If you are planning your holidays in Devon with children, there are a few things you will need to bear in mind in order to get the best from your time away.

Firstly, you will need to consider the size of the accommodation you require. Many holiday companies offer details on the website of how many the property will accommodate, but it is worth checking out the ‘small print’. A property might state that it will sleep 4 people but this might take the form of a double bedroom and a single room with bunk beds. With teenagers or babies in the party, this might not be a desirable option. Some websites will provide this sort of information but if they do not, a simple phone call will allow you to make a more informed decision.

You might also want to consider the property’s location. With small children in the party you might want to be near local amenities, in which case it might be better to be situated in or close to the nearest town. This might also appeal to teenagers who can take in shopping centres and other attractions with limited supervision. Running out of your favourite foods in the middle of the countryside might not be an experience you want to put yourself through. Alternatively, if you’re looking for an experience where everyone has to ‘muck in’ – perhaps to cement bonds between you and your children – a remote cottage might be just the thing you’re looking for.

Children always need entertaining, so it’s also a good idea to check which attractions are close to your location and how long it will take to get to them. Devon offers a variety of attractions for almost every interest you can imagine. Holiday companies may provide some details, but it is always worth checking with the local Tourist Information board to uncover hidden gems. There is also the potential for children to make friends with children from other holiday parties; some cottages are rented in groups and so you may find yourself holidaying next door to a family with children of similar ages. Again, ask the holiday company for any information they might be able to give you.

A good rental company can also provide you with information on the facilities that the property has to offer. You may want to ask about the availability of high chairs, stair-gates, pushchair hire and whether any ponds or swimming pools are covered up. A little time spent researching the property and its surroundings can help to make your family holidays in Devon a time you will cherish for years to come.

For more information about Baby Friendly Holidays and Child Friendly Holidays here