North Devon Resort is a great place for an exciting school trip. Situated in the heart of picturesque Ilfracombe and just minutes away from award-winning beaches and the sea cliffs of Exmoor National Park. It is the ideal location for an action-packed school trip for students of all ages. North Devon can accommodate 500 individuals.
South West
North Devon Resort, Malborough road, Ilfracombe EX34 8PF
MONTHS OPEN
DAYS OPEN
AGE GROUPs
What does your residential centre offer for school trips
North Devon Resort offers the perfect setting for unforgettable school trips, educational visits and group stays. Located at the gateway to North Devon, our resort provides convenient access to some of the region’s most exciting outdoor learning environments, whilst offering safe, comfortable and group-friendly accommodation all in one place.
Every school group will have an exclusive hour in the pool each day provided for free. Lifeguards will be on hand to ensure everyone is kept safe.
With over 160 accommodation units and a spacious coach-friendly car park, we are fully equipped to host school groups of all sizes. Our team understands the importance of safe and stress-free catering for young guests, which is why we cater for all dietary requirements and carefully check every dish to ensure each child receives the correct meal. Buffet dining and packed lunches are available, with personalised menus offered by special request. Evening entertainment can also be arranged upon special request to enhance your group’s stay.
Surrounded by areas of outstanding natural beauty, students can enjoy a wide range of nearby activities including kayaking, coasteering and rock climbing. From coastal exploration to adventure-based learning, the local area provides countless opportunities to support both personal development and educational enrichment. Our team is on hand to help plan your itinerary and connect you with trusted local activity providers.
Combining comfortable accommodation, excellent on-site facilities and easy access to inspiring outdoor experiences, North Devon Resort makes organising a safe, fun and memorable school trip simple for teachers and exciting for students.
North Devon Resort
Residential school trips south West
self catering school trips South West
What makes you a great group accommodation choice for a school trip or educational visit
We offer a wide range of clean, comfortable accommodation options. Many schools choose our 3 Bedroom Superior Apartments, which sleep up to 6 students. These are overlooked by our 2 Bedroom Superior Apartments, making them ideal for teacher or carer accommodation. However, all stays can be tailored to suit your group’s individual needs.
There is ample on-site parking suitable for coaches, allowing for easy navigation from the car park to the resort hub and accommodation.
On site activities
There’s plenty to do on-site, whatever the weather. Take a dip in the heated pool, relax in the sauna, run wild in soft play or enjoy gaming fun in our Play Zone, featuring Nintendo Switch, PS5, iPads and more. Enjoy table games such as air hockey, foosball and table tennis, or have fun with giant games like Jenga, connect 4 and indoor tennis — offering plenty of ways for everyone to let off some steam.
Group sizes
We have over 160 separate rooms, studios, and apartments on site and can accommodate 500 individuals.
Room types, sizes
For students or staff with accessibility needs, we provide easy-access accommodation, including a specially designed room with wide doorways and an accessible bathroom (wet room) that can comfortably accommodate wheelchair users.
If there are specific requirements for your group, we will do our very best to meet them. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and enjoyable experience for all school visitors.
Popular accommodation options for schools include:
Budget Two-Bedroom Apartment
This budget two-bedroom apartment sleeps up to 4 students. Where possible, bedrooms can be configured as twin rooms; however, some apartments may include a double bed. Each apartment includes a living and dining area, along with a kitchen and bathroom.
Superior Two-Bedroom Apartment
This superior two-bedroom apartment sleeps up to 4 students. Where possible, bedrooms can be configured as twin rooms; however, some apartments may include a double bed. Each apartment features a living and dining area, as well as a renovated kitchen and bathroom.
Superior Three-Bedroom Apartment
This superior three-bedroom apartment is a practical option, sleeping up to 5 students with 1 double room and 2 twin rooms. Each apartment includes a kitchen and bathroom, along with a spacious living area with sofas, TV and dining space.
Risk assessment
Please contact us directly with your email address and we will send a full risk assessment. You are also more than welcome to visit if you would like to do your own risk assessment.
Photography, Filming & Audio Restrictions
We are happy for you to take images, audio and videos on site – there are no copyright restrictions. If there is permission, we’d love to be given some of this footage with clear agreement how to use it, eg. Just offline for promotion of school trips to education providers
Pricing
We offer very competitive group discounts. Supervising Adults go free. Please contact us for a bespoke quote.
Booking details
Your point of contact for school trips is Luke Kerr 01271 623131 lkerr@ndrevents.com
First Aid
Each department has a fully stocked first aid kit. Main station is in the swimming pool.
We have 4 fully qualified first aiders on site.
Available facilities
Our on-site facilities include a café and restaurant serving food throughout the day and evening, with options available for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-friendly dietary requirements. Our dining areas can accommodate large groups for table service, buffets, breakfasts and packed lunches.
There is also an on-site shop open from morning until night, selling drinks, snacks and basic provisions.
Additional facilities include a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, accessible wet rooms, toilets and changing areas. Secure lockers are available within the pool changing rooms for guest use. Guests can also enjoy our large 3-tier soft play area, games room and social spaces, as well as our Play Zone featuring PS5s, Nintendo Switch, iPads and more. Table games such as foosball, air hockey and table tennis are also available, along with giant games including Jenga and Connect 4.
We also offer a large venue space and smaller meeting or study rooms that can be used for briefings, presentations or group work. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort.
Catering options
We can provide breakfast, lunch and dinner, with packed lunch options also available. In addition, there is an on-site shop selling drinks and snacks.
The majority of our accommodation includes a fully equipped kitchen, and we also offer a selection of items available to purchase that can be prepared within your apartment.
Accessibility & Disabled Facilities
There are six easy-access apartments featuring ramp access, close proximity to parking and oversized bathrooms. Much of the main venue is also wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfortable access to key facilities.
Opening times
We are open all through the year, Monday to Sunday. Opening times are seasonal and available upon request. Generally the Reception is open from 9:00am-6:30pm with staff available in the café, restaurant or bar until roughly 10:00pm.
Testimonials
Elstree Leavers’ Trip 2025 – North Devon Adventure
Our Year 8 pupils have returned from an unforgettable week on the North Devon coast – four days of adventure, laughter, and shared experience that will live long in the memory.
The itinerary was bursting with variety: sea kayaking through secluded coves, surfing Atlantic swells, clambering across the rugged coastline while coasteering, and scrambling around the dramatic Valley of Rocks – home to a band of surprisingly photogenic wild goats who quickly stole our pupils’ hearts. Whether navigating choppy waters or admiring the view, the children showed boundless energy and spirit.
The thrill of jumping from the highest rocks during coasteering became a badge of honour for many, with pupils swapping stories and one-upping each other with great theatrical flair. And no challenge was complete without the encouragement of our adopted mascot, ‘Graham’ – a hilariously grotesque and indestructible toy who accompanied us everywhere.
Quieter moments balanced the week perfectly. A short but charming ride on the Lynton & Lynmouth steam railway brought plenty of smiles, and the time spent exploring the shops and sands of Woolacombe was a chance to relax and soak up the sunshine. Each evening ended with our now-traditional beach speeches – moving, funny, and often deeply heartfelt. There were words of gratitude and memories shared, and a few happy tears from pupils and unnamed staff alike, all lit by a beautiful setting sun. With, a small handful of, perfectly caramelised marshmallows over an open fire to sweeten the scene.
Our base for the week was every bit as memorable. The hotel looked after us superbly, with food that was just what these busy, hungry bods needed after long days in the sea and sun. The staff were warm and wonderfully welcoming, accommodating our every bizarre need — even supplying matches for the beach bonfire — and their welcome pack of popcorn was a delightful surprise for the pupils. Allowing a pre-visit beforehand for the lead staff member proved hugely helpful, and the complimentary bubbles at the end of our stay were a thoughtful final touch. The breakfast buns quickly became a daily highlight, eagerly awaited and enthusiastically devoured. The flat-style accommodation created the perfect setting for friendships to deepen and memories to form, with laughter spilling out of every doorway. The games rooms, pool, paddle courts, and ever-popular tuck shop were in constant use, giving the children the freedom to relax, unwind, and simply enjoy being together. It was a home-from-home that added something truly special to the whole experience.
The children were simply outstanding with some harmless mischief sprinkled in. From the fierce karaoke rivalries across the minibuses (each claiming their rightful title as the “party bus”) to the late-night antics – including an impromptu steak dinner laid out by six boys with mood lighting and full table service – they were a joy to be with throughout. Kind, curious, and full of life, they were a credit to their families, to the Head, and to Elstree.
Enormous thanks go to Mr Prichard, Madame Goodborne and Miss Howard, who poured themselves into every moment with care, humour and love. Their dedication and warmth shaped the spirit of the week, and I couldn’t have asked for better colleagues to bring this trip to life.
To Year 8 – thank you. You made this trip magic.
Other information
We are a large holiday resort that welcomes schools during term time. Our accommodation is spread across multiple blocks on-site, alongside a resort hub offering a variety of dining options, meeting rooms, a large venue space and a range of children’s activities.
We are ideally located near areas of outstanding natural beauty and have established partnerships with local providers of both fun and educational activities, making it easy for schools to plan engaging and memorable visits.
For any itineraries from recent school visits please contact us and we will email you through some examples.
Location information
We are positioned at the gateway to North Devon, within easy reach of Exmoor National Park, the Tarka Trail and the South West Coast Path, as well as many school activity providers in Croyde, Hele Bay and surrounding areas.
Staying at North Devon Resort provides a complete experience, with established partnerships with local activity providers and access to a diverse range of landscapes and environments, from coastline and cliffs to woodland and open countryside.
For ease of planning, we are approximately 15 minutes from Woolacombe, 20 minutes from Exmoor National Park, 22 minutes from Croyde and 34 minutes from Lynton.




