Let's see, I think I've stayed at Ruda Holiday Park 1, 2, 3…7 times! I first visited when I was only 12 years old. We returned a year later and, well, just got in the habit of going back year after year.
I think the main reason for our repeated visits is the convenience of everything. Ruda Holiday Park is in the beachside village of Croyde Bay, North Devon - close to Woolacombe. From the site it is only about a 2 minute walk to Croyde Bay beach, so no expensive National Trust car parks.
On site you have everything you need: a supermarket, take-away, restaurant, indoor cascades fun pool, gift shop, tennis courts, putting green, arcade, bar, laundrette, children's activities club, evening entertainment (bingo is a nightly favourite to start things off).
Accommodation includes static caravans, lodges, beachside apartments, Lundy cottage and Lundy house. Oh! And not to forget our favourite, camping! The pitches are a good size. We easily fitted a trailer tent, small pup tent and car. Wash facilities are adequate, but not the best I've seen. Prices vary, depending on type of accommodation and the time you go. See www.ruda.co.uk for more information on this.
If you don't fancy the on-site entertainment during the evening you can take a 10 minute walk into the centre of the village and visit the gift shops, ice cream parlours, surf shops. Most stay open until 9 - 10 pm to cater for tourists. Then you can pop into one of the pubs, most of which have at least a garden if not play equipment if you're taking the younger ones along.
There are several coastal walks with spectacular views. Try climbing up to Baggy Point, once you catch your breath you won't regret it.
If you want to head away from the site, there are lots of things to do if you have a car (taking a bus is not something I'd recommend in this part of the country). The Dinosaur and Wildlife Park is a big hit with the kids, as is The Big Sheep and Exmoor Zoo. Clovelly is a big tourist attraction, shopping in Barnstaple, boat and fishing trips from nearby Ilfracombe. Braunton is very proud of its fish and chips (and of the famous faces who've tried them) and you can regularly see a queue forming down the road. North Devon has lots of little quirky places you just seem to stumble upon which just adds to its charm.
Ruda Holiday Park is aimed at families, but you'll find couples, pensioners, teenagers, surfers all taking advantage of what it has to offer. I'm well into my twenties and still enjoying it. I can't guarantee what kind of weather you'll get here, but I can guarantee you'll have a great time.
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Apr 19th, 2005
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