It was our first holiday with our new pup and Devon got the perfect paws up

OUR requirements for family holidays changed substantially when we jumped on the lockdown puppy bandwagon.

The criteria for a family break is now completely different and we are always on the lookout for new places that we can enjoy with the kids and our hyper two year old Springer Spaniel, Chester.

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So we were super excited to find somewhere that ticked all the boxes and excitedly set off on our adventure to Cofton Holiday Park, Devon, during the October school break.

We were not deterred by the long drive — it just added to the sense of adventure — but conscious that it may be a bit much for son Cameron, 12, and the dog we decided to break it up with a night in Birmingham.

After a good rest we drove the remaining couple of hours and checked into the holiday park with plenty of time to explore the many on-site facilities.

First stop was to settle into our luxurious, dog-friendly Kingfisher Lodge. One of four purpose-built lodges, it had everything you need a for a relaxing family break.

Entering into a utility room meant that muddy boots and mutts could be dealt with before emerging into the spacious main living area.

Fully equipped with everything you would need, including a comfy dog bed and bowls for your furry friend, we felt at home immediately.

In the open plan kitchen/dining/living room there are sliding patio doors that lead out to a generous decked area with comfy seating, BBQ and an enclosed area for the all-important hot tub.

Two spacious bedrooms, one with en-suite shower room and a family bathroom meant there was more than enough space for us to kick back and relax.

Next thing was to snap on Chester’s lead and explore the park.
I absolutely loved the abundance of apples that could be collected from the orchard, the area dedicated to tent pitches.

Just around the corner was the main clubhouse with a well-stocked shop, traditional pub, restaurant and both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool.

Kids clubs and evening entertainment run throughout the peak seasons and there is even an on-site aerial assault course that Cameron was desperate to experience.

We booked our session for the next day and headed to Cofton’s own fish and chip shop for a takeaway treat.

The assault course was definitely a highlight of the trip with exceptionally competent instructors who gave us the confidence to complete this challenging (and terrifying) course.

We were both very proud of ourselves and would thoroughly recommend this for any thrill seekers in the family.

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Another must-do when staying is the gorgeous woodland walk to nearby Dawlish Warren beach.

Made all the more spectacular with the onset of autumn and mild enough to enjoy the beach, I think October is the perfect time to visit.

Five minutes away is the bigger seaside town of Dawlish which is fronted by a sandy beach with the South Devon Railway sea wall and the Riviera Line railway above.

Behind this is a central public park, The Lawn, through which Dawlish Water flows.

Here we wandered around the quaint shops and ice cream parlours and we can recommend Daisy’s Tea Room for an indulgent cream tea.

After an energetic day at the beach we headed back to the park for a swim in the indoor pool and afterwards a delicious meal at Amelia’s.

Their new gastro menu is stunning with loads of choice — and the best news is you can treat yourself to two indulgent courses for only £22. I can highly recommend the chilli and coconut poached cod loin.

Our five-day trip flew past in a blur of activity, woodland walks, beach visits and just pure joyous relaxation as we had the best time making lots of memories.

Even Chester gives it his paw of approval.

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