A lot of my very own childhood reminiscences come courtesy of Devon and it’s one of many UK counties that my daughter has visited most – not shocking given simply what number of issues to do in Devon with youngsters there are.
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From improbable household points of interest to all these attractive Devon seashores throughout two coasts, plus Dartmoor and Exmoor, there’s one thing for all ages, budgets and climate, together with concepts for wet days in Devon, free household days out plus loads of methods to benefit from the solar.
So for those who’re questioning methods to fill your vacation, listed below are my high issues to do in Devon with youngsters of all ages from animal points of interest to theme parks, castles, museums, historic spots and extra.
Devon with youngsters: Animal points of interest
Exmoor Zoo, Barnstaple
At Exmoor Zoo, you will get a lot nearer to the animals than many zoos, with a string of particular animal experiences – and there are some bigger animals to identify, together with the star black leopard (firmly inside its enclosure!)
There are additionally some nice talks and probabilities to see the animals being fed, in addition to animal encounters working all through the day. If that’s not sufficient household pleasant enjoyable to maintain everybody entertained, there’s normally a stamp path for youths to observe as nicely.
Proper on the sting of Exmoor nationwide park, it’s a enjoyable choice to mix with a day exploring outside too.
Dartmoor Zoo
And for the prospect to see a number of extra greater animals, there’s additionally Dartmoor Zoo: 33 acres of parkland that’s residence to endangered animals and identified significantly for its massive cats.
You’ll additionally discover apes, birds and reptiles among the many inhabitants, made well-known by the real-life story behind We Purchased a Zoo, with every day talks and a few pretty gardens to discover too.
Go to round Christmas and there’s particular night entry with some festive gentle installations to see.
Nationwide Marine Aquarium, Plymouth
The Nationwide Marine Aquarium is the UK’s largest aquarium, with a collection of tanks and viewing factors to take you the world over’s oceans, from the shores of Plymouth to the coral reefs of the tropics.
The Nice Barrier Reef exhibit has over 70 species of fish alone, with sharks, turtles and rays together with jellyfish and anenomes to find, plus there are some nice trails for youths to observe by way of the 4 primary zones.
Take a look at my ideas from our day trip on the Nationwide Marine Aquarium
Occombe Farm, Paignton
It’s straightforward to spend hours at this working farm, which has a nature path, livestock and gardens to discover.
Regardless of the climate, Occombe Farm has indoor and outside play areas, with the indoor play impressed by forest and the ocean so there’s tons to spark youngsters’ imaginations somewhat than your ordinary comfortable play. There’s a separate space for under-twos for those who’re searching for comfortable play too although.
Outside there’s a straw bale maze, mud kitchen, messy kitchen, water play and stability challenges across the animal paddocks path.
Within the animal encounters barn, you might cuddle a bunny or a guinea pig, in addition to assembly goats, ponies and different farmyard animals. Plus the café is stocked with produce grown on the positioning – suppose crab muffins earlier than a cream tea. Yum.
Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth
Hug, stroke and pet the five hundred residents at no cost on the pretty Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth, with mules in addition to donkeys taken care of by the charity in cost.
There are additionally nature trails by way of the fields to wander, and common household actions – akin to a High Trumps path dotted across the sanctuary or a spring path highlighting among the nature to identify.
There’s no must prebook, and there’s a terrific cafe on website with a youngsters’s menu, in addition to some tempting meals for adults.
For extra concepts of free days out in Devon with youngsters, I’ve bought extra concepts that received’t value you a penny.
The Butterfly Farm and Otter Sanctuary, Buckfastleigh
The beautiful Butterfly Farm and Otter Sanctuary is an ideal day trip for youths who love animals, particularly for those who’re visiting Devon with youthful youngsters.
Three species of otter stay right here, together with native British ones, playful Asian brief clawed and show-off North American river otters – you’ll have the most effective probability of seeing all of them at feeding occasions, twice every day.
You possibly can even e book particular otter encounters for those who’d wish to get a bit nearer (age 14+ solely).
A specifically designed habitat homes the tropical butterflies, with dozens of various species exhibiting off their brightly colored wings – though do keep in mind that for those who go to in winter, that a part of the attraction is closed as (unsurprisingly) there aren’t many butterflies midwinter.
Totnes Uncommon Breeds Farm
One other fabulous attraction in Devon with youngsters, you’ll be able to cuddle a guinea pig or clean the feathers of an Eagle Owl as you discover the Totnes Uncommon Breeds farm.
Set close to the South Devon Steam Railway, it’s one other excellent day trip with toddlers, with the prospect to spy an entire collection of livestock, in addition to the attractive owls.
There have been beforehand joint tickets out there to the farm, and the butterflies and otters on the Buckfastleigh sanctuary however these are at present unavailable – it’s price watching out for although. Do examine instructions on the web site earlier than visiting too, as sat navs typically ship you to the flawed tackle.
Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh
There’s extra to find at Pennywell Farm than simply the animals – with a unique exercise happening each half-hour, you might take pleasure in something from watching pig racing to tractor rides.
Simply hear for the bell each half-hour as one thing new begins, with every little thing on the every day timetable included in your ticket.
However the farm can be residence to over 150 animals, together with the miniature pigs (save a while for a cuddle), miniature donkeys, alpacas, hedgehogs, loads of different farmyard favourites and a number of small fluffy creatures too.
Add in play areas, a bouncy fortress, a small railway and cafe, and it’s a terrific Devon day trip with youngsters – plus Dartmoor Nationwide Park is on the doorstep too.
Devon with youngsters: Amusement and theme parks
The Huge Sheep, Bideford
A sheep-themed household amusement park? Sounds quirky however at The Huge Sheep you’ll be able to guess on sheep racing (utilizing ewe-ros clearly), watch sheep shearing, strive lamb feeding, and there are farm safaris and a comfortable play barn, Ewetopia, excellent for a wet day.
There’s an entire string of family-friendly rides as nicely, together with light choices like a practice experience, in addition to the Tornado chair swings, plus extra daring choices akin to Rampage, North Devon’s largest, highest and quickest rollercoaster.
For extra concepts of the most effective issues to do in North Devon with youngsters, take a look at my high picks
Crealy Theme Park
Repeatedly voted the most effective day trip in Devon, Crealy Theme Park and resort is the largest within the county, with over 60 rides and points of interest unfold over 100 acres.
With an enormous 75,000ft of undercover play and outside journey areas in addition to the traditional coasters and rides, there are additionally greater than 200 animals to fulfill so there’s one thing for all ages, regardless of the climate. Not removed from Exeter and simply off the M5, it’s a terrific one to mix with a break within the metropolis or Dartmoor.
(Whereas the sister website in Cornwall has been closed to get replaced by Camel Creek, the Devon theme park may be very a lot nonetheless open)
For extra concepts of issues to do in Exeter with youngsters, take a look at this submit
Watermouth Fort, Ilfracombe
Not an precise fortress, however a theme park primarily based round a nineteenth century castle-style home, you’ll discover an underground fountain present and a dungeon labyrinth to discover at Watermouth Fort, certainly one of Devon’s high vacationer points of interest.
In addition to the rides and points of interest, there’s a dungeon labyrinth with its corridor of mirrors and an underground fountain present with 1,000 jets of water and choreographed lights.
Add in classic amusement machines within the Nice Corridor and a few rooms arrange as they’d have been in Victorian occasions, and it’s unqestionnably distinctive!
The Milky Manner, Clovelly
When you’re searching for a theme park that’s nice with smaller youngsters for your loved ones vacation, The Milky Manner is right – and in addition to some nice points of interest for preschoolers, there’s loads for the entire household whether or not it’s sunny or wet.
In addition to rides appropriate for little ones and extra daring older siblings, there’s 110 sq. toes of indoor enjoyable, together with comfortable play sections for various ages in addition to journey slides (large enough for adults too).
Save a while to observe the birds of prey present, in addition to having fun with among the interactive video games, amongst different household pleasant actions.
Woodlands Leisure Park, Totnes
For an additional of the most effective theme parks in Devon, Woodlands Leisure Park has its personal spectacular vary of issues to do, together with a whopping 60 acres of rides and points of interest.
Cut up into 9 primary zones, there’s a toddler space, rides together with watercoasters, together with a zoo and falconry centre, farm rides and extra – not forgetting the prospect to color pottery.
Woodlands additionally has one of many largest indoor play areas within the South West, in case you’re visiting Devon within the rain, plus loads of themed occasions all year long, particularly at Halloween and Christmas.
Devon with youngsters: Household points of interest
Golden Hind, Brixham
This duplicate of Sir Francis Drake’s well-known ship has loads for historical past followers, together with an audio tour, however whether or not you select that or not, the Golden Hind can be nice for youths to scramble round and discover.
There are some steep steps for those who’re visiting with infants, however even pre-schoolers will love turning the wheel and child-friendly trails which have included attempting to find hidden rats and mice. It’s also possible to study to tie knots, tackle quizzes and challenges, and uncover extra about Drake’s exploits.
And if a daytime go to isn’t sufficient, there’s even probability to sleep on board the Golden Hind.
Take a look at our evaluation of a go to to the Golden Hind with a toddler (to not be confused with the Golden Hinde in London)
Kents Cavern, Torquay
Stroll by way of a labyrinth of caverns, previous historic rocks, and uncover the house of historic people in caves which date again 2.5 million years for an enchanting glimpse into how individuals as soon as lived.
In addition to the excursions by way of the caves at Kents Cavern, there are household actions too: digging for fossils, ammonites and shark’s tooth within the sand, making a tribal caveman face, chalk cave portray on the wall, and leaving a hand print on the wall of arms.
Uncover what we thought when we visited Kents Cavern
There’s additionally an exercise path, plus outside trails for those who fancy attempting to find ice age animals. The caves are appropriate for toddlers too, though buggies could be restricted at busy occasions – this does embody throughout unhealthy climate, however it’s a nice household day trip for a wet day too.
Torquay’s Dinosaur World
Dino-mad youngsters will love the interactive exhibition at Torquay’s dinosaur world, to deliver the world of the dinosaurs to life – with every little thing from fashions to fossils, a lot of dino information to study and the prospect to sit down on one (in addition to put your head in a single’s mouth).
There’s an explorer quiz to strive as you discover and dinosaur crafts to strive – however the spotlight must be the prospect to the touch dinosaur poo.
The waterfront attraction is open year-round however with decreased days in winter.
Jurassic Discovery, Seaton
There’s extra prehistoric enjoyable available in east Devon at Jurassic Discovery in Seaton, previously Seaton Jurassic.
You possibly can journey again by way of the centuries and uncover among the secrets and techniques of the Jurassic coast on the immersive dinosaur attraction with its animatronic dinosaurs.
There’s an opportunity to expertise ‘The Final Day of the Dinosaurs’, which brings prehistory vividly to life, together with a Dino Detective Path Information!
And if that’s not sufficient, there’s additionally a Jurassic-themed comfortable play for ages 2+. Restricted numbers so prebooking is strongly advisable, particularly for moist days in Devon. Click on right here for extra particulars of ticket costs – you can even purchase joint tickets with Seaton Tramway, excellent for those who’re anticipating the climate to clear up.
Market Corridor, Plymouth
The 360-degree immersive dome at Market Corridor in Devonport, Plymouth is the most important in Europe – excellent for transporting you from a wet day in devon to a digital expertise distant.
You would end up blasting into house or diving to the underside of the ocean, with expertise that can transport you to different worlds. There are additionally common family-friendly screenings too, from BBC Earth reveals to dinosaurs and extra.
The nineteenth century market corridor additionally has a terrific cafe, in addition to some screenings aimed toward dad and mom with preschool youngsters.
For extra concepts on what to do in Devon within the rain with youngsters, take a look at these strategies to keep away from the worst of the climate
Burgh Island sea tractors
The sands of Bigbury-on-Sea seaside are excellent for households, however at excessive tide, the ocean tractor experience on the Nineteen Thirties machine to Burgh Island is much more thrilling for youths.
You don’t should be staying on the attractive artwork deco resort if you wish to go to both. You possibly can e book in for afternoon tea or eat within the restaurant, in addition to exploring the island. Then why not wander again on foot at low tide – in any other case there’s a £2 cost for guests who can be part of friends in crossing backward and forward.
For extra days on the sand, take a look at my decide of the most effective seashores in Devon with youngsters
South Devon Railway, Buckfastleigh to Totnes
With seven miles of railway working alongside the River Dart valley, the South Devon Railway takes you between Buckfastleigh and Totnes so you’ll be able to benefit from the Devon countryside with none effort as your steam practice puffs and chuffs alongside.
There are sometimes particular themed occasions, together with Thomas the Tank Engine days and Christmas Santa specials
Though you’ll be able to’t at present purchase mixed tickets to the Totnes Uncommon Breeds Farm and the Butterfly Farm and Otter Sanctuary in Buckfastleigh, it’s straightforward to go to them at both finish of your practice experience to make a full enjoyable day trip.
Dartmouth Steam Railway
The Dartmouth Steam railway has its personal classic trains working between Paignton and Kingswear for a somewhat totally different strategy to get to the seaside.
Travelling alongside the English Riviera Geopark coast line, the route passes a string of fairly stations together with Goodrington, Churston and Greenway Halt (for Agatha Christie’s vacation residence) – though you’ll be able to solely get off at Paignton or Kingswear.
In addition to absorbing the coast and countryside, there’s a free foot passenger ferry included along with your practice ticket to sail over from fairly Dartmouth, in addition to spherical journey choices which embody an open-topped bus, or with an additional round cruise on the River Dart.
For extra of the most effective issues to do in Dartmouth with youngsters, take a look at my high picks
Lynton and Barnstaple Railway
A really totally different practice experience from the light south coast, the Lynton and Barnstaple railway visits England’s highest slender gauge railway station at Woody Bay Station, virtually 1,000ft up on wild Exmoor.
The Lynton and Barnstaple railway is at present being reconstructed alongside some sections so you’ll be able to’t truly journey to Lynton or Barnstaple, however the trains run between Woody Bay and Killington Lane Halt and again: the two-mile spherical journey lasts round 20 minutes – finest for dodging a bathe somewhat than attempting to fill an entire wet day in Devon with youngsters.
Runs from round Easter to October, plus some particular Christmas departures in December. Click on ehre for timetables and tickets.
Seaton Tramway
The Seaton Tramway is one other pretty strategy to journey again in time – the electrical tramway runs on a three-mile route from Seaton on the Jurassic Coast to the village of Colyford and Colyton and is a enjoyable little slice of historical past.
There are open-topped trams when climate permits, and enclosed ones in any other case, with the journey on the narrow-track tram taking round half-hour.
There are sometimes particular themed occasions through the yr, together with at Christmas for a twist on a Santa steam practice experience.
The Home of Marbles, Bovey Tracey
The working glass and video games manufacturing facility has a set containing certainly one of each marble made over time, and you’ll see 5 totally different marble runs in motion in addition to selecting up souvenirs in each color.
It’s not simply marbles although, regardless of the identify. The Home of Marbles additionally has a set of various video games courting again so far as the 1600s, together with glassblowing and data on the 4,000-year-old historical past of glass and a pottery museum.
There are even brass rubbing trails to strive – together with an indoor choice for wet days – plus the video games backyard, with a climbing body, big video games and (no shock!) an opportunity to tackle your loved ones at marbles.
Take a look at this submit for extra concepts of issues to do on Dartmoor with youngsters, for those who’re visiting Bovey Tracey
Devon with youngsters: Castles and heritage
You’ll discover extra family-friendly stately houses in Devon than fortified castles, however there’s nonetheless loads for followers of knights and princesses.
Powderham Fort, Exeter
Simply exterior Exeter on the banks of the Exe estuary, you could find the house of the Earl and Countess of Devon at Powderham Fort – and together with the prospect to hitch a guided tour inside, there’s an enormous quantity to entertain within the grounds.
Take a tractor experience to identify the herd within the deer park, be king of your individual fortress within the wood fort of the play space (impressed by the centuries of historical past inside the traditional residence of the Courtenay household), spot the livestock, wander by way of gardens galore and be part of within the common household actions, together with trails and crafts.
There are trails that can assist you discover the grounds as nicely, and for those who miss one of many first-come first-served locations for the fortress tour, you’ll be able to head in to go searching at your individual tempo too.
See what we bought as much as on a go to to Powderham Fort with youngsters
Discover Exeter’s medieval historical past
Head underground in Exeter to discover town’s 14th century medieval passages working beneath the excessive avenue – reserving is crucial, and this one is for over-fives solely.
After wanting across the interpretation centre, with interactive shows together with a speaking determine of a medieval man and a video fly-through of the passages, you head underground for a 25-minute probability to discover and listen to tales of struggle, sieges, plague and pestilence…
Then head to the medieval cathedral to maintain the historical past theme going – there’s all the time one thing additional to seize youngsters’ consideration too, every little thing from a Lego mannequin of the historic constructing to exhibitions like 2022’s Museum of the Moon, in addition to trails and actions throughout faculty holidays.
For extra issues to do in Exeter with youngsters, take a look at my high picks
Greenway, Galmpton
Even for those who’re not an Agatha Christie fan, there’s loads to find at her former residence, Greenway, left frozen in time as it will have been within the Nineteen Fifties.
There’s a path for youths to observe round the home, recognizing crocodiles alongside the way in which, in addition to a altering show within the Cupboard of Curiosities. Go to at Christmas, and the home will get an additional festive makeover too.
Or head into the gardens to take a look at the Travelling Bushes path, and tick some actions off the 50 issues to do earlier than you’re 11 ¾ record, in addition to recognizing boats on the river and pretending to fireplace the cannon.
It’s price prebooking parking if you wish to go to Greenway through the summer time or at school holidays: there’s a ferry from Dartmouth or Dittisham (with a stroll on the finish), in any other case visiting by public transport is feasible however not straightforward.
Buckland Abbey, close to Plymouth
This former monastery might be finest often called the house of Sir Francis Drake, however the piratical explorer’s possession is just a part of the eight centuries of historical past to find at Buckland Abbey because it was first inbuilt 1278 as a Cistercian Abbey.
Transformed to a house after the Dissolution of the monasteries, you’ll be able to nonetheless see proof of the outdated church, together with secret doorways and stairs which now not lead anyplace, in addition to with the ability to stroll by way of time as you wander from Tudor chambers to a Georgian eating room.
Alongside the way in which there’s Drake’s drum, which is claimed to beat if England is in peril, a portrait of Rembrandt (again from mortgage in The Hague), Tudor dressing up and the prospect to study life on board Drake’s ship.
Coleton Fishacre, Kingswear
Moving into this artwork deco home (constructed by the D’Oyly Carte household of West Finish theatre fame) is fantastic at any time of yr, however for those who’re visiting Devon through the run-up to Christmas, Coleton Fishacre is much more particular.
The home is adorned for a Nineteen Twenties Christmas, with conventional video games and dressing up (plus the Coleton Aglow illuminations: should be booked upfront) – there are spotter trails to observe inside the home year-round although.
The remainder of the yr, there are free backyard trails to find the grounds and a enjoyable design path to assist youngsters take pleasure in the home’s structure.
Saltram Home, Plymouth
This elegant Georgian home was owned by the Parker household from 1712 for nearly 250 years, and you’ll nonetheless see a lot of the unique assortment.
Youngsters are prone to be extra within the truth there are usually new trails to assist discover, plus alternatives to decorate up and take a look at actions inside, with additional seasonal occasions aimed toward households throughout faculty holidays.
The gardens and grounds are pretty to discover too, with straightforward strolling and biking trails which might be excellent for households.
Killerton, Exeter
Based on legend, Killerton is residence to a sleeping dragon, who snoozes on a hill close by – excellent to get youngsters out exploring the grounds.
The property is big – 10 sq. miles, with trails galore plus gardens and woodland in addition to a stunning little play space, even for those who don’t spot a lot as a scaly wing. Look out for the bear’s hut too, which was truly as soon as residence to the household’s pet bear.
And that’s all earlier than you even get indoors. The home features a historic trend assortment, which is surprisingly participating even for youthful youngsters, plus a path that can assist you discover.
Take a look at what we considered a day at Killerton with youngsters
Arlington Court docket, Barnstaple
The grounds are one of many highlights for youths at Arlington Court docket, with woodland and pleasure grounds, formal gardens and a conservatory stuffed with unique crops, to not point out outside play areas.
Save a while to discover inside the home as nicely, residence to the Chichester household for over 500 years.
However one of many primary causes to go to is to discover the Nationwide Carriage museum, with some improbable automobiles on present, plus a quiz to take as you discover the home and occasional household actions and crafts.
If it’s open, animal lovers may enterprise into the bat room and think about the colony which has made its residence its residence right here, by way of the bat cam.
Dartmouth Fort, Dartmouth
Courting again to the 14th century, Dartmouth Fort noticed motion within the Civil Warfare and was nonetheless in use as a fortress in Victorian occasions.
You possibly can catch a ferry over from the city quay for a good way to reach, in addition to discovering some improbable views out throughout the river and the city from the roof.
Again inside, discover the maze of passages, have a look at the huge chain which defended the harbour and take a look at on helmets within the gun tower.
Open yr spherical however weekends solely through the winter months. Click on right here for particulars of opening occasions and to prebook tickets.
For extra of the most effective issues to do in Dartmouth with youngsters, take a look at my high picks
Fort Drogo
On the north facet of Dartmoor, you can even discover the final fortress to be inbuilt England – Fort Drogo has just lately undergone a serious renovation venture by the Nationwide Belief, and you’ll tour the home now all of the scaffolding has come down.
There’s loads to do within the grounds as nicely. Uncover the miniature play home within the gardens, observe spotter trails and stroll to the Teign Gorge.
Morwellham Quay Historic Port Farm, close to Tavistock
Down in direction of the border with Cornwall, this residing historical past website contains the prospect to take a tramway right into a copper mine, together with exploring the historic port and village.
As you discover, you’ll be able to watch conventional crafts akin to rope-making and the blacksmith in his forge, sit in a Victorian schoolroom and smash rocks to attempt to discover copper.
There are additionally guided residing historical past excursions and a comfortable play space, Miners Journey Play, in addition to the Mine Prepare Journey.
Devon with youngsters: Museums
RAMM, Exeter
The Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Artwork Gallery, to provide RAMM its full identify is a treasure trove of discovery for youths – and nice for those who’re searching for free days out in Devon.
In addition to shows telling the historical past of Devon from the prehistoric to the current, plus pure historical past and an Egyptian tomb, to not point out a bull elephant, suspended whale and Gerald the giraffe.
There are additionally quizzes, plus a string of interactive reveals from dressing up in Roman clothes and making a mosaic to analyzing microscopic slides, constructing a fowl and trying out a miniature medieval longhouse.
The Field, Plymouth
This arts and cultural hub, which opened in 2020, has a terrific mixture of everlasting galleries and short-term exhibitions – and even higher, there’s no entry cost to The Field so it’s one other improbable free day trip in Devon with youngsters.
The shows have hyperlinks to Plymouth’s previous – every little thing from a mannequin woolly mammoth to the figureheads from ships, together with an entire host of details about town’s seafaring previous, together with interactive display screen and pictures exhibiting among the most well-known journeys which began in Plymouth.
Youngsters can decide up free trails to observe as they discover, designed for all ages, with half a dozen totally different subjects, or step in entrance of a inexperienced display screen to strive their hand as a TV presenter.
For extra issues to do in Plymouth with youngsters, take a look at my high picks
Bygones Torquay
Step again in time to find a snapshot of Victorian life, with 15 outlets and eight rooms alongside the recreated interval avenue, from an ironmonger’s and grocer to an apothecary and candy store.
However you’ll additionally discover classic arcade amusements, 50s memorabilia and a mannequin railway recreated to point out life across the World Wars at Bygones Torquay. Youngsters may observe trails and take a look at quizzes, in addition to enjoying with among the toys.
Torquay Museum, Torquay
The Torquay museum has an eclectic show, from a Neanderthal cranium to Egyptian statues and finds introduced again by explorers from around the globe, plus there’s a particular path developed by the BBC for youths primarily based on the discovering of Tutankhamen’s tomb.
Or for littler guests, the crawl tunnel within the Explorers Galleries has secret objects to search out, and you’ll costume up and play with toys within the Outdated Devon Farmhouse.
For followers of Agatha Christie, there’s a gallery devoted to her, tracing her life, novels and performs – and much more excitingly, a recreation of Hercule Poirot’s examine and lounge utilizing furnishings and props from the TV present.
Devon with youngsters: Getting outside
Go rockpooling
Devon’s two coasts are nice for locating rock swimming pools – Shoalstone seaside is improbable for clambering over rocks to find crabs, tiny sea snails and the occasional minnow in addition to an enormous sea water pool for swimming. It’s additionally canine pleasant.
Take a look at our rockpooling day trip together with a morning clambering among the many rock swimming pools with a toddler
Or Wembury Bay is a stunning Nationwide Belief website with an schooling centre in addition to tons to search out on the rocky shore for a enjoyable household journey.
However there are many different pretty locations to discover on each coasts, in addition to Maer Rocks in east Devon. Goodrington Sands close to Paignton, Bantham Seashore and Ness Cove within the south plus Combe Martin and Hartland Quay within the north.
Discover extra recommendations on methods to get probably the most out of rockpooling with youngsters in addition to concepts for extra of Devon’s finest seashores for rockpooling
Berry Head Nature Reserve
This attractive clifftop reserve on the southern half of Tor Bar is among the gateways to the English Riviera world geopark, with some fabulous views out to the ocean on a sunny day.
Whilst you’re at Berry Head Nature Reserve, you can even discover the fortifications from the Napoleonic Warfare, gaze out to attempt to spot seals and sharks within the waves, or enterprise onto one of many strolling trails.
Take a look at our evaluation of a day at Berry Head Nature Reserve
South West Coast Path
Linking Devon, Dorset, Cornwall and Somerset, there’s loads of alternative alongside the South West Coast Path for walks with youngsters.
The part in Devon stretches the size of the English Riviera with miles of coastal walks whether or not you’re searching for a brief amble or an extended hike.
Or you might uncover Devon’s slice of the Jurassic coast, the place east Devon meets Dorset, together with some straightforward household walks.
Letterboxing on Dartmoor
The unique geo-caching, letterboxing mixes treasure searching and puzzle fixing with orienteering as you monitor down over 100 letterboxes dotted round Dartmoor.
Whenever you’ve discovered them, use the stamp to mark a pocket book or postcard, then signal your identify or go away your individual stamp of their pocket book, till you get the set.
Plus there are many probabilities to go geocaching in Devon too.
In case your youngsters love a treasure path, there are a number of to strive throughout Devon – we tried the Topsham treasure path as a enjoyable strategy to discover this little city close to Exeter
Hit the seaside
The place to start out? You’ll by no means be removed from a beautiful stretch of sand in Devon as my decide of the most effective seashores in Devon with youngsters proves.
To focus on just some of the county’s stunning seashores, Blackpool Sands Seashore is a Blue Flag household seaside that might simply be confused with the Mediterranean, and has some nice shallow water for youthful youngsters.
Elsewhere, the three miles of sand at Woolacombe are usually ranked as certainly one of Britain’s finest seashores – it’s additionally dog-friendly year-round (though restricted to sure areas throughout summer time).
Bantham Seashore is shallow sufficient for youthful swimmers to take pleasure in too, whereas a smugglers’ tunnel takes you to the pink cliffed rugged Ness Cove at Shaldon.
Log on
It may not be as well-known as neighbouring Cornwall, however there are many locations to your hand at browsing in Devon.
Woolacombe is among the finest spots for newcomers, with gentler surf and loads of house for those who don’t fancy having an viewers see you wipe out, together with Westward Ho!
Saunton has its personal light surf too (although higher for older youngsters, as there could be a variety of paddling concerned right here) whereas Croyde is one other great place with loads of surf colleges.
In case your youngsters are massive browsing followers, take a look at the Museum of British Browsing at Braunton too, not removed from all 4 surf seashores, with its assortment of classic surfboards.
Canoeing on the River Exe
One of many enjoyable issues to do in Exeter with youngsters is to go off in a canoe for a number of hours from Exeter Quayside.
We picked Saddles & Paddles, the place you’ll be able to rent bikes in addition to kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards, together with family-sized canoes which seat 4 (two adults and two youngsters) in addition to buoyancy aids.
Even for those who simply wish to head out for a brief journey, you don’t should be an professional – we had loads of probability to identify swans and cygnets – from a cautious distance – in addition to having fun with the countryside, stopping for a drink on the Double Locks pub by the riverside.
Exeter Quay itself is a stunning place to wander too, full of quirky little outlets, waterfront eating places and the outdated Customized Home (now a customer centre) with cannon exterior, together with a number of locations providing methods to get out on the water.
Geoplay Park, Paignton
There are 4 sections aimed toward totally different ages inside this enjoyable play park on Paignton seafront, so it’s nice enjoyable whether or not you’re travelling with toddlers or teenagers.
Themed across the space’s geological historical past, you might strive discovering the Devonian interval with toddlers, using on a trilobite and swinging over the ocean which might have then lined Torbay.
Tarka Path
Impressed by the novel Tarka the Otter, the Tarka Path runs for round 180 miles, however one of many loveliest stretches is between Braunton and Meeth alongside the world’s outdated railway traces.
You would possibly battle to identify an otter – particularly for those who’re exploring it with youngsters! – however there’s nonetheless loads to take pleasure in as you cycle or stroll.
The longest, steady cycle path within the UK, components run alongside the coast or you’ll be able to head off into Devon’s pretty countryside, with routes masking a big chunk of the county between Exmoor and Dartmoor.
Lundy Island
Because the Atlantic meets the Bristol Channel, Lundy Island is the final land earlier than you hit the US – the one strategy to attain it’s by boat, so you’ll be able to select between cruises across the island or the ferry over to discover.
Good for nature lovers, this car-free island has letterboxing that can assist you discover, you’ll be able to spot seabirds and probably dolphins on the ferry crossing in addition to puffins on the island itself.
The ocean crossing isn’t all the time clean, so higher with older youngsters (or throughout calmer summer time climate).
For a car-free vacation spot in Devon which doesn’t contain a ship, head to fairly Clovelly – the streets are steep but it surely’s a stunning day trip for households
Lydford Gorge, close to Tavistock
The deepest gorge within the south west, Lydford Gorge is residence to a spectacular 30m waterfall often called the White Girl, with some attractive surroundings to tempt everybody out on a stroll.
The river and wildlife are stunning whether or not you’re visiting with spring flowers in bloom or autumn leaves on the bushes and totally different trails lead you previous among the highlights, together with the effervescent Satan’s Cauldron. Not buggy-friendly, though you’ll be able to borrow carriers and there are tearooms.
Haldon Forest Park, Exeter
A sprawling 3,500 acres of woodland, Haldon Forest Park is just quarter-hour exterior Exeter, with choices for all ages for those who’re trying to get outside in Devon.
There’s mountain biking for older adventurers and a gentler 1 ½ mile Discovery Path for households, amongst others strolling routes, plus Go Ape and archery classes.
There’s at present the Room on the Broom path for youths as nicely, plus a restaurant for those who fancy a drink and slice of cake after your stroll.
Sadly The Bear Path in Cullompton has now closed for those who’re searching for extra lively outside adventures
When you’re visiting out of season, I’ve additionally bought concepts of issues to do in Devon in winter in addition to the most effective locations to remain in Devon with youngsters
*First printed 2015, final up to date 2026*
PIN FOR LATER: 51 THINGS TO DO IN DEVON WITH KIDS
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Photos: Seashore picture/donkey/rabbit/Watermouth Fort/amusement park/sand toys/puffins courtesy of Depositphotos; RAMM courtesy of Go to Exeter, all others copyright MummyTravels
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