Smytham Holiday Park is more than just a place to stay – conservation, sustainability, and protecting the natural environment are at the heart of everything we do. Nestled in a secluded Devon valley surrounded by rolling parkland, ancient woodland, wildlife ponds and wildflower meadows, our 33-acre holiday park in North Devon is cared for with a deep respect for the countryside. We believe that a relaxing Devon holiday and a thriving natural environment can go hand in hand — and every decision we make helps protect the land, wildlife, and beauty that make Smytham Holiday Park so special. This means our park is managed with a gentle, wildlife-first and eco-friendly approach that has earned long-standing recognition for its environmental stewardship and commitment to sustainable tourism in Devon.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice our light environmental footprint. Paths are carefully routed to protect fragile areas, hedgerows are left to grow as wildlife corridors for birds and small mammals, and ponds are maintained as rich ecosystems supporting frogs, fish, eels, dragonflies, and wetland plants. Our wildflower meadows are a particular highlight — they burst with seasonal colour while supporting bees, butterflies, and countless other pollinators. These habitats aren’t decorative; we actively monitor and nurture them so that birds, mammals, and insects can thrive alongside our guests. These spaces aren’t just scenic for families to enjoy; they’re living habitats managed with care and purpose, creating a true eco-friendly holiday park in Devon.
We aim to make as minimal an impact on the environment as possible. Our buildings are constructed from sustainable timber, and all decking for our privately owned holiday caravans in Devon is designed to blend naturally with the surrounding countryside. Where needed, walls are made to look like stone so they are in keeping with the rural landscape. Even our mini golf course is environmentally conscious — rather than using concrete, metal, or plastic, the course is mown directly into the grass, with challenges created by the ground itself and logs recycled from tree management. The grasses and logs around the course provide additional habitats for insects and wildlife, demonstrating that even leisure areas can contribute to biodiversity and conservation.
Our commitment to nature has been recognised repeatedly: Smytham Holiday Park has earned consecutive David Bellamy Conservation Awards, a clear sign of sustained, practical conservation work that benefits both wildlife and visitors. These awards reflect our long-term sustainability projects, from pond restoration and hedge planting to creating safe nesting sites. Every day, our team makes thoughtful choices that enhance biodiversity and minimise human impact — helping Smytham remain one of the leading sustainable holiday destinations in Devon.
To take further steps towards sustainability and reduce emissions and noise pollution, we have switched from petrol strimmers, hedge trimmers, and blowers to electric tools. When it comes to vehicle use, we’ve invested in two electric buggies for groundskeeping and cleaning staff and an electric van for maintenance, significantly cutting our carbon footprint. For our guests, we have installed four electric vehicle (EV) charging points across the park, allowing visitors to travel to Smytham in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way. We also encourage the use of the local bus service, easily accessible from the entrance to our park, helping to support green travel in Devon.
We invite everyone who visits to be part of our conservation and sustainability journey. Recycling facilities are conveniently placed across the park, and we ask guests to keep to paths and designated areas to help protect delicate natural habitats. Friendly guidance from our team, educational information boards, and the Fairy and Nature Trail make it easy to learn about the creatures and plants that share this landscape. Our staff are always happy to recommend the best places to watch wildlife, enjoy a quiet picnic beside the ponds, or take a family-friendly nature walk in Devon.
Education and engagement are at the heart of our conservation ethos. Wildlife information signs and seasonal updates help guests of all ages learn about local species and what they can do to help protect them. Children love exploring the bug hotel and meadows, while our large dog-walking field and open play areas provide safe, responsible spaces for families and pets to enjoy the great outdoors.
Our conservation story isn’t just about big projects — it’s about everyday sustainable actions. From nurturing young trees and restoring ponds to providing safe nesting boxes and insect habitats, we work year-round to protect the balance of life across our grounds. Even our self-catering accommodation and camping facilities are designed with sustainability in mind, ensuring that guests can enjoy eco-friendly holidays in Devon without compromising on comfort.
That means when you choose Smytham Holiday Park, you’re booking more than a holiday — you’re supporting a living landscape where nature is protected, celebrated, and thriving. Guests return year after year not only for the comfort and facilities but because of the peaceful, wildlife-rich setting they find here.
Come and experience a sustainable holiday in Devon that’s kind to the countryside. Whether you’re exploring woodland trails, spotting wildlife by the ponds, or charging your electric car under the trees, you’ll discover first-hand how sustainable tourism, camping, and self-catering holidays in Devon can help protect this beautiful environment for generations to come.
