Stowford Farm Meadows Reviews 

Really lovely, helpful staff. Michael was so knowledgeable and his help incredible.
What a great place.

Whilst the area is nice, this place is terrible.

Firstly, you have to pay £20 for sporadic internet. Could barely get through a tv programme online without buffer or do my work via laptop without constant disconnections.

Overpriced food in pub, staff member told me at bar that the majority of food in boil in the bag and frozen. Tables were very rarely cleaned, we sat outside for 2 hours and 3 tables near us had glasses on the whole time. This was the same in the entertainment area where tables were sticky, filthy and full of glasses for a long time.

The entertainment was aweful. The basket ball machine in there took £2 off newphew and didn't work, he reported to staff, no refund and they said they don't know where the guy with the keys are! Not even an attempt to check to refund him.

I went to the activity zone to book archery and was asked twice to walk across the car park to find out the days and times so he can book me in... he didn't have a clue.

I have also just received a phone call about smoking in the bedroom saying I will get a fine for it, yet I have not, would not and have never smoked inside. It was was a beautiful week of sun and I sat on the balcony for almost the entirety of the trip, plus we had a child in the van. When I challenged them i just got told "it's policy" because it "smelt" of smoke, no evidence, nothing else, just that it smelt, 3 days later.

You don't get towels, no cleaning stuff, 2 really thin pillows... we ended up paying £60+ to be able to even stay in there.

Probably the worst since about 1990 that i've stayed in.

Extremely disappointing — clean caravan was quite literally the only redeeming feature.Where do I even begin? We’ve stayed at plenty of holiday parks over the years, but this has to be one of the most disappointing experiences we’ve ever had. The only genuinely positive thing I can say is that the caravan was clean. Unfortunately, that’s where the compliments end.The website certainly knows how to advertise a holiday park. Activities galore, entertainment, swimming pool, arcade, shop… sounds fantastic, doesn’t it? Shame most of it either wasn’t available, was completely underwhelming, or required you to sell a kidney to actually use it.Apparently, even the activities that were available came at an additional cost — including a dino cart for £17 an hour. £17! For an hour on a dinosaur cart! At that price, I was expecting it to at least roar, make me a cup of tea and possibly drive itself.The arcade was tiny, dirty and, to make matters worse, there were no arcade cards available, meaning people couldn’t even use the machines. Quite impressive really — an arcade where you’re unable to play the arcade games. A revolutionary concept.Then came the entertainment… or rather, the complete lack of it. We encountered a member of staff with a brown ponytail doing bingo who looked like she had been informed halfway through her shift that she’d won a lifetime supply of misery. Not one smile, not one ounce of enthusiasm. I appreciate that working in entertainment isn’t always everyone’s dream job, but when you’re supposed to be entertaining holidaymakers, some effort or enthusiasm would be nice. The atmosphere was absolutely miserable.The entertainment room itself was basically a dark barn with next to no lighting. It was so dark that people were actually using the flashlights on their phones because they couldn’t see what they were drinking. Nothing says “family holiday” quite like needing your phone torch to locate your wine.There were also clearly nowhere near enough staff. Waiting up to 25 minutes for one drink became normal, so eventually we gave up and bought our own drinks elsewhere. Much quicker, and considerably less painful.The swimming pool was another disaster. It was absolutely rammed with children and, on our visit, there was no lifeguard present. The toilets were directly next to the pool with the doors open, and the smell of urine was absolutely vile. This is not exactly the refreshing poolside atmosphere you hope for on a family holiday.To make matters worse, one of my family members became unwell with an infection after using the pool, while others felt very ill the following day.The website also lists a number of activities and amenities that simply weren’t available, which is extremely misleading. If you’re advertising facilities as part of what people are paying for, those facilities should actually exist and be available when guests arrive.The on-site shop deserves a special mention too. It was apparently the only shop within walking distance, yet it sold very little of any use and didn’t even open until 9am. So if you need anything before then, good luck. Bring supplies, pack a survival kit and possibly learn how to forage.And then there was the sofa bed. We arrived to find that the dirty sheet hadn’t even been removed. Nothing quite welcomes you to your holiday like discovering the previous guest’s bedding is still waiting for you.
The surrounding area is actually lovely, with some fantastic pubs and bars, and there’s a golf course which was another positive.
For us, this was easily one of the worst holiday park experiences we’ve ever had.
It’s a real shame because the location has so much potential, and with a bit of investment, better staffing, proper cleanliness and some actual enthusiasm, this place could be so much better.
Sadly, we will not be returning. A clean caravan can only carry a holiday park so far — and unfortunately, this one was running on empty.

Sadly it was pitiful. We arrived to a clean airy reception with friendly receptionist -albeit eating crisps while taking info and booking in! Then omg I don’t know where to begin! - It had a run down vibe. The arcade was dirty several machines took credit and didn’t work, no cards available to get credit so 3 of us had to share. 2p machine no 2ps ! Receptionist says sorry and card would be refunded - nope never happened. We went for a swim and the nightmare began: fishy strong smell wavered around and the murky water put us all on edge:, plasters floated by - hair in changing rooms no life guard to tell. My daughter 4years old went to A&E contracted a urine infection 24hrs later doctor said caused from swimming pool 98% sure! She’s never been ill and needs antibiotics. I had a gammy gooey red eye and my 12year old son got runny tummy all from pool. I let reception know: it needs an urgent clean and PH level checked asap. Then went to shop as 12 year old forgot toothbrush and I wanted to get some crisps and dips for pickies… omg nothing in the shop !!!! Under stocked is an under statement: some tired looking ready happy shopper meals and no essentials -and absolutely no treat stuff. It was like a nightmare slum. Then we went to the small bar. A lovely chap on his own was running it ALONE! Worn out dizzy he said there’s no straws for slushies, so we asked for spoons (kids don’t care!!) he said they only had 4 teaspoons left and he’s struggling as left on own with no keys and so busy. He said there was no food being done as no staff. We then went to the bigger barn where entertainment and bingo was meant to be. (Now we go to camp sites (twice a year) woolacombe and hoseseasons once before- and my 4 and 9year old love discos and mascots.. my older 2 love arcades and to play pool and swim in the pool) we went to this entertainment barn- it was dark as hell no lighting no fun broken machines in half of the area we put 50p on one to play a game did not work! No staff: !? no lighting dogs everywhere barking .. one girl miserable feet up on table at stage area looking at a screen - she had one worker with her a young man acting weird just walking about staring. No interaction with kids nothing: he pushed in front of me to get a pint of coke’ my kids went to play pool broken ques! So we left and okayed board games in our caravan: The positive things was caravan was clean: fish and chip shop good value although you couldn’t order curry saucecor a kids portion as they run out’ it was 7pm! They open til 9pm! My daughter shared with me. The golf area was nice as off site and spacious grass so good clean fun..and play park spacious. That’s what the 1 star is for. I did tell a man when I handed keys back: dissatisfied and upset that my kids were and are ill: it was a good job we had money to go out as the park was a base only. The worker (man at office reception said it’s being knocked down September so he’s sorry but it’s being all re done. However we won’t go back there-,I’m contacting Customer Service today to try and get to bottom of it—it was so rough I think the rats would move on

We made a horrible mistake staying at stowford, The shop was very poorly stocked and the staff in the chip shop didn’t now what they were doing , food not cooked properly.we booked a caravan for 7 nights . After the second night a big family moved in behind us being very noisy and smoking drugs . After reporting them to the office staff nothing was done nor was the police called . Our neighbour also reported them to the office staff . Still nothing happened, so we felt we had no option but to leave . We would never recommend anyone to stay there .

My bad experience was at the stable bar, on July 11th 2026 it was my birthday and I was 75 years old, we decided to go to the stable bar for a meal, due to allergies I suffer I’m limited and what I can eat and I’m usually ok with Gammon steak and chips.
Well I ordered this and when it was served it certainly did NOT look cooked so I sent it back and within seconds it was brought back to me and the waitress said chef said it is cooked.
I when back again and asked for a manager and was told they would bring someone to me.
Well they brought the most obnoxious arrogant bullying intimidating chef to me, he would not let me speak claimed the gammon was cooked because he had cooked three times !!!!!! WHY.
In the end he asked what he could do, no apology so I asked for a refund which has taken 5 days to come through.
Never will I ever eat there again after this.
That chef humiliated and embarrassed both myself and husband the way he spoke to us.
Gordon Ramsey is a darling compared to this chef.

No internet so could not buy what we needed. Waste every morning around trailor area for waste. No water on pitch for over 1 day with no info about when it would be back on. Only info we got was by text when we were home.
Would not stop here again and will not tell anybody to go. Not one of your rules upheld on site. Shocking site.

Sorry to say this is the last time I will visit this site , started off with reception as don't get there untill 4.30 due to problem at home then given a pitch in a far field next to a hedge , went back to reception to ask to be moved and told there was only 1 other pitch available and I had 10 mins to make my mind up as she was going home , got to pitch with 1 other caravan on a 14 pitch area , asked to go on a spec pitch and was told they don't use them anymore as statics were going there but the following week many vans were pitched there ( tourers )
Site work very close constantly with no consideration for anyone that might be having a relaxing holiday , decided to come home 4 days early as the noise of the lorry's wasn't very relaxing

Pros: lovely clean site, big pitches, nice playground and entertainment. Free showers, plenty of them too. Nice clean toilets. Dog friendly. Kid friendly. Shop had so much stuff in!

Cons: Wi-Fi was expensive and barely worked. Bathroom/showers were very dark during the day.

Paid £1000 for a weeks holiday, no WiFi even though paid £15 for 7 days and would not work, spoke to reception to be told nothing to do with them call this number!
Very run down on site, the bar and restaurant horrible smell as have carpets which is no good when people have dogs!
Swimming pool shocking times kept being changed!
The park for children terrible half the equipment out of use.
Staff look miserable
Shop is like something from the 80’s
Chip shop on site only open Friday to Sunday!
No cafe on site couldn’t even get a coffee in the morning whilst children played!
Definitely will not be returning and would not waste your money!!!

Stayed for a few days as an extension to our holiday, price was extremely reasonable pitches well looked after.

Really good site.

Camping pod what a disappointment paid for two nights stayed only one night.
To many things wrong, we have been often in the past, never again

Having been to Stowford many times over the past 7 years we were very disappointed with our last visit this weekend. The site since it’s been taken over is not the same at all. Areas not kept as well and clean as they always used to be. Touring fields now full of static caravans. Minimal staff on duty. Pool bookings difficult for the indoor pool. Entertainment only on during school holiday periods whereas previously they always had local bands or singers in. Just going down hill. Very disappointing and don’t think we will be returning there now after going there many times over the years.

We have been to this site a few times over the years and it had always been lovely.
However, under new management it now seems to be focusing on making money instead of making memories.
The good points: camping field 5 was spotless and all the facilities were good.
Unfortunately the camping field location was not suitable for my wife who has mobility problems and restricted her visiting the main area containing a shop, bar, and swimming pool.
The camping pitch was quite steep with no 4g.
We spoke to a large number of staff, non of which had been there for longer than 3 weeks. Most of those we met were vague about the functionality of the site. To be fair, a majority seemed helpful, but lacked any training to give them the tools to do their job.
We ate in the bar on two different evenings with different staff running it. Although the staff tried to be helpful.
, again they lacked the training to be effective. Our food came out cold on both evenings and undercooked on one of the evenings.Many diners around us had similar experiences.
We won’t be returning.

The sad face of the demise of the traditional camping and touring park and the rise of corporate facilities serving hedge fund corporate greed.
We have been coming to the site for many years but it's now a huge building site serving the construction staff installing chalets and glamping pods sold to investors. Only field 5 is set aside for tourers but if you are disabled they couldn't have selected a worse area. It's up a hill on undulating ground. We asked the reception staff what accessible facilities or assistance was available to disabled guests and the response from the highly trained and knowledgeable staff was, 'I don't know about that sort of thing'. The pub and cafe were not open so no hot meals are provided to purchase on site. Apart from one solitary packet of bacon the shop had no other meat or dairy food to purchase, so basically guests have to go without nutritious food, unless you want to live off crisps, pot noodles and sweets the entire stay. When asked, what are guests staying on site supposed to do for food, the reply was 'I don't usually work here I only know about reception'. You pay £6 per day for Internet wifi which can only muster 2 bars of strength. The tech help number provided by SMVAST isn't answered. Stowford distance themselves from any responsibility for the Internet service but are quite happy to have their corporate logo on the internet paperwork. The noise of construction work and vehicles is constant all day, so not the idyllic quiet getaway you think you are paying for. I can't see this being an attractive proposition for any likely investors and has nothing to offer campers and tourers.

We have come back from here very disappointed. This site is way too big and commercialised. After going to our designated pitch and seeing that the previous people didn't clear their rubbish away including a full dog poo bag, I went back to reception to ask to change pitches and they were happy to accommodate that and told us a few pitches that were free so we could go and have a look. Every pitch we looked at were on a slope, rubbish on them and had a smell! After a 4 and half hour drive this was not an ideal start. The toilet and shower facilities were clean enough but the showers had hardly any pressure. After reading on their website that there was free WIFI we discovered we had to pay for it, when I went to reception to query this the lady just said it was introduced last week and they didn't know it was happening so tough basically! The signal for 4g is almost non existent. There was a bar which we a had a drink at a few times and that was nice. There was also entertainment and DJ's on which we didn't go to but with this added with the bar there were quite a few drunken arguments very late at night. Overall I would not recommend this campsite. The surrounding area is lovely and worth a visit though!

Booking is awful!! Customer service at reception is awful and rude. They are not interested in booking touring caravans any more. In fact I am at a loss as to what they are interested in.
Tried to book, but kept telling me not available when it was online and in the winter season, so I know it was available.
Not like when the family owned the site.
Have given up trying, as they are not worth the hassle. Hopefully Royale Resorts will sell the site soon and pass it onto people who can actually run a caravan site, because they can’t.

We have stayed at this campsite many times before and have always enjoyed ourselves. However, we came home after only one night as it’s gotten way too big and commercialised, having to pay extra for almost everything. They have taken on way too many pitches, with not enough facilities to accommodate. The pitches themselves are on a slope , despite using our ramps it still made sleeping difficult,
It used to be a quiet relaxing experience with friendly, helpful staff who always greeted you and showed you to your pitch, this does not happen anymore and the amount of screaming kids and drunken groups absolutely spoils the atmosphere of relaxing camping. And the WIFI was shocking, almost none existent. So we packed up and left after only one night. We won’t be returning

Nothing good about this site

- wifi is dreadful and didn’t reach my tent anyway!

- no phone signal

- whole camps downhill

- staff are rude

- nothings inclusive so you have to pay for literally everything (which isn’t even worth paying for)

- entertainment is half arsed and on a constant loop (even the kids noticed)

- toilets are shut between 12-2 (peak times!!) one day they were shut from 10am-2pm!

This place was a disappointment from the start, I wanted to go home on my 2nd day here.

Worst camp site I’ve ever been to, this is borderline fraudulent for what they charge. Absolute joke

Just returned from a week at Stowford Farm near Illfracombe and will certainly return.
Good facilities and did not feel busy or crowded despite been a very large park during the main school holidays.
We liked the fact there were 2 options of bars as do not usually use a club onsite due to loud music but the Stable bar provided a more traditional Pub type evening where we could enjoy a drink and conversation without struggling to hear what was been said.
The shower blocks were clean and close by as there are plenty of blocks spread around the different fields, they shower cubicles could be better as there was no separation to dress and poor hooks for hanging clothes to keep them dry but this was a minor issue which if resolved would make it a 5 star rating for me.
We tried the food from the chip shop, the burger van and the pizza truck, the pizza was dissapointing but the chip shop and burger van were both excellent.
I had read reviews complaining about slipping pitches and whilst our pitch did slope from back to front I was able to level our twin axle easily though the front legs were fully extended, for a grass pitch I found it perfectly acceptable, the weather was poor all week with loads of rain but we did not have any problem with mud as the fields appear to have excellent drainage.
I would recommend this site.