South Devon
Sheltered beaches, estuaries and busy resort towns. Strong demand and generally higher prices.
Devon
Holiday homes, lodges and touring in Devon
Devon gives you two very different coastlines plus Dartmoor and Exmoor in between, so park styles vary widely. It is often chosen by buyers who want South West coast access without going quite as far as Cornwall.
Who it suits
Is Devon the right base for you?
- Families who want beaches with a slightly shorter drive than Cornwall
- Buyers choosing between a busy resort and a quiet moorland setting
- Walkers who want both coast path and open moor within reach
- Tourers who like moving between contrasting landscapes on one trip
Choose the kind of escape
You do not have to start with buying
Static caravans
The lower-cost ownership route. Compare purchase price with pitch fees, season length, age limits and resale terms.
Holiday & luxury lodges
More space and higher specification, but usually much higher entry prices and annual park costs too.
Campervans
Better if returning to the same pitch feels restrictive. Hire first if you are unsure whether the touring routine suits you.
Van conversions
A custom route into roaming if you already have a suitable van or want a layout built around the way you travel.
Campsites & touring
A much lower-cost way to use Devon regularly, whether you own a van or simply want to test an area before buying.
Hire first
Stay on a holiday park or hire a campervan before committing. A real trip exposes journey time, weather, noise and practical annoyances a viewing can hide.
Where to look
Devon is not one market
Different corners of the region offer very different ownership and touring experiences. Pick the part you would actually return to, not just the prettiest listing you see online.
North Devon
Surf beaches, big dunes and a more rugged feel, with longer drives from the M5 than the map suggests.
Dartmoor fringes
Open moorland, walking and quiet parks, with weather that changes quickly and fewer amenities nearby.
Exmoor and the north-west
Quieter again, with steep lanes and remote pockets that suit people who genuinely want to get away.
Ownership
Static caravan and lodge considerations
- There is a wide spread of park styles here, from large family resorts to small adults-only sites, so pick the atmosphere first.
- Coastal pitches in South Devon are usually the most expensive, both to buy and to keep.
- Moorland parks can offer more space and lower fees, but check winter access and heating costs.
- Confirm season dates and any restrictions on occupancy, because these differ noticeably between parks.
Campervans and touring
How well Devon suits touring
- The M5 makes the county reasonably accessible, but summer queues through the South West are common.
- North Devon and Exmoor lanes include very steep gradients that are hard work in a heavy motorhome.
- There is a good spread of campsites, with more open through the shoulder seasons than in Cornwall.
Practical considerations
What actually decides whether it works
Coast versus countryside
Coastal parks give amenities and letting interest. Moorland parks give quiet and walking, usually for less money.
Seasonality
Peak summer is busy and traffic-heavy. Out of season the moors are very quiet and some facilities close.
Journey and access
The last stretch to north Devon and Exmoor is slower than motorway mileage implies.
Walking and outdoors
Two coast paths plus Dartmoor and Exmoor make this a strong choice for year-round outdoor use.
Ownership check
What to ask before buying in Devon
- Ask for the last five years of site-fee increases in writing
- Confirm the exact holiday season and any closed period
- Check whether subletting is allowed and what commission or management fees apply
- Ask about caravan or lodge age limits and the park's resale process
- Price insurance, utilities, servicing and maintenance as well as the pitch fee
- Ask which parks nearby are family-led and which are adult-focused
- Check winter access and heating costs if you are looking at moorland parks
The Own & Roam approach
Stay first. Then decide whether you want to own or roam.
Devon suits a trial stay because the two coasts feel so different. Try both before deciding where you would actually return to.
Other regions
Compare Devon with elsewhere
- North WalesA practical North Wales escape guide covering ownership, campervans, touring and the costs worth checking before you commit.
- Lake DistrictLake District ownership and touring research covering lodges, static caravans, site costs and the practicalities of a fells-based escape.
- YorkshireYorkshire ownership and touring research covering the dales, moors and coast, with practical costs and buyer checks.
- CornwallCornwall ownership and touring research covering coastal pitches, seasonality, journey times and buyer checks.