Whether you want to play tennis, relax by the pool, head on a bike ride or visit local beaches, The Mole Resort in North Devon is an ideal base from which to explore this beautiful part of the world.
Located near the pretty village of Chittlehamholt and with magnificent views of rolling hills, here you’ll find 58 brand new, eco-friendly, aesthetically pleasing timber lodges – each complete with hot tubs and kitted out with everything you might need for a getaway with kids.
Citizen Enfants checked in to discover more about the resort and it’s stylish mix of lodges and five-star hotel facilities.
The Vibe
It’s a simple, casual, home-from-home affair at The Mole, and staff couldn’t be more welcoming or helpful. The showstopper is the spectacular views you’re greeted by on arrival. Rooms and lodges are private and beautiful but there’s no formalities or need to dress up – it’s all designed with a family-friendly focus. This is an easy, simple-yet-stylish home from home which, since opening in 2023, has become a much sought-after staycation destination – and it’s easy to see why.
The Rooms
Spacious, contemporary, family-friendly, open plan and spotlessly clean, the lodges here are the perfect option for families. Each has a private balcony complete with an outdoor dining area and a hot tub looking out across meadow or valley views. They’re homely, with large cosy sofas and plenty of cushions, a big TV, comfortable beds with lots of pillows, fluffy white towels and L’Occitane essential soaps. Each lodge has a handy little cloakroom entrance hall area, convenient for muddy boots, wet coats and beach bags. Parking spaces and bike racks are just outside your door and the lodges are dog-friendly.
Features include a fully equipped kitchen (that even the keenest of chefs would approve of) including essentials such as a dishwasher, fridge-freezer, hob, oven, microwave and cafetière. A few basics are provided – toilet roll, dishwasher tablets, washing-up liquid, a small bottle of milk and tea towels – but the lodges are self-catered, so you need to bring pretty much everything else.
Two, three, or four-bedroom lodges are available, plus an additional 12 rooms in the Manor House, which has much more of a hotel feel to it and is probably less suited to young families. Baby equipment such as high chairs and cots are available on request through out the resort.
The Food + Drink
It’s a self-catering situation in the lodges, but pizza delivery can be arranged, as can hampers of delicious fresh, local produce, or Sunday Roasts. There’s also a small kitchen and farm shop for all the extras – oil, butter, sauces – and they stock other high-quality treats, frozen meals and snacks. There’s one restaurant within the charming original Manor House (which was once the main hotel); it’s grandly decorated but has a very relaxed vibe and is a lovely place to sit and enjoy a drink – or a civilised family round of bingo. Plus, there’s a cosy Library Bar for cocktails.
The Child’s Play
One of the biggest draws of The Mole is that there are many activities available for children of all ages. Older ones are particularly well catered for with supervised classes in everything from archery and axe throwing to bushcraft and survival skills. The all-day games room will be a hit with teens, and little ones will love the bouncy castle and balance bikes in the hub. Pick up a Mole Explorer pack from reception and discover the grounds outdoors which include a play area, pétanque, croquet, tennis courts, a golf course and an idyllic outdoor pool complete with sun loungers.
If the weather isn’t playing ball, kids can try their hand at remote-control car racing or Nerf Gun wars. There’s an indoor pool – which everyone will love – plus a spa offering plenty of treatments when you want some grown up time out. There is no kids club but babysitting can be arranged. Basically, no-one is ever going to be bored here.
The To-Do List
The Mole can be as active or as peaceful a break as you choose. On their website you’ll find a list of off-site activities which give good insight and top tips on where else to visit in the local area and includes adventure parks, local villages, animal farms and honey farms. North Devon is a beautiful part of the UK, with stunning beaches such as Croyde, Woolacombe and Saunton Sands all less than an hour away; here you can surf, paddle board or try out coasteering. There’s also the Tarka Trail which is easy for kids to walk or cycle. Return at the end of the day to relax in your hot tub, overlooking scenic views with a pizza and fine wine.
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