John Fowler Sandaway Holiday Park

I went on holiday with some trepidation as a single parent of two quite lively boys, 7 and 3, and was thrilled to be at Coombe Martin Beach Holiday Park. We went on holiday in July 2011, the weather was glorious. The amenties were close by noting the steep climbs, well you were on the cliff top with the most amazing views so what do you expect. The shops were close by and there was a delightful beach big enough to relax and not loose two boys which was handy. The caravan itself was spacious and clean with all the utensils that are usually provided. It was hidden away too which was helpful as my children struggle to sleep on their first nights away but here they slept immediately. The site was quiet at night too which was a blessing. Places of interest were close by and Ilfracombe and the northern Somerset beaches and towns were only a short drive away through idyllic countryside. There was access to the internet in the club house and helpful staff all the time. There is a fantastic Dinosaur park very close by too and the fish and chip shop was excellent!
My children and I all had a fabulous holiday the best we have ever had and fully intend to return as it was so good with so much to do, a week just wasn't long enough!!!

Just come back from sandaway holiday park. Had good time staff were very friendly and polite too. Views brilliant from caravan and park. Best place rock pooling for going to beach for day best is combe martine. Have lovely rock path walk which takes you round cliffs. At mermaid beach there are few steps 76 in all but not bad has sounds worth going to look for views and rocks tons of them caves too. our caravan was very clean nice too we had basic bronze. ENtertainment good bingo good too son won twice on childrens bingo..boys were in pool too that is heated..if want bigger beach woolcombes not far by car or bus which run think every half hour they on time too .. before came to this park read the reviews put me off bit but when arrvied better lot better yes cut grass too well kept park only one thing that shop on park is dear prices ..all in all like it so much we will come back next year..

2 readers found this review helpful

My partner and I booked to stay on this park through The Sun holidays (after they messed up our original booking form as this was not where we were meant to stay), and first impressions were ok I guess. There was very limited parking for when you booked in, we had to go round twice. Then the reception area is also the bar. The staff seemed friendly enough. We were actually given a different caravan then the one we should have had as ours was not ready (wish we'd have waited). There was a very small space to park the car, it was up a hill and on grass. There was no pavement leading to the caravan, you had to walk across the grass and it had been raining!!! The caravan itself was very dark as the sea views were blocked out on that side by dense foliage. The caravan wasn't very clean, there was dust in most places, the VCR in the tv/vcr combi did not work and got the tape stuck, the toilet seat was broken, as was the main bedroom door and the clock. On the plus side, the heating was adequate. The caravans and most of the things inside were quite dated but it was habitable and we hoped we weren't really going to be spending much time in there anyway. HOPED!! However, the clubhouse was small, VERY overpriced and did not have much in the way of entertainment. The food was nice though, and quite reasonably priced for the portions. You could eat in or take away, although the choices were a little limited. The shop seemed shut most of the time, open until 1/2pm and then again from 4pm til 7pm, they didnt have much, had no bottled water! Forgot to order it, and it was quite highly priced. The nearest decent shop (especially for me as I have food intolerances) was Tesco in Ilfracombe, about 10-15 mins drive or half hour (ish) bus journey. It was a god send that the park was on a main bus route but those buses did not run as often as we would have liked. The "Private beach" was down about 70 odd steep steps, not very child/pram/wheelchair friendly at all. And the beach, if you can call it that, was a huge disappointment. It was very small and was mostly always hidden by the sea which never seemed to go out! But it was all rocks, pebbles and stones and was not very friendly on the feet.
The views were gorgeous though, and if you dont mind a bit of walking there are some lovely villages and pubs away from the park. The coastal path takes you round some beautiful sites and we did find one beach (as close to a beach as it was going to get) that we found pleasant on one of these walks. Combe Martin is just a short walk away, as is Berrynarbour, and Ilfracombe was a short bus journey away.
All in all, we were quite disappointed with the visit. For a break where you do not want to do a great deal at all, then this would be the place, but for those who want to go away and enjoy "tourist" attractions, its a little dated, out the way and quiet.

2 readers found this review helpful

This site is promoted as a family site!!!! We arrived last Monday with 2 two year olds. Cars are allowed everywhere at any time. The site is on the side of a cliff with at least 10 foot drops in front of the accommodation we were allocated (with NO fencing). The childrens play area consists of 2 swings (not suitable for two year olds), climbing frame and one small slide which was the only piece of apparatus suitable for small children and the road is only inches from the gate to the play area. The walk down to the "private beach" is horrendous and with 2 pushchairs thank goodness we decided not to attempt it ~ we may have made it down to the tiny rocky cove (which my husband did alone), but I am not sure we would have made it back. For children under 5-6 years of age this site is so totally unsuitable and very dangerous(even at this age you would have to closely supervise) . We returned home after 2 days.

2 readers found this review helpful

My husband and I have been going to Sandaway every October since 1992 - long before it was taken over by John Fowler.
On the odd occasion we have had a problem, it has been rectified very quickly.
It's a fairly quiet site in October (apart from half term, I guess!) and the caravans are comfortable and clean. We always book one with a great view.
There's lots to interest the country-side lover in North Devon and loads of pretty little places on Exmoor.
We'll continue to drive the 250 miles there just as long as we are fit to drive!

2 readers found this review helpful

We have just had a wonderful week at Sandaway. Our caravan was spotless and smelt lovely. The bed linen
was crisp and white. We had a lovely view of the sea from our van. We are well into retirement and none drivers, so the bus stop was very handy for getting out and about. The staff were very friendly, cheerful and helpful and always spoke to us on site. We didn't experience the entertainment because after being out and about all day we preferred an evening in before being out again early next day. We had no problem with the 76 steps down/up to the beach and I have had a knee replacement, or the walk down to Combe Martin. The take away meals, which we made use of each night, were gernerous and filling and a good mix plus very reasonably priced. All in all we are very happy with our first visit to a John Fowler holiday and will definately try one of the other sites. Margaret & Phil

We went for a 4 night break, we returned home early. Caravan basic but clean, couldnt see out of living room window in caravan due to overgrown nettles had to park the car on grass as no proper standing terrible after the rain. Clubhouse very small, entertainment awful. Bar prices through the roof The on site shop shut most of the time. The whole park needs refurbishment.
Would recommend The Saw Mill pub just up the road fantastic meal lovely landlord the best part of the holiday.

2 readers found this review helpful

arrived after reading some bad reviews but nice friendly staff kids loved the pool open all day caravan was clean well mentained club room small but 20 of us found it managable but not much entertainment all quiet by 11 30 my sisters apt for 8 was clean a little worn but not smelling of damp like one review said all in all i would take my family back

We had a brillant time the staff were 1st class helpfully and friendly it was my 1st time camping and i really enjoyed it the showers and other facilites arent 5star but they did the job

do not go here if you want to feel like you are on holiday, it is the worst place in the world, scruffy, dirty, broken down vans and cars that the gardener mows around!
there was a used tampon in the childrens play area,if you can call it a play area, it is mainly residents on the site, the takeaway lady stands outside smoking and went in to make food without washing hands
i know its cheap and has never been rated by any official tourist board or association, and now i know why, apy the bit extra and go somewhere else, you will be truely disappointed if you stay here