Stoneleigh Cottages

This is a very quiet holiday village, with chalets in various sizes. I think they're all privately owned, though some owners rent theirs to holidaymakers. The donkey sanctuary is nearby, with a cafe and miles of paths around the donkey paddocks. It's a good choice if you want to get away from shops and pubs. There used to be entertainment on site, but it stopped several years ago, even though the buildings are still there.

We cut our holiday short because of drainage problems. The bungalow's shower had no temperature control, so the water was either very hot or very cold. The site looks run down, as if the owners have no interest in it. They should sell it to someone who does. The location near Sidmouth and the donkey sanctuary is the only good thing, but where you stay is a big part of a holiday.

Our chalet was nice and quiet, on a large grassy area where dogs roam freely and poop, with distant sea views. But the site is neglected, with muddy, unkempt car parks and grounds, and there are no facilities on site. An unfinished development around an abandoned community centre, pool, cafe, and launderette looks as if it's been left for over ten years. Facilities are badly needed. Mobile reception drops out often, making calls difficult. The site management should be ashamed.

Stoneleigh is lovely to stay at, especially if you want a quiet base with walks and the Donkey Sanctuary easy to reach. Just be aware that mobile reception is very weak and patchy, so you can't count on it.