A HOLIDAY park with bright blue waters compared to the Maldives has been named the best in the UK.
Clawford Lakes Resort and Spa won the best Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year in VisitEngland’s Awards for Excellence 2026.
Clawford Lakes Resort and Spa is a 98-acre estate that sits outside of Clawton and is described as a “Devon delight” surrounded by private bright blue lakes.
It’s popular for those wanting a break involving fishing, open water swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking.
Surrounding the lake is its accommodation from overwater bungalows called Lake Pods, floating lodges and “Luxury Cocoons”.
The pods are set across a private lake and look like they could be in another country.
One visitor even said: “Clawford Lakes is an absolutely stunning venue. The lakes look like something from the Maldives – such a stunning blue colour! It’s nice and peaceful as well.”
Visitors can also enjoy views across the water from a private deck.
Even if it’s raining, the views can still be seen as the pods have floor to ceiling windows, they also have open plan living and dining areas with a kitchen.
They sleep up to four people, with a double bed and sofa bed meaning both couples and families can stay there – all of them are dog-friendly too.
The Luxury Cocoons are for those who want to try glamping – they have an open plan double bed, kitchen, dining and living area.
Other accommodation options include luxury apartments, holiday lodges and homes.
For those who’d prefer not to swim in the lake itself, the holiday park opened a new 25-metre heated outdoor pool last year – and it has three flumes.
It might be an angler’s paradise, but there’s plenty more to do for those less interested in fishing.
Guests can sign up to try their hand at archery, hire bikes and head out around the resort and during the school holidays there’s family entertainment.
For relaxing, guests should head to the spa where an infinity pool hangs over the lake.
There are lots of treatments on offer too from facials to massages, reflexology and even sessions with a nutrition expert.
With so much to do, many guests return to Clawford Lakes with lots commenting on how ‘beautiful’ and ‘peaceful’ it is.
Another said: “Clawford Lakes is perfect for anyone looking for a relaxing and peaceful getaway surrounded by the beautiful Devon countryside.”
While the accommodation comes with full-fitted kitchens, there’s also an onsite is a restaurant and bar called The Apple & Grape for those who don’t fancy cooking.
If visitors fancy a trip to the beach, nearby is Bude, Widemouth Bay, Simmerleaze Beach, Crooklets Beach and Padstow.