Clawford Lakes Review: Our Luxury Family Stay at One of Devon's Best Hidden Gems
Looking for an honest Clawford Lakes review? Last weekend, my family and I spent three nights at Clawford Lakes in Devon, staying in one of their brand-new Heron Lodges overlooking the lake. From kayaking and relaxing in our private hot tub to exploring the beautiful beaches around Bude, it turned out to be one of our favourite UK family staycations. In this review, I'll share everything you need to know before you book, including the accommodation, family activities, the Lake Spa, food, dog-friendly facilities and our favourite nearby places to visit. If you're planning a luxury family holiday in Devon or a dog-friendly UK break, I hope this guide helps you decide if Clawford Lakes is the right choice for your family.
Karen Basnett
8/6/202611 min read
There are some places that make you relax the moment you arrive. Clawford Lakes was one of them.
Hidden away in 98 acres of beautiful Devon countryside, yet less than 30 minutes from the golden beaches of Bude and the spectacular Cornish coastline, it feels like one of those places you almost don't want to tell anyone about.
As a family travel writer, I'm lucky enough to visit some incredible places, but I genuinely love discovering UK staycations that surprise me. Clawford Lakes did exactly that.
Last weekend, my husband, two boys and our very excited golden retriever packed the car and headed to Clawford Lakes for a three-night stay in one of their brand-new Heron Lodges.
From luxury lodges overlooking peaceful lakes to family adventures on the water, evenings spent in the hot tub watching the sunset and a spa where parents can finally switch off, it turned out to be the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
If you're looking for a luxury family holiday in Devon, a dog-friendly UK staycation or simply somewhere to spend quality time together, here's a roundup of what our weekend at Clawford Lakes was really like.
This was a hosted PR stay, but as always, every opinion is entirely my own.
First Impressions
The drive into Clawford Lakes immediately sets the tone for your stay. It feels peaceful from the moment you arrive. Check-in was super-fast, and within ten minutes we were on our way to our lodge.
Heron Lodge - our home for the weekend
We stayed in Clawford Lakes' brand-new Heron Lodge, which launched for summer 2026, and honestly, it couldn't have suited our family better.
The lodge has two huge bedrooms, both with bathrooms, and sleeps six. It had beautifully designed interiors, an open-plan living area with a dining table and huge windows that make the most of the stunning views. Everything still had that lovely brand-new feel. Within minutes of unpacking, it already felt like home.
The outdoor space was where we spent most of our time. The boys couldn't wait to get into the hot tub, and I can't blame them with those beautiful lake views. Having our own private sauna and outdoor shower made our stay feel that little bit more special.
By the second morning, the boys had already established a new holiday tradition. They were in the hot tub before breakfast while I sat outside with a coffee, listening to birds and enjoying being surrounded by nature.
Those moments ended up being some of my favourite memories from the weekend.
Accommodation to Suit Every Family
One thing that really impressed me about Clawford Lakes was the range of accommodation available.
You can choose from:
• Luxury Lodges
• Floating Lodges
• Lake Pods
• Scandinavian-inspired Cocoons
• Holiday Homes
• Stylish Apartments
The Lake Pods are perfect if you want to stay right on the water's edge, while many of the luxury lodges include private hot tubs, making them ideal for families looking for that extra touch of luxury.
Family-friendly facilities
As someone who's travelled a lot with young children, I always notice the little details that make family holidays easier, and Clawford Lakes gets so much right. The resort is incredibly easy to get around with a pushchair, with pram-friendly paths leading to the main facilities, including the restaurant. I also noticed that several of the lodges are accessed via ramps rather than steps, which is a thoughtful touch for families with babies or toddlers. If you're travelling with little ones, it's definitely worth asking about this when you book.
Another thing I really liked was the on-site shop. It's perfect if you've forgotten a few essentials or don't want to pack everything from home. You can pick up everyday items such as milk, bread, cereal, tea, coffee and basic cooking supplies, along with fresh bread from a local bakery delivered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
There's also a lovely selection of local products, including Devon ciders, wines, fudge and gifts, making it a great place to pick up a souvenir or two before you head home. And, of course, they haven't forgotten your four-legged friends either, with a range of dog food and treats available in the shop.
Handy extras at the resort
• Pram-friendly access around the resort.
• Ramped access to selected lodges.
• Baby changing facilities.
• On-site shop for everyday essentials.
• Fresh bread deliveries from a local bakery.
Lake Activities
Out of everything we did during our stay, kayaking was the activity we'll all remember most.
Neither of my boys had ever been kayaking before, so watching them climb into the boats with a mixture of excitement and nervousness was a lovely moment. We hired one double kayak and two single kayaks before setting off across one of the resort's beautiful lakes.
It was stunning. The lake was a stunning turquoise colour, with the cutest lily pads, surrounded by trees and wildlife. At times, it almost felt tropical, and it was hard to believe we were actually in Devon.
Other activities on the lake
As well as kayaking, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the water.
You can also try:
• Paddleboarding
• Open water swimming
• Fishing
I have to admit I wasn't quite brave enough to try open-water swimming, but it was lovely to sit on the lakeside and watch everyone else enjoying it in the sunshine. If you're visiting Clawford Lakes, I'd definitely recommend adding kayaking, paddleboarding or open-water swimming to your list of activities.
Exploring the Resort by Bike
One morning, we hired bikes to explore the whole resort. With almost 100 acres of countryside to discover, cycling is one of the best ways to see everything Clawford Lakes has to offer.
It's such a peaceful place to explore, and because the resort is so spacious, it never felt busy or crowded. For families, it's a brilliant way to spend time together while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
The Outdoor Pool Became an Instant Favourite
As soon as the boys spotted the heated outdoor swimming pool and flume slides, I knew exactly where we'd be spending much of our holiday. They absolutely loved it.
While they raced each other down the slides over and over again, I managed to enjoy something that's quite rare on a family holiday... a few peaceful moments relaxing on a sun lounger in the sunshine.
The pool has a lovely holiday atmosphere, and on a warm summer's day it genuinely felt more like a Mediterranean resort than a countryside retreat in Devon.
One of the Best Play Areas We've Ever Visited
If you ask my boys what their favourite part of Clawford Lakes was, apart from the hot tub & kayaking, I think they'd say the play area.
There are seven children's play areas across the resort, but the main playground quickly became their firm favourite. Located just below the terrace of the Apple & Grape Restaurant & Bar, it meant we could enjoy a drink while the boys played happily for hours within sight.
The playground itself is fantastic, with plenty to keep children entertained, and I honestly think it's one of the best I've seen at any family resort in the UK.
Evenings to Remember
The fun didn't stop once the sun went down. Each evening, there was family entertainment. Saturday evening, we watched a magician who had every child completely captivated. He had all the children laughing, joining in, and my son kept asking days later, "How did he do that?!" We played pool, table tennis and boules; there's so much to keep everyone entertained.
Sunday evening, we gathered around the campfire while a guitarist played live music in the background. Toasting marshmallows as the sun disappeared behind the lakes was one of those wonderfully simple moments that somehow becomes one of your favourite holiday memories.
A Little Time to Relax
One of the things I appreciated most about Clawford Lakes was that it gives parents the chance to slow down, too. The spa is complimentary for guests of the resort.
After a busy morning exploring the resort, I managed to sneak away to the Lake Spa for an hour while the boys carried on having fun.
I spent some time swimming in the indoor infinity pool before unwinding in the steam room. It has a wonderful seating area right over the activity lake, where you can watch the world go by for hours in the sunshine.
If you fancy treating yourself even more, there's also a range of spa treatments and massages available to book.
Useful Spa Information
• Complimentary spa access is included for guests.
• Indoor infinity pool.
• Steam room and relaxation lounge.
• Spa treatments available to book.
Food and Drink
After busy days spent kayaking, cycling and making the most of everything Clawford Lakes has to offer, we were always ready for a good meal. Thankfully, there are plenty of options to choose from, whether you're looking for a relaxed family dinner or something quick between activities.
During our stay, we made it our mission to try as much as we could.
Where we ate
• Apple & Grape Restaurant & Bar
• Hungry Heron Food Truck
• Potter's Fish & Chips
The Apple & Grape Restaurant offers a lovely, relaxed atmosphere and a great, family-friendly menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. One of the things I really liked was the three seating area options. You can dine inside or enjoy the sunshine on the terrace overlooking the play area, or sit in the bright conservatory, where the huge windows fold back on warm summer evenings.
The Hungry Heron Food Truck was perfect when we wanted something quick before heading off to our next activity. On Sunday evening, we finished the weekend eating at Potters Fish n Things food truck, which was the perfect end to our stay. After all, a trip to Devon wouldn't be complete without proper fish and chips!
Top Tip: Download the app
One feature I really liked was the TouchStay app. Everything from booking activities, such as reserving a restaurant table, can be done on your phone, making it easy to organise your stay. I recommend downloading the app before you arrive to make your bookings in advance.
A Holiday Our Golden Retriever Loved Too
If a dog is part of your family, you'll feel right at home at Clawford Lakes. Our golden retriever had the best weekend. What impressed me most was how genuinely dog-friendly the resort is. Dogs aren't simply allowed; they're welcomed, and there are thoughtful touches everywhere.
Why dog owners will love Clawford Lakes
• Pets stay free in pet-friendly accommodation.
• Dogs are welcome in some areas of the restaurant.
• Water bowls are dotted around the resort.
• Complimentary dog treats.
• A dog dipping lake.
• Beautiful countryside walks straight from your lodge.
It's the little details that make travelling with your dog so much easier, and it's easy to see why Clawford Lakes is such a popular choice for a dog-friendly holiday in Devon.
Exploring the Local Area
Although we could easily have spent our whole weekend at Clawford Lakes, its location makes it the ideal base for exploring Devon and Cornwall, so we didn’t want to miss the opportunity.
One afternoon, we headed to Sandymouth Beach, just outside Bude, and it was well worth the short drive. The beach has beautiful golden sand, pebbles and dramatic cliffs. There are plenty of rock pools for the children and dogs to explore. The boys happily searched for crabs while our golden went for a swim in the sea.
Even in the middle of August, at midday, the beach felt quiet. If you enjoy walking, I'd definitely recommend taking time to explore the clifftop paths. Maybe we can try that when the boys are a bit older.
Next to the beach, we stumbled across a brilliant little place called Sip & Sea. It had food trucks, live music, and a lovely, relaxed atmosphere.
The kids had ice creams, and I had some delicious tacos and enjoyed a Cornish Cider while listening to live music in the sunshine. If you are nearby, be sure to check it out.
Our Favourite Moments
Looking back, it wasn't just one thing that made our stay so memorable. It was all the little moments in between.
❤️ Watching the gorgeous sunset from our hot tub in the evening.
❤️ Seeing the boy’s kayak for the very first time.
❤️ Toasting marshmallows around the campfire.
❤️ Relaxing in the spa overlooking the lake.
❤️ Sandymouth Beach, in my opinion one of the best in Cornwall
My Honest Review
I've stayed at some wonderful family-friendly resorts over the years, both in the UK and abroad, but Clawford Lakes really did impress me.
It has the perfect balance of luxury and adventure. The accommodation is beautifully designed, the setting is peaceful, and the range of activities means there's genuinely something for everyone in the whole family to enjoy.
Most importantly, it gave us time together as a family away from everyday life.
My six-year-old cried on the last night because he didn’t want to leave. As we packed the car to head home, the boys asked when we could come back.
If you're looking for a luxury family holiday in Devon or a dog-friendly UK staycation, I couldn't recommend Clawford Lakes more highly. We left with wonderful memories, two very happy boys, one exhausted dog, and every intention of returning.
