The History of Beverley Holidays: A Then & Now Celebration

Since 1959, Beverley Holidays has been woven into the patchwork of family‑run parks that have helped shape the landscape of British staycations. Its roots run deep in the seaside town of Paignton, South Devon, where Joseph Stanley “Stan” Jeavons and his wife Marion saw an opportunity to create something special. In 1956, they purchased 21 acres of farmland in Goodrington, and just three years later, Beverley Park was born — named after the popular Beverley Sisters of the era. The couple relocated from Womborne in Staffordshire with their 3 sons and golden retriever Rover.

This Ordnance Survey map of Goodrington from 1963 shows the beginnings of Beverley Holidays. Can you spot the reception and clubroom building? How about the original swimming pool? Some of our guests may remember when Beverley View was called Meadowside and our owners might remember Ocean Heights when it was Hillside.

The early years were simple but full of promise, with just ten caravans, a handful of tents, and a modest shop catering to guests seeking a friendly, relaxed seaside escape. In those formative decades, the park reflected a growing appetite among British families for dependable, home‑grown holidays. Little by little, facilities grew. A bar, café and clubroom arrived in 1963, followed by an outdoor swimming pool in 1964, and then the first evening entertainment in 1969.

By 1972, Beverley Park had earned a coveted five-star status — a rare mark of excellence in the industry at the time. With this recognition came further development. Stan, supported by his growing family, expanded into neighbouring land, eventually giving rise to Beverley Bay and Beverley View. Together, these would come to form the three-park family that guests know and love today.

The Jeavons family has always been known for its forward-thinking approach. In the 1980s, Beverley opened the Oasis Leisure Club, blending the comforts of a resort with the charm of a British holiday park. Indoor and outdoor swimming pools, steam rooms and saunas brought a new standard of comfort to the coast. Through the nineties and early 2000s, Beverley Holidays kept pace with modern expectations, adding stylish lodges, upgrading touring facilities, and welcoming more private owners.

Behind the scenes, family values remained front and centre. Each generation brought fresh ideas while honouring the care and hospitality instilled by Stan and Marion. In 2008, the park marked its 50th anniversary with a golden-themed celebration — “Glitters Is Gold” — that paid tribute to five decades of happy holiday memories.

Fast forward to today, and Beverley Holidays remains proudly family-owned, now into its fourth generation of Jeavons leadership. The park has become a staple of South Devon’s tourism scene, with over 200 caravans, 23 luxury lodges, 150 touring pitches, and around 200 privately owned holiday homes. Facilities include indoor and outdoor pools, children’s activity spaces, bars and restaurants, play areas, dog-friendly spots, and hot-tub lodges — all set against the stunning backdrop of the English Riviera.

At the heart of Beverley’s success story is a shared industry spirit, embodied by the British Holiday & Home Parks Association (BH&HPA). Founded in 1950, the BH&HPA represents and supports the interests of holiday, residential and touring parks across the UK. For 75 years, they’ve helped family businesses like Beverley navigate regulatory change, champion good practice, and remain a strong voice for the sector.

This year’s BH&HPA anniversary is not only a celebration of its own achievements but also of the parks that make up its membership. The “Then & Now” campaign highlights how much has changed — and how much heart remains the same. For Beverley Holidays, it’s a chance to reflect on over six decades of guest smiles, seaside memories, and the community that’s grown up around them.

Looking ahead, Beverley is continuing to invest in its future, with new lodge developments underway and a focus on well-being — both for guests and the dedicated team who make every holiday possible. Their story is one of evolution, resilience and a quiet pride in doing things the right way — with warmth, care and an open door for all.

As part of BH&HPA’s 75-year journey, Beverley Holidays is proud to celebrate the past — and excited for all that’s still to come.