A Haven holiday is ideal for families on a tight budget - although there are plenty of temptations there to part you from your cash. JANE HELMICH reports

Devon Cliffs holiday park is an ideal place to use as a base to explore some of the country's best seaside resorts and many attractions.

The sizeable caravan park is next to a small beach, which was big enough for a game of football when we were there on a chilly Spring weekend but probably gets more crowded in warmer months.

Accommodation comes in three categories. We were in one of the gold range - comfortable and well-equipped but not luxurious.

Bedding is not provided but can be hired. We had forgotten how cold a caravan can be at night when the weather is poor and wished we had taken sleeping bags or extra blankets.

We had also forgotten another essential - toilet rolls - but were able to buy those at the well =-stocked supermarket on site.

Items here are a bit more expensive than in the big name stores but there is a Tesco not too far away from the park.

Devon Cliffs has a large entertainment centre which is packed in the evenings. Children's entertainers do an excellent job of keeping younger visitors entertained, allowing their parents to relax.

Children, and older members of the family, also flocked to the many amusement machines, where it is easy to spend quite a bit of money in a very short time if you are not careful.

Be warned - you also need passes to get in and out of the centre, and each member of your party, even the youngsters, should keep their passes with them.

My 11-year-old son went out to get some fresh air after getting something in his eye and was not allowed back in because I had his pass!

He made his way back in the pouring rain to the caravan and his sister, who was able to then contact us to let us know he was safe.

During the day, there are a number of activities you can indulge in, some of which incur an additional charge.

We enjoyed a dip in the pool although the fun elements, such as the slides, would probably appeal more to younger children.

We were happy to explore further afield, however, during our stay.

Devon Cliffs is near Exmouth, a small but pleasant resort, and not too far away from the English Riviera.

Unfortunately, the weather was typically Spring-like while we were there but we did have a few fine hours during a visit to Paignton and it was even warm enough for an ice-cream cone.

The following day the rain was more or less incessant so we were unable to make the most of a trip to Plymouth.

However, we passed a few hours at the excellent aquarium, one of the most impressive sea life centres in the country.

FACT FILE

* Devon Cliffs offer three star, four star, bronze, silver and gold standard caravans. Prices for a start at around £55 a person for an early Summer break, based on a family of six in a three-star self-catering van.

* This summer sees the opening of The Spa at Devon Cliffs, a £2.5m luxury leisure spa offering glorious views of the coast as you relax in the Jacuzzi, and a full range of health and beauty treatments.

* Touring caravans and tents are also welcome, with prices starting at £19 a pitch a night.

* For full details and immediate on-line bookings visit www.havenholidays.com, call 0870 242 2222 or see your travel agent. For more family holiday parks, call sister company British Holidays on 0870 24 25 500 or visit www.british-holidays.co.uk