Your first time at a holiday park? We’ve got you!
So you’re thinking about booking your very first stay at a holiday park – brilliant choice! But now you’re probably wondering… what type of accommodation should I go for? What on earth do I pack? What should I actually do when I get there? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. And honestly? It’s way simpler (and more fun!) than you think.
We’ve put together this handy guide to walk you through absolutely everything you need to know before you arrive. Think of it as your holiday park cheat sheet, covering the different types of accommodation you’ll come across, what to actually pack (spoiler: less than you think!), and some genuinely helpful tips and tricks to make your trip as brilliant as possible.
No silly questions. No stress. Just straightforward, friendly advice from people who know holiday parks inside out.
So grab yourself a cuppa, get comfy, and let’s get you ready for your first holiday park adventure!
Accommodation Types
Right, so you’ve decided on a holiday park getaway, but now you’re wondering “…which accommodation!?” Don’t panic. We’re breaking down the most common types so you can figure out what suits you best. Want the full detailed breakdown? Check out our blog: Choosing the Right Stay at Lady’s Mile: Touring, Camping, Glamping or Lodge?
Touring & Camping
The classic! Touring and camping takes you right back to basics – fresh air, birdsong, starry skies, and that wonderfully simple feeling of just being outdoors. If you’ve never done it before, it’s honestly one of the most freeing ways to holiday. No fuss, no frills, just you and nature. Magic.
Glamping
Think of glamping as camping’s more put-together sibling. You still get that lovely outdoor experience, the fresh air, the sounds of nature, the cosy evenings, but with an actual bed (not an airbed that deflates at 3am!) and usually a proper toilet too.
You’re not roughing it, you’re just enjoying it comfortably. Perfect if you like the idea of camping but aren’t quite ready to commit to sleeping on the ground!
Caravans
We’ve coined caravans as the Goldilocks accommodation – not too basic, not too fancy, just right!
They’re absolutely perfect for families who want a nice little getaway somewhere comfortable without all the bells and whistles. You’ve got your own kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, living space, everything you need in one cosy spot. No tent pegs required, no massive price tag. Just simple, reliable holiday comfort. Lovely.
Lodges
Right, lodges are usually the crème de la crème of holiday park accommodation. They’re the biggest, most stylish option, and honestly? They’re for when you want to properly treat yourself.
More space. More comfort. Gorgeous interiors. And here’s the kicker: loads of places (like Lady’s Mile and Oakcliff!) include private hot tubs with their lodges. Imagine soaking under the stars with a glass of wine after a brilliant day out. That’s lodge life, and it’s absolutely glorious.
What To Pack
Now you’ve got an idea of where you’ll be staying, it’s time for one of the most important parts… packing! Don’t worry, it’s much simpler than you might think. You don’t need to bring your entire home with you, just a few essentials to keep things comfortable and stress-free.
Psst… if you’d like a little extra help, we’ve also got handy guides for specific stays, so you can pack with confidence:
Food & Drink
When it comes to food, there’s no right or wrong way to do it, and that’s the beauty of a holiday park stay. You can keep things as easy or as hands-on as you like.
If your accommodation has cooking facilities, you might fancy preparing a few simple meals yourself. But if cooking on holiday isn’t your thing, you can always treat yourself to local cafés, restaurants, or pick up supplies once you arrive.
Psst… Check out our onsite restaurant – Oceans Bar & Restaurant – where you can have a drink, snack or full-blown feast!
A little tip: it’s always worth having a quick look at what’s nearby before you travel. That way, you know exactly where to grab a bite or stock up – no last-minute dashes when hunger strikes!
Here are a few easy favourites to pop in your bag:
- Snacks – Perfect for beach days, road trips, or those “just a little something” moments in the evening. Trust us, you’ll be glad you packed them!
- Easy Meals – Think simple, no-fuss options like ready meals, pasta, or something you’ve prepped at home. Ideal for those days when you just want to relax without too much effort.
- Doggy Treats – Bringing your four-legged friend? Don’t forget their food, treats, and maybe even a favourite toy, after all, it’s their holiday too!
Clothes
Let’s not kid ourselves, the weather in England is wildly unpredictable. One minute it’s glorious sunshine, the next it’s absolutely chucking it down. So you need to pack accordingly! Umbrellas AND shorts. Big coat AND sandals. (Now THAT would be a fashion statement!)
But seriously, check the weather forecast before you go and throw in a few “just in case” extras if it looks dodgy. You’ll thank yourself later.
Some things that are always good to pack:
- A coat – Even if the forecast says wall-to-wall sunshine, bring one. British weather loves a plot twist.
- Sturdy shoes – You’ll be doing historic walks, beach strolls, and exploring towns. Comfy, grippy shoes are your best friend.
- Swimwear – Even if your accommodation doesn’t have a hot tub, you could jump in the pool or brave the sea! Pack it. You’ll regret it if you don’t.
Activities (AKA: Don’t Just Sit There!)
Yes, you’ll absolutely enjoy those relaxing, quiet moments where you can just be in your accommodation with a cuppa and no demands. Bliss. But where’s the fun in doing nothing the whole time!?
Bring along some entertainment for downtime:
- Games & puzzles – Perfect for rainy afternoons or cosy evenings
- A good book – Finally finish that novel gathering dust on your bedside table
- A new hobby – That thing you’ve been wanting to try but never have time for? This is your moment!
Download our app to see the full entertainment schedule and check out all our brilliant facilities! One minute you’ll be splashing into our heated indoor pool, the next you’re dancing along to our live shows – there’s genuinely never a dull moment at Lady’s Mile!
Other Essentials
- Toiletries & Sun Cream – The basics: toothbrush, shower gel, shampoo, deodorant. And YES, sun cream! Even if it doesn’t look sunny, the British sun is sneaky and will absolutely get you!
- Phone Chargers & Adapters – You’ll want your phone charged for photos, keeping the kids entertained, and general life admin. Don’t be that person who forgets the charger and spends the week panicking about battery percentage.
- Day Bags – Super handy for beach trips or days out. Chuck in the sun cream, snacks, spare clothes for inevitable ice cream disasters, and you’re sorted.
- Kids’ Favourites – If you’ve got little ones, bring their favourite teddy, blanket, or comfort item. Familiar things mean better sleep for everyone (including you!).
What You Can Leave at Home
❌ Your Entire Wardrobe – Seriously, you don’t need 14 outfit options for a week-long break. Pack smart, not like you’re moving house.
❌ Fancy Clothes – Holiday parks are gloriously relaxed and casual. Leave the heels, suits, and “going out” outfits at home. This is flip-flops, comfy jeans, and “I’m on holiday” vibes only.
❌ Too Many “Just in Case” Items – That inflatable flamingo you bought three years ago? The portable BBQ you’ve literally never used? The emergency tent repair kit, when you’re staying in a lodge? Leave them. You genuinely won’t need them, and you’ll just end up carting unnecessary stuff around.
General Tips & Tricks
Right, before we wrap up, here are a few final bits of wisdom to make your first holiday park escape absolutely brilliant!
Plan Your Time (But Don’t Overdo It!)
You don’t need a military-level itinerary – this is a holiday, not boot camp! But having a rough idea of what you’d like to do helps. Maybe pencil in a beach day, a trip to a local town, or just “pool and chill day” (absolutely valid!). A loose plan means less “so… what shall we do?” faff each morning. But leave room for spontaneity too, some of the best holiday moments are totally unplanned!
Research is Key (And You’re Already Nailing It!)
The fact that you’re reading this? You’re already ahead! Check out what’s on at the park, what’s nearby, and what your accommodation includes. A little research means way fewer “I wish I’d known that!” moments.
Make the Most of Your Surroundings
You’ve got stunning beaches, historic walks, and gorgeous countryside on your doorstep – USE IT! Don’t spend the whole week inside watching telly (you can do that at home!). Get out, explore, breathe that sea air, make memories. That’s what holidays are for!
Most Importantly: HAVE FUN!
Don’t stress if you forget something (you can buy it!). Don’t panic if it rains (indoor pools exist!). Just roll with it and enjoy yourselves. You’ve got this. And you’re going to have a cracking time!
Time to Book!
Right, now that you’ve got the full lowdown on what a holiday park break is all about, there’s only one thing left to do… Actually book one! And guess what? We’ve got a couple of brilliant suggestions for you (shocking, we know!):
Lady’s Mile (of course!)
Our flagship park has everything you need for an unforgettable family break. Heated pools, entertainment, brilliant facilities, and stunning South Devon coastline right on your doorstep. Perfect for first-timers who want the full holiday park experience!
Book your Lady’s Mile break here!
Oakcliff (our sister park)
If you’re after something a little quieter and more relaxed, Oakcliff is your spot. Peaceful, beautiful, and just a gentle stroll from the gorgeous Blue Flag beach at Dawlish Warren. Plus, you get full access to Lady’s Mile facilities – best of both worlds!
Book your Oakcliff escape here!
What are you waiting for? Your first holiday park adventure is just a few clicks away. Go on, treat yourself – you deserve it!
If you enjoyed our First Time at a Holiday Park guide, you might like our other blogs. Find them here.
If you’re planning your next getaway, book your stay with us at Lady’s Mile today. Click here to secure your spot and create unforgettable memories!
