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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
On the peaceful Spreacombe Estate, 3.5 miles from Woolacombe Beach we have 6 family run cottages and a converted barn meeting room. Dog friendly (except Clematis), Child friendly, ideal for walking.
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.
Set in a peaceful, tranquil rural area of North-West Devon, between Bude and Okehampton, but easily accessible from major road routes into Devon and Cornwall. Sleeps up to 4 guests of all ages.
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.
Gatcombe is a family run working dairy farm 5 minutes drive from World Heritage Coastline. Fully equipped, spacious, comfortable rooms, guest lounge and dining room.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
The well appointed wing of the farmhouse is completely self contained and has panoramic views of Bigbury Bay. Bigbury on Sea is a fantastic location for family beach holidays.
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.
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 bathroom
Close to Jurassic coast in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Orchard Meadow - individual cottage peacefully situated on a working farm. Large open living space, 3 bedrooms [1 grnd fl) 3 bathrooms
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
Stay in our cosy static caravan, set in its own garden on our family farm. Enjoy the peace and quiet of this lovely rural location, just 4 miles from Lyme Regis with sandy beach's and fossil hunting.
4 newly renovated cottages & cabin sleeping 2-6 in beautiful and peaceful East Devon hills. Pool, tennis court, games room. Ideal for families & dogs. Close to Jurassic Coast/Sidmouth/Lyme Regis.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
Dating back to the 1600's 'Beech House' with its slate floors and inglenooks is the perfect destination for family holidays, get to-gethers and all those special celebrations.
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
The Grange with own 34 ft swimming pool heated all year and The Deer Den with hot tub are tucked away up a long private driveway on our 260-acre award-winning farm in Devon, bursting with rural charm.
Great for peaceful retreats or family holidays, The Hay House is the only holiday cottage on our nature-friendly farm. Beautiful views & walks from your door. 15 minutes to beach at Sidmouth. Sleeps 4
Set in the East Devon hills close to the Jurrasic Coast, we welcome guests to our working dairy farm. Our cottages have spacious living areas, Geothermal underfloor heating, woodburners.
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.