I stayed at 18 Bucklands, a luxury retreat at Parkdean Bideford Bay Holiday Park in North Devon. It’s family-friendly and dog-friendly, too. If, like me, you’re used to staying at holiday parks but also love the finer things in life, this is the perfect place to stay in Bideford.
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Bideford Bay Holiday Park Reviews
Staying at 18 Bucklands within Bideford Bay Holiday Park provides everything – and more – that you need for a staycation. If you want relaxation or adventure, it’s all here. Whether you’re lounging in the cosy chalet, diving into the on-site activities, or exploring the local area. You’re guaranteed a memorable experience.
Bideford Holiday Park Devon is perched on a stunning hilltop. The park has breathtaking sea views. It is near the charming fishing village of Clovelly, which is worth a visit. It’s also close to Bideford town centre, a historic port town, and the villages of Appledore, Instow, and Westward Ho! The only place in the UK with an exclamation mark in its name. These areas offer a variety of attractions and activities, from historical sites to beautiful beaches.
Bideford Bay Holiday Park Chalets
So, why is 18 Bucklands so great? We stayed in February 2025 and arrived on a Friday evening in the dark. The site manager, a friendly and helpful gentleman, guided us to the chalet, which was conveniently located. He mentioned that it was the best one on the block, and he was right!
The refurbished two-bedroom chalet, which can sleep up to 6, feels more like a modern apartment with the luxuries of an upmarket hotel. Every room has been meticulously designed for comfort and relaxation.
What’s in Each Room:
- Outside – Painted a beautiful dark green colour, the chalet is at the end of the row but looks the most distinctive. There are beautiful planters and a table and chairs – just wish it had been warm enough to sit out.
- Entrance – As you enter, there’s a coat rack, which is so handy! So many times, when we’ve been away, I’ve had to hang wet coats on the doors to dry. It’s also the perfect spot to kick off your shoes and wipe muddy paws.
- Living Area – The open-plan living space features plush seating and a Smart TV, creating a cosy, relaxing spot after a day of exploration. The sofa can be converted to a bed. There is also a large round dining table, which would also be ideal for family board games.
- Kitchen – Culinary enthusiasts will appreciate the modern kitchen. I only made breakfast here, but you have lots of pots, pans, and utensils if you want to make an exciting meal. There’s room on the counter for an air fryer or a slow cooker (I know some people who take these with them). There’s also storage for any food and drinks you bring and a full-size fridge and freezer. And the best thing – if you don’t want to do the dishes, there’s a dishwasher!
- Master Bedroom – I had such a restful sleep on the comfortable king-size bed—that’s right, a king-size! I had so much space. The drawers under the bed meant that there was ample storage, ensuring a clutter-free environment. Here, there was also a full-length mirror so I could do my hair and makeup. There’s also a Smart TV!
- Bunk Room – Perfect for children, this room boasts a fun bunk bed setup that adds a touch of adventure to bedtime. It also means there’s space on the floor if they want to play. Even better, there are two Smart TVs, so they can watch different shows if they want.
- Bathroom – Unlike most caravan or chalet holidays, there was plenty of space in the bathroom. Here, you can indulge in a deep bath or opt for an electric shower.
Some of the Perks I Loved
During my stay at 18 Bucklands, I was thoroughly impressed by the thoughtful amenities that made the experience exceptionally comfortable. The chalet features underfloor heating with individual thermostats in each room. Coffee enthusiasts will appreciate the barista-style coffee machine, perfect for brewing a morning pick-me-up. These thoughtful touches made me feel truly pampered.
Staying connected was a breeze with the high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi; there was no faffing with logins and passwords; I simply scanned the QR code and had instant access. There were also wireless phone charging points, and thoughtful touches like a hairdryer, an iron, and nightlights enhanced the ambience. It was also quiet at night, making for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Activities at Parkdean Bideford
The activities on site are open from Easter to November. The Manor House Bar & Restaurant is welcome to everyone – even dogs in the bar area. It serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night menus. However, if you want to access the entertainment complex, there’s a charge of £18.50 each for the week. This includes family-friendly entertainment, live shows and access to the heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
Children will love the amusement arcade, crazy golf, and adventure playgrounds with zip wires, slides, and climbing frames, while adults may have the boring task of using the launderette or stocking up in the Nisa shop.
Does Bideford Bay have a beach?
There’s no beach at park Bideford. How far is Bideford Bay Holiday Park from the beach? There are a few beaches less than 15 minutes away. Bucks Mills Beach is the closest or Westward Ho! The beach is ideal for a sandy walk, swimming, or surfing, while Instow Beach is popular for weekend dog walks.
How to Book 18 Bucklands
You can check availability and book online! The Bideford Bay Holiday Park prices do vary depending on the time of year:
Follow 18 Bucklands on Social Media
Bideford Bay Holiday Park Address
📍 18 Bucklands, Bideford Bay Holiday Park, Bucks Mills, EX39 5DU
///paddocks.holly.terms
What’s near Bideford Bay?
For Families:
- The Big Sheep – Theme park with rides, animal encounters and play areas
- Really Wild Planet – Interactive animal encounter with reptiles and amphibians
- Victoria Park – in Bideford, the large park has a playground and paddling pool
- World of Wonder – an indoor play centre ideal for rainy days
- Bideford Railway Heritage Centre – see the signal box and old carriages
- Milky Way Adventure Park – indoor and outdoor rides, shows and play areas
For Adults:
- Lundy Island – A boat trip to see the wildlife, landscape, walking trails and museum
- Cobbaton Combat Collection – Military vehicles, weapons and memorabilia
- Tapeley Park Gardens – Tranquil estate and tea room
- Northam Burrows County Park – Beach for all ages with sand dunes, grasslands and a rocky shore
- South West Coast Path – this part of the path is called the Torridge Tarka Trail, an important training area for the D-Day Landings
Get 50% off food
If you love food and drink and are looking for places to eat in Bideford, do you have a Tastecard? You get 25% off the food bill or two meals for the price of one. There are over six thousand participating restaurants across the UK. Get a 60-day free trial here:
Is Bideford Good for a Holiday?
Bideford is considered a good choice for a holiday. It is a great base for exploring the surrounding villages and countryside; it offers a mix of quaint shops, riverside views, good pubs, and a friendly atmosphere making it suitable for families and couples.
Beyond Bideford Bay Devon, you can visit:
Clovelly
Clovelly is utterly charming. It looks untouched by the modern world with winding cobbled streets, whitewashed cottages and captivating views. The entire village is a tourist attraction and a truly unique experience. Why you should visit Clovelly
Appledore
Appledore is renowned for its narrow winding streets, colourful houses, and rich maritime heritage. Visitors can enjoy simple seaside pleasures such as days at the beach, crabbing, boat trips, cream teas, and fish and chips.
Instow
Just across the estuary lies Instow, a quaint village boasting a sandy beach lined with dunes and a charming waterfront. Accessible via a seasonal ferry from Appledore, it offers the same pleasures. Seek out the Instow Signal Box, which is open most Sundays.
Westward Ho!
A short distance away, Westward Ho! is celebrated for its expansive sandy beach backed by a distinctive pebble ridge. The village’s name is derived from Charles Kingsley’s 1855 novel, and it remains a popular destination for surfing and seaside holidays.
Barnstable
Barnstable is the largest town in North Devon and a riverport. It is known for its Victorian, Medieval, and Georgian architecture. The historic Pannier Market is a highlight. Here, you can browse a wide range of local produce, crafts, and antiques. The Museum of Barnstable and North Devon is also a highlight.
Ilfracombe
Ilfracombe is a charming seaside resort and civil parish located on the North Devon coast of England. The town features a small harbour surrounded by cliffs. In recent years, Ilfracombe has become known for Damien Hirst’s statue of Verity, which has become a point of interest. If you love food, it’s a haven: Foodies Guide to Ilfracombe.
Take a Picnic
Devon Hampers, send the best of the South West to your front door. The cream tea and afternoon tea hampers include scones, clotted cream and jam. There are also cheese hampers, chocolate, cider and BBQ hampers.
Devon Hampers Promo Code
Get 5% off hampers or create your own. Order anything from a clotted cream tea for two or a large hamper full of goodies. There is no minimum order amount. Use DEVON5 at the checkout.
Disclaimer: 18 Bucklands invited me to stay for two nights, and I paid for the third night. I was under no obligation to write about my experience. My feedback is my honest, unbiased review.
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