Cofton Holidays, a family-operated holiday park located in Dawlish, Devon, is marking 50 years of continuous operation in 2025.
Established in 1975 when brothers George and Alf Jeffery purchased Cofton Farm, the business has evolved from a small farm-based campsite with a handful of caravans into an 80-acre destination that now attracts thousands of visitors annually.
Over the decades, the park has welcomed more than 1.5 million guests and earned over 110 awards, including a five-star rating from Visit England in 2019.
The business has remained in the Jeffery family across generations. George and his wife Valerie ran the park seasonally in its early years, eventually transitioning it into a year-round operation. Their children, Roger, Helen, Mellony, and Chris Jeffery, now direct the business.
Reflecting on its early days, Roger Jeffery said, “We all mucked in as kids—literally. This place was our playground, our home, and our future. Watching it become what it is today has been incredible.”
To commemorate the 50th anniversary, Cofton Holidays is organizing a range of celebratory events, including a special summer celebration planned for September.
According to the Dawlish Gazette, the park is also launching a commemorative Spirit of Cofton gin and curating a ‘past times’ gallery showcasing holiday moments from its long history.
Guests and community members are encouraged to contribute their memories and photos using the hashtag #Cofton50.
Over time, the park has expanded its amenities, which now include an outdoor pool, pub, fishing lakes, and restored farm buildings that have been converted into Cofton Cottages.
A significant development in 2012 brought year-round leisure and entertainment facilities. Sustainability has also been a focus, with a biomass plant installed in 2017 and the introduction of luxury lodges in 2020.
Newer additions such as a high ropes course, pump track, and games area have enhanced the outdoor offerings for guests.
Lynda Jeffery, a long-serving team member with over 35 years at the park, remarked, “It’s not just a job—it’s part of my life. Cofton feels like home to everyone who comes here.”
Mellony Kirby added, “Hospitality is in our blood. It’s a place where memories are made. So many guests met here as children and now bring their own children and grandchildren.”
Chris Jeffery noted that while Cofton continues to grow, the goal remains consistent with its origins.
“We want to stay true to our roots while embracing the future. We’re investing in experiences that are sustainable, memorable, and meaningful—for families now and for generations to come, just like our grandparents did for us.”
For businesses in the outdoor hospitality industry, Cofton Holidays offers a case study in intergenerational family ownership, strategic reinvestment, and consistent brand storytelling. Its emphasis on heritage, guest loyalty, and sustainability may serve as a blueprint for long-term success in the sector.