The Saunton Sands Hotel, located in North Devon, is a four star bolthole where both parents and children relax and have fun thanks to the stunning setting and family friendly facilities. The huge beach in front of the hotel is matched by the huge sand dunes of Braunton just behind it. Whilst the decor may not appeal to all customers, the sea views will please everyone. There’s a spa, two pools and a restaurant with a seasonal menu and fine dining. Parking is also free for all guests.
Whilst, you won’t be short of beach to play on with the kids – just in front of the hotel is a three mile stretch of sand – there are also other places nearby that are worth a visit. Croyde and Woolacombe both have a fantastic beach, especially for surfers, whilst Westward Ho! offers seaside amusements that will keep the biggest of kids happy. And that is just a small selection of what the stunning surroundings have on offer. The hotel has an excellent location in the middle of North Devon so day trips to a plethora of other quintessential English towns and villages are within easy reach.
Family holidays here are made easy by the hotel offering a broad range of the paraphernalia that babies and children so often need. That means buggies, baby carriers, potties and baby baths are all available on site, for a small fee. Parents will also be able to access two free hours of childcare each day as well as some free lessons to those wanting to learn to surf. Both the pools are heated so water babies are well catered for here. Additionally, when school’s are out, the hotel arranges film nights suitable for the whole family as well as falconry displays and archery. Magic shows are also a quirky highlight. There’s also a supervised nursery so that parents can get some much needed relaxation time – either in the extensive health club or simply just enjoying the awe inspiring landscape.
Whilst the decor may be a bit dated for some, the rooms are at least well equipped with ensuite bathrooms offering complimentary toiletries. There is also free Wifi access in addition to the usual tea & coffee making facilities as well as a TV. Rooms come in a variety of shapes and sizes too to suit all manner of groups or just couples. There are apartments for those that like to have a self catering option, which can often make holidaying with kids that little bit easier. Suites are available, too, that interconnect families with children who like a bit of space to themselves. Solo travellers that are joining families, or simply indulging in a visit to this beautiful part of the world, are catered for too in the single rooms. Above all, the sea facing rooms are breathtaking.
Saunton Sands Hotel, Saunton Rd, Braunton EX33 1LQ
Telephone: 01271 890212
Website: www.sauntonsands.co.uk
What TripAdvisor says
After a long and meandering journey from Cornwall we were greeted by very friendly reception staff and a lovely doorman who helped us with our cases. What struck me throughout our stay was the professionalism yet down to earth nature of the staff. Often, when we’ve arrived with children at what I would call ‘luxury’ accommodation with the likes of doormen and dress codes etc, the staff can appear a bit, dare I say, snooty. Not so at Saunton Sands, the staff we encountered were just the right level of friendly, approachable and helpful.
Our family suite that comprised of a double bedroom, bathroom and interconnecting twin room for the kids, was a good size with a superb sea view. The suite’s décor was quite plain but its interesting art deco hints were in keeping with the rest of the hotel. In fact, the hotel is great if you love art deco. The dining room is especially good if, like me, you enjoy this style of décor.
The food was excellent and it was a joy to watch the interaction between our two children and restaurant staff. The restaurant more than lived up to its two AA rosettes under the management of Head Chef Mathias Oberg who has previously worked in Michelin Star environments. My scallop and lobster ceviche followed by the Exmoor venison loin was outstanding! Our two children, who are less adventurous than their parents, stuck to the crudités followed by chicken goujons on both nights…which tells you how nice they were! Sweets were a delight too and my partner and kids particularly enjoyed the ‘build your own ice cream sundae’ offering.
Our second night saw us make use of the room monitoring service which allowed us adults to experience the fine dining without the kids. This is what makes places like these great as you get that paradoxical nirvana, a getaway with the kids and time to get away from the kids! Along with the included crèche time, we probably managed circa 6-7 hours without the kids over the weekend, which allowed us the ‘adult’ dining experience and a chance to make use of the excellent hotel facilities such as a thoroughly relaxing aromatherapy massage.
The kids had a great time. The family friendly beach below provided hours of fun and they really looked forward to the included childcare sessions. The crèche staff were fantastic and really bonded with our children, so much so that we felt completely at ease leaving the kids with them.
We were all sad to leave on the Sunday but we managed to fit in a great Sunday roast which capped off this truly wonderful weekend. For us, the Saunton Sands Hotel is an obvious and deserving Editors' Choice award winner that ticks every box for great family friendly accommodation.
