A FAMILY-RUN holiday park in Dawlish is marking a major milestone as it celebrates 50 years in business.

What began in 1975 as a modest farm campsite has grown into an 80 acre popular family holiday destination.

Having welcomed over 1.5 million guests and won more than 110 awards over the last five decades, Cofton Holidays is celebrating with a series of celebratory events including the launch of a commemorative Spirit of Cofton gin.

A special summer celebration is planned in September along with a ‘past times’ gallery of holiday moments.

Brothers George and Alf Jeffery bought Cofton Farm in 1975 with just a few caravans.

Inspired by their father Walter’s earlier venture at Seaway Caravan Park, they blended farming know-how with a shared vision for family holidays in the countryside.

In its early days, George and his wife, Valerie, welcomed guests in summer while the farm continued through winter.

Year-round operation soon followed, creating jobs and drawing families from across the country.

Today, the park welcomes thousands of guests annually, many of whom have visited for decades.

Director Roger Jeffry, who now runs the park with siblings Helen, Mellony and Chris, 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.’

The Jeffery family's ties to Devon stretches back generations. George’s grandmother, Amelia, once ran a shop in Sidmouth, a legacy now honoured at the park’s Amelia’s café.

Mellony Kirby said: ‘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.’

Over the years, the park has expanded from the original campsite to include an outdoor pool and pub and fishing lakes.

In 1995, some of the original farm buildings were lovingly restored into Cofton Cottages and in 2012, a major expansion brought year round leisure and entertainment.

A biomass plant was installed in 2017 to bring sustainable energy to the site and luxury lodges were introduced in 2020, followed by a high ropes course, pump track, and games area added outdoor adventure.

Lynda Jeffery, who has worked at the park for more than 35 years, explained: ‘It’s not just a job—it’s part of my life. Cofton feels like home to everyone who comes here.’

The park has won numerous awards over the years with the highlight in 2019 winning a coveted five star rating from Visit England.

Chris Jeffery said: ‘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.’

Cofton is inviting locals and holidaymakers to share favourite Cofton Holidays memories, moments and photos on social media using #Cofton50.