hillhead or woodlands in devon

[garywilson]

hi all,

we fancy devon this summer with our young family,kids 10 5 and 1ish,likely to be 1 or the other,has any one got any experience of either??

thanks Gary

 

[colin(bridgend)]

Hi Gary - haven't been to either of the sites you mentioned. I just thought I would throw in a third site for consideration - Widend Touring Park at Marlden nr. Paignton. It is a family run site purely for families. The site is quiet but has an outdoor heated swimming pool. small club house where children are allowed (limited entertainment) and the patio overlooks the pool, shop, part time take away and childrens play area. The w.c./shower amenities are first class. The site only caters for families ie. no single sex groups allowed. It is central for Torquay, Paignton, Brixham and Totnes. Unfortunately the brochure does not do the site justice. We have been going there regularly for over 15 years. We like the site, site owners are very helpful and the other holiday makers are friendly. It is definately not hi-de-hi. Site fees are also very reasonable.

 

[JeremyClarksson]

We have stayed at Woodlands many times and visited Hillhead whilst in the area - both different sites.

Woodlands - masses of indoor and outdoor activity through the day, make your own entertainment at night, the campsite is in a seperate area to the leisure area and is very good.

A lot of centres do rallies here which could save you quite a lot of money.

Hillhead - Almost typical CC site but with pool, bar and occasional entertainment.

Personally our family would prefer Woodlands and we have girls ages 5 and 7, there is plenty for older kids to do as well.

 

[Tapestry]

Hi

We have been to Hillhead cc a few times, returning again this year. Toliet blocks are usual cc standards, very good, as are the disabled toilet facilities. There's a play area and field for games, lovely views from the field, there's also a skate board area next to the field and play area, take the skateboard, hat and pads etc. The site has an outdoor swimming pool and paddling pool, small supermarket, take away and restaurant and bar with enertainment in the evenings.

Pitch sizes vary, some may need the wardens to put the van on with a tractor. Levelling blocks required as the site does slope. Very popular site.

We travel with 3 kids, now 9,10,11 years including a child with special needs. Our kids love the site, hence returning this year.

Annette

 

[Lara_374353049]

Hi Gary,

We stayed at Hillhead for 2 weeks last year during August with our 2 girls aged 8 and 5 at the time. We all loved the site, immaculate facilities, even though it was the middle of high season. Never had to queue for showers etc. Pool area was small, but both our 2 were more then happy with it. The onsite bar was fine, food ok,but nothing special. There's nightly entertainment, which the girls thoroughly enjoyed. Also a very good play area and well stocked shop.

We visited Woodlands park during the day, and there was plenty there. We initially looked at both places to stay, but i think Woodlands sounded a bit too busy, i suppose it depends what you want.

Lots of places to visit in the general area, but i personally would steer clear of Paignton/Torquay. Very cheap and tacky, similar to Blackpool. (Apologies if you like Blackpool!)

I would certainly stay at Hillhead again.

 

[colin(bridgend)]

Lara - I will agree that areas of Paignton and Torquay are typical Blackpool with a bit more sun. However we use the site as a base and enjoy the surrounding countryside and small hamlets/villages. Cannot remember the last time we visited Torquay and Paignton only visited for the town, never over the railway line to the kiss me quick area.

 

[JohnUK]

We have been to Hillhead in Brixham, in fact we were there over Easter. A superb site! The bar is great and when we were there had a green tented area over it extending it out, with the warmest of heating even in the high winds we had. The food they serve, although a touch high in price was in fact VERY eatable. We would go back again, no problem.

John

 

[JeremyClarksson]

Just to clarify my comment on Woodlands and to address Laras comment.

The campsite is a separate area to the leisure park and because of that is particularly quiet during the day when most people are in the park, because of the layout which is mainly in terraces of 8 pitches it is pretty quiet at night too.

It is cheaper to stay a couple of nights then visit from another campsite because park entry is free to campers.

Staying at the park is cheaper on a rally which use exactly the same pitches at around

 

[colin(bridgend)]

An alternative to Jeremy's suggestion is the "round robin" ticket of ferry up river from Dartmouth to Totness, bus from Totness to Paignton and steam train from Paignton back to Dartmouth. Blackpool Sands is a very quiet village area with a beautiful unspoilt beach. Great to enjoy the 1950s style of beach on a good sunny day.

 

[Lara_374353049]

Jeremy, my apologies if it seems i was portraying Woodlands in a bad light, i've only been to the park before, which we enjoyed. As you say, it is quieter than i anticipated, so i would agree it makes it a cheaper alternative than visiting from outside. Our kids would've certainly liked to return.

Blackpool Sands is also well worth a visit, very clean and tidy, but quite a steep slope into the sea.

There's a great model village near Hillhead, can't remember exactly where, but it's well advertised.

 

[Robfooty]

We went to Woodlands last yeat in June with our 4 year old, it was great. Only downside was our pitch was on the path through from the rally field which meant lots of people passing when the park shut. A bit noisy late evening but my daughter was so tired there could have been a firework display and she wouldn't have stirred. Recommend going to Darthmouth and catching the steam train to Paignton.

 

[garywilson]

thanks to everyone for prompt replies,it was a close call but here gonna stay at hillheadfor 7 days in august but certainly will check out woodlands and other mentioned attractions.

Gary

 

[Happy-Lappy]

Jeremy, my apologies if it seems i was portraying Woodlands in a bad light, i've only been to the park before, which we enjoyed. As you say, it is quieter than i anticipated, so i would agree it makes it a cheaper alternative than visiting from outside. Our kids would've certainly liked to return.

Blackpool Sands is also well worth a visit, very clean and tidy, but quite a steep slope into the sea.

There's a great model village near Hillhead, can't remember exactly where, but it's well advertised.

Lara,

The model village you mention is at Babbacombe and is called Babbacombe Model Village......Don't ask me why,

best regards, Martin