Despite my advancing years, I'd never stayed in a holiday park before and wasn't sure what to expect. But we received excellent directions to Devon Bay, and the receptionists, despite being very busy on a Friday evening, were cheerful, courteous and extremely efficient.
Our (enormous) Platinum caravan was situated, alongside many others, in a quiet wooded valley near Goodrington Sands in South Devon. The caravan was brand new, and had a large enclosed verandah area (with tables and chairs); ideal if you have a dog, like us.
The caravan had a large lounge area with very comfortable settees, a 32” tv/dvd, a well equipped kitchen, three bedrooms (the double room en suite) and central heating as well as a flame effect electric fire.
The well stocked shop was a few minutes walk away, with a large launderette next to the shop, and recycling bins are posted all round the site, ensuring a scrupulously clean park. We sampled breakfast in one of the site's three restaurants where the food was freshly cooked and delicious, as we sat overlooking Goodrington beach.
There were plenty of entertainments on site, from water based activities in the indoor and outdoor pools, Bingo, cabaret and dance sessions - ideal not just for children but adults as well. However, we discovered several car boot sales in the area, and walked along the coastal footpath down to Mansands beach and along to Scabbacombe Head, enjoying the first hot weekend of the year. The views are quite stunning here, where yachts sailed over the bay and the sea glimmered and sparkled in the sun.
After our walk we called into Coleton Fishacre house and garden (National Trust) for a cup of coffee and a delicious slice of cake. The 1920s house was shut, being later in the day, but the gardens were well worth a visit, with interesting landscaping on varied levels, the use of water in unexpected ponds and waterfalls, and extravagant bursts of colour from rhododendrons and azaleas.
The next day we explored Kingswear and walked along the coastal path to Froward Point, enjoying the spectacular views over Dartmouth harbour and the famous naval college.
Directions: A38 to Exeter, take A385 to Totnes, follow through Paignton. 1mile past Ocean BMW come to large junction with traffic lights turn right to Brixham. Continue past Asda, Sainsbury and Aldi on right then turn left at traffic lights by Alan Kerr Camper van sales, signed to Goodrington. Follow road down the hill then turn left just past Methodist church at bottom of hill to Hoburne Devon Bay.
Nearest station Torquay 4 miles.
www.horburne.com
01425 282358
enquiries@hoburne.com
4 comments:
OMG - that was a blast from the past....... I went to Paignton on a school trip when I was 11 (heck, that's 54 years ago) and we spent a day on Goodrington Sands collecting all kinds of shells and having to write up about them. Glad to hear it's still thriving!
Addy - well we didn't actually go to Goodrington Sands itself but could see it from afar! Good to hear your memories though!
Hi Sue,
I have just spent a while reading through your recent posts and what a busy time you've had, The new boat looks like an exciting project, it won't be long before she 's 'Shipshape and Bristol Fashion'and you be enjoying the weather around the beautiful towns and harbours in the S.West of our lovely country.
The Poldark Walk sounds an interesting project so I wish you luck with that.
Sorry to read that you've had a bout of the dreaded 'Flu', I hope you've recovered from it now, it seems to take such a long time to shake off. I've managed to avoid it, since my GP stuffs every kind of jab she can to keep me well. although she hasn't found a cure for RA.
I love Molls new hair style, she looks like a puppy, gorgeous eyes too!
Good luck with your latest books/projects,
Kind regards,
Di,xx
Good to hear from you again, Di - hope all is well with you - going to check now! XX
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