Staycations are in at the moment, as more people opt to holiday in the UK without emptying the bank.

But even on a budget break, feeding and entertaining a family for a week can be expensive.

Which is why the good old British holiday park is making a comeback.

And among the big, well known names, there’s a small family-run complex in North Devon that punches well above its weight.

Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks are a collection of four sites, outside the picturesque village of Woolacombe, official home of the Best Beach in the UK.

We stayed at the main park, Golden Coast but were free to use the facilities across all sites.

With a party of two over 60s, two 30-somethings and a four-year-old, there was no chance of anyone getting bored.

Our accommodation was a well-equipped Exclusive Lodge.

Recently refurbished, these include en suite facilities with under-floor heating.

The company specialises in self-catering and has it licked – tourists can rent anything from a no-frills camping pitch (from £6 a night) to a luxury farmhouse with outdoor hot tub, which sleeps up to 10, but once settled in, all facilities are open to everyone.

Food on site is slightly limited, but the Old Mill pub has a tasty menu of traditional meals, carveries, curries and themed nights.

Entertainment is a good mix of free and paid-for options.

There are over 40 free activities, including fishing, tennis, an outdoor gym, indoor bowls and, of course, swimming in one of 10 pools across the complex.

These vary from outdoor waterparks to indoor pools, and while they could be a little warmer, are welcome options in bad weather.

The chargeable activities are reasonably priced and interesting.

My daughter whiled away a damp morning creating a masterpiece in the ceramics studio and had we had time (OK, and guts) I would have definitely tried the UK’s only surf simulator, the High Ropes climbing course and the underwater Seadoo safari.

Entertainment isn’t restricted to daytimes either. The small but dedicated Parkstar teams (think Butlins Redcoats) work tirelessly from early morning kids’ clubs (again, free) till past midnight.

Night-times see a programme of discos, bingo, quizzes and professional cabaret acts.

The on-site shops and bars are well stocked and, refreshingly, reasonably priced.

Unlike some places I’ve stayed, the staff here actively encourage guests to go off site and explore the local area.

When the youngest in your party is obsessed with all things prehistoric, the obvious option for us was the Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park, about 15 minutes away.

A quirky combination of zoo and dinosaur museum, the park is built into very steep hills and isn’t wheelchair friendly. But those who can get round will see birds and animals from around the world, and regular talks and shows. There are also dinosaurs lurking in the woods and, if you are lucky, you might even see some come alive.

All too soon, we had to leave Woolacombe Bay, and face a 10-hour journey home as we met with the crowds leaving Glastonbury on the A303. But one thing kept us smiling – the thought that we have already decided to go back next year.

Karina traveled courtesy of Woolacombe Bay.

For holiday cottages in Devon why not visit www.ownersdirect.co.uk/north-devon.htm