Doniford Bay Holiday Park, Somerset, England
Hotel Information
Hotel Description:
Enjoying a green and tranquil setting to the rugged beauty of Exmoor, Doniford Bay also has fabulous views across the Bristol Channel. At Doniford Bay you can speed down the super 4-lane flume next to the Parks heated outdoor plunge pool, or splash about in the heated indoor pool. loading...
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Doniford Bay Holiday Park Reviews
" a lovely weekend "
Submitted By: murdoch
We stayed at Haven Doniford Bay, (2 adults and 2 children) with a Sun Holiday we stayed on Exmoor Way, the accommodation was a chalet (budget) for a weekend stay it was fine, basic but clean. The childrens funstars were excellent especially Brett, Lucy, Mike and the dude with the blond streak, our kids thought they were brilliant - keep up the good work dudes ! Please dont pay attention to the poor reviews, its fine ! Food is reasonable, and the Carsberg is £2.75 a pint so not too bad !! Dont forget your kitchen roll, tea towels, loo roll and a dish brush and enjoy it.
Advice: wrap up warm in Autumn - windy by the sea
Activities: Dunster
Good for: Beach
- Date of Holiday:Oct 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Good holiday and great for kids. "
Submitted By: jenwa
We stayed in Doniford Bay and had a Superior Plus Caravan. The caravan was not exactly as it looked in the brochure but was fine for what we needed. It had afew faults with it but nothing major and we were not always in it anyway! The site and staff were fine and we had no problems. We checked in early as arrived early and our caravan was ready so we were glad especially when we saw the que at 4pm and we were all unpacked and walking to the entertainment area.
The shop and bar/restaraunt were pricey but we took as much food as we could and went to a supermarket mid week to stock up.
The entertainment was ok, the kids loved the characters so that was good and because it was end of summer holidays it was not too busy.
The pool was not deep enough and would not have been great if it had been busy as not huge but still it was better than not having one.
The park was tidy and had recyling facilies there.
We drove to minhead to the beach which was lovely as the local beach was not great, it was a nice day out and we really enjoyed it.
Overall it was a good holiday and we had no problems with out stay and just did what we wanted and went where we wanted and the kida loved it which makes it all worthwhile.
The shop and bar/restaraunt were pricey but we took as much food as we could and went to a supermarket mid week to stock up.
The entertainment was ok, the kids loved the characters so that was good and because it was end of summer holidays it was not too busy.
The pool was not deep enough and would not have been great if it had been busy as not huge but still it was better than not having one.
The park was tidy and had recyling facilies there.
We drove to minhead to the beach which was lovely as the local beach was not great, it was a nice day out and we really enjoyed it.
Overall it was a good holiday and we had no problems with out stay and just did what we wanted and went where we wanted and the kida loved it which makes it all worthwhile.
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" A BREATH OF FRESH AIR "
Submitted By: BRANDONBOO
I was worried about staying at a Haven site, after the poor stay we had recently at Hafan Y Mor, but this was fabulous. The check in staff were only too happy to help and even booked us in early. The superior plus caravan we stayed in was clean and very spacious and had fantastic views over the bay towards Watchet. The site is well maintained, they regularly patrol for rubbish and the lawns and areas around the caravans are all very well kept. We had a problem with the lights one evening and the security officer on duty was prompt and fixed the problem straight away. The entertainment is what you would expect from Haven, the usual character discos etc. The surrounding area is great, the kids loved the rock pools on the beach which is unusual in its make-up but is the most exciting place to find all the mini beasts of the sea. All in all, I'm ready to book my next holiday there, it is without doubt the best Haven site we have stayed on, and we have stayed on many. Well worth the 4 hour drive to get there and definately worth a repeat visit.
Advice: The area is stunning, the railway and a trip to the fleet air arm museum were well worth the money
Activities: We had a trip to a two for one pub in Bridgwater, but the on site food was definately better quality
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" A Fantastic holiday "
Submitted By: popzmum
We were a bit apprehensive about the site as we had read all the bad reviews here. But we were so surprised, the site was lovely. We had a superior plus caravan which was spotless, luxurious and spacious, with great views across the bay. We found the staff helpful and the entertainment good. We had one meal on site which was delicious, with the childrens menu being particuly varied. The beach is fantastic for rockpool exploring and fossil hunting, it kept my children occupied for ages. The pool was clean with excellent life guarding and the waterslide fun. You pay for any extra water activities like aqua jets. The local area is stunning and well worth exploring, especially if you like beautiful scenery and history. Dunster and selworthy villages are fantastic, and climbing up selworthy beacon is worth it for the view. For the kids we went to Minehead Butlins on a day pass, the swimming pool is excellent with some very scary slides and a brilliant lazy river. In conclusion WE LOVED DONIFIRD BAY!!!!!
Good for: Beach
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Excellent holiday for children "
Submitted By: EriAustin14
This was our 4th visit to a Haven site, and the second to Doniford Bay. Both times we have stayed in an apartment and have found them spacious and clean, though the kitchen could do with an update. On arrival, it was very quick to collect our keys and on each visit to Reception we were met by very happy, pleasant staff. There is lots to do for the children on site with an excellent soft play area and a great park right near the sea for them to wear themselves out a bit. The park is accessible 24 hours, so great when they're up at the crack of dawn and raring to go. Even since our last visit in October they have been busy making changes on site, some of the chalets have been demolished and there is a new pedestrianised area near the Reception so the whole site feels very safe. My 2 eldest enjoyed being allowed to pop out to the shop, park or walk around which they cannot normally do at home. The Funstars seemed to really put in the effort and everything was a lot more organised that last time, with plenty of crates of toys at the ready for the Kids Clubs. We were very lucky that the weather was great so the water slides were open outside. The lifeguards were excellent and on the ball and had a great changeover manoeuvre so that they never let their eyes off the job! The children had an absolute ball and if they're happy we're happy. There is nowhere really to walk to off site, which is a pity, but there is a great steam train, (Minehead - Bishops Lydeard)which we spent the day on, with a stop near the site and you can ride down to Minehead on it in about half an hour. Taunton is about half an hour away by car and is well worth a look around. Would highly recommend a visit.
Advice: Try the cider!!!
Activities: Fish and chips by the sea.
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Great time had by all!!! "
Submitted By: saffear1
We have just returned from a long week-end Fri-Mon booked via the Sun to Doniford Bay.I was really worried about this holiday park after reading the reviews on this site!! How wrong we were!!
We travelled from Bristol with our 3 children (6, 4 and 2yrs)
We have been on 4 sun holidays now and this was by far the best.We stayed in Chalet 91 Exmoor place, a 4 bedroomed chalet/house.We were late arriving and were given our keys immediatly and given directions after following staff to the main hall. Very friendly reception staff.On enetering our chalet we were pleasently surprised. There was your usual kitchen area with table and chairs, small 3 piece suite with equally small tv and radio.One double bedroom and toilet downstairs and 3 large bedrooms and bathroom with shower upstairs. It was lovely and spacious and you didn't feel closed in ,like you sometimes do in a caravan. The only downside was not much reception on tv but we didn't go on holiday to watch tv.We went to the main hall for the evening entertainment and yes it was cheesy but my kids LOVED it and thats what a holiday all about!!
We were very lucky that the weather was great and we travelled down to Minehead beach on the Saturday late morning and my 3 children had a fantastic time.
We didn't use the hall for daytime entertainment but was pleased to see had the weather been bad there would have been loads to do.
Used the indoor/outdoor pool and slides on the Sunday ..again great fun nice and clean and fairly warm.
We didn't use any of the eateries as I cooked so can't comment on that.
Really can't fault this holiday site and we'll definatly be returning next year!!
We travelled from Bristol with our 3 children (6, 4 and 2yrs)
We have been on 4 sun holidays now and this was by far the best.We stayed in Chalet 91 Exmoor place, a 4 bedroomed chalet/house.We were late arriving and were given our keys immediatly and given directions after following staff to the main hall. Very friendly reception staff.On enetering our chalet we were pleasently surprised. There was your usual kitchen area with table and chairs, small 3 piece suite with equally small tv and radio.One double bedroom and toilet downstairs and 3 large bedrooms and bathroom with shower upstairs. It was lovely and spacious and you didn't feel closed in ,like you sometimes do in a caravan. The only downside was not much reception on tv but we didn't go on holiday to watch tv.We went to the main hall for the evening entertainment and yes it was cheesy but my kids LOVED it and thats what a holiday all about!!
We were very lucky that the weather was great and we travelled down to Minehead beach on the Saturday late morning and my 3 children had a fantastic time.
We didn't use the hall for daytime entertainment but was pleased to see had the weather been bad there would have been loads to do.
Used the indoor/outdoor pool and slides on the Sunday ..again great fun nice and clean and fairly warm.
We didn't use any of the eateries as I cooked so can't comment on that.
Really can't fault this holiday site and we'll definatly be returning next year!!
Advice: Minehead is a short drive away with lovely clean sandy beaches
Activities: Didn't use any restaurants but beach was LOVELY!! Pretty steam trains as well
Good for: Beach
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" review of doniford bay "
Submitted By: n.nogre
Dont worry about some of the views on here we booked with the sun and had a great time lots to do we stayed at no 43 chalet and it was clean and newly decorated lots of security patroling so every one is safe DRINKS ARE DEER two drinks £8.00 but they have to make there money some where look at butlins in minehead looks really really good spoken to a few people and they could not rate it enough just to tidy thing up the beach at doniford is rubbish full of rocks if you have a car not a prob travel to brean great beach great funfair worth the £60.00 for the four of us staff at doniford bay some could not do enough for you but reciption staff a bit stuck up and no understanding of your needs
Advice: lovely people and great views
Activities:
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Doniford Bay May 2009 "
Submitted By: powelso
I was dreading this holiday after reading the reviews on here but having just returned I had nothing to worry about. Our check in was very easy, our caravan (prestige 3) was great -we had lovely sea views from the lounge.The site was lovely and quiet, we travelled with our 2 year old and do agree that the evening entertainment was not the best but the indoor play centre was ok. I admit that the town is quiet but it all depends what you are hoping to get out of your holiday, we had a great time but tend to do our own thing without using the resorts facilities anyway. it was a great base for the surrounding areas and i would certainly have no problems returning.
- Date of Holiday:May 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:hoseasons
" things could only get better "
Submitted By: corb91
when we got to our caravan it was filthy, so we joined the queue and complained straight away, and spoke to a lovely girl called claire who got 2 cleaners to our caravan within ten minutes and within the hour our caravan was clean, however they did find a cup full of old cooking fat hidden in the cupboard, our complaints were dealt with as a matter of urgency as we had our three year old daughter, and resulted in a free meal and a further reduction off our holiday.
we found the entertainment to be really good and the funstars were full of energy and we must mention a lovely girl by the name of danielle who would look out for our daughter on the dance floor.
the surrounding area of the park was a bit boring and not much to do if you didnt want to travel, we found a lovely bar which served food,the huntsman, however only started serving from six pm.
we found the entertainment to be really good and the funstars were full of energy and we must mention a lovely girl by the name of danielle who would look out for our daughter on the dance floor.
the surrounding area of the park was a bit boring and not much to do if you didnt want to travel, we found a lovely bar which served food,the huntsman, however only started serving from six pm.
- Date of Holiday:May 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Great for a Short Break "
Submitted By: MrsBragg
We've just returned from a lovely 3 night stay in a standard chalet at Doniford Bay. PLEASE don't pay too much attention to some of the more negative reviews about this park - this year has seen a new management team and considerable investment. Our 2 bedroomed chalet; the cheapest accomodation on the site; was clean, spacious( sleeps 6, there were 3 of us- 6 might have been less comfortable)well equipped, and in a good position on the site. The staff are, on the whole, young and energetic and they coped admirably during a very busy weekend. The park has a large playground,swimming pool and waterslide, loads of activities throughout the day and evening, it's right next to the beach and is in gorgeous surroundings. It is a little bit off the beaten track, but don't let that put you off- we don't have a car but we got there and back without any problems. The three of us (2 adults, one 12 year old) had a great time, but I'm not sure there would be enough to keep us occupied for a week or more. For a short break though, it was perfect. It is, after all, a Haven Holiday park, and it does what it says on the tin. OK, it's not 5 star luxury, but what do you expect from a Haven? We had no complaints and you shouldn't allow reviews written by people who, quite frankly, will always find SOMETHING to grumble about put you off going to Doniford Bay. We almost didn't go after reading some of the comments on here, but I'm so glad we didn't pay them too much heed. One thing I will mention though, you might prefer to cook for yourselves as there is only one restaurant and it did get pretty busy in the evenings.
Advice: Loads to do!
Activities: West Somerset Railway
Good for: Beach
- Date of Holiday:May 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" doniford bay in may "
Submitted By: bernard2
This was the most disorganised place i've ever stayed, the whole site seemed to be run by the security guard "Steve" , however our caravan was excellent!
The entertainment was the worst ever, just very untalented kids doing rubbish routines. Unfortunately the staff there seemed to be out to rip costumers off, all had bad attitudes and the place just seemed wrong, kind of depressing and dull. The surrounding area is also very much in decline and again very dull.
Overall i would advise people to not bother going here as you will be disapointed, especially if you have kids. There are plenty of other sites on the south coast that are much better organised and much more fun.
The entertainment was the worst ever, just very untalented kids doing rubbish routines. Unfortunately the staff there seemed to be out to rip costumers off, all had bad attitudes and the place just seemed wrong, kind of depressing and dull. The surrounding area is also very much in decline and again very dull.
Overall i would advise people to not bother going here as you will be disapointed, especially if you have kids. There are plenty of other sites on the south coast that are much better organised and much more fun.
- Date of Holiday:May 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" had a great time! "
Submitted By: gossipgirl
Weve just came babck from doniford bay and was pleasently suprised that we had a great time. After reading some of the reviews on here we were slighty put off going and wasnt looking forward to it, but as we had already paid for it we went anyway. The setting of the park is surrounded by gorgeous scenery and it was alovely drive getting there. Although there is a train station situated near and a bus service available i would recommend that you drive there as its in the middle of nowhere. On arrival we were greeted by the staff, who throughout the holiday remained cheery and helpful, and checked in quickly and efficiently. We had upgraded to a caravan and it was gorgeous, clean and in a great location. Doniford is a small site compared to some of the other haven parks so you are always close to all ameneties. There is plenty to do in the day however most of it was at a cost, which in my opinion is the downfall of the camp as as you can imagine it all adds up when you have 2 children! The entertainment in the night was good, the kids loved the havenmates, and you can clearly see that they work hard and are enthusiastic to keep you entertained. The prices of drinks are high but you get that in any holiday camp, so take plenty of cash to keep you going lol.
- Date of Holiday:May 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Great Holiday "
Submitted By: Williams family
We went here for the second week of the easter hols. The accomodation we stayed in was very clean and no matter where abouts on park you are placed you are within 4mins walking distance of facilities. In our party were 3 18 year olds 2 teenagers and 3 youngsters as well as 4 adults. Everyone had a great time. The sports area is clean and well set out. The funstars were fab and made a big effort to make sure every child was included and the in house entertainment was the best haven show I have seen in my 8 years with haven. The visiting cabarets were mixed with some of them excellant and others ok. The staff were always friendly and security were always walking around park at night making holiday makers feel safe. It is set in a beautiful position but to get out and about you would need a car. There is a beautiful sandy beach at Burnham on sea well worth a visit (about 20 mins) with local beaches being pebbles. People make a holiday and this place just helps to provide a friendly safe fun enviroment to spend it in. We will be going back
- Date of Holiday:Apr 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" A woderful weekend! "
Submitted By: larny1180
After reading several terrible reviews about this site i was really worried about taking my mother, father, partner and 4 year old here on a sun holiday, however, i felt i must place a review here as we had such a wonderful time!! We returned from the park yesterday, and during the stay the staff were excellent, friendly and ready to help whenever needed. My little boy put money in a machine and when it didnt work staff were more than happy to refund the money. the funstars worked their socks off and made sure the children had the most wonderful time possible. The chalet we had was dated but was immaculately clean, it was very spacious and we had more than enough linen to keep us comfortable. the fire was excellent and heated the rooms very effectively. We ate at the cafe bar and the meal was lovely, arrived quickly and was more than enough! Prices were slightly higher than at home, but not rediculous. everything on the site is easily accessible and within walking distance. the grass areas around the site were beautifully kept and everywhere was clean and tidy. The show bar had plenty of activities, some had additional charges but i guess this is expected. My 4 year old had a wonderful time, was able to play safely on the grass outside the chalet and had fun at the park..which was very clean and well kept. the indor pirates ahoy center was great fun too, he made friends there quickly and really enjoyed the soft play. There are so many things i could write about this site, but it would take all day. its safe to say that the weekend was excellent and we will definately be returning. The chalets were basic, but at the end of the day its somewhere to rest your head at the end of a fun packed day. the pool was very cold on entry, but after a few minutes to get used to it..it was fine..only complaint was that the showers were cold..but hot showers were available just outside the pool area.
Advice: Lovely weekend away!
Activities: wetherspoons in minehead
Good for: Beach
- Date of Holiday:Apr 2009
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Sun 9.50 holiday!
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took our dog with us and considering how dirty your dog can get after a walk down the pebbly beach the accomodation was clean. We didnt have a window blind in the kitchen and reported this to reception and was rectified the next day, after all we didn't arrive till late. Was told that some of the chalets/apartments are to be demolished from November and replaced with caravans (low maintainence). Was a bit miffed of having to have a bath as there wasn't a shower but the bath filled quite quickly and always had hot water and I got used to it. Bathroom was going mouldy but maybe thats the reason for getting rid. Went for a drive out most days to Minehead about 15-20mins drive away and weston super mare which took 50 mins drive. The site was clean and tidy, staff were pleasant and the food was lovely. I recommend the carvery. We have already booked for August next year in an apartment but booked on site to come again in October next year and having a caravan instead. The entertainment wasn't brilliant unless you like kids shows everyday, which didn't bother us as we were so tired by teatime we didn't want to go out, but we went just to see what it was like. I really enjoyed our holiday there and looking forward to next time we go.
Advice: Plenty places to visit such as Watchet, Minehead, Blue Anchor and Weston Super Mare
Activities: On site resaurant and exploring local villiages
Good for: Beach