Our first family holiday as four

This weekend, I agreed to something Sharon from 5 years ago would never have even considered!! A surf trip to Devon, with babies welcome. Some friends of friends were organising it, and were nice enough to invite us.
I didn't even run it past Shane before booking, I knew it would be right up his ally. It's me who is normally too anxious and uptight to jump out of my comfort zone like that. But this time, I just said Fuck it and went for it.

I packed the car up while Shane was in work, and as soon as he got home we hit the road. Destination Europa Park, Woolacombe. It was a good 4 hour drive, but took us 6 by the time we stopped and fed the kids.

We booked a budget 4 bed, and rocked up expecting the worst. What we got was a cute little log cabin, basic enough but with a TV, fridge and heater. The group also booked a super lodge, more expensive but totally worth it. Proper bathroom, living room and kitchen, and to top it all off, a hot tub on the deck.

Saturday was spent surfing. The beech was about a mile away, and probably could have walked it, but with two kids I didn't fancy the back, so we drove. We were able to rent wet suits and boards from a shop in the town, and despite it being fucking freezing, there was a good two hours spent in the water. Fionn had an absolute ball 'surfing' with Shane. He kind of just clung to the board, but even after a total wipe out he wanted to jump up and go again. The child has no fear. It terrifies me.



The beech itself was clean and well kept. It was split in two, with one side reserved for dogs. It was also well manned by life guards, something reassuring when you're there with children. Parking was reasonable enough too.


The park also had a little swimming pool we were able to take Fionn and Daithí into on Sunday. It was thankfully a much warmer swim than the previous day.




There was bar with a surprisingly varied offering and a restaurant serving an all you can eat breakfast and reasonably priced food all day. The staff were friendly, the park was so well maintained, the loos and showers were spotless. Everything about the place was actually great! They're welcoming to children and pets, what more can I say, we're already planning out next trip back.


4 person cabin - £101
Surfboard and wet-suit hire - £10
4 x Breakfasts - £30

Capturing a picture like this of my husband and son . . . Priceless!