Celebrating 90 Years of Welcoming Holidaymakers to East Devon
This year marks a very special milestone for everyone at Andrewshayes Holiday Park as we celebrate 90 years of welcoming holidaymakers to our corner of East Devon.
While our family moved to Andrewshayes Farm in 1929, it was in 1936 that the farm was officially granted a licence to welcome campers under the Public Health Act. That makes Andrewshayes one of the oldest licensed holiday parks in the UK – something we’re incredibly proud of.
What began as a working farm offering a simple place to camp has grown steadily over nine decades into the award-winning family-run holiday park that guests enjoy today.
Four Generations of Family Hospitality
Andrewshayes has always been about family.
Over the years each generation has helped shape the park while keeping the same values at its heart – offering a warm welcome, providing a peaceful setting in the beautiful East Devon countryside and creating holidays where families and couples can relax and make lasting memories.
Today’s guests enjoy modern facilities including comfortable holiday caravans, spacious touring and camping pitches, a heated outdoor swimming pool, children’s play areas and our popular Ploughman’s Bar & Restaurant. Although much has changed since the 1930s, our commitment to friendly service and quality holidays has remained the same.
The business is now managed by the fourth generation of the Lawrence family, ensuring that Andrewshayes continues to evolve while staying true to its heritage.
Celebrating 90 Years 1936 – 2026
To mark this important anniversary, family, friends, staff and invited guests recently gathered at the park to celebrate nine decades of Andrewshayes.
The event included a display of historic photographs, allowing visitors to see how the park has developed through the years, alongside memories shared by generations of the Lawrence family and long-standing guests.
Looking back over 90 years has highlighted just how much holidaymaking has changed – from tents pitched in open fields to today’s modern holiday accommodation – while reminding us that the simple pleasure of spending time together on holiday never goes out of fashion.
Looking to the Future
Although we’re proud of our history, we’re equally excited about the future.
Andrewshayes continues to invest in improving the park while protecting the beautiful East Devon landscape that makes this area so special. As tourism continues to evolve, we’re committed to providing high-quality holidays that combine modern comforts with the friendly, personal service only an independent family business can offer.
We would like to thank all of our guests, staff, local suppliers and friends who have supported Andrewshayes over the past 90 years. Many families have returned generation after generation, and it has been a privilege to be part of so many happy holiday memories.
Here’s to the next chapter in the Andrewshayes story.
Did you know?
Andrewshayes has welcomed holidaymakers since 1936.
The park has remained in the Lawrence family for four generations.
It is believed to be one of the UK’s oldest licensed holiday parks.
Andrewshayes is located in beautiful East Devon, close to the Jurassic Coast, making it an ideal base for exploring Devon and Dorset.
Visiting Andrewshayes in East Devon
Today, visitors can still discover the rich history of Andrewshayes while enjoying all the comforts of a modern holiday park. If you’d like to learn more about how a small family farm grew into one of the UK’s oldest licensed holiday parks, take a look at Our History, where you’ll find photographs and stories from across the decades.
You can also visit About Andrewshayes to discover what makes our family-run holiday park special today, from our friendly atmosphere and award-winning facilities to our beautiful East Devon location.
Andrewshayes in the News
Our 90th anniversary has been featured by a number of local and regional publications. We’re grateful to everyone who has helped us celebrate this special milestone.
Read the latest coverage:
Visit Devon – One of the UK’s Oldest Holiday Parks Celebrates 90 Years
More articles will be added here as they are published.
