When you’re scrolling through holiday options in Torquay, it’s easy to be seduced by a caravan park’s “Starting from £199” headline. It looks like a steal compared to a hotel resort. But here’s the reality: caravan park pricing is like a low-cost airline—by the time you’ve added your seat, your bag, and a sandwich, you’ve spent double.
If you want a holiday where ‘included’ actually means what it says on the tin, here’s why TLH Leisure Resort is a total no-brainer every time.
1. The “Hidden” Pass Tax
At most major caravan parks in South Devon, the price you pay for the caravan only gets you the unit and the gas. Want to use the pool? Want to see the evening cabaret? Want to take the kids to the disco?
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Caravan Park: You often have to buy Entertainment Passes. For a family of four, these can cost anywhere from £60 to £120 per week just to get through the door of the facilities you thought you’d already paid for.
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TLH: Your room key is your pass. The four indoor and outdoor pools, the nightly entertainment, the soft play, parking (if you book direct) and the kids’ clubs are £0.00.
2. The Kids’ Club Comparison: Fun vs. Extra Fees
- Caravan Parks: You’ll mostly find “pay-as-you-go” activities like zorbing or crafts that can cost £10+ per child, often requiring parents to stay and supervise.
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TLH: They offer great Kids Clubs for all ages that are included in your room price, giving the kids a blast and you a proper break for free. Activities such as our animal handling show, Animal HQ, and our varied Sporty Stars programme are all free of charge.
3. The Bedding & Towel Tally
Caravan parks are notorious for the “BYO” (Bring Your Own) model.
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Caravan Park: Unless you’re booking a top-tier Platinum plus unit, you’ll likely be charged for bed linen (approx. £20) and towels (approx. £12 per person). If you bring your own, that’s half your car boot gone before you’ve even packed a suitcase.
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TLH: It’s a hotel. Your beds are made and towels are provided. Total cost: Included.
4. The “Free” Child Factor
TLH is famous for its family deals. During many school holidays, we run Kids 10 and Under Stay Free offers.
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Caravan Park: You pay for the unit size. Whether there are two of you or six, the price is high because you’re paying for the “berth”.
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TLH: With our specific family offers, kids 10 and under often eat, sleep, and play for free when sharing with adults. When you factor in the cost of a hotel breakfast (included) versus buying groceries for a caravan, the savings start to pile up.
5. Location & Transport Costs
Many caravan parks are located on the outskirts of the English Riviera (we’re looking at you Paignton and Torquay!).
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Caravan Park: You’ll likely end up getting caught up in the holiday traffic and paying for parking (£10+ a day) or expensive bus/taxi fares to get to the seafront.
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TLH: You are a 5-minute flat walk from the beach and the seafront. You can leave the car in the hotel car park which is free when you book direct and never touch it again until you go home.
6. Wi-Fi: The Modern Essential
In 2026, we all need data.
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Caravan Park: “Free Wi-Fi” usually only exists in the crowded, noisy clubhouse. If you want it in your caravan to stream a movie or check emails, expect to pay around £20 per week.
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TLH: Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotels and rooms. Cost: Free.
The Final Verdict
If you enjoy the “DIY” nature of a caravan — cooking every meal, making the beds, stuck in summer traffic to get to the beach and paying for “passes” — then a park might work for you.
But if you want to actually relax, TLH offers a fixed price that doesn’t move. When you add up the entertainment passes, linen hire, Wi-Fi, parking and the sheer convenience of a cooked breakfast, the “expensive” hotel resort is actually the smartest bargain in Torquay.
Ready to stop counting pennies and start relaxing? Check the latest TLH deals here! FIND OUT MORE