Haris
If you’ve searched “Devon Cliffs”, you’re probably deciding whether to book a stay at Haven’s largest holiday park or trying to work out what’s actually there before you commit. Devon Cliffs sits on a clifftop above Sandy Bay near Exmouth in Devon, and it’s one of the biggest parks in the Haven family, with direct beach access, two pool complexes, and enough on-site facilities that some guests barely leave. This guide covers the layout, what’s actually on offer, how to get there, and the practical details that matter more once you’ve booked than they do while you’re browsing.
You’ll find the site’s location and layout, the facilities and activities, the beach itself, how to get there, and an FAQ covering pool times, pets, and getting around once you’re on park.
Where Devon Cliffs Is and What Makes It Different
Devon Cliffs Holiday Park sits in Sandy Bay, Exmouth, Devon, EX8 5BT, on a hillside setting directly above the coastline. It’s consistently described as one of the largest parks in the Haven network, and the scale is genuinely part of the experience, both in terms of what’s on offer and how much walking you’ll do getting between different parts of the site.
The park’s defining feature is its position: it sits on top of the cliffs overlooking Sandy Bay, with panoramic sea views across Lyme Bay and direct access down to the beach below. That clifftop setting is also why the site is hilly throughout, something worth knowing before you book if steep inclines are a concern for anyone in your group.
Getting to Devon Cliffs
By car, the standard route is to leave the M5 at Junction 30, then follow the A376 signposted to Exmouth. As you reach the outskirts of Exmouth, take the left turn at the traffic lights signposted for Budleigh Salterton, Littleham and Sandy Bay, which brings you directly to the park entrance.
If you’re using a sat nav, the postcode EX8 5BT will guide you to the site, from where you can follow the on-site signs to reception. Google Maps also works for a door-to-door route if you’d prefer that over postcode-only navigation.
By train, the nearest station is Exmouth, roughly 3 miles from the park. From there you’ll need a taxi or local bus to reach the site itself, since the station doesn’t sit directly on park.
What’s on Site at Devon Cliffs
The scale of facilities is the main reason Devon Cliffs stands out even among Haven’s larger parks. Both an indoor and an outdoor pool complex are on offer, with multi-lane water slides, tube slides and dedicated splash areas for younger children in the indoor complex, which is heated and usable regardless of weather.
- Swimming and water activities: an indoor pool complex with multi-lane slides and flumes, plus outdoor pools that open seasonally, typically during May half term and then on selected days through summer until the August bank holiday.
- Adventure activities: an Aerial Adventure course, a free-fall style attraction, and bungee trampolines, alongside a Segway experience and adventure golf.
- Food and drink: on-site options include Slim Chickens, South Beach Café with clifftop views, and an on-park JD Wetherspoon pub.
- Everyday amenities: a mini-market, launderette and arcade are available on site, useful for longer stays without needing to leave the park for basics.
[Table: Devon Cliffs facility overview showing category, examples and seasonal notes]
| Category | Examples | Seasonal notes |
| Pools | Indoor multi-lane pool, outdoor pool | Outdoor pool open May half term, then selected days through summer |
| Adventure | Aerial Adventure, free-fall attraction, bungee trampolines | Check current opening times before booking activity slots |
| Food and drink | Slim Chickens, South Beach Café, on-park Wetherspoon | Some venues have reduced hours outside peak season |
| Everyday amenities | Mini-market, launderette, arcade | Generally available year-round |
Sandy Bay: The Beach at Devon Cliffs
The beach itself, Sandy Bay, is directly accessible from the park and has RNLI lifeguards at peak times, which is worth checking specific dates for if a lifeguarded beach matters to your plans. Watersports equipment including surfboards and canoes can be hired locally for anyone wanting to get in the water beyond swimming.
Water quality is worth a specific mention. Sandy Bay was rated one star out of three by the Environment Agency in 2023 and 2024, meaning it met only a “sufficient” standard, a drop from an “excellent” rating in 2019. Bathing water ratings can change year to year, so check the current Environment Agency rating for Sandy Bay before your stay if water quality is important to you.
Getting Around the Park Once You’ve Arrived
Because Devon Cliffs is genuinely large, where your accommodation sits on the site matters more here than at a smaller park. Caravans on the south side of the site sit closest to Sandy Bay itself, while those on the east side are nearer a rockier, less accessible stretch of coastline that includes Littleham Cove and Otter Cove.
It can take around 15 minutes to walk from the northernmost point of the site down to the beach at a steady pace, so if beach access is your priority, it’s worth requesting a caravan location close to the south side when you book, or using the “choose your holiday home” option through your Haven account if it’s available for your booking.
Mistakes to Avoid When Planning a Devon Cliffs Trip
A few things regularly catch out first-time visitors.
Assuming every caravan is close to the beach is the biggest one. Given the size of the site, some accommodation is a genuine 15-minute walk from the sand, so check the location within the park rather than assuming proximity based on the park’s beachfront reputation alone.
Not checking outdoor pool opening dates trips people up too. The outdoor pool runs on a seasonal schedule rather than being open all summer every day, so a trip planned for early or late season should factor in that only the indoor pool may be guaranteed.
Overlooking the hilly terrain is another common oversight. The whole site sits on a hillside with inclines throughout, which matters if anyone in your party has mobility considerations or you’re travelling with a pushchair.
FAQ
Q: Where exactly is Devon Cliffs Holiday Park?
Devon Cliffs is in Sandy Bay, Exmouth, Devon, postcode EX8 5BT, sitting on a clifftop directly above the coastline. It’s one of the largest parks in the Haven network.
Q: How do you get to Devon Cliffs by car?
Leave the M5 at Junction 30, follow the A376 signposted to Exmouth, then take the left turn at the traffic lights on the outskirts of Exmouth signposted for Budleigh Salterton, Littleham and Sandy Bay. This brings you directly to the park.
Q: Is Devon Cliffs dog friendly?
Yes, Devon Cliffs offers dog-friendly accommodation, and dogs are welcome in a designated area inside South Beach Café and on the Sports Bar terrace area. Check the specific accommodation type when booking, since not every caravan on park is pet friendly.
Q: How far is the beach from the caravans at Devon Cliffs?
It depends entirely on where your accommodation sits on the site. South-side caravans are close to Sandy Bay, while it can take around 15 minutes to walk from the northernmost part of the park down to the beach.
Q: Is the water quality at Sandy Bay good?
It’s rated as “sufficient” rather than excellent by current standards. The Environment Agency gave Sandy Bay a rating of one star out of three in both 2023 and 2024, down from an “excellent” rating in 2019, so check the current year’s rating before your stay.
Q: When is the outdoor pool open at Devon Cliffs?
The outdoor pool typically opens during the May half term, then runs on weekends until early July, before moving to Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and weekend opening from early July until the August bank holiday. The indoor pool complex is available for longer, since it’s heated and covered.
Q: What’s the nearest train station to Devon Cliffs?
Exmouth station is the nearest, around 3 miles from the park. You’ll need a taxi or local bus to complete the journey from the station to the site itself.
Q: Is Devon Cliffs suitable for guests with mobility issues?
It requires some consideration. The park sits on a hillside with inclines to all areas, so anyone with limited mobility should factor in the terrain, and choosing accommodation closer to the main facilities rather than the far edges of the site may help reduce the amount of walking on slopes.
