Set in Devon’s beautiful countryside, Woodlands has over 90 acres (36 ha) of family attractions including 16 rides, as well as around 500 animals. The falconry display has over 50 birds of prey. During the October half term the park hosts a Halloscream Week.
Designed by the Bendall family there are extensive play zones throughout the Park, each having a selection of rides and attractions enabling all the family to play together or enjoy play equipment designed to the guest’s abilities. The massive indoor playcentres at Woodlands are essential for guests to enjoy the highest standard of venture equipment, soft play and rides whatever the weather conditions.
History
The site was purchased by the Bendall family in 1971 as a 200-acre dairy farm and diversified in 1989 to a 90-acre leisure park and caravan park. It remains a family owned company, Bendalls Leisure Ltd. The layout, café, shop, buildings, play equipment and landscaping all designed by family Bendall members.
The first year that the park opened saw 60,000 visitors. The average annual Leisure Park visitor numbers are now around 350,000. The redevelopment of Woodlands over the years:
1996/7
2nd Caravan Park (Falcons View) built and opened
Installation of first indoor play complex, 1 million pounds
1999
Installation of Tango Trolls Mystic Maze
Arctic Gliders
New roads and parking
2000
Two million pounds spent on critical indoor attractions to build visitor numbers in wet weather, five levels of play equipment and rides: The Empire of the Sea Dragon.
2001
New toilets and facilities
New admission kiosks
3rd Caravan Park (Wellpark) created
Master Blaster Indoor Centre – replacing out dated equipment
2002
Completed Wellpark Caravan Park
New landscaping
Water zapping Bumper Boats
– for under sevens
Renewing parts of the Commando Course
2003-2006
Rock ‘n’ Roll Tugboat installed
Circus Train Ride –train for young children
Avalanche Ride – huge drop water ride
Big Top Playcentre – under fives
Dune Buggy Ride – younger children
Polar Pilot Ride – younger children
Abbey Ruins ‘Archaeological Dig’
Sand Diggers
2007
Re-building of Zoo-Farm Complex
2008
Installation of Swing Ship ride – white knuckle ride and Dolphin Toddler Play, relocation of Bumper Boats
2009
Seascape Mirror Maze
Play zone
2010
Safari Adventure Golf and Mini Ninja Playtime
2012
Dinosaur Farm Ride
2013
Fantasy Forest - a mystical adventure attraction in the woods
2014
Chicken & Pizza Parlour
2015
Super Hero Theming and Mascot - ‘Unleash the Hero in You!’
In the recent years the Park has focused on the expansion of seasonal experiences for example the widely popular Christmas Grotto.
Location
On the A3122, 5 miles from Dartmouth, South Devon. Set in 100 acres of great natural beauty, mostly in an ancient wooded valley. Containing three woodland lakes, Laura’s Wood Wildlife Sanctuary, outstanding landscaping and gardens.
Employees
Approximately 60 permanent staff and 130 seasonal staff.
Awards
Membership to Best of British Quality Touring and Holiday Parks
'AA Quality Standard’ Rating of 5 Pennants, with a score of 92%