The Mole, Devon, Will Keep The Whole Family Happy

Have you Googled ‘best family staycations UK’ and been delivered the same old uninspired choices? Finding the ultimate getaway with kids – and potentially grandparents – in tow can feel impossible. Layer with a desire for something interesting and different whilst gambling with the risk of a monumental holiday flop and… it’s downright daunting.

If this sounds familiar, then check out the Mole Resort in Devon. Launched in summer 2023 with 58 eco-conscious lodges, 39 classic Manor House and Estate bedrooms and over 40 adventure activities on offer, this is a UK family staycation that ticks all the boxes and more. It’s not super fancy – leave those airs and graces at home – instead this is a bolthole that will quietly envelop you in a calm, cosy blanket of hospitality and make you feel like part of the family. We certainly did.

Chic yet reasonably affordable, here you can relax and take a load off, keep the kids busy, experience a dose of wholesome family fun AND ensure your senior crew are entertained. Tried and tested by The Handbook, here are the reasons we loved it…

Location

Hidden amongst the beautiful rolling hills of North Devon, The Mole Resort lies in 125 acres of glorious British countryside close to the River Mole offering breathtaking views across to both Dartmoor and Exmoor

The result of a 25m development of the previous Highbullen Hotel estate by L+R Hotels – the group behind iconic UK hotels such as Cliveden House & Spa and Nobu Portman Square – it lies within easy driving reach of both Exmoor National Park and the world-class beaches of the Devonshire coast.

What sets it apart

Having recently experienced a stay at The Mole Resort, we can attest to its boast as a spot for adventure seekers, energetic groups and family fun.

With beautiful walks, a dizzying roster of take-it-or-leave it activities, tennis courts, indoor & outdoor pools, spa & fitness suite, nine hole USGA golf course, local produce and onsite eateries your every whim is covered. It’s even dog friendly so your four-legged bestie can join in on the fun – and (spoiler alert) will receive a very chic doggy bag upon arrival.

The Lodges

Carefully constructed to be low impact on the surrounding area, the self-catering lodges at The Mole are well appointed. We stayed in a 3 bed hill view lodge that easily accommodated our party of four adults and two children with two roomy double bedrooms, one twin, one en suite, one family bathroom and a spacious open plan kitchen-living room. Decor is contemporary, warm, simple and welcoming, furnished with all the equipment you could need and mattresses to die for (we all slept like logs).

Views over the valley were indeed spectacular and our elevated deck came complete with plentiful outdoor seating and a warm bubbly hot tub that the kids couldn’t get enough of. Cycle storage is fitted outside each lodge along with hot water taps to comfortably wash off muddy paws – a small touch, but one our pup certainly appreciated. Warning: there are no doorbells, so keep your keycard with you at all times – we found ourselves marooned on the doorstep on more than one occasion.

Things to do

Where to start? The Mole Resort offers over 40 activities both on and offsite, some bookable and some ad hoc depending on your preference. Aside from the aforementioned tennis, pool and golf facilities, try getting crafty in the art studio, join movie nights and campfires or book in for axe throwing, archery or disc golf. Venture a little further afield to try more unusual activities such as fossil hunting, a horse-drawn barge experience or taking 4×4 Land Rovers for a spin off-road. The options are (almost) endless.

Equally, hunker down and do nothing – no-one is judging you here.

Food and drink

We requested the breakfast hamper and found handmade pork sausages, dry-aged back bacon, fresh new potatoes, mushrooms and tomatoes all nestled in our fridge upon arrival. The Mole Resort helpfully offers the facility to preorder meal hampers full of produce from local farmers too – choose from Roast, Steak or BBQ – and there is a well-provisioned Farmers Shop in the reception hub for any extras you might need. Handy.

More casual meals can be enjoyed onsite at The Bistro in high season and there are two spots for drinks, the Cellars Pub and the Library Bar – none of which we tried but are firmly on the list for our next visit. Instead we ventured over to experience fine dining at Devon View Restaurant within the Manor House and were not disappointed. An unexpected menu including dishes such as Lobster & South Coast Plaice Ravioli, Red Wine Braised Devon Ruby Beef Blade and Butter Roasted Brixham Hake Fillet, every dish was delicious and staff faultlessly attentive and friendly. We suggest taking a torch and decent walking shoes for the trundle across as whilst the Manor House is centrally located, the pathways around it are unlit and the ground uneven. Golf buggies would be a great addition for less able guests to navigate the site more easily.

Alternatively for a complete change of scene, head 10min by foot to the Exeter Inn within the award winning village of Chittlehamholt. A family run and very cosy pub, landlords Hazel and Steve went out of their way to ensure we were well looked after. The menu offers hearty British pub style dishes such as steak, burgers, pies and scampi – the perfect tonic to end a long bracing country walk.

The Verdict

Simply? This is the ultimate active family escape for those who can’t – or don’t want to – face Centre Parcs. Lighter on the purse, far more civilised and (probably best of all) zero scramble for activity bookings. Granted it’s missing the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, but what it lacks in commercial gizmos The Mole Resort makes up for in sheer serenity.

Getting there

Situated in picturesque North Devon, The Mole Resort is a short distance from Tiverton Parkway train station (2 hour ride from Paddington) and around a 4 hour drive from Central London.