Andrewshayes Holiday Park is a four-star camping park in Axminster. Which is in the glorious South Devon countryside. The caravan park offers different ways to stay. You could try a glamping pod as we did on our recent weekend break (read my review ‘Staying in a Glamping Pod at Andrewshayes’), or if you prefer your home comforts you could book a modern static caravan or one of the park’s new luxury lodge style holiday homes.
Author: Helen Bolton, their family received a complimentary stay for this review
Andrewshayes offers all-weather pitches for your own tourer, motorhome or campervan from April to October. Or you can pitch your own touring caravan at the park for the whole season and visit at leisure. Andrewshayes Holiday Park is situated a short distance from the town of Axminster. The beautiful South Devon and Dorset beaches of Charmouth, West Bay and Lyme Regis are only a few miles away.
The road on down to Dalwood
We checked into reception where we were greeted by friendly staff and given the keys to Bilbo our Glamping Pod and a map so we could find it. The reception office is also a small shop for essential supplies you might need during your stay. The Information Room next door is well stocked with lots of leaflets and offers plenty of suggestions for days out and things to do.
The reception building and shop
It didn’t take long to find our pod which was only one of three in the whole park. Each is named after a character from Lord of The Rings – Bilbo, Frodo and Samwise. Take a look at a picture of one and you’ll see why! We familiarised ourselves with the pod and unpacked quickly. After a meal of fish and chips from a nearby town, we decided to explore.
The park has a bar and restaurant if you don’t fancy cooking or a takeaway is available during the summer season, but check opening times off-peak. There is a small play park next to the bar so you can sit outside and enjoy a beer while watching your children play.
The bar also holds quiz nights and has live music entertainment at weekends. Our son wanted to find the games room which has an air hockey table and some arcade games. Off to one side was a nice addition of a soft play area for toddlers. You can play on the outdoor table tennis table too.
The Playpark at AndrewshayesThe games roomToddler Soft Playroom
We found Andrewshayes Park easy to find our way around with several finger signposts situated near reception. The large toilet block also had showers, a family shower room, a laundry room with sinks, washing machines and a small fridge for campers to use. Outside the block was another washing-up area with draining racks, chemical waste disposal and multiple recycling bins. The amenities were super clean and tidy, just a short walk from our pod.
Outdoor washing up areaA view of the park
One thing which a lot of holiday parks don’t have is a pool, so my water-loving son was eager to try it out. The pool is free to use for anyone staying at the park, heated and indoors, perfect for when the weather isn’t great. My son and husband splashed around for about an hour although, for safety, children under 12 aren’t allowed unless unaccompanied by an adult. The pool is open from 8 am until 8 pm but the first hour of the day is reserved for adults only swimming time.
Indoor swimming pool Andrewshayes
Andrewshayes Holiday Park is set on a gently sloping hillside with countryside views. It’s easy to find your way around and has level pitches for caravans and motorhomes. The site is a little more tricky to get around if you are in a wheelchair or have difficulty walking. The only other downside was the noise from the busy main road next to the site, the A35 to Axminster. I know this is unavoidable but we spent our time visiting other places so this wasn’t an issue for us.
The park itself is relaxed and quiet in unspoilt countryside. All in all, Andrewshayes is a great park to stay at, good for families, not so big that you can lose your way around and is well maintained and clean.
The facilities are excellent and we saw several staff members working around the park. Dogs are welcomed although not in the Glamping Pods. There is a dedicated dog-walking area with bins at the lower part of the park.
One of the buildings on the holiday park
Bookings are available at Andrewshayes from the end of March until October but not all facilities may be available during off-peak season so check the website before you book. You can also rent a static caravan at Andrewshayes. They also have pitches for touring caravans, motorhomes and tents.
Disclaimer: Helen and her family received a complimentary stay for the purpose of this review. All photos and opinions are her own and must not be duplicated without prior consent. Why not pin this post for later?
