Parkdean Ruda Devon - any tips?

ska_lover

Hi there,

Me and OH are going to Parkdean Ruda in two weeks - any tips of what is a must-do, or where to avoid?

Many thanks

mum26

Must do: The little independent ice cream shop in Croyde village
Visit a few of the other beaches nearby too (Croyde beach itself is lovely though) we liked Saunton Sands and Woolacombe as well, lovely fish and chips at woolacombe from here http://www.woolacombefryer.com/find-us/

We have had two lovely meals here http://www.vintageinn.co.uk/thebrauntoninnbarnstaple/ last time we were there was about three years ago though.
Fudge from Ilfracombe if you go over that way.

Avoid: The take away on site, very expensive and slow.
Ilfracombe Aquarium, it's titchy tiny.

Maybe: If you like surfy style clothes then Saltrock and Tiki have factory shops at Braunton (there is also a tesco here) but I didn't know about them at the time so haven't been!

There is also a factory outlet place not too far away http://www.atlanticvillage.co.uk/our-location.php I only had a quick look but it was worth a nose, depending on what sort of things you like, it wasn't cheap cheap though, I left without buying anything but remember the Claire's shop being quite good and regretted not getting stocking fillers.

We went to Ruda with our troop of children so certain things were out of our budget like boat trips etc but there is loads to see and do nearby, it's a lovely part of the world and both times we've stayed at the site we've had a lovely time, seems to attract a nice crowd generally too.

Hope this helps and have a lovely time.

carebear13

go to the big sheep, we had a fab day out there (assuming you have children).
i loved ruda, the beach was fantastic and its a fairly small site too compard to some. the only thing that peed me off was having to get in the car all the time to get anywhere, the road from braunton (i think) was a nightmare, always really busy (or maybe it was barnstaple) and it frightened the life out of me driving along that coastal road with only a small wall betweenyou and a steep cliff , kept my eyes closed a lot of the time, so it was a good job my hubby was driving lol!!

sillygoose

We liked Ruda, were tempted to go back this year as its been a few years since but decided on something else. We were lucky enough to stay in one of the cabin lodges which are literally a sand dune away from the beach, the caravans bit is ok but pretty dense with vans, although a lot have been recently refurbished I believe. The swimming pool was good when they turned on the wave thing that swirls you around, like being in a giant washing machine but more fun! I just really hope the weather perks up for you, Ruda is very much about the outdoors.

ska_lover

Thanks guys. Only 8 days to go now yayyy

Just hope the weather perks up

WestonDave

Cash points can be a problem. The only one in the village is in the pub and charges a fee. There is one on site down near the main bar area, but when I tried to use it, it wasn't working. That apart its a really nice peaceful location - very much unspoilt on the sea front.

Rhee1984

Hi there I am also going to ruda next week and just wondering if anyone knows of any activities, entertainment that is suitable for a 2 and half year old?

bex2012

Are you a couple or a family?

The Rock Inn in Georgeham is amazing for food. Not really a kiddy place though.
If you want to eat in the Thatch, be prepared to queue. Food is nice, massive portions, incredibly busy though. This is a very busy pub in general.
Billy Budds (next door to the Thatch) does food, takeaway pizzas etc. Have never eaten in here though.
Blue Groove, lovely food, nice, chilled vibe.
The King William (I think) in braunton does a nice carvery.
Hobbs is nice, again not really a family/small child place.

If you come out of Ruda, & turn right (as if you are going to the beach) but follow the lane up, there is a lovely national trust teashop on the bend. If you follow the lane a but further down Im told there is another teashop in one of the surfers apartments that does a fab cream tea.

If you dont fancy walking down the lanes into the village, you can walk through the sites where the lodges are. If you keep walking straight through, you cross over the bridge into a field (still part of Ruda). Over to the left is a gate and lane. If you follow the lane down, it brings you out by Billy Budds. This is not lit at night, and can be very muddy!

I love croyde, Ive been going for the past 5+ years.
Woolacombe is ok, bit of a pain to park (unless you want to pay a fiver). Definitely worth taking a drive though, & head up to lynmouth/linton (sp?) - lorna doone country!