About Us
Visit Hele Valley to experience the peace and tranquillity of this natural valley.
Why buy a caravan park in Devon?
After enjoying many caravan and Camping holidays in Devon and Cornwall the Dovey family desired to move out of Birmingham with their young children to enjoy a better and healthier life in the South West of England. Teddy and Elizabeth Dovey were at the head of the family with their two children, David and Joyce and their spouses in toe. With a healthy combined investment capital of two greengrocers with maisonettes and the family home every penny was scraped together to afford a better life.
1971
In 1971 after viewing several campsites in Devon and Cornwall they finally settled on a holiday park in Hele Bay called ‘Moles Farm Caravan Park’ to move in by 1st January 1972.
1972 Moles Farm Caravan Park
The estate included 19 acres with 95 available caravan pitches with approx 60 static caravans, most were privately owned, 16 residential caravans, two shower and washing facilities and a grocery shop. The residential caravans were fully self contained and provided a safe haven for elderly people to enjoy an affordable life.
The holiday caravans were premature with no water, sewage or electricity. There were buckets under the caravans for the drainage from the kitchen sink. Stand pipes for water. Gas mantles used to provide the lighting and the shower facilities. The shop always extremelly popular in the mornings for daily collection of bread, milk and newspapers. Very few guests had cars and relied on the daily trains that pulled into Ilfracombe.
1974 Hele Valley Caravan Park
A change of name to ‘Hele Valley Caravan Park’ on the 1st January 1974 indicated that the Park was under new management and set for heavy investment with the installation of mains sewerage, water and electricity and a dramatic upgrade to BK Bluebird static caravans.
The lowest charge to hire a static caravan £6 per week to a peak week price of £24 per week. The season lasted from April to end October however few travelled during the non-peak weeks and realistically the season was from July to end August.
1975 Hele Valley Camping
In 1975 camping was introduced onto 8 acres over two fields above the caravan park as seen in our pictures. A nightly charge of 25p per night for adults, 15p for children and 10p per vehicle. Campers were provided with two chemical toilets and cold running water from a stand pipe.
2012 - Life Begins at 40..!
Over the 40 years Hele Valley has seen many changes from caravans with no toilet, shower or hot water to luxury caravans with double glazing, central heating, dvd’s and lodges with full size baths and dishwashers!!
“We take pride in developing the park year after year to provide a beautiful holiday location and quality accommodation to the highest of standards for our happy guests. Our reputation for customer care, service and cleanliness is exceptional and our popularity keeps us working hard to ensure our standards are keep to the highest level.”
Today, a well established Four Star family run business, owned by David and Sandra Dovey and who operate with the help of their family who are here to ensure guests receive the best attention during their stay. We are committed to offer our guests fondest memories of their holiday in Ilfracombe with the warmest of welcomes.”
Location, Location , Location
Our location could not be more perfect, situated within a naturally peacefully valley, flanked by picturesque hills. Walking distance to Hele Bay Beach with stunning walks along the coastal path to Combe Martin and to Ilfracombe. Our location is ideal for touring our stunning North Devon coastline, our gorgeous North Devon beaches and enjoying the breathtaking views of Exmoor National Park.
Achievements
Website of the year 2003
4 star ‘Quality in tourism' award 2004 - 2011
Rose Award 2007 – 2011
AA 4 pennant award 2007 - 2011
2nd prise Ilfracombe Carnival – ‘Hele Valley presents - Carry on Camping’
3rd prise Ilfracombe Carnival – ‘Girls of the Hele Valley Mansion’
Best Holiday Park in North Devon 2007
David Bellamy Conservation Award - Silver 2008 - 2011
