Lynmouth Holiday Retreat near Exmoor has been named as Devon’s top park for fresh air holidays by judges of this year’s Devon Tourism Awards.

The family-run business beat hundreds of other eligible parks to take the overall gold honour in the Camping and Caravanning Park of the Year category of the annual contest.

The announcement was made at the glittering awards ceremony held at Torquay’s Riviera International Centre in November, attended by tourism chiefs from across the county.

The verdict of the award judges was based on a detailed study of Lymouth Holiday Retreat’s high standards of excellence, and the glowing feedback provided by customers.

Also commended was the park’s commitment to sustainable tourism, and its achievements in protecting wildlife and creating new habitats, including the planting of over 500 native trees.

Congratulated at the Devon Tourism Awards ceremony and stepping up to receive the winner’s trophy was Ian James, founder of Coast & Country Parks.

Established 35 years ago and now run by Ian and his son Chris, Coast & Country Parks comprises four award-winning holiday parks in Devon, Somerset and Cornwall.

Like Lynmouth Holiday Retreat, they provide not just pitches for tents, touring caravan and motorhomes but also luxury holiday homes to own and to rent..

Ian said everyone was delighted that Lynmouth Holiday Retreat had been singled out by judges as Devon’s top destination for touring guests and others seeking a perfect rural escape.

“This has brought a fantastic end to what has been a very busy year for us, but we see this award more as a recognition of our group’s commitment to excellence from the outset,” he said.

“What makes us especially proud is that the Devon Tourism Award judges looked not just at the quality of our facilities, but also at the high standards hospitality we provide.

“Delivering this is largely in the hands of our park team, and they deserve a large share of the credit for their crucial role in creating a warm, welcoming and friendly atmosphere,” said Ian.

He said that plans to enhance the guest experience even further at Lynmouth Holiday Retreat were planned for 2024, and included the introduction of new luxury glamping accommodation.

A series of wellness events is also being planned along with other activities, plus an extension to the range of locally-sourced food and drink available from the park’s mini-farm shop.

Following its triumph at the Devon Tourism Awards, Lynmouth Holiday Retreat will now be fast-tracked into the South West Tourism Excellence Awards taking place next March.

There is more information about Lynmouth Holiday Retreat and other members of Coast & Country Parks on the company’s website at www.coastandcountryparks.co.uk