Living / 2 May, 2023 / Ellie Thompson
If you’re planning on a Devon summer staycation, Cofton Copse Luxury Lodges are an excellent option for young families looking to holiday closer to home. The 12 luxury cedar-clad lodges are located within the grounds of Cofton Holidays in Devon, near Dawlish, overlooking the Haldon Hills and Ashcombe Forest. The park is nestled in a picturesque location with easy access to local beaches and walking trails, with lots of activities on-site to keep kids of all ages entertained.
Situated in an elevated position to make the most of the dramatic Devon views, the lodges feature large decking areas, bubbling hot tubs, and floor-to-ceiling windows, giving you and your little ones a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
The luxury lodges at Cofton are spacious, modern, and well-appointed, with all the amenities you would expect from a high-end holiday home. Each lodge is self-contained and features a fully equipped open-plan kitchen, a comfortable living space, and one or more generously sized bedrooms, depending on numbers. There are super comfy, super king-sized beds in the master en-suite with twin rooms that can be converted into doubles with ease.
The only catch, was that our lodge didn’t have a bath, which was fine for our two children, aged 4 and 5, but for younger toddlers, this may be an issue if you stay longer than a weekend. The good news is the walk-in showers are super spacious, so you can accompany your little one. If they’re baby-age, there’s plenty of room in the shower to set up your baby bath.
There’s a shop on-site with so many handy essentials. We forgot the kids’ arm bands for the pool but were able to pick up two sets for a couple of quid in the shop.
There’s so much to do at Cofton. You’ll find an outdoor swimming pool, a heated indoor swimming pool, a sauna and steam room, a gym, a restaurant and a dog-friendly pub – lots to keep you occupied. If that’s not enough, you can get involved in a variety of outdoor sports and activities perfect for kids of all ages. The lodges are the perfect place to stay to make the most of the countryside. You’ll find beautiful parkland walks and Dawlish Warren’s Blue Flag Beach and Wildlife Reserve just a woodland walk away.
Cofton has various entertainment options, including children’s discos, games, and activities. Cofton’s loveable Mascot, Digby the Dinosaur brings storytime, fun and games for the kids. At 10 am every day, there’s an hourly kids’ club, which my two loved. They enjoyed a pirate-themed hour of swashbuckling, balloon sword fighting and more.
There’s also a great line-up of evening shows from bingo and game shows to cabaret and comedy, taking place within the Warren’s Retreat, so you can have dinner and a couple of well-earned drinks while being entertained!
There are a variety of activities and facilities on-site suitable for babies and toddlers as well as younger children to ensure every family member has the best time.
Cofton Holidays is a great place for toddlers and preschoolers, with so much to do, whatever the weather. There’s a heated indoor swimming pool with dedicated sessions for toddlers. The pool has a soft touch floor, which gives a good grip for parents supporting babies and toddlers in the water. My kids loved the bubble jets that come off and on in the pool and were huge fans of the waterspouts and the in-pool hydrotherapy seats, which bubble away as you sit on them.
There are brilliant after-pool showers and family changing rooms with toasty underfloor heating, with plenty of locker space for all those essentials! And, the best bit? If your partner is happy to keep an eye on your brood, you can relax in the sauna and steam rooms next to the shower area, giving you a chance for a spot of ‘me time’ too.
Cofton’s new sensory soft play area is proving to be a massive hit with kids under three. Set against the backdrop of a dinosaur world, young kids can play with sensory items, build imaginative worlds using foam blocks, shapes and cushions, clamber up steps, zip down a slide or play with other children on the double rocker.
Created with the senses in mind, the play area has been carefully designed to reduce sound through lined walls that reduce echo and acoustic noise. There’s plenty of seating with tables next to this area for parents to watch their children while enjoying a coffee and a well-earned slice of cake.
For the tiny tots and young children, there is a brilliant play area in front of the lodges with swings, slides, climbing platforms, rocking horses, spinning platforms, and spinning seats. You’ll find a second play area behind the fish and chip shop with a play platform and slide for younger children and a more adventurous play platform for older siblings.
We spent many an hour on the new pump track, which is perfect for little ones wanting to scoot or cycle. And if that’s not enough, just next to the main complex is the Donkey Paddock, where you’ll meet Lucy, the horse and Tiffany, the donkey.
It’s still a work in progress, but the soon-to-be-open wet ‘n’ wild splash zone sounds absolutely out of this world. It’s been crafted to fit seamlessly into the beautiful forest landscape backdrop. It is next to the main complex, right by the toddler splash pool and large outdoor family pool.
The new fun-filled splash area includes a forest run, which winds around a collection of fountain trees that spray water in various ways, providing an interactive, exciting, and stimulating sensory experience for children. A winding river runs through the forest play area, featuring fish and kingfishers along the way, making it a truly magical place for children of all ages. To add to the fun, tipping buckets are suspended in the treeline, filling with water before pouring out, showering children and parents beneath.
Cofton Luxury Lodges offer a luxurious and relaxing holiday experience in a lovely part of the world. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, the lodges at Cofton are a great base for exploration.
The Cofton Copse Lodge collection is Cofton Holidays’ premier accommodation, offering two and three-bedroom lodges from £500 for a four-night mid-week break, £555 for a three-night long weekend break and £756 for a week break.
Visit https://www.coftonholidays.co.uk/luxury-lodges/ or call 01626 890111.
Where To Stay In London With The Kids: Hilton London Bankside
Leonora’s Guide Disney World: Everything You Need To Know
Family Holiday Checklist: What To Pack For Your Trip
10 Luxury Family Resorts And Destinations For Your 2023 Family Holiday
Stokke® Xplory® X is the perfect choice for conscious parents who want the best for their baby without compromising on safety, quality, or style.
Premium from top to bottom, Stokke® Xplory® X brings your baby closer for the connection they need to feel safe and loved. The protective seat with active, rest and sleep positions gives your child ultimate comfort every step of the way. Innovative Scandinavian design makes Stokke® Xplory® X effortless to maneuver and handle. Best of all, the pushchair’s main textiles are made from 100% recycled PET bottles.
My Baba Measure / 7 June, 2023
