"SANDCASTLE, ice-cream, blue train, swim, see dinosaurs, ice-cream" came the seemingly endless list of demands of our two-year-old.

Fortunately, we were at Woolacombe Bay, on the north Devon coast, and all these things were right on our doorstep. He could have designed it himself.

An area of outstanding natural beauty, it is part of the South West Coast Path and bang in the heart of surf country.

It sports a mile of Blue Flag beach perfect for swimming, body-boarding or learning the smooth art of wave-riding.

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Clearly that's not on our little boy's agenda so we content ourselves with riding the blue rocket train, burying each other and eating 99s.

Home for the week was the Golden Coast Holiday Park in a two-bedroom lodge.

It was smart and clean, with an all-important washing machine and a comfy lounge area.

Outside each chalet is a picnic table and barbecue area, leading on to communal grassy lawns.

There are four heated outdoor pools plus two indoor, one with waterslides.
For those with older kids, there are 10-pin bowling, amusement arcades and a nightclub with family shows.

Mums will be delighted to find the Romano Spa at neighbouring Woolacombe Bay Parc.

Facilities include a Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and plunge pool and juice bar.

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If you don't feel like cooking there is The Old Mill Carvery, a 17th Century inn with a twice-weekly barbecue, just a couple of minutes away. If you fancy a more traditional pub, The Smugglers is a five-minute drive away in Mortehoe.

The surrounding area is a treasure trove of picturesque coves, sleepy seaside towns and impressive beaches.

Down the coast, beyond Devon's surf capital Croyde, are Saunton Sands, another golden beach stretch of beach.

When the sun is out I can think of no better place to be than Devon, with its sandy beaches, cream teas and lush green countryside. And nowhere is the welcome warmer than at Woolacombe.

FACT FILE

A FOUR-berth caravan at Golden Coast costs from £150 per week. To book visit woolacombe.com or call 01271 870 343.
 
■SURF SCHOOL: Half-day session costs £30. See nickthorn.com or call 01271 871 337.
 
■ILFRACOMBE BOAT TRIPS: £12 for adults and £6 for kids. The under fours go free. See ilfracombeprincess.co.uk or call 01271 879 727.