Smytham Holiday Park FAQs

Got a question? Check our Frequently Asked Questions:

Holiday Caravan Ownership
What other costs are associated with Holiday Caravan Ownership? ↓

Holiday Caravan Ownership has additional costs as well as the purchase price of the caravan. The site fee is due in January and the utilities are due in November. The utilities include gas, electric, water and waste, rates and any maintenance costs. You must also insure your caravan..

New Holiday Caravans will have the hardware required to have a WI-FI signal inside the caravan. Pre-owned Caravans may come with the hardware if the current owner has had it installed. If you buy a caravan without the hardware needed, this can be purchased and fitted once you have taken ownership of the caravan. You can then pay the yearly subscription for the WI-FI use.
If you have WI-FI, you can use Sky Go.
No. As the caravan is for holiday use only, the TV in your caravan is covered by the Licence you have for your TV at home. Find more information at www.tvlicencing.co.uk
Onsite we have a play area and games room with soft play, five ponds including one with family friendly fishing, lawns, meadows and woodland to explore, a laundry, a dog wash, a dog exercise paddock, dog agility, a wetsuit and bike wash, cycle hire, a book swap, a beach toy library, a herb garden, EV charging points, outdoor heated swimming pools (open May - September), Smythies Bar (open seasonally) and an onsite shop (open seasonally).
As per your Licence Agreement, it is possible to have external tradesmen work on your caravan. Please come and discuss any jobs with us at Reception.
To abide by the Site Rules and Licence Agreement and to maintain your caravan, some maintenance will need to be carried out on your caravan. If you are unable to or do not wish to do it yourselves, this is a service we can provide. Please speak to us in Reception.
You can sell your caravan if your wish. Details of this are in your Licence Agreement.
No. We do not allow sub letting.
You do not own the land your caravan is on. You pay a yearly site fee to be able to keep you caravan on this land.
We do not allow any deliveries to Holiday caravans including supermarket deliveries.
Takeaways can be delivered to the park. You will have to meet the delivery driver at Reception.
We do not allow any deliveries to Holiday Caravans including parcels. You must have them delivered to your home address.
You cannot build any sheds or buildings on the park including by your Holiday Caravan.
The length of time it takes to buy a Holiday Caravan varies depending on if the caravan is new or pre-owned. If you are buying a new caravan from our showground, it would be quicker perhaps, than buying a caravan which has not been built yet. Buying a pre-owned caravan would depend on how long until the current owners can remove their belongings.
We do not have any accessible Holiday Caravans for sale on our showground, but we can order one of your choice from the manufacturers.
Depending on the age and condition of the caravan, you may be able to move a caravan you already own to our park. Please call us to discuss this further.
Holiday Caravans will come with their furniture and accessories such as curtains. You would need to bring your personal items and inventory such as pots, pans, china, cutlery and bedding etc.
There is CCTV across the park and staff live on site.
We have a selection of vacant pitches available. New owners can choose their pitch depending on budget and the caravans they are interested in purchasing. Pre-owned caravans are already sited.
We do sell pre-owned Holiday Caravans. You will find them listed on our website, or you can book an appointment to come and view them in person.
We do sell new Holiday Caravans. There are a selection of new caravans on our showground which can be viewed and purchased. We can also order in other new Holiday Caravans too.
We do not sell any Residential Caravans. All the caravans at Smytham are to be used for holidays only.
You may be able to add a decking to your caravan depending on your caravan size and pitch. Please discuss this with our staff when purchasing your caravan. If you already own a Holiday Caravan at Smytham, please come and discuss this in the Sales Office.
When choosing a pitch we will discuss with you different caravan options. If there is one you like on our showground then we can reserve the caravan for you. If there is another caravan that you have seen that you like, we may be able to order it for you.
Yes, you can upgrade your caravan. Pop into The Sales Office to discuss options.
Our season for our privately owned Holiday Caravans and our lodges is 50 weeks. We close on 24th January 2025 and reopen on 10th February 2025 to all guests. For touring, camping and the pods it is 13th March 2025 to 3rd November 2025.
You cannot stay in your caravan all the time as this would count as living in your caravan. You can come on holiday to Smytham throughout the different seasons.
You will be able to experience the Holiday Caravan Owners' lifestyle, holidaying as often as you want, whenever you want. You will also be welcome to attend our Owners' Only Events.
One car can be parked next to your Holiday Caravan.
The Park address is Smytham Holiday Park, Smytham Manor, Little Torrington, Great Torrington, EX38 8PU. Your caravan will not have an address as it is not a residence. It will have a number so that it can be distinguished from the other caravans.
Yes. We have a Holiday Caravan Buyers' Guide and information about the caravans we have for sale which can be collected from The Sales Office.
You can book a visit to the park by calling us on 01805 622110, emailing us at info@smytham.co.uk or by popping into The Sales Office to arrange a meeting.
Please see the Reception page listed in our facilities section of the app.
You can have friends and family visit you. You must book all visitors in at Reception and their cars must be parked in the car park.
Yes. Your caravan must be insured. Your insurance must include public liability up to the value of £5,000,000.
At present, we do not offer finance options.
It may be possible to part exchange your caravan. Pop into The Sales Office to speak to us.
Our site fee for 2025 is £4,163.32. This covers you keeping the caravan on your pitch, park maintenance and your access to the Owners' Only Events.
A new caravan is given a 15-year licence. A pre-owned caravan will have the remainder OF its 15 years.
No. You cannot live in any Holiday Caravan at Smytham Holiday Park as we are a holiday park and not a residential park.
The deposit you will need to pay is 10% of the caravan price. The final balance must be paid before key handover and taking over ownership of the caravan.
General

Electric vehicles cannot be charged at your caravan, lodge, pod or pitch. They can be charged at our 4 EV charging points.

Smytham Holiday Park is a family run Park spanning three generations of the family. You will often see Theresa and Charlotte in Reception and Tony and Ben out on the Park. Elizabeth and Gordon will sometimes been seen out and about on the park too.
Both Lavender and Heather lodges have 9 steps to enter them. The pods have either one or two steps to the entrance. If you are staying in your own accommodation such as a touring caravan, motor home or tent, there are accessible toilet and shower facilities which are accessible by a ramp. The washing up facilities are also accessible via a ramp. Access to facilities such as the dog wash, laundry and sun deck surrounding the pool are on the level. There is no disabled access into the swimming pool. The Reception, Shop and Bar are accessible via a ramp. For our full access statement, please visit our website.
For the pods and touring and camping, holidays can start on any day of the week providing there is availability. Lodge holidays primarily start on Fridays. The lodges can also have short breaks Monday to Friday and Friday to Monday. If you require a different change over day, please call us on 01805 622110.
For the lodges and our ensuite touring pitches, stays with us must be at least 3 nights long. For other touring and camping pitches and the pods, there is no minimum stay.
Check in for touring and camping and the pods is from 2pm. For Lavender and Heather lodges, check in is from 4pm.
Check out times for Heather and Lavender lodges, ensuite pitches and the pods is 10am. For other touring and camping pitches, the check-out time is 11am.
Early check-ins must be pre-booked to ensure your pitch or accommodation is ready. During peak times, early check in may not be available.
Due to cleaning schedules, late check-outs are not available in the lodges, pods or ensuite pitches in during busy times. For other touring and camping pitches, you may be able to book a late check-out. Pop into Reception to check during your stay.
If you book directly with us, there is no booking fee.
Your booking confirmation will be sent to you once you have made your booking with us, and we have received your deposit. You will be sent another confirmation once we receive your final payment.
You can make changes to your booking by calling us on 01805 622110. If you wish to make a change there will be a £20 admin fee.
You can add people to your booking up to the number of people the accommodation can accommodate. Lodges can accommodate 6 people, family pods 4 people, and the escape pod 2 people.
When booking a lodge, you will book a specific lodge i.e. Heather or Lavender. If booking a pod or touring and camping pitch, you will be allocated a pod or pitch of the type that you have booked.
Yes. All people coming must be accounted for.
Lodge bookings can only be made with us via our website or by phone. For pods, touring and camping we will sometimes use other websites too. No other website will be cheaper than our own.
Yes! Please come to Reception and we will be happy to help you!
If you need to cancel your holiday, please get in touch with us as soon as possible in writing (email/post). Confirmation of your cancellation will have to come from the lead customer. Please see our terms and conditions on our website for more information.
If you are booking a pod, touring or camping holiday more than 28 days before your arrival date, a deposit of £50.00 is required. If you are booking a lodge more than 3 months before your arrival date then a deposit of £250.00 is required. All deposits are non-refundable.
If you are touring and camping or staying in a pod, your final balance is due 28 days before your arrival. If you are staying in a lodge, your final balance is due 3 months before your arrival.
When paying for a lodge holiday, we accept payment by BACS, cheque and credit or debit card. For touring and camping we accept all the previously listed and cash.
You can use the swimming pool at any time during its opening hours. All rules must be followed.
There is a WI-Fi network across the park. Everyone can have 150mb per device per day for free. If you want more access, you can purchase this at Reception.
Those using Vodafone, O2 and EE should get a good signal. Other networks may have patchy coverage or struggle to find a signal on park.
You are welcome to come and see us in Reception to discuss your stay with us. We also welcome reviews on Trip Advisor, Facebook and Google. We will also email you after your stay asking for your feedback.
Your booking reference number will be in the top right corner of your booking confirmation.
You can catch the Stagecoach 317 at the top of our driveway.
bus timetable Okehampton

bus timetable Bideford
There is a train station in Barnstaple and Okehampton which can be reached from Smytham Holiday Park by bus. These trails then link with the wider rail system.
We have phone numbers for taxi companies in Reception.
If there is a specific pitch you would like, please do let us know. We may not be able to give you your first choice of pitch, but we will do our best!
Please call Reception before 5pm to let us know if you will be arriving after this time.

Temporary BBQ Ban

 

Due to the current period of extreme weather, very dry grass conditions, and the increased risk of fire, BBQs are temporarily prohibited across the park.

 

This precaution is being take to help protect our guests, team members, wildlife, and surrounding areas. We appreciate your understanding and co-operation and will review the restriction as soon as conditions improve. 

We do not allow fire pits or the burning of any wood at Smytham Holiday Park.
Children must be supervised at all times by an adult. Parents are responsible for the behaviour of their children at all times.
Yes. The showers are free of charge.
You can pre-book by calling us on 01805 622110.
Fishing licences need to be purchased for anyone over the age of 13. For children aged between 13 and 16 licences are free. People over 65 or with disabilities may have reduced fees. We may ask to see your fishing licence when you book fishing at Smytham Holiday Park. You can purchase your fishing licence here: https://www.gov.uk/fishing-licences.
For safety reasons, we do not allow guests to use a drone anywhere on park.
You can pay in installments as long as you are paid in full by the payment due date.
As per our Terms and Conditions, we are unable to accept certain group books such as Stag and Hen Parties. We do not allow single sex parties of more than two people.
Due to safety concerns, we do not allow these on site.
Yes, if there is availability. You can extend your stay by coming into Reception.
Yes, if there is availability. You can upgrade your stay by coming into Reception.
If you request a booking for more than one pitch, we may contact you before accepting the booking to help us decide whether we are able to provide the holiday experience you are looking for. You must tell us if your booking is connected to any other booking.
We allow two well-behaved dogs per holiday caravan, touring and camping pitch and Heather Lodge.
Lavender Lodge and our pods are pet free.
Lodges
You have access to the central heating system in the lodge. The thermostat is located in the lounge next to the end of the hall.
When you check in, we will ask for card details to be kept securely on record in case of Accidental Damage. This information will be held by us to be applied against the reasonable cost to miscellaneous repairs to and/or replacement of and / or additional cleaning of furnishings, kitchen equipment, crockery, glass, keys, bedding and towels, damaged or soiled otherwise than by usual wear and tear during the period of hire by you or other members of your party.
Where any damage has occurred, we will be in touch with you within 7 working days of your departure date to discuss the claim. You agree to pay us, upon written demand, any reasonable costs incurred in making good any such loss or damage above the predetermined amount within 14 days of being notified.
As the property is self-catering, you will need to bring your own provisions. Heather and Lavender Lodges are equipped with pots and pans, crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils. There is also a fridge, freezer, oven, hob, microwave and dishwasher. Beds will be made ready for your arrival and towels for use in the lodges are provided. Please bring with you, your own beach towel for use with the hot tubs.
Yes. The ironing board is in the cupboard in the corridor and the iron is under the kitchen sink.
We can provide you with a travel cot and highchair in the accommodation free of charge. Please write in the notes that you require one.
Towels for use inside the lodges are provided but please bring towels with you to take to the beach, swimming pool or for use with the hot tub.
There is a table and six chairs along with a BBQ on the lodge decking.
Yes. It is located in the master bedroom chest of drawers.
There is off-road parking for 2 cars.
After your arrival, a member of staff will come and speak to you about the hot tub. After this, you will be able to use it. Please do not use the hot tub until a member of staff has visited you.
We ask that the lodges are left clean and tidy.
Please call us at Reception on 01805 622110 as soon as possible so that we can help you locate the item. There may be a minimum fee of £20.00 to cover the cost of returning your item or items to you. We expect you to contact us to claim your items within 14 days of your departure and any items not claimed after this time will be appropriately disposed of. We cannot accept any responsibility for any items left behind.
Local Area
The nearest beach is at Instow and is 12 miles from Smytham Holiday Park. It is good for dog walking. For swimming and surfing, Westward Ho! Beach is also 12 miles away.
The town of Great Torrington is just under 3 miles away.
In the town of Great Torrington there is a Lidl, Co-Op, Morrisons Daily and a small M and S Food. There are also lots of independent shops such as butchers, bakers and greengrocers.
There are several cash points in the town of Great Torrington. There is one in the shop at the BP garage and another at Duffy's Home Hardware. There is also an ATM at Morrisions Daily and Sydney House Car Park, but these will charge you.
Hatchmoor Vets is located in Hatchmoor Industrial Estate in Great Torrington. Their phone number is 01805 624431.
Allied Pharmacy is located in The Square in Great Torrington.
The nearest petrol station is the BP garage in Great Torrington.
Pods
Inside the Escape Pod are two single beds. Inside the family pod is a double bed and two cubes that fold out to make matresses. All the pods also have a mini fridge, kettle and TV. Outside, there is a picnic bench, and table and chairs.
Beds are in the pods, but you will need to bring your own bedding. If you need to hire bedding, please call us on 01805 622110.
There will be a BBQ for you to use one night along with BBQ tools. There is also a mini fridge and kettle in the pods. You will need to bring all other cooking equipment with you.
Touring & Camping
We recommend the use of rock pegs for those staying at Smytham Holiday Park.
Yes. Tents can be pitched on all-weather pitches. The gravel on the pitch is a pea gravel with a rounded edge. You may choose to put an additional ground sheet under the tent.
We do have seasonal pitches at Smytham. Pop into the Reception or the Sales Office for more information.
A person is classed at an adult at the age of 18.
You can bring a gazebo but there is an additional charge. Gazebos must be booked onto your holiday. It is your responsibility to make sure everything you book onto your holiday, will fit onto your pitch.
There is a freezer in The Laundry where you can freeze your ice packs. Any food left in this freezer will be removed.
We use an Electricity Fair Usage Policy. You can find more here
Seasonal Pitches
A seasonal touring pitch allows you to keep your touring caravan on one pitch for the whole touring season allowing you to come and go as you please rather than having to book multiple holidays throughout the year and tow your caravan around.
The 2026 season runs from 12th March – 1st November. During this time, you can use your touring caravan. All other dates are for winter storage.
For the 2026 season a standard seasonal pitch is £2,735.00. For a premium pitch, the cost is £3,106.00.
There is a 16amp electric hook-up that you will have access to on your pitch. The use of the electric hook-up is not included in the seasonal pitch fee. Electric usage is metered and you pay for what you use. Electricity is currently charged at 48p per Kwh. Our park makes no profit from the selling of electricity as ruled by OFGEM.
Yes! That is the beauty of a seasonal pitch, you do not have to tow your caravan to and from the park and you do not have to set it up at the start of every holiday. Your caravan will be waiting for you, on your pitch ready for each stay to start.
The idea of a seasonal pitch is that you do not need to move your caravan, and it would be unusual for us to ask you to move your caravan. We may need to move a caravan due to maintenance around the park that needs to happen. If your caravan did need to move for this to happen, we would contact you to discuss this.
When you come to visit the park, you will be able to choose your pitch from those that are available. The amount of choice you have will depend on how many pitches are available.
To keep everyone safe and to make sure that everyone has a lovely time when they come to Smytham, we do have a set of rules for our seasonal pitches. If you would like to see these, please send us a message, and we will send a copy to you.
We have several rules for our seasonal pitch holders and we provide our customers with a copy of these. Some of the rues we are asked about most often are:
  • A maximum of two dogs per pitch
  • No storage boxes allowed
  • No subletting
  • No permanent decking
  • Please remove windbreaks when you are not using your caravan.
  • Caravans must be insured. We provide details of the insurance requirements.
We do allow you to leave your awning up. When you put your awning up at the start of the season and when you take it down at the end is up to you. We are not responsible if anything happens to your awning due to the weather. We do recommend the use of straps.
This is a personal decision but things to take into account would be how much time you plan to stay in your caravan, the distance you will have to travel from your home to your caravan, the seasonal pitch fee, how much you wish to avoid towing and if you wish to spend time exploring the same area for a whole season. If you plan to spend a lot of time at your caravan, don’t wish to tow and pick somewhere with lots to explore then it may be perfect for you!