A Somerset couple reveal how they bought a caravan and now holiday 240 nights a year for just £3.60 per person – and get access to a private beach

Holiday costs are rising to unprecedented levels, with the jet fuel crisis, the war in Iran and rising prices currently dominating travel plans.

But one couple have found a brilliant way to kick back and relax on holiday from just £3.60 per person per night – and even get access to a private beach.

Louise and Hayley Gould, from Midsomer Norton, have been caravan owners for years and have revealed that it allows them to travel for impressively low prices.

The couple have turned what initially were occasional caravan holidays into more than 200 nights a year at Ladram Bay Holiday Park in Devon, thanks to a seasonal touring site.

After discovering the park and its secluded private beach seven years ago on the advice of a relative, making the 70-mile journey from just outside Bath in their caravan, they secured a seasonal site three years ago – and never returned.

Louise told the Daily Mail: ‘We always spend at least four nights a week here.

‘There’s always plenty to do, depending on what you want. When the grandchildren come, they love it here because there is lots to do. And even if the weather is bad, it’s fine, because there are plenty of indoor activities.’

This varies from an indoor swimming pool with slides and water activities to an arcade, an indoor ball pit, an adventure park with swings, an art studio where pottery is painted, a park, a bar and restaurant, a dog walking field, mini golf and a football field.

For Louise and her wife, the move has transformed the occasional caravan trip into something closer to a second home.

The real draw, Louise explains, is the private beach.

Louise said: ‘As far as I’m concerned it’s a private beach. I absolutely love it. I have a small boat that I keep on the beach.

‘If the sea is flat, we can just go outside and you can watch the dolphins. More often than not, they would be out there. I like fishing, so I go fishing there.

‘But because it is a private beach, there is always room for everyone.

‘There’s a nice area at the end full of rock pools for the kids to scratch in at low tide.’

Now the couple drive there for carefree weekends, enjoy longer stays, spot dolphins from their motorboat, walk the Jurassic Coast and take their young grandchildren on adventures.

One summer the couple stayed for four months straight.

Louise and Hayley are always on holiday now. It’s their simple travel hack to go to the sea anytime, without paying high season prices every time.

The park’s seasonal holiday location means the Somerset couple can enjoy a seaside stay almost all year round.

After repeatedly asking each other, “Where are we going on vacation?” and always chose Ladram Bay, they committed to a seasonal site three years ago.

“We’re always on holiday now,” Louise explained. “There’s no planning required, we just get in the car and go.”

They love it so much that Louise’s brother and cousin have both followed in their footsteps with a pitch in the park.

A seasonal pitch here costs £5,200 for 240 nights from March to early November, which works out to just over £21 per night for up to six people, or just £3.60 per person when fully occupied.

By comparison, peak summer tour rates can exceed £100 per night, meaning two weeks in August can cost around £1,000.

For the couple, the value is clear: ‘We have effectively turned a £1,000 two-week August holiday into over 200 nights for less than £10 per person per night. For what you get, the beach on your doorstep, space to roam and access to facilities, Ladram Bay is perfect value for money,” said Louise.

The financial benefits extend beyond the pitch costs.

Previously, towing their caravan meant a fuel consumption of around 34 kilometers per liter, while now if they simply drive to their campsite without towing, they get around 70 kilometers per liter.

The reduced fuel consumption not only reduces costs, but also reduces emissions, as towing typically requires a larger, less efficient vehicle.

Convenience has been just as transformative.

Having a permanent base has eliminated the hassle of towing, setting up and researching destinations. Instead, they gain weight and immediately relax.

Louise said: ‘Gone are the days of planning routes, booking multiple holiday parks and repeatedly setting up and packing down. Now we get in the car, drive to Ladram Bay Holiday Park, put the key in the caravan door and everything is ready for us.’

The couple visits at least every weekend during the season and often stays for longer periods.

Louise said: ‘On sunny days we go straight to the sheltered private beach where we have a small motor boat to spot dolphins in the bay.

‘While quieter moments are spent walking along the Jurassic Coast to Budleigh Salterton and Sidmouth.

‘Our young grandchildren, aged four and six, are also frequent visitors and enjoy everything from rock pool to the family-friendly facilities on site.’

What has surprised them most is the power of community.

Louise, based in the Hillside area of ​​the park, says: ‘There is a strong village atmosphere among the seasonal place holders.

‘Everyone knows everyone and everyone helps each other when necessary.

‘In addition, the reception team is ready to help and goes above and beyond.’

When asked whether they would recommend a seasonal pitch here, they had no hesitation: ‘One hundred percent.’

Louise added: ‘For us, having a seasonal pitch in Ladram Bay is now an essential part of life.

“It’s our simple travel hack, a place we can go and take a break as often as we want without paying high season prices every time.”