IF you are driving to the other end of the country for a family holiday on the coast you hope for good weather. But what if the summer weather is more showers than sunshine? The answer is to plan your holiday in a location that offers attractions which will keep everyone amused when beach fun is rained off.

We headed for Torquay, in Devon – dubbed the English Riviera because of its mild climate – and stayed at Hoburne Holiday Parks’ Devon Bay site where we booked one of their top-of-the-range Platinum caravans. The extra width of the van allows for a larger lounge and kitchen area with French doors opening onto the decking. Our double bedroom was also a decent size with an en suite toilet. Our two children, aged six and 11, shared a bedroom.

Devon Bay is situated on a hill looking out to sea and has plenty to offer anyone staying at the park, from crazy golf and tennis courts, to a fitness room and entertainment at the clubhouse. There are also two heated swimming pools, one inside with a flume and one outside, and both have great views of the surrounding coastline.

The area is famous for its beaches and – luckily for us – the good weather meant we had plenty of opportunities to explore them. Nearest to us was Goodrington Sands, a 15-minute walk from the park.

It’s a wide swathe of red sand, backed by rows of colourful beach huts. It is also home to Splashdown, the UK’s largest outdoor waterpark, a concept normally associated with warmer climes.

The park is deservedly incredibly popular, and, yes, the water is heated. And because it is next to the beach, it meant we could spend a day switching between the thrills of the flumes and relaxing on the sands.

Devon Bay makes a great base, situated on the outskirts of Paignton, a more traditional resort than lively Torquay next door, with its pier, amusements and long sandy beaches. There is a splendid zoo, set in an attractive park with Orang Utan Island being a particular highlight.

Paignton Zoo also has a sister attraction in Torquay. The Living Coast features a vast aviary of marine birds as well as other sealife such as seals, otters and rays, some visible from underwater viewing areas.

On our one rainy day during the week, we retreated underground to Kents Cavern in Torquay, an atmospheric maze of caves and spectacular rock formations and an informative guide helped us to make the most of them.

From here we ventured a mile or two up the coast to Babbacombe and its eponymous model village. This cheerfully eccentric display of miniature buildings set in pleasant gardens is good oldfashioned fun. Our six-year old in particular loved it, especially the contemporary additions such as the World Cup final and Prince George’s arrival.

With so much to see so nearby you barely need a car – great news when you’ve driven six hours to get here. There are so many other options to get around, including steam train and fishing boat.

We ditched the car and boarded one of the regular ferries across Tor Bay to Brixham. This bustling fishing port has a life-size replica of Francis Drake’s Golden Hind and the kids can relive the days of pirates.

On our final day, we ventured slightly further afield, this time by steam train, to picturesque Dartmouth. The town is a hive of activity with boat trips along the River Dart, including one to Greenway House, former home of Torquay’s famous daughter Agatha Christie. But with the sun back after its brief disappearance the previous day, we decided to join the throng along the harbour wall and indulge in a spot of crabbing, before heading back home.

Travel Facts

  • Hoburne Holiday Parks celebrated its centenary in 2012 and has seven holiday parks across Hampshire, Dorset, Devon, Somerset, the Cotswolds and Cornwall. A short break at Hoburne Devon Bay during the remainder of the 2014 season starts from £174 for a two-bedroom caravan or £343 for a Platinum caravan. For details or to book call 0844-288-2012 or visit hoburne.com
  • For more information on what to do in the area visit the English Riviera Tourism Company’s website at: englishriviera.co.uk. An Attractions Passport with discount vouchers for 16 attractions (including all those visited on our trip) can be picked up at their offices at 5 Vaughan Place, Torquay.