Whether you are new to single parenthood or it is a journey that you have been on for sometime, it is likely that at some point the time will feel right to embark on an adventure with your little people and book a holiday for you all. The thought can be daunting but spending some quality time away with your kids without the distraction of home life builds strong bonds and memories that last a lifetime.
Here are some of our top tips for holidaying as a single parent to ensure you get the most out of your time away:
- Before you head off make a list of the absolute essentials you need to make sure you have. Medication? First Aid kit? Wet wipes? Favourite bed time toys?
If really needed, all other things can be purchased when you arrive if they are forgotten but knowing you have packed all the key items will help ease your mind of any packing woes.
- When you arrive, take advantage of the open space. Let your kids run free and take the edge off that holiday excitement whilst you unpack and make yourself that first holiday brew (or G&T!) It's what Devon is wonderful for and what we love seeing our guests do.
- Befriend other families or single parents on your holiday. Kids are great at making new friends and whilst they play it is lovely having someone to chat to. You and other parents can help give each other ideas for favourite places where you are staying and some great ways each of you have spent your time on holiday so far.
- So many of our locations offer excellent play areas both inside and outside. Many offer experience time too where you can meet animals, look around working farms or go on guided tours of the local area. So many of these offerings come at no extra charge and are great for those watching their budget.
- Make sure you have a simple meal at home for your return so there is no need to rush to the shops as soon as you get back. Microwave Mac and cheese? Frozen pizza? No judgement here! Knowing you have something at the ready for when you and the kids get in offers great peace of mind.
- Take advantage of our hosts - they are there to help. Ideas for local days out? An activity that entertains a wide range of ages? Information about something you spotted on a walk? We would love to chat to you and help in any way we can.
- And breathe! Remember to relax yourself - it's your holiday too and we are certain you deserve the rest.
Relax in our heated swimming pool and slip into the tranquillity of rural life. Spacious comfortable cottage with indoor and outdoor play areas. Quiet but accessible location for Exeter and the M5.
Self catering cottages in the heart of South Devon with lots of animals and excellent child friendly facilities including indoor pool, toddler soft play, walk-in rabbit area & tennis court.
Newly converted barn conversions in Mid-Devon. 20 minutes from the M5 and mainline railway. Peaceful farm stay with wildlife walks on equestrian farm. Hot tub and courtyard. Luxury fittings.
Five spacious real log cabins, beautiful views across Exmoor, fully equipped kitchen, central heating with log burner, safe enclosed garden. Working dairy farm with sheep, pigs and poultry.
A working farm bordered by the River Tale which captures the magic of the countryside - sheep, cattle, free range chickens and working sheep dogs. An idyllic setting with excellent facilities.
Secluded 2 bedroom cottage surrounded by countryside with outstanding views over Exmoor. Abundant wildlife. Close to the coast. Garden, play area. Woodburner. Dogs & horses welcomed. Short breaks.
Close to Jurassic coast on a working farm. Orchard Meadow - an individual converted barn with a large open living space, 3 bedrooms (1 ground floor) 3 bathrooms and enclosed dog friendly garden.
A cream tea greets your arrival at Forda Farm B&B. Close to the Devon and Cornwall border, you are in the perfect place to explore both counties. Enjoy your stay on a family run working livestock farm
Peace, comfort and a warm welcome where we offer the little extras that attract guests back time and time again. 2 miles from Sidmouth seafront. Lovely coastal walks and views from the farm.
Stunning location on the North Devon Coast, escape to this beautiful award winning cottage, Saunton, Croyde, Putsborough and Woolacombe on our doorstep! Games room, garden, Couples & families welcome.
Stay in our granite cottages. Climb the hill, you'll love the view. Relax by our heated pool or cycle the beautiful Wray valley trail to Moretonhampstead. Great places to eat in town.
This well equipped Camping Barn is completely self contained and has panoramic views across the farm to the sea. Bigbury on Sea is one mile away and a fantastic location for beach holidays.
Idyllic setting in the Exmoor foothills. Traditional 300 acre family farm. Cottages furnished and equipped to a high standard, offering rural charm, cosy woodburners (free logs), enclosed gardens.
Escape and enjoy the pleasures of the countryside. Delightful cottages nestled on a farm. Friendly animals, ride the pony. Watch the cows milked. Sandy beaches Woolacombe & Croyde. Walk to local pub.
Four comfortable fully equipped cottages. Peaceful setting in beautiful South Hams valley on historic 80-acre working sheep farm. Ideal location for a relaxing holiday
Escape to this beautiful, award winning Medieval Longhouse (beams & log fires) tucked away on a Jacob sheep farm on Tarka Trail near Exmoor, with walks from the doorstep, quality en-suite rooms & WiFi
Enjoy the peaceful Spreacombe Estate, 3.5 miles from Woolacombe Beach. 6 family run cottages and a converted barn meeting room. Dog friendly (except Clematis), Child friendly, Short Breaks or longer.
Traditional single storey cottage on a small farm with calves, sheep, chickens, ducks, geese and ponies. The 2 bedroom cottage boasts a wonderful inglenook fireplace complete with logburner. A Gem!
17th C converted Barn 2 ensuite bedrooms, & a traditional thatched 2 bedroom cottage sleeps 5 in heart of the beautiful Mid Devon countryside. Lots of walks, pubs, relax & unwind on this family farm
Modern spacious rooms with luxury bathrooms. All with direct access to our court yard, we have plenty of space for outdoor dining. All set in a secluded valley a short drive from the coast.
Self catering comfortable accommodation in peaceful rural setting. 3 spacious barn conversions with unique charm. High standard & well equipped. On farm, large Oak trees. AONB. 15 mins Jurassic Coast.
A traditionally converted barn on working dairy farm,heart of the Blackdown Hills,peaceful setting, ideal walking, overlooking the Otter Valley,easy reach Sidmouth/ Lyme Regis,York Inn and shop 1 mile
4 newly renovated cottages & cabin sleeping 2-6 in beautiful East Devon hills. Heated outdoor pool, tennis court, games room. Dog friendly. Close to Jurassic Coast/Sidmouth/Lyme Regis.
Delightful cottages on working Dairy farm, explore the area for fantastic coastline, wonderful moorland, visitor attractions, local foods and many family events. Children love the calf feeding.
Camping - Escape, away from it all, to this beautiful farm, with woodland, pasture and a pond where you can camp exclusively on your own enjoying total solitude & escapism. Each pitch has own bathro
Stunning Manor & charming Country Cottages, on the edge of Dartmoor. Sleeps 2- 24 ideal for families of all ages/sizes. Play area/barn, wifi, woodfires, animal feeding, acres of space, farmshop+ pub.
Award winning cottages set in unspoilt countryside overlooking the sea - minutes from the golden sandy beaches at Woolacombe, Saunton & Croyde and a short walk from Lee Bay and the Grampus village pub
Smallicombe Farm is set in an idyllic location of 70 acres of pasture and ancient woodland and offers excellent self-catering holiday cottage accommodation on a real working farm in Devon
Ground floor apartment will own entry and parking. Superking/twin bed, cooking facilities, TV, settee and ensuite with shower and bath. Free Wi-Fi. Wheelchair accessible. Breakfast Platter available.
A spacious farmhouse and a cosy retreat for two. Set in peaceful surroundings with stunning views, lovely walks and lots of wildlife to see. Ideally situated for visiting the coast, Exmoor, Dartmoor