John Fowler, Sandaway Beach Holiday Park

With the present on going global recession that we find ourselves in, it is not easy to find a holiday to suit our pockets. Gone are the days when we could holiday in Greece, Spain, Bulgaria, Italy, and other European destinations by booking a package holiday via your Travel Agent at a good reasonable price, and also find that you could get a good exchange rate. Gone is the Drachma, Peseta, the Lev and Lira, all of which have been replaced by the Euro. Gone are the days when holidaying in these countries, we could get our cigarettes, beer and meals literally dirt cheap compared to what we would pay at home in the UK.

Joining the European Union may have its advantages, but as for us in the UK holidaying abroad, we are no longer at a gain to our pockets as we were prior to the Euro coming into effect across main Europe. Our belts have become more tightened and we have to re-adjust to being charged more for our holidays.

Great Britain has a beautiful coastline, and there are some really fantastic seaside resorts around us which are really well worth holidaying at, and which afford some breath taking scenes Unfortunately, British hotels can be quite expensive to stay at, even those with only a two or three star rating. At peak season, the costs of a family or even just a couple cost way above your financial means. Besides, the peak season as it is nowadays, is no longer a good guide to good weather, as it could near enough be guaranteed sunshine not so many years ago. I have enjoyed several holidays abroad, but the time arrived when I had to consider a self catering holiday in the UK, of which there are several holiday parks at which you can have a really good time. There are several holiday parks situated at or near to the seaside, and it is not easy to find any better than those in the beautiful Counties of Devon and Cornwall, South West of England, where scenery both inland and coastal is out of this world, and will match any European inland or seaside destination.

John Fowler Holiday Parks operate in both counties in the South West of England. They have approximately 11 different holiday parks, all of which are situate either on the coast, or very nearby. They are a company which has been operating for 50 years and are established and well known in the British Holiday Park World. Each of their holiday parks has a clubhouse on site, which provides entertainment for both adults and children. Just as Butlins have their 'Red Coats', so has John Fowler got their 'Stripeys' among their staff,and who tend to and entertain children in a similar way , just as the 'Red Coats' at Butlins do.

Holiday Parks vary in size, as do their clubhouses which accommodate according to the number of holiday residents booked in on site. Entertainment varies each night, with singers, groups, magicians and so forth. A meal can be had at the clubhouse at the 'Chef's Corner'. A good selection of Alcoholic and soft drinks are available for consumption within the clubhouse at prices you can expect to pay at your local pub back home. Computer access is available at a small fee charged for each hour of use. Bingo is played each evening and prize money is paid to winners, according to number of tickets sold. A swimming pool is available for use in the holiday park and supervised by lifeguards.

Whilst my friend and I have travelled and stayed at several of the John Fowler Parks, such as Brixham, St Ives, Sandaway Beach, and Trelawne Manor, Cornwall, we do have a preference for Sandaway Beach Holiday Park, Coombe Martin, North Devon. We choose that park for several reasons. Firstly, it is one of the smaller and therefore more peaceful than most of the other sites. It is situated very near to the village of Coombe Martin. The town and harbour of Ilfracombe is an approximate five mile drive away from the holiday park. The park itself looks out into the Bristol Channel. There are some spectacular views of the surrounding cliffs and it has its own private little bay which residents can go down some steps to.

There are different types of accommodation which you can book up for. Caravans, chalets, apartments and Manor houses, each of which has a rating (Gold, Silver, Bronze and so forth) and also according to size, ranging from just two berth up to 4, 6, 8 10 berth. The price you pay is for the accommodation size and rating, and NOT per person. free parking near to your accommodation. Choose from a bath or shower room; some will have a shower within and above the bath. A colour television is in each living room. The kitchens have all the cooking and eating utensils that you would find in your own home. A microwave, as well as oven is provided. Kettle, toaster and fridge freezer. Hot and cold running water is constant, and the accommodation has central heating throughout each room. Bed linen is provided, and extra blankets if needed, though depending on time of year, such as off peak bookings, then you are advised to take your own warmer duvet.

We choose John Fowler Holiday Parks because we have always found their accommodation to be spanking clean on our arrival, and the bed linen freshly laundered. The beds are reasonably comfortable, but remember, you have not booked up for the Savoy, nor paid their prices.

Going back to the reasons for us booking a self catering holiday, is primarily that it suits our pocket. Their holiday Park locations are at seaside resorts or very nearby. Entertainment is provided. Staff are always welcoming and friendly throughout your stay, and whilst it is classified as self catering, you have the choice to cook and dine in your accommodation, or eat out at a restaurant or cafe of your choice in the resort at the destination you choose. Coombe Martin has a restaurant namely the 'Harbour Deli' in its village. Have your breakfast there, and it is very unlikely that you will want dinner or supper when you see and eat the size of the breakfast, which includes a mug of tea, toast and butter. It's an all day breakfast available up until approx. 4.00pm daily.

Failing this, then simply take a drive into Ilfracombe, down into the harbour, where you will taste the freshest and nicest fish and chips ever.

Eat them in the fish restaurant, or outside on the harbour wall, the good old fashioned way...wrapped in paper and held in your hands.. but be warned ! Mind the seagulls swooping down to pinch your fish and chips from your hand. Be very much aware of them, as they have been known to take the milk out of your tea.

The price of your self catering holiday at John Fowler's Holiday Parks varies. We book a 6 berth accommodation for a week in the month of May, or in late September/October when the weather as of recent years in the South West of England has been warm and sunny, though not scorching hot. The price, less than £200 for 7 days in a six berth apartment.(NOT per person. What more than that do you want! Give John Fowler a phone call and request a brochure. Choose your time of year and size of accommodation and pay for your booking, either by deposit and instalments, or outright.

If you enjoy your holiday and decide to book another the following year, you will receive a VIP 10% discount. As for us personally, all we need is a roof over our heads with a clean bed to sleep in. A cup of coffee first morning, and then out for the day to visit attractions in the surrounding areas. Get ourselves an enjoyable meal if we so need one, and, then finally back to the Holiday Park, a quick shower and change of clothing ready for an evening of entertainment at the Sandaway Beach Holiday Park clubhouse, (which is far from rowdy).

Just come back from this park, myself the wife our two teenagers and our three year old, have to say on reading some of the reviews you could be a bit worried about what to expect but fear not the park is great.

The caravan was a little tired around the edges and I have stayed in better "silver" rated accommodation at both Haven and Park resort parks but that said I have paid a lot more. The park is small with lovely views. The club house is small but adequate and reminds you more of going to your local rather than going to venue, the entertainment was good and the staff very friendly, not many of them so you see the same faces and this is all part of this parks charm.

Really feels like it is being run as a family holiday park and not a massive commercial enterprise where the only aim is to drain every single penny from you in any way possible which is what you get at many big sites at the other previous mentioned site operators.

Its really well situated and there are so many places to visit in the area we will have to go back again to see them all.

All in all a value for money break and we will be returning.

best holiday in this country in years,everything was superb and staff were beyond helpful.

I had read bad reviews but thought some people might expect too much but was i wrong, We stayed for 3 nights at beginning of May 2012, on arrival i went to reception with my 10 year old disabled daughter to collect our key as we walked out of reception a younger boy ran up to her and punched her in the tummy leaving her very shocked and upset, what they hadnt told me when i booked was that a sporting tour was also booked on the site we arrived at our caravan and pulled out my daughters bed from the sofa which was a metal spring one but she couldnt sleep in it because it was bent (a zigzag shape) and the mattress was so thin and threadbare. Our daughter slept on the long sofa. The original blow air heating had been removed and replaced with gas fire in the living room which can not be left on overnight so we froze both myself and my daughter slept in our clothes although i didnt sleep at all because of shouting, cheering and banging on my caravan from people that had spent the night in the bar, i was glad when it eventually rained and they went to their caravans. After being so cold and stressed i spent the 3 days with a headache and couldnt wait to come home, i am filing a letter of complaint and a phone call to trading standards.

This was a sun break so didn't expect the accomodation to be brilliant - it wasn't. Luckily it was only a 3 night break, good job really. We were allocated a Carnation chalet which was dog friendly but we don't have a dog. Expected it to be a bit smelly/hairy but it seemed ok but extremely basic. There was no shower, just a tiny bath, not even a rubber hose on the taps. They said they were fully booked but another chalet might be available. It was and had sort of a shower that just pointed at the curtain. The bathroom was very old and I have never stayed anywhere where the toilet actually smelled like a public toilet. you couldn't even hang a towel up so had to leave it outside in the living area. The shower went cold after about 3/4 minutes so I was left covered in shampoo, my husband had to boil a kettle and use a pan so I could get rinsed off. There was only 2 of us and were squashed onto a tiny dirty sofa and there was 1 tiny armchair. But as the chalet sleeps 4 or maybe 6, I don't know where people would sit. All the plates, cutlery were dirty. The only plus point was the beautiful view from the window across the sea. The beach is rocky but very pretty and tranquil but there are about 70 very steep, slippy steps down to it. Even worse coming back up. The whole park looked very scruffy, the gardens were overgrown and all of the accomodation looked very dated - although people have said they had nice caravans. It is only a small park so parking etc is tight - we had to park at the back of the chalet and walk around to the front with our stuff.Went twice to use the pool when it should be open but it was shut. Don't know about the 1st time but the 2nd time there was a wasp infestation. Looked in the shop but the prices were ridiculous, no excuse really as other sites are not that expensive. Didn't use the bar/entertainment so I can't comment. There is little path next to the park that takes you into the village, not too far but hard work coming back up. We only paid £54 for 3 nights but thought it wasn't even worth that.I think they charge a £40 supplement for dogs for the cleaning but I don't know where that went. Never been to a John Fowler site before and won't be again. Had the mon-fri at parkdean ruda (sun holiday) in a smoking caravan (we don't smoke) but it was spotless and smelled beautiful. So it just goes to show - you never know!

Reasonable sight but Combe Martin very disappointing. The caravan was clean but the windows didnt fit very well but as it was very warm weekend it didnt matter.there was a smell of drains in the bathroom particulsry after showering. the grass could have been shorter and the balcony overlooking the pool would have benefitted from being swept as there were quite alot of cigerette ends. the shop wasnt very well stocked and quite expensive. very disappointed with the take away fish and chips. the fish was out of a packet! the name of the site not appropriate, Sandaway beach as the beach was down around 80 steps and was certainly not sandy.

We have just got back from a really nice holiday at Sandaway Beach Holiday Park.

The park is on top of a hill we amazing views over the sea and on a clear day you can see Swansea. We arrived at the park before our checkin time but was told it was a problem and got the keys early. Our caravan was only a 6 berth Bronze but was clean and had everything we needed. The park has a nice outside swimming pool which is heated with very friendly and helpful attendants. We found the staff to be very friendly and very welcoming(a lot more then at Haven parks). The entertainment was good and was also child freindly. If there has to be any down sides then they are only very small ones. The park does not do any kind of lunches but we found a very good pub in Combe Martin village just a short walk down the hill. It is quite a small clubhouse so make sure you get there early if you wish to take part in any of the entertainment, we did very well on the music quizes. This is somewhere i would definatley go back too and reccommend. If your looking for a relxing holiday then this is for you but take your walking shoes too, lol.

This was our first time at a John Fowler site. Although the weather at the time was wet and muddy for a good percentage of the week there were many positives.

The staff were very friendly, helpful and informative.

The kids club was the best ever for our kids. We had to go every night! They even did Kids bingo which many other kids clubs don't do. They had a lot more on than other sites and our children preferred this club more than any other.

The pool was great, a good size, warm, clean and monitored. SOme others have moaned about not being allowed on but the hours are clearly stated on the site and we found them fine.

The walk to Combe Martin takes literally 10 minutes. There is a private beach right next to the camping field and toilets. It is about 70 steps but is absolutely lovely.

Downsides, the field did get muddy around the tent, but there was so much rain on a couple of nights I cant see how it could take it. We have had brilliant weather at North Devon but this wasnt the best weather week.

Overall we had a great family holiday an will be going back.

sometimes i wander what people want.Yes its a small site but the staff, all of them, couldnt have been friendlier.your face gets remembered and unlike the bigger sites you get the personal touch.The beach isnt a beach in the traditional sense but is far more interesting.proper sandy beaches are only just down the road if thats your thing.Anyway i could go on praising this place buti know that we all have differing tastes so if you want a holiday thats both relaxing and lively as you want to make it this is the place to go.ps drive to Minehead from here for the drive of your life

To be honest after reading other reviews of this John Fowler Sandaway Beach we really didnt want to go and was dreading it. When we arrived and booked into our caravan it was perfect. The staff are friendly and the outside pool is fantastic, we used it everyday and our two boys aged 9 and 2 loved it, plus its also heated, and the lifeguard was very welcoming with a good sense of humour. We didnt use the club alot but when we did it was brilliant and the food although quite basic was well priced and very tasty. The little inside baby soft play area was brill and again staff fantastic. Combe Martin is beautiful. We found the small beach with all the steps and a proper Haven it is...Our two year old struggled to climb back up but did it and loved it but it is quite steep but worth a go....Would definatly recommend and would definatly go again. Thanks John Fowler for a best ever holiday.....