It’s usually the south coast of Devon which will get all the eye, however with smaller crowds, fabulous shoreline and plenty of issues to do in North Devon with youngsters, you’ll discover loads of causes to tempt you to go to.
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Whether or not you’re planning to hit the seaside, need to be taught to surf, discover the good outdoor, uncover a North Devon theme park or spend a day with the animals, you’ll discover one thing in my listing of North Devon sights to tempt each household.
And from extra in style household vacation locations like Woolacombe and Combe Martin, to Ilfracombe, Exmoor, Clovelly, Bideford and Barnstaple (to call a couple of), you’ll by no means be too removed from an incredible household time out with my 27 prime issues to do in North Devon with youngsters.
This information concentrates totally on the North Devon coast, in addition to a couple of concepts for days inland, however for those who’re completely satisfied to journey additional and searching for extra inspiration together with South Devon and East Devon, try my Final information to Devon with youngsters
Contents – click on to leap to a piece
The place to remain in North Devon with kidsThings to do in North Devon with kidsBest seashores in north DevonRockpooling in North DevonLearn to surfSouth West Coast PathExmoor Nationwide ParkThe Tarka TrailRHS Rosemoor, Nice TorringtonH2 Outside, close to WoolacombeUltimate Journey Centre, AbbotshamExmoor ZooCombe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur ParkWoolley Animals Farm Park, WinkleighIlfracombe AquariumThe Huge Sheep theme park, BidefordMilky Manner Journey Park, close to ClovellyWatermouth Fort, IlfracombeSoft play in North DevonLynton & Barnstaple railwayLynton & Lynmouth Cliff RailwayArlington Court docket, BarnstapleHartland Abbey, HartlandVisit ClovellyNorth Devon Maritime Museum, AppledoreMuseum of British Browsing, BrauntonIlfracombe MuseumTake a ship journey from IlfracombeBoat journey to Lundy Island
The place to remain in North Devon with youngsters
Every time we’re visited Devon, we’ve all the time stayed in self-catering lodging – I like the pliability of getting house for all of the household, someplace to cook dinner and someplace to sit back out after a busy day exploring or on the seaside.
So for those who’re searching for locations to say in North Devon with youngsters, I like cottage rental websites which allow you to filter by family-friendly properties in addition to completely different areas of the county – both North Devon as an entire, or particular areas like Woolacombe, Ilfracombe, Combe Martin, Bideford and Barnstaple. Vacation Cottages is a superb place to start out, together with Sykes Cottages.

You possibly can even filter by how shut you need to be to the ocean and the seaside, and even if you wish to be close to a sandy seaside – this being Devon, there are some beautiful family-friendly locations to remain that are virtually a shell’s throw away from the sand. To not point out cottages the place you’ll be able to take your canine.
And for those who’re travelling with teenagers and tweens, there’s additionally an choice to choose properties with a pool, a sizzling tub, a video games room or barbecue – or an open hearth, for those who’re planning an escape exterior the summer time months.
Personally, a trendy seaside condo close to a sandy seaside and with a sizzling tub would swimsuit me all the way down to the bottom!

Issues to do in North Devon with youngsters
Among the finest methods to spend a day in North Devon with youngsters are exterior, from the fabulous coast to the equally memorable countryside.
But when the climate isn’t in your favour, you’ll discover loads of concepts for a wet day in North Devon with youngsters, concepts for adventurous teenagers and for toddlers, plus some free days out in North Devon for households.
Finest seashores in north Devon
Among the finest free issues to do in north Devon with youngsters (aside from the price of ice cream!) is a go to to one of many stunning seashores. You’ll discover dog-friendly seashores, surf seashores, secluded seashores, quirky coves and loads of stretches of golden sand to maintain youngsters completely satisfied all day.
Try my concepts for the very best seaside actions with youngsters to maintain everybody entertained
Woolacombe Seaside
You possibly can’t discuss north Devon seashores with out mentioning Woolacombe seaside – recurrently ranked among the many prime seashores to go to within the UK and Europe, there are miles of sand stretching out to play on.
Should you’re searching for surf you’ll discover it right here, together with a lifeguard station manned in the summertime, amenities together with cafes and bathrooms close by, and it’s even canine pleasant (though there are restrictions in some areas throughout the summer time months).

Putsborough Seaside
Putsborough Seaside is much less well-known than close by Woolacombe but it surely’s obtained the bonus of being quieter because of this, and is one other in style one for households.
You’ll discover necessities like bathrooms and cafe, plus you’ll be able to paddle within the shallows or clamber on a number of the rocks protruding from the sand. It’s additionally canine pleasant all yr.
Combe Martin seaside
Combe Martin seaside has gained a Seaside award, and has broad flat sands at low tide – there are additionally nature trails close by to find, and bathrooms, parking and cafes right here too.
Maintain a watch out for the rock swimming pools right here at low tide, whereas you can too rent kayaks and paddleboards within the village if you wish to get out on the waves.

Saunton Sands
Saunton Sands, with its traditional seaside huts and dunes, is a superb style of the seaside stretching for 3.5 miles.
It’s a dog-friendly seaside for those who’re travelling with pets, and in addition has a number of the county’s finest surf, with lengthy gradual waves.
Westward Ho!
Not simply on the listing as a result of I like the title (though I actually do – the one city within the UK to have an exclamation mark as a part of its title, it was named after a e book).
A Blue Flag seaside, Westward Ho! has a tempting two miles of sand, in addition to being good whether or not you need to swim, surf or search the rockpools. Canine are additionally welcome on the seaside year-round (with some restrictions in the summertime).
Croyde Seaside
Croyde Seaside is one other nice choice for those who’re searching for sand and surf – rated among the best surf seashores on this planet.
The award-winning seaside additionally has its personal lifeguard station, in addition to bathrooms and locations to purchase meals. You’ll discover surfboard and canoe rent right here too, together with some nice rock pooling.

Tunnels Seaside, Ilfracombe
For probably the most uncommon seashores, it’s laborious to beat Tunnels seaside at Ilfracombe – there’s a cost for this seaside, together with for youths, but it surely’s well worth the small charge to discover this uncommon cove with a Victorian tidal pool.
You stroll by way of hand carved tunnels within the rock to achieve the seaside, with details about the historical past – it was opened in 1823 – plus smugglers’ caves, rock swimming pools and a household restaurant and play hut. Even the bathrooms have gained awards!
Broad Sands
Should you’re prepared to place within the effort to have one nook of Devon’s coast nearly to your self, Broad Sands is value it – there are 200 steps all the way down to this wild pebble seaside, with caves and an island to discover.
To not be confused with Broadsands seaside close to Torquay and Paignton on the south coast, it’s one to go to at low tide somewhat than excessive tide, however older youngsters will love exploring one of many prime 10 wild swimming seashores within the UK.
For extra days on the sand, try my decide of the very best seashores in Devon with youngsters
Rockpooling in North Devon
In case your youngsters need extra leisure than constructing sandcastles and paddling, there are some nice locations to go rockpooling – preferrred if the climate isn’t as much as sunbathing.
In addition to a number of the nice seashores talked about above, there are a couple of different unmissable spots to attempt rockpooling in North Devon with youngsters.

On the north coast, Hartland Quay is a superb place to discover – for those who’re fortunate, you may even see falcons nesting on the cliffs above this rocky seaside.
Or not removed from in style Woolacombe seaside, Combesgate Seaside has a number of family-friendly rockpools – throughout the summer time months, they generally have rockpool rambles with the seaside rangers too.
Close by Barricane seaside is legendary for unique seashells which get washed up from the Caribbean – and in addition for the Seaside Cafe serving truffles and sandwiches throughout the day, and genuine Sri Lankan curries within the night. However even with out these two sights, there are some beautiful rock swimming pools between the broad expanses of sand right here too.
For tips about the best way to get essentially the most out of rockpooling with youngsters, staying secure and defending the creatures dwelling within the rockpools, try the recommendation from the Nationwide Historical past Museum
Be taught to surf
Westward Ho! is residence to the UK’s highest rated surf faculty, the North Devon Surf College, which runs classes appropriate for full newcomers together with youngsters.
You possibly can select from a half-day introduction, or blocks of classes between two and 10, in addition to personal classes for those who’d somewhat hone your abilities away from a bunch.

Plus as one of many longest established surf colleges within the UK, there are additionally loads of amenities – not simply tools to rent, however heated altering rooms, safe storage, bathrooms and a pizza cafe to refuel after your lesson.
Should you’re visiting one other a part of the North Devon coast, you can too e book classes with Surf Saunton and Strolling on Waves at Saunton Sands (youthful youngsters have to be accompanied by a mother or father) in addition to Browsing Croyde Bay which runs household surf classes.
South West Coast Path
You’re not wanting locations to go for a stroll in North Devon with youngsters – the South West coast path runs alongside each coasts, with 90 miles of path in north Devon alone.
There are concepts for household walks alongside the North Devon stretch of the South West Coast Path, with heaps to entertain past the views, together with geocaching and children’ actions.

You possibly can select from completely different ranges, together with some straightforward walks primarily based within the cities themselves, and more difficult choices; stroll to an Iron Age hill fort, spot a ‘sleeping elephant’ or wander by way of woodland alongside the way in which.
Exmoor Nationwide Park
With Exmoor within the northern half of the county, you can too expertise a few of England’s wildest countryside throughout a vacation in North Devon with youngsters.
There’s some nice biking in addition to strolling right here, and with 1,000km of footpaths and bridlepaths, you will discover every thing from a brief stroll to an adventurous hike.
One of many highlights is a go to to the Valley of the Rocks; a pure amphitheatre of historical stone perched excessive above the Bristol Channel, the place you may spot a number of the native feral goats in addition to having fun with the views.

There are completely different theories about how the valley fashioned, however the rocks are a number of the oldest on Exmoor, as much as 400 million years previous – after they fashioned, the land was underneath a shallow sea. Regardless of the geological causes, they’ve been inspiring poets and writers (and different guests!) for years.
Exmoor was additionally Europe’s first designated Worldwide Darkish Skies Reserve, so it’s a implausible place to go stargazing – you’ll be able to even rent a telescope to get a greater view.
There are additionally nature reserves throughout North Devon (and the remainder of the county) for extra concepts of locations to get outdoor with youngsters
The Tarka Path
For some gentler outside actions, the Tarka Path is one other of the very best issues to do in north Devon with youngsters: the strolling and biking route is straightforward to adapt to completely different ages and a beautiful approach to discover.
Impressed by the story of Tarka The Otter (although you’d be fortunate to see an precise otter your self), the path stretches for 180 miles in a determine of eight loop, so whereas most individuals gained’t full the entire thing, you’ll have loads of alternative of locations to get outdoor.
The UK’s longest traffic-free cycle path hyperlinks Braunton with Meeth, close to Okehampton, whereas a number of the strolling sections take you from Barnstaple to Lynton, crossing a part of Exmoor and becoming a member of the South West Coast path, in addition to one other part from Okehampton to Eggesford.
Desire a style of the path with out an excessive amount of effort? There’s a little bit practice line from Eggesford to Barnstaple, so you’ll be able to take the Tarka Line for this part and benefit from the views with out shifting a muscle.
Need extra concepts of issues to do close to Barnstaple? Try these family-friendly options

RHS Rosemoor, Nice Torrington
You don’t should be a green-fingered aficionado to get pleasure from a time out at RHS Backyard Rosemoor, with loads to entertain households.
For starters, try the play areas – there’s pure play space The Brash within the woodland, with sand pit, climbing frames and bug magnifiers, in addition to a ‘inexperienced ship’ in The Copse which has extra for older youngsters, includng a spiro-giro, in addition to comparable pure play for youthful youngsters.
Look out for kids’s trails and craft actions all through faculty holidays, in addition to particular sculpures which pop up infrequently, plus – after all – an entire string of gardens to discover, and a few beautiful seasonal walks.

H2 Outside, close to Woolacombe
Should you’re visiting North Devon with teenagers or adventurous older youngsters who need greater than a stroll from their vacation, H2 Outside in Bideford is ideal with a number of methods to get your coronary heart racing.
From coasteering and kayaking to different enjoyable water sports activities, it’s the final word outside journey play.
Final Journey Centre, Abbotsham
Should you’re primarily based a little bit additional south alongside the North Devon coast, there’s one other alternative to attempt all issues adventurous at Skern Journey in Abbotsham close to Bideford.
You possibly can select the water assault course, excessive ropes and climbing wall. Even higher, when you’ve got significantly adventurous youthful youngsters, loads of the actions are appropriate for age 5+.

Exmoor Zoo
In case your youngsters love animals, you’ll be able to’t miss a time out at Exmoor Zoo, residence to the UK’s solely black leopard.
And whilst you gained’t discover any large wildlife parks in north Devon, this small zoo is a beautiful choice for a time out with youngsters and toddlers, together with a give attention to conservation of smaller animals.
Together with the ‘Exmoor Beast’, you’ll be able to see a clouded leopard, but in addition varied monkeys, cats and different smaller mammals (not least guinea pigs!) plus birds, reptiles, amphibians and arthropods (that’s bugs, spiders and snails).
There are additionally completely different talks and animal encounters going down each half hour, with recurrently altering themes
Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park
You is perhaps pondering that dinosaurs don’t depend for an animal-themed time out, however because the title suggests, Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur park has a small zoo in addition to its lifesized animatronic dinosaurs.
With lemurs, meerkats, sea lions, monkeys galore and wolves among the many inhabitants, together with capybara, raccoons, penguins and birds, you’ll be able to simply fill a day with common talks as effectively.

For youthful youngsters, the animatronic fashions of dinosaurs will probably be as a lot of successful on a household time out, with T-Rex and his associates waking up each hour, plus a Dino Categorical practice, botanical backyard and a fossil museum to find too.
And that’s earlier than you get to the Playzone. Billed as ‘the most important indoor playzone this aspect of North Devon!’, there are over 7,500 sq. toes of slides, tubes, scramble nets, rope bridges & extra indoor tender play enjoyable, plus an space for the underneath 2s.
Woolley Animals Farm Park, Winkleigh
A beautiful time out for younger youngsters, you’ll be able to encounter a few of your favorite cattle at Woolley Animals.
Cuddle guinea pigs, watch a sheepdog at work, groom the ponies, assist milk the goats and even bottle feed the animals in Spring – you’ll be able to even watch an alpaca have a bathe or soar on a tractor trailer journey.
Entry to the farm park is simply £5, so it’s an incredible worth time out for those who’re searching for low-cost issues to do in North Devon with youngsters.
Or you’ll be able to be a part of an Alpaca Stroll (have to be prebooked) – youngsters aged 10+ can lead their very own, or under-10s can share the duty with an grownup. The stroll covers a one-mile route and lasts round an hour (alpacas usually are not identified for his or her pace!), and the fee consists of entry to the farm park.

Ilfracombe Aquarium
It’s laborious to beat a go to to an aquarium whilst you’re by the seaside, and the Ilfracombe aquarium focuses on the marine life to be discovered round north Devon.
There are over 75 native species and a go to to the aquarium takes you proper from the water supply by way of lakes, rivers and ponds out to rockpools, harbours and the coast, and even a have a look at close by Lundy Island.
It’s not an enormous aquarium, so most guests spend round 30-45 minutes, but it surely’s straightforward to suit right into a time out (or for those who’re attempting to flee a passing bathe on a wet day in North Devon with youngsters).
There are additionally youngsters’s trails and fish feeds among the many household actions for youthful guests.
The Huge Sheep theme park, Bideford
You’ll discover two theme parks in North Devon however the Huge Sheep at Bideford is definitely essentially the most uncommon.
This working sheep farm has sheep racing in addition to rides and rollercoasters, with every thing from a delicate tractor safari to North Devon’s largest, highest and quickest curler coaster, Rampage.

Youngsters can nonetheless get palms on with the animals on the little petting zoo, in addition to feeding the lambs in Spring, and there are play areas for each wet days and solar.
EWEtopia indoor play is among the South West’s largest all-weather sights, with an opportunity for adults to get pleasure from a number of the enjoyable as effectively, together with large multi-lane slides, whereas there are large leaping pillows outdoor too. Throw in exhibits and particular actions throughout the faculty holidays and it’s enormous enjoyable for all ages.
Milky Manner Journey Park, close to Clovelly
In case your youngsters love a couple of rides, there’s one other North Devon theme park not removed from The Huge Sheep – the Milky Manner Journey Park close to Clovelly has its personal sights in addition to a separate space for preschoolers.
It’s an incredible choice for those who’re visiting North Devon within the rain with youngsters, with over 110,000 sq. toes of indoor enjoyable together with Little Stars tender play, ninja stars and laser taking pictures.
However there’s additionally loads to entertain outdoor too. Together with the rides, you’ll be able to watch a birds of prey present, discover the maze, watch exhibits and get your adrenaline thrills on the Gravity Rider 30ft tall donut slide.

Watermouth Fort, Ilfracombe
For a household time out with a distinction, Watermouth Fort has its personal mixture of family-friendly sights – and this North Devon spot isn’t fairly like anyplace else!
Throughout a time out on the Victorian fortress and its grounds, you’ll be able to discover the dungeon labyrinths or benefit from the dancing fountains, burn off power within the journey playgrounds and toboggan runs, loosen up on the Huge River journey, wander by way of the Gnome Village and the Mystical Water Gardens, pan for gold or hearken to the mechanical robotic organ.
All in all, it’s nice for the entire household with loads for youthful youngsters in addition to older siblings (to not point out mother and father).
Tender play in North Devon
Should you’re visiting North Devon with youthful youngsters and searching for concepts for a wet day, it’s laborious to beat an indoor tender play to allow them to burn off some power.
And whilst you might additionally head to an indoor play space at one of many theme parks, resembling Little Stars at The Milky Manner, there are additionally some extra budget-friendly choices for those who want an hour of enjoyable for the household (and occasional for the adults).

JunglaRoo, Barnstaple
The biggest indoor tender play centre in North Devon, JunglaRoo (previously often known as FunderZone) has loads to maintain youngsters entertained.
Effectively value prebooking because it’s highly regarded in holidays and at weekends (plus you get a reduction), there are two-hour timed slots to benefit from the slides, ball swimming pools, nets and extra. Socks have to be worn (and there’s WiFi for grown-ups).
The Quay Centre, Braunton
In case your youngsters are lacking the seaside, head to The Quay Centre for its indoor seaside shack play space, with a nautical theme working all through.
There are timed periods lasting 90 minutes to take advantage of the slides, climbing space and different enjoyable. Should be prebooked.
World of Surprise, Bideford
Prepare for take-off at World of Surprise in Bideford, the place you’ll be able to test in to the ‘Wow’ airport earlier than taking off down the runway slide, and uncover a number of the world’s biggest landmarks as you play.
Add in a brand new traversing wall and an interactive flooring, plus a separate space for youths aged as much as 4, and play for infants to age 11 too.
Play Hive at Quince Honey Farm, South Molton
This working honey farm has some added temptations together with its candy treats, together with the Play Hive the place youngsters can buzz across the indoor tender play.
There are climbing ropes and slides in addition to the standard tender play enjoyable, together with a separate toddler and child tender play, plus the Child Bee sensory space for youths underneath two. And if the solar does come out, there’s an outside play space with picnic tables too)

Lynton & Barnstaple railway
Journey again by way of time on the UK’s solely steam railway the place passengers use Victorian railway carriages designed within the Nineties for each journey.
The Lynton and Barnstaple railway initially opened again in 1898 and the slender gauge railway takes you from Woody Bay Station in Barnstaple to Killington Lane Halt and again once more – the two-mile journey takes round 20 minutes however you’ll get views of moorland and coast as your stream practice travels by way of the countryside.
Kids aged underneath 14 journey free, though you’ll be able to’t take pushchairs on board – there’s buggy parking on the station although.
Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway
There aren’t simply steam trains that can assist you get round North Devon in model – save a while to take a journey on the historic Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway which first opened again in 1890.
The very best and steepest completely water-powered railway on this planet, the funicular takes you 500ft up the cliff for wonderful views (and cream teas on the prime for those who fancy).
In reality it’s one among solely three completely water-powered railways left on this planet in any respect (the others are in Portugal and Switzerland), so it’s distinctive within the UK – and because it travels by way of the guts of Exmoor Nationwide Park between Lynton and Lynmouth, you get some fabulous views out to the coast.

Arlington Court docket, Barnstaple
There aren’t fairly as many stately houses in North Devon as in South Devon, however Arlington Court docket is certainly one of many extra uncommon Nationwide Belief websites to get pleasure from some household enjoyable.
Dwelling to the Nationwide Carriage Museum, you can too discover the Regency Home, residence to the Chichester household for over 500 years, with some enjoyable trails for youths – one instance is the ‘path of issues that don’t belong’, from Pokémon playing cards to Lego minifigures dotted across the historic residence.
The classic carriages on the Carriage Museum within the stables are equally fascinating, with every thing from elegant coaches used for state events to somewhat extra humble carts that might have carried servants.
Throw in 20 miles of walkways, bridleways and cycle routes by way of woodlands, in addition to wild play areas within the grounds, and further household actions throughout faculty holidays, and it’s an incredible time out with youngsters – for those who’re already a Nationwide Belief member, it’s additionally a free day out!
Hartland Abbey, Hartland
At Hartland Abbey, the emphasis is on old school enjoyable – applicable given it’s the filming location for CBBC’s Malory Towers!
Followers can see the place the characters within the traditional books went to high school, and there’s a Malory Towers path to the movie places in the home and outdoor, plus an opportunity to see some behind-the-scenes photographs within the Movie Exhibition.
However even when your youngsters couldn’t care much less in regards to the Enid Blyton books, there’s loads extra to find together with a quiz to attempt inside the home, which is a former abbey, in addition to nature trails outdoor. Plus loads of house to play cover and search and different video games within the gardens, in addition to woodland walks to the seaside.
Youngsters also can meet the pleasant donkeys Becky and Snowdrop (though do remember they will kick and chew in the event that they’re feeling in a much less pleasant temper), peacocks, guinea fowl, Black Welsh Mountain sheep and the bantams all fascinate youngsters.

Go to Clovelly
A time out in Clovelly is among the finest locations to go to in North Devon with youngsters – not as a result of it’s filled with household sights however as a result of the entire village is such a beautiful spot.
The working fishing village is about on a clifftop, and also you’ll discover no vehicles within the streets, solely donkeys, which is able to swimsuit youthful youngsters all the way down to the bottom.
It’s a style of some real dwelling historical past, in addition to being ridiculously fairly. You do should pay a cost to enter to assist with the maintenance of the village, however you’ll be able to meet the donkeys, take some walks alongside the coast, uncover Clovelly Court docket gardens and Clovelly’s little museum with its fisherman’s cottage, in addition to strolling the streets.
North Devon Maritime Museum, Appledore
If you wish to be taught extra about Devon’s seafaring historical past – together with pirates and smugglers, in addition to somewhat extra law-abiding ship-builders, the North Devon Maritime Museum in Appledore is a superb place for a go to.
There are mannequin ships displaying how designs modified from early Viking longships to medieval crafts and extra fashionable ships, together with shows on the final crusing ships, plus these constructed on the Applefore shipyard (together with elements of present plane carriers).
You may also find out about navigation, see weapons utilized by smugglers and discover out extra in regards to the half Devon performed within the Second World Conflict D-Day landings, in addition to a couple of interactive shows.

Museum of British Browsing, Braunton
Probably the most uncommon locations to go to in North Devon with youngsters, the award-winning Museum of British Browsing in Braunton is ideal if the surf bug has bitten your youngsters.
There are surfboards galore and displays on the way in which browsing has developed through the years – in truth, the museum has the most important and most complete public assortment of surfboards and associated memorabilia in Europe.
Alongside the way in which, you’ll be able to uncover browsing information – do you know the earliest account of westerners browsing was in 1779 when Captain Cook dinner’s crew had a go in Hawaii? – see historic surf manuals and decide up a surf memento or two.
Ilfracombe Museum
Should you’re searching for an incredible indoor exercise, the quirky Ilfracombe museum is residence to each native shows and objects from all over the world.
Its eclectic assortment consists of pure historical past and archaeology, artwork and pictures, plus costume and home historical past – with objects starting from wedding ceremony cake to a big python, a cabinet of British bats, plus an opportunity to attempt brass rubbing and Morse code.

Take a ship journey from Ilfracombe
There’s been a port at Ilfracombe because the twelfth century, and whilst you’re extra more likely to be heading out for pleasure today, it’s nonetheless a working fishing port).
You’ll discover loads of boat journeys working from the harbour, together with to Lundy Island (learn on for extra about visiting the island) in addition to coastal cruises to find the coast and wildlife.
There are three journeys to select from aboard the Ilfracombe Princess – uncover the smugglers’ caves and historic silver mines on a one-hour cruise that’s nice for youthful youngsters, or attempt the 90-minute tour which takes you on to Exmoor cliffs and waterfall as effectively, whereas a two-hour cruise takes you within the different route to seek for seals, with nice views of Woolacombe Bay.
Or spot extra seals, plus porpoises, dolphins and nesting sea birds with one of many small boat excursions from Ilfracombe Sea Safari – there’s a most of 12 folks aboard the catamaran and three Ribs, and the excursions are appropriate for all ages (and canine!) with journeys from one hour as much as six hours. You possibly can even swim with the seals.
And the Hampshire Rose, a former lifeboat, runs half-hour journeys between Easter and the top of October half-term, with an opportunity to take in the surroundings and see wildlife – preferrred for youths with quick consideration spans or for those who’re wanting time.
When you’re on the harbour, cease and take a look at Damien Hirst’s 66ft sculpture Verity, on the entrance to the harbour – weighing the identical as 4 elephants, some love her, some undoubtedly don’t, however she’s assured to get folks speaking
Boat journey to Lundy Island
Lundy Island is a very particular a part of the British Isles – simply 10 miles of the coast of Devon, it’s a haven for wildlife and a fantastic place to discover with youngsters.

Solely three miles lengthy and half a mile broad, it’s straightforward to fill a day on the island – you’ll usually have between 4 and 6 hours to discover relying on crusing occasions, for those who plan a day journey – with some beautiful walks and an opportunity to identify wildlife together with sheep, deer, goats, the pygmy shrew, birds galore and seals off the coast.
Famously, you can too spot puffins on the island, particularly for those who go to between April and July.
You may also uncover historical buildings from Lundy’s 4,000-year historical past of human habitation, from the stays of Bronze Age settlements to early Christian grave markers, a medieval fortress, a Georgian lighthouse and a Victorian church.
MS Oldenburg sails from Bideford or Ilfracombe (relying on the tides) and the journey takes underneath two hours every manner – it’s value being conscious that generally you’ll depart from one port and return to the opposite, though you’ll be able to e book a coach switch again. Should you’re fortunate, pods of dolphins generally observe the ship, inbuilt 1958, on her journey.
Disclosure: This put up accommodates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee. All opinions about the very best issues to do in North Devon with youngsters stay my very own.
Rockpool picture copyright MummyTravels, Lynton and Barnstaple railway & Watermouth Fort courtesy Picfair, all different pictures courtesy of Depositphotos
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