There’s one thing extremely stress-free about simply the considered a household vacation in Devon. Which suggests after I’m searching for one of the best locations to remain in Devon with youngsters, my ideas immediately flip to chilled-out cottages and quirky self-catering fairly than the formality of motels, nevertheless luxurious.
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After lengthy days on the seashore constructing limitless sandcastles, I would like area to sprawl – in a sun-filled backyard with a glass of one thing chilly in summer time, or with sizzling chocolate on a comfortable couch out of peak season. I don’t need to be worrying that we’ve tracked sand into the foyer, or really feel shoehorned into one room as I loosen up.
And whereas the county has some lovely countryside, the coast does at all times prime my record – even visiting Devon on a wet day or in winter, I would like the waves inside a couple of miles. Helpfully, these vacation cottages by the ocean are all assured to be a most of 5 miles from a seashore. That is what’s on my wishlist of locations to remain in Devon by the ocean…
Greatest locations to remain in south Devon
It’s simple to suppose you need to keep away from cities whenever you’re travelling with youngsters – however not removed from Exeter, Kenniford Cider Steps (nice identify!) is ready on a working farm with a café, play space and pets nook together with ponies, piglets, sheep, geese and chickens.
Inside, the transformed barn nonetheless has wood beams; outdoors there’s a non-public patio in addition to loads of area for youths to run round – and the coast alongside from Topsham only a brief drive away.
Issues to do in Exeter and close by
Wander underground tunnels which date again centuries – this one’s for over fives solely, or head to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Artwork Gallery, with shows telling the historical past of Devon from the prehistoric to the current, plus pure historical past and an Egyptian tomb.
Should you don’t fancy going into the town itself, the gorgeous outdated port of Topsham is a stunning spot to wander, in addition to Powderham Fortress with its deer park and family-friendly actions and the golden sandy seashore at Exmouth.
Or head to Crealy Journey Park for rides, points of interest and indoor play, in addition to the donkey sanctuary at Sidmouth for extra animals – all three are amongst my prime issues to do in Devon with youngsters.
Try my full set of issues to do in Exeter with youngsters right here
Greatest locations to remain in north Devon
Should you’re having hassle selecting whether or not to remain on Devon’s coast or within the countryside, heading to the north of the nation round Lynmouth helpfully helps you to do each from one vacation cottage.
Set in Exmoor Nationwide Park, Aberlyn overlooks the river and valley from its personal balcony, with Lynmouth itself only a brief stroll down the hill. You may as well go strolling on among the routes proper on the cottage’s doorstep, with the world generally known as ‘Little Switzerland’, together with a stroll to the gorge at Watersmeet.
Then there’s a woodburner if that you must heat up, and a wine cooler if you wish to loosen up within the solar – the beautiful views from the balcony are an ideal place to chill with a glass of one thing chilled.
Issues to do in north Devon
In addition to strolling, there are some much less strenuous issues to do with youngsters in north Devon – Exmoor Zoo is residence to a string of smaller animals, plus the ‘Exmoor Beast’, a pair of black leopards (legends have been impressed by reported sightings of comparable massive cats on the moors however you’re assured a glance right here).
Or hop on the water-powered funicular at Lynton and Lynmouth as you gaze throughout to the coast (and have a cream tea on the prime to restart the endlessly entertaining ‘jam or cream first’ debate), go rockpooling at Lynmouth seashore earlier than a wander throughout the shingle, or journey on the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway, together with a cease at England’s highest slender gauge railway station.
There’s historical past to find as effectively – Nationwide Belief property Arlington Court docket homes the Nationwide Carriage Museum, together with the standard expansive grounds and actions for youths.
Close by Watermouth Fortress is definitely a theme park, primarily based round a nineteenth century castle-style home. In addition to the rides and points of interest, you’ll discover a dungeon labyrinth and an underground fountain present.
Scroll down for extra tips about issues to do in Woolacombe and Croyde too
Greatest luxurious locations to remain in Devon
Not simply my dream place to stick with youngsters, The Cliffs is presumably my dream residence – a penthouse condo looking throughout the ocean, you’ll be able to take the cliff railway all the way down to the seashore. Now how cool is that?
In addition to the massive home windows with a beautiful view, you may also stroll alongside the South West coastal path – even so far as unspoiled Oddicombe Seaside – earlier than sinking right into a king dimension mattress, whereas the well-equipped kitchen means you gained’t spend your evenings washing up.
For luxurious with a distinction, try my overview of a keep at Dittisham Hideaway simply outdoors Dartmouth the place the treehouses are distinctly five-star household pleasant
Issues to do close to Torquay
Don’t miss the views from the English Riviera Wheel in Torquay or head to Babbacombe mannequin village, round 10 minutes drive away. If it’s wet, spot prehistoric monsters at Torquay’s Dinosaur World or step inside Kents Cavern, a cave which dates again 2.5 million years and residential to historic people.
For extra tips about issues to do in Torquay with youngsters, try my suggestions
It’s additionally a brief drive from Paignton Zoo, one among many issues to do in Paignton together with the Pier, or hop on the Western Girl Ferry Service to Brixham, the place we went rockpooling, explored Sir Francis Drake’s Golden Hind and ran round Berry Head nature reserve.
Greatest quirky locations to remain in Devon
It doesn’t come far more uncommon than staying in a transformed chapel – and tempting although the concept of Shepherd’s huts at all times is, Lee Chapel additionally has much more room whenever you’re staying with youngsters. Should you’re searching for a multigenerational vacation in Devon, you’ll be able to e book the neighbouring property too, which provides you area for seven.
There are nonetheless stained glass home windows within the open plan residing/eating room, plus bedrooms underneath the eaves and a patio to loosen up on.
The secluded seashore on Lee Bay is strolling distance, with sand sufficient for a complete string of fortresses, and delightful Woolacombe, on the North Devon Heritage Coast is just quarter-hour away.
Issues to do in Woolacombe
The seashore at Woolacombe has been voted the highest within the UK a number of instances – and a bit additional down the coast lies extra golden sand in addition to extra issues to do in Croyde. Should you love theme parks, The Massive Sheep and Milky Approach Journey Park are each about an hour’s drive away – and two of my prime issues to do in Devon with youngsters.
Or head to Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park, 28 acres with lifesize dinosaurs roaming, comfortable play, animals and extra.
For extra concepts, try my final information to Devon for households
*First printed 2018, final up to date 2026*
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Disclosure: This put up comprises affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee. All opinions on one of the best locations to remain in Devon with youngsters are my very own
Brixham and Topsham pictures copyright MummyTravels, all others courtesy Adobe Inventory/Depositphotos
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