo, live music, and cabaret. I watched a family bingo night. Kids loved joining in. The clubhouse has free Wi-Fi. There’s also a shop and launderette.
Exploring Brixham’s Charm
Brixham is a fishing town with history. Its harbor is one of the UK’s busiest. I walked there in 2024. Colorful boats bobbed in the water. You can try crabbing with kids. The harbor has cafes and fish-and-chip shops. Try over 35 ice cream flavors at local stands. A 20-minute walk from the park gets you to Brixham center. Or take the bus every 30 minutes.
Nearby, Breakwater Beach is a Blue Flag beach. It’s clean with disabled access. Fishcombe Cove is quieter. It’s great for swimming. St Mary’s Bay is a short walk via a stepped path. The cliffs and rock pools are stunning. I found fossils there last year. Always check tide times for safety.
Coastal Walks and Nature
South Bay sits on the South West Coast Path. This 630-mile trail offers epic views. I hiked a section near Berry Head Nature Reserve. It’s just 1.2 miles from the park. You see seals and birds. The cliffs are dramatic. Bring binoculars for wildlife. The path is steep in places. Wear sturdy shoes. For easier walks, try Sharkham Point. It has a viewpoint over the bay.
Berry Head is a must-visit. It’s a nature reserve with a lighthouse. I sat there at sunset. The views were breathtaking. There are toilets and a cafe nearby. The reserve is free to enter. It’s perfect for families who love nature.
Day Trips Near South Bay
South Bay is a great base for exploring. Here are top spots to visit:
- Pennywell Farm: A 30-minute drive away. Kids can cuddle pigs and ride tractors. I took my family there. They loved the animal shows.
- Paignton Zoo: 15 minutes by car. It has tigers, monkeys, and more. It’s great for all ages.
- Kents Cavern: A Stone Age cave in Torquay. Tours are fun and educational.
- Golden Hind: A replica ship in Brixham Harbour. Kids can explore pirate history.
I drove to Dartmouth, 20 minutes away. Its castle and river views are worth seeing. A steam train ride from Paignton to Kingswear is scenic. Book ahead for trains.
Tips for Families
South Bay is built for family fun. But planning helps. Here’s what I learned:
- Pack for Pools: Bring swimwear and towels. The flume is a hit with kids.
- Supervise Young Kids: The playground is safe but busy. Keep an eye out.
- Set a Budget: Arcade games and bingo cost extra. Plan spending money.
- Check Events: The park posts entertainment schedules. Look for kids’ shows.
For toddlers, the Foxy Club has gentle activities. Teens enjoy the arcade and basketball. I saw families playing crazy golf together. It’s a bonding activity.
Pet-Friendly Tips
South Bay welcomes pets. I brought my dog in 2024. The park felt safe for him. Here’s how to plan:
- Choose Pet-Friendly Units: Check when booking. Not all units allow pets.
- Explore Dog-Friendly Beaches: Breakwater Beach allows dogs off-season. Fishcombe Cove is pet-friendly year-round.
- Walk Safely: Use a leash on cliffs. The South West Coast Path has steep drops.
The park has a dog park area. It’s small but useful. Always clean up after your pet.
Accessibility Considerations
South Bay’s hilly terrain can be tough. Wheelchair users may struggle. I spoke to staff about this. They suggest calling ahead. Some caravans are wheelchair-friendly. Ask for ground-floor units. The indoor pool has easier access than the outdoor one. Brixham’s harbor has flat paths for easier walks. Check Visit Devon’s accessibility guides for more tips.
Dining at South Bay
The park’s Chefs Corner serves breakfast and dinner. I tried their fish and chips. It was fresh and tasty. The menu has kid-friendly options like burgers. Drinks and snacks are available too. The clubhouse bar is cozy. It’s cashless, so bring a card. For variety, walk to Brixham. The New Quay Inn serves local ales. Churston Farm Shop has a cafe with fresh produce. I loved their homemade pies.
Planning Your Stay
Book early for summer. July and August are busy. Prices vary by accommodation. Bronze caravans are cheaper. Platinum units cost more but have better views. Check cancellation policies. A 15% deposit is non-refundable. Buy holiday insurance for peace of mind. The park’s website has a map. Use it to pick a spot near pools or quieter areas.
Hidden Gems Near South Bay
Most guides miss these spots. I found them during my visits:
- Brixham Trawler Race: Held in June 2025. Watch boats race in the harbor. It’s free and fun.
- Sharkham Point Fossils: Hunt for fossils at low tide. Kids love this adventure.
- Churston Cove: A hidden beach 10 minutes away. It’s quiet with clear water.
I stumbled on Churston Cove by chance. It felt like a secret escape. Always check tide times before exploring.
Why South Bay Stands Out
South Bay blends fun and relaxation. The clifftop views are stunning. Pools keep kids happy. The staff are friendly. I met Georgia, a bar worker, who shared local tips. The park’s location is perfect. You’re close to Brixham but feel tucked away. It’s not as fancy as Ibiza villas I’ve stayed in. But it’s authentic and family-focused.
Final Thoughts
South Bay Holiday Park is a hidden clifftop escape. It offers pools, views, and family fun. Brixham’s charm adds to the experience. Use my tips to plan your 2025 trip. Have you visited South Bay? Share your tips below!
For more travel ideas, read my guide to luxury villas in Ibiza.
Disclaimer: This article is not a promotion or advertisement. I don’t work for South Bay Holiday Park. I don’t get paid if you visit or book. All the tips and opinions are from my own trip. Please check with the park for the latest info.
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Warren Driscoll writes about luxury travel. He has over seven years of experience. Since 2018, he has stayed in private villas in Ibiza and Saint-Tropez, and chalets in the French Alps. Warren’s stories have been shared by Indvidual Magazine. He writes honest reviews and gives helpful tips to help people plan great holidays. He also shares his own photos and real experiences to make his advice clear and useful.