Crealy does it for family fun
CHRIS PIKE heads to Crealy in Devon, to visit the theme park where you camp in comfort
IT’S easy to forget you’re camping when you’re staying at Crealy. Only when you need the loo and look around at the canvas walls do you realise you have no option but to venture outside to the bathroom block.
We were in a Safari Cabin. They sleep eight (which would be a push) but was luxurious for the three of us – two adults and a toddler.
Other options include a cabin similar to ours, but with a woodburning stove, and lodges that come with a hot tub and a bathroom.
The more adventurous, foolhardy or brave – it depends on the way you look at life – can stay in their own tent, caravan or campervan.
Our cabin boasted two bedrooms, plus a quirky cabin bed, which was a double mattress reached through hatches on either side, and an open-plan dining-cum-kitchen area.
There was also a nice covered veranda on which to have outdoor meals or a barbecue. Perfect, given that we were caught in a few showers.
The lack of an en-suite bathroom didn’t bother us after a while either because the loo blocks were almost spotless and were cleaned regularly.
Even if you are sleeping on a comfortable double bed, insulated walls and electric heaters keep you toasty when the temperature dips.
Now, this might be somewhat of a back-handed compliment, but the glamping and camping side of Crealy is a little let down by the theme park – but this is more down to the high level of expectation built up by the excellent standard of the campsite.
It will be even better next year when they open the new clubhouse in time for the 2018 season. It was something we noted was missing on our visit.
You’re on holiday so don’t want to have to always cook your own dinner, and although there are plenty of nice looking pubs nearby, you don’t always want to drive.
And, yes, there are several diners within the theme park but you don’t always want a hectic life. Sometimes it’s great to just chill out.
The theme park is good, has some excellent rides, and is great for all ages, although it shows some signs of wear and tear. Aqua Blasters introduced me to the evil side of my near two-year-old son, who seemed delighted to be soaking other people in their bumper boats.
He loved the Dino Jeep ride because he’s in a dinosaur phase thanks to Peppa Pig’s little brother George, and there are plenty of rides to keep kids of all ages entertained for a day, maybe even two.
But if you’re coming all the way to Devon, then Crealy offers something else, too. Its location makes it a great base for exploring Devon, with Exeter and Dartmouth on your doorstep and the Jurassic Coast not far away.
For less hardened campers, there are all manner of lodges and glamping choices, with sunken hot-tubs and halogen hobs. Book early and get the free theme park tickets being thrown in as part of the package and you’ll be able to while away a few hours or exhaust children before relaxing in the hot tub.
CHRIS PYKE and family stayed at Crealy Adventure Park & Resort, Sidmouth Road, Exeter, Devon, EX5 1DR as a guest of the owners.
A three-bedroomed Cedar Lodge, which sleeps eight, is from £619 a week, including free theme park tickets.
A week in a Luxury Safari Lodge, sleeping eight, works out at £680 based on as stay starting March 26, 2018.
You can also take your own caravan, camper or tent, with a range of pitches available on the site.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in some of the cabins, but check when booking. See www.crealy. co.uk or call 01395 233200.