Two attractive coasts, two cities full of historical past and points of interest, two great nationwide parks, and so many different issues to do with children in Devon that I can barely depend – which is why I’ve created my final information to Devon for households to start out you off.
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I’ve been visiting Devon since I used to be a baby myself, and my daughter’s began to construct her personal vacation reminiscences with a number of journeys throughout her lifetime thus far – so whether or not you’re in search of issues to do in Devon with toddlers, household days out in Devon, the very best seashores for rockpooling, low cost days out and issues to do in Devon within the rain, I’ve acquired loads of concepts for any journey.
You’ll discover hyperlinks to my different posts for extra info, and loads of concepts to maintain everybody entertained, whatever the climate and the way lengthy you’re staying in Devon.
Greatest household days out in Devon
For those who’re in search of issues to do in Devon with children, the very best place to start out is with my record of the highest days out in Devon – whether or not you’re visiting Devon with a child, a toddler or teenagers, there’s one thing to tempt.
From theme parks and points of interest to museums and historic homes, zoos and aquariums, it’s a superb style of the number of issues to do in Devon for teenagers that you simply’ll discover within the space.
However when you’re in search of one thing explicit, I’ve additionally listed among the greatest free days out in Devon with children when you’re visiting on a funds, concepts when you’re trying to get outside or choices when you’re being pressured indoors by the rain, and solutions for various areas, with days out south Devon, north Devon and east Devon.
Free days out in Devon
Travelling with children isn’t all the time low cost, even on a UK staycation so whereas days spent on the seashore may not set you again a lot past an ice cream and a spare bucket and spade, it’s all the time helpful to have some extra concepts of low cost days out in Devon.
I’ve collected among the greatest free issues to do in Devon on this submit, together with Exeter’s RAMM museum and The Field in Plymouth, some beautiful outside spots and locations to fulfill animals – perfect when you’re in search of issues to do in Devon with a toddler.
There are additionally some nice household walks in Devon which received’t price a penny – you needn’t be critical hikers to seek out simple walks on Dartmoor with children in addition to loads of family-friendly choices alongside the South West Coast Path.
Indoor actions Devon
There’s no assure of superb sunshine even in the course of the British summer time so it’s all the time value having a number of concepts of issues to do on wet days in Devon – I’ve picked out my prime concepts for Devon within the rain with children together with actions like indoor mountaineering, swimming and trampolining, together with wet day Devon points of interest for households.
Try the county’s implausible aquariums too – all the time a winner when it’s unhealthy climate. We liked the Nationwide Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, however you too can discover extra sea creatures at Ilfracombe aquarium. [Living Coasts Torquay, a coastal zoo and aquarium, closed permanently in 2020].
Try our ideas for visiting the Nationwide Marine Aquarium, Plymouth
Not distant, the maze of caves at Kents Cavern had been as soon as residence to historical people and date again 2.5 million years. There are many household actions, together with digging for fossils and making your individual cave work, plus exercise trails.
Or for one of many quirkiest days out with children in Devon, head to the Home of Marbles in Bovey Tracey – with 5 completely different marble runs, glassblowing and a set of video games courting again to the seventeenth century, it beats enjoying yet one more board recreation whilst you await the drizzle to cease.
And when you’re visiting Devon in winter, there are some particular Christmas illuminations to be careful for, in addition to among the finest locations in Devon for households for a deliciously warming sizzling chocolate.
Outside household actions Devon
Between coast and countryside, you’re not wanting locations to go together with children in Devon if you wish to get outside – good for energetic households, with choices to cycle and hike, there are additionally gentler choices when you’re visiting Devon with a toddler.
Scroll down when you’re in search of concepts of Devon’s greatest seashores with children, in addition to locations to go rockpooling in Devon
The South West coast path runs alongside each the north and south coasts, with 90 miles of path in north Devon and 115 miles within the south.
There are concepts for household walks with heaps to entertain past the views, together with geocaching and children’ actions: Devon doesn’t but have particular coast path treasure trails as Cornwall does, however yow will discover treasure trails alongside some stretches of the coast, equivalent to Exmouth to Seaton, which incorporates some driving in addition to strolling.
Or you may uncover among the Nationwide Belief land in addition to Devon’s Nationwide Parks, Dartmoor and Exmoor – try among the household points of interest on Dartmoor right here in addition to solutions for various walks. Exmoor additionally has household occasions all year long.
For those who’re planning a vacation in East Devon, it’s residence to a delegated Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence too, together with a part of the Jurassic Coast.
And the beautiful Tarka Path is good for strolling and biking, impressed by the novel Tarka the Otter, and varieties a part of the Devon coast to coast cycle route – you may rent bikes when you don’t have your individual, so it’s a beautiful solution to discover extra of the north of the county in addition to being an excellent possibility for days out with children in Devon.
For those who’re in search of Devon days out with youthful children, Haldon Forest Park options the Forestry Fee’s household trails – together with common trails themed round Julia Donaldson books, which make for simple enjoyable walks.
And exquisite Berry Head Nature Reserve is a beautiful spot for teenagers to run round close to Brixham: you’ll discover Napoleonic Warfare fortifications and uncommon wildlife, but additionally some fabulous views and a beautiful cafe. It’s additionally simple to go to as a part of a stroll alongside the South West Coast Path.
Try my go to to Berry Head with a toddler
Or there’s Paignton Geoplay park, a play space for various ages with a distinction – it’s all themed across the space’s geological historical past.
For a few of Devon’s extra dramatic surroundings, head to Lydford Gorge – the deepest gorge within the South West, it has a 30m waterfall.
For one in every of Devon’s greatest adventures, it’s onerous to beat a visit to Lundy Island. Well-known for its puffins, you may spot dolphins on the two-hour boat experience over and there are actions when you arrive, in addition to birdwatching.
Issues to do with children in north Devon
For those who’re staying in and across the north coast, you may be farther from among the best-known issues to see in Devon however there’s nonetheless lots for households to take pleasure in.
For extra concepts of the very best issues to do in North Devon with children, try my prime picks
Get outside
With Exmoor within the northern half of the county, you may benefit from the darkish skies for some stargazing, hear the legends of the moors or go strolling in one of the unspoiled components of England.
For some gentler outside actions, the Tarka Path can be among the finest issues to do in north Devon with children: the strolling and biking route is straightforward to adapt to completely different ages and a beautiful solution to discover.
See the animals
Head to Exmoor Zoo, with the UK’s solely pair of black leopards – it’s a small zoo with the deal with conservation of smaller animals, so it’s a beautiful possibility for a time out with a toddler as properly.
Or in Ilfracombe, the aquarium focuses on the marine life round north Devon in addition to providing household actions for youthful guests.
And at Combe Martin, the Wildlife and Dinosaur park has a small zoo in addition to its lifesize animatronic fashions of dinosaurs plus a fossil museum.
Go to a theme park
North Devon is residence to 2 of the county’s theme parks – the Massive Sheep theme park at Bideford was as soon as a working sheep farm, and nonetheless has sheep racing in addition to rides and rollercoasters.
Or the Milky Manner Journey Park, not distant at Clovelly, has its personal rides and points of interest in addition to a separate space for preschoolers.
And Watermouth Citadel has its personal mixture of household points of interest – from the dungeon labyrinths to dancing fountains, journey playgrounds, toboggan runs and much for youthful children in addition to older siblings.
Historical past and tradition
You may journey again via time on the UK’s solely steam railway the place passengers use Victorian railway carriages designed within the Nineties for each journey, on the Lynton and Barnstaple railway.
Or take a experience on the historic Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway which first opened again in 1890 – the best and steepest completely water powered railway on the planet, the funicular takes you 500ft up the cliff for wonderful views (and cream teas on the prime when you fancy).
Uncover classic carriages at Arlington Courtroom in Barnstaple, residence to the Nationwide Belief Carriage museum in addition to wild play areas and household actions within the grounds of the Regency Home.
At Hartland Abbey, the emphasis is on old school enjoyable – there’s a quiz to attempt inside the home, a former abbey, in addition to nature trails outside.
There’s nothing like some residing historical past, particularly in equivalent to fairly spot as Clovelly, a working fishing village on a clifftop – and no automobiles within the streets, solely donkeys, which is able to go well with youthful children right down to the bottom.
For an excellent indoor exercise, there’s the quirky Ilfracombe museum which has each native shows and gadgets from world wide, together with pure historical past and archaeology, artwork and pictures, plus costume and home historical past.
In the meantime the North Devon Maritime Museum in Appledore is one other excellent spot to find the county’s seafaring and shipbuilding traditions – plus an opportunity to be taught extra about pirates and smuggers.
And the Museum of British Browsing in Braunton is equally quirky – good if the surf bug has bitten your children, there are surfboards galore and displays on the way in which browsing has developed over time.
Issues to do in south Devon with children
Get outside
Discover the wild open areas of Dartmoor with children, the place you too can attempt your hand at letterboxing – the unique geocaching. There are additionally loads of child-friendly walks to find.
For extra concepts of the place to stroll on Dartmoor with children, in addition to biking and household points of interest close by, try this submit.
Uncover Berry Head Nature Reserve on the south coast – you too can stroll a part of the South West Coast Path to succeed in it, or benefit from the attractive views and spot historic fortifications in between following nature trails.
Try our day at Berry Head Nature reserve with a toddler
There are playgrounds galore throughout Devon in fact however for a play space with a distinction, the Paignton Geopark has completely different areas for various ages, all themed across the space’s geological historical past.
See the animals
There are some nice animal points of interest for teenagers in south Devon, from smaller farms to zoos and the Nationwide Marine Aquarium in Plymouth – the UK’s largest aquarium
With an interesting assortment of marine animals, you may uncover extra concerning the space’s sealife in addition to extra unique marine creatures from world wide.
Try my ideas for visiting the Nationwide Marine Aquarium with children
EDIT: Torquay’s personal aquarium and coastal zoo at Dwelling Coasts has sadly now closed completely following lockdown – the penguins, otters, seals and different inhabitants have been rehomed.
For prehistoric creatures, dino-mad children will love the interactive exhibition at Torquay’s dinosaur world, to carry the world of the dinosaurs to life – with every part from fashions to fossils, plenty of dino info to be taught and the possibility to take a seat on one (in addition to put your head in a single’s mouth).
For extra concepts of tips on how to spend someday in Torquay, try my ideas
Or head just a bit additional alongside the coast to Paignton Zoo with over 2,000 animals in six habitats, it’s additionally acquired a prime trumps path and particular animal experiences together with assembly the meerkats.
For youthful children, there are some beautiful possibilities to get near smaller animals elsewhere in Devon. Occombe Farm is a working farm with a nature path and livestock to fulfill, together with alpacas.
And Pennywell Farm close to Buckfastleigh contains the possibility to cuddle with miniature pigs, attempt strolling goats and different animal actions, in addition to assembly alpacas and a pygmy hedgehog.
The Uncommon Breeds Farm in Totnes goals to assist protect endangered species of livestock – you may stroke an eagle owl and feed a pink squirrel, in addition to assembly the opposite animals right here.
And for one more uncommon mixture, the Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary is residence to 3 completely different species of otter (together with British or European otters) and an array of butterflies.
Go to a theme park
You’ll discover one in every of Devon’s largest theme parks in south Devon – Woodlands Leisure Park has its personal zoo park, but additionally points of interest and rides to go well with toddlers and to thrill teenagers.
Historical past and tradition
There’s historical past galore to find in south Devon, whether or not you’re following the world’s seafaring previous or its mining heritage, in addition to medieval secrets and techniques and stately properties.
Begin with one of many space’s museums: The Field in Plymouth was new in 2020, with galleries and exhibitions centered on Plymouth’s previous, every part from a mannequin woolly mammoth to the figureheads from ships, together with an entire host of details about town’s seafaring historical past, plus trails for teenagers.
The Royal Albert Memorial Museum (or RAMM) in Exeter additionally tells the historical past of Devon from the prehistoric to the current, in addition to pure historical past, world tradition, artwork galleries and shows on 18th and nineteenth century exploration.
For extra issues to do in Plymouth with children, try my prime picks
The Torquay museum focuses on native historical past (in addition to a gallery devoted to Agatha Christie), whereas Torre Abbey is now a museum of historical past and artwork with youngsters’s exercise trails, an opportunity to decorate up and actions.
Put your self in an explorer’s footwear in Brixham, the place you may step on board the Golden Hind, a reproduction of the ship which Sir Francis Drake sailed world wide.
Try my overview of our go to to the Golden Hind in Brixham with a toddler
Or you may head to Drake’s personal former residence at Buckland Abbey – the 700-year-old home close to Yelverton was as soon as a Cistercian Abbey earlier than later passing into the palms of Sir Francis Drake – there at the moment are common household actions on the Nationwide Belief property.
For extra historic homes and buildings, you too can uncover Coleton Fishacre and the glamour of the Nineteen Twenties, owned by the theatrical D’Oyly Carte household. Or step inside Greenway, close to Galmpton, the house of Agatha Christie.
And the fortress of Dartmouth Citadel has guarded the estuary right here for 600 years – take the boat up the river earlier than exploring the gun tower and seeing the chain which might have prevented ships from coming into the waters close by.
For extra concepts of the very best issues to do in Dartmouth with children, try my prime picks
On the north aspect of Dartmoor, you too can discover the final fort to be inbuilt England – Citadel Drogo has undergone a serious renovation challenge by the Nationwide Belief, so in addition to seeing the outcomes now the scaffolding has come down, you may uncover the miniature play home within the gardens, observe spotter trails and stroll to the Teign Gorge.
Not removed from Exeter, you too can see inside Powderham Citadel, the house of the Earl of Devon, with a play space and household actions in addition to occasional possibilities to discover the deer park.
Try my overview of our go to to Powderham Citadel
For those who and your children love historical past, there’s lots to find in Exeter itself, together with the cathedral, one of many oldest in England – attempt recognizing the animals adorning the within to maintain littler ones entertained.
You can even head into town’s medieval tunnels – for over-fives and up – to listen to tales of Exeter’s dramatic previous.
Learn extra about my keep in Exeter with children
Or at Morwhellam Quay historic port farm, uncover what life was like throughout its Victorian heyday, using on a copper mine practice, experiencing life for miners in centuries passed by, in addition to the historic port and village.
And there are additionally steam trains that will help you discover south Devon with children – the South Devon railway runs alongside the River Dart valley between Buckfastleigh and Totnes, with heritage rolling inventory pulled by the steam engines.
In the meantime the Dartmouth Steam railway has its personal trains working between Paignton and Kingswear not distant – you too can mix this with a ship journey from Dartmouth, or a spherical journey together with an open-topped bus.
Different household points of interest
For those who’re in search of extra issues to do with children in south Devon, there are a number of extra quirky household points of interest to maintain on the record.
The Home of Marbles in Bovey Tracey isn’t only for marble followers, with glassblowing and historic board video games to see too. Because it’s free to enter, this huge marble assortment is a superb place to pop into, particularly on wet days.
Right here’s what we discovered once we visited throughout a day exploring Dartmoor with children
Or simply exterior Torquay, head to Kents Cavern, a prehistoric cave that was as soon as residence to historical people – there are some very enjoyable household actions together with cave portray, riddle quests and trails, each indoor and out.
You can even uncover the village of Cockington, frozen in time, with its thatched homes, water mill and forge, plus sixteenth century manor home Cockington Courtroom at its coronary heart. The previous medieval deer park is now Cockington’s cricket pitch, however you may take a horse-drawn carriage experience via the streets.
In Torquay itself, get some nice views on a experience on the English Riviera Wheel within the city’s Pavilion gardens – a 12 minute experience takes you virtually 60m as much as look out to the ocean and skyline through the summer time months.
Try our day in Torquay, together with Kent’s Cavern, for extra concepts of what to do
There are additionally a string of Treasure Trails obtainable for days out in south Devon – one in every of my favorite methods to discover with children, there’s a mixture of homicide mysteries, spy and pirate themed trails.
Try our day in Topsham, following the treasure path across the historic port.
Days out in east Devon with children
For those who’re staying in east Devon, you’re inside simple attain of a variety of the south Devon household points of interest (scroll as much as examine them out), together with Exeter and Powderham Citadel, and solely round an hour’s drive from Torquay.
Begin with my tips about the very best issues to do in Exeter with children, together with concepts for days out close to town.
Household points of interest
However there are some nice issues to do with children in east Devon itself – not least Crealy Theme Park and Resort, the south-west’s largest household theme park together with rides and points of interest in addition to a zoo (and a few enjoyable locations to remain).
At Jurassic Discovery in Seaton, you may journey again via the centuries and uncover among the secrets and techniques of the Jurassic coast on the immersive dinosaur attraction.
Or the Seaton Tramway is one other beautiful solution to journey again in time – the electrical tramway runs on a three-mile route from Seaton to Colyford and Colyton and is a enjoyable little slice of historical past.
Sadly you may now not get behind the controls of a giant digger at Diggerland Devon in Cullompton, which closed in 2021 – when you don’t wish to miss out, there are nonetheless a number of different websites across the nation. Learn our overview of Diggerland in Kent right here, with rides and actions for youthful children, it’s enormous enjoyable at any age.
Get outside
The area can be residence to the East Devon Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence, which incorporates a part of the Jurassic Coast (good for dinosaur followers) and a few attractive countryside to wander and stroll with children.
Or attempt pond dipping at Seaton Wetlands – made up of three native nature reserves, it contains walks via marshland and reedbeds as properly.
And for a gentler journey, Nationwide Belief property Killerton is repeatedly voted Greatest Historic Attraction by households with trails on the historic property and play areas, as properly loads of house to roam on the 6,400 acre property.
Then play costume up – in your creativeness – on the trend collections inside the home.
Try my overview of a go to to Killerton with children.
See the animals
Considered one of Devon’s most beloved household points of interest for toddlers needs to be the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth – there are additionally trails to wander, recognizing among the rescued donkey inhabitants who’ve made their residence right here, plus a play space and a maze.
Sadly Axe Valley Wildlife Park close to Axminster closed its doorways in October 2025
The place to remain in Devon for households
You’re spoiled for selection whether or not you’re in search of self-catering cottages in Devon, family-friendly accommodations or AirBNB properties, with as many quirky locations to remain in Devon as there are traditional seaside household escapes.
Self-catering in Devon
I’ve picked a number of of my favorite locations to remain in Devon whether or not you’re in search of locations to remain in south Devon or the north coast, luxurious properties or someplace a bit uncommon.
For a spot of luxurious glamping, it’s onerous to beat Dittisham Hideaway, simply exterior Dartmouth – we stayed in one of many treehouses there for a implausible family-friendly deal with.
There are another nice family-friendly cottage collections too – Sykes Vacation cottages additionally has tons of of cottages in Devon, together with child-friendly household cottages for each funds and magnificence.
You’ll additionally discover AirBNB properties galore – we stayed at this little gem close to Topsham, known as The Linhay to offer one instance. Take a look spherical on this video.
Household accommodations in Devon
For those who choose a resort and are in search of the very best locations to stick with children, reserving.com is all the time a superb place to start out with their record of accommodations in Devon.
However for a spot of luxurious, there are a number of favourites which all the time prime the lists of essentially the most family-friendly accommodations in Devon – Soar Mill Cove is true on the seashore and has loads of actions for teenagers within the holidays, together with its personal saltwater pool. You’ll be able to borrow boogie boards and crab strains too.
Or The Cary Arms at Babbacombe has self-catering cottages in addition to resort rooms so you will get the very best of each worlds – and youngsters get a bucket, spade and fishing internet once they arrive, plus the seashore of Babbacombe Bay on the resort’s doorstep to check them out.
For those who’re in search of a Devon resort with toddlers or a baby-friendly Devon resort, the Saunton Sands resort provides two hours free childcare for teenagers aged six weeks to 11 years, and a bunch of child tools with its ‘child go frivolously’ possibility. There are additionally household rooms and suites, in addition to luxurious flats.
And for a mixture of countryside and coast, the Thurlestone Resort has play rooms and actions throughout college holidays, plus family-friendly touches like a children’ buffet at dinner, and rooms which have a mixture of additional sleeping room offered by bunk beds, couch beds, cots and further beds, in addition to pre bookable babysitting.
Tenting and glamping in Devon
For those who’re in search of an inexpensive vacation in Devon, one solution to keep on with your funds is to take a look at the numerous tenting and glamping websites throughout the county. The Devon with Children weblog has a implausible round-up of the very best glamping websites in Devon to start out you off.
Or try the Pitch Up web site for concepts of the place to camp in Devon with children.
One of the best Devon seashores
One of many greatest Devon points of interest is the miles and miles of sand on each coasts – the north Devon seashores are typically wilder, however you’ll discover loads of seashores for toddlers, with mild stretches of sand to paddle on, in addition to surf seashores for older children, and every part in between.
No matter you fancy, try my information to the very best seashores in Devon with children in addition to a few of my favourites beneath.
Scroll down for extra concepts on seashore actions for teenagers, my favorite seashore towels and exercise books.
Greatest seashores in north Devon
You’ll be able to’t speak about north Devon seashores with out mentioning Woolacombe seashore – usually ranked among the many prime seashores to go to within the UK and Europe, there are miles of sand stretching out to play on.
For those who’re in search of surf you’ll discover it right here, together with a lifeguard station manned in the summertime, services together with cafes and bogs close by, and it’s even dog-friendly (though there are restrictions in some areas through the summer time months).
Close by Putsborough Seaside is much much less well-known but it surely’s acquired the bonus of being quieter because of this, and is one other well-liked one for households – you’ll discover necessities like bogs and cafe, plus you may paddle within the shallows or clamber on among the rocks protruding from the sand.
Try Combe Martin seashore too, which has received a Seaside award, and has broad flat sands at low tide – there are additionally nature trails close by to find, and bogs, parking and cafes right here too.
Saunton Sands, with their traditional seashore huts and dunes, are an excellent style of the seaside stretching for 3.5 miles and it’s a dog-friendly seashore when you’re travelling with pets.
Or Croyde Seaside is one other nice one when you’re in search of sand and surf. It’s an award-winning seashore and likewise has its personal lifeguard station.
For one of the uncommon seashores, it’s onerous to beat Tunnels seashore at Ilfracombe – there’s a cost for this seashore but it surely’s well worth the small price to discover this uncommon cove with a Victorian tidal pool.
You stroll via hand carved tunnels within the rock to succeed in Tunnels at Ilfracombe, and also you’ll discover details about the historical past – it was opened in 1823 – plus smugglers’ caves, rock swimming pools and a family-restaurant and play hut. Even the bogs have received awards!
And when you’re prepared to place within the effort to have one nook of Devon’s coast virtually to your self, Broad Sands is value it – there are 200 steps right down to this wild pebble seashore, with caves and an island to discover. Head down at low tide, and older children 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 children
Greatest seashores in south Devon
There are some nice Blue Flag seashores in south Devon together with Blackpool Sands with its gorgeously clear water – though regardless of the title, it’s really a shingle seashore reasonably than sandy.
Or Dawlish Warren is one other Blue Flag seashore which regularly hosts open-air occasions through the summer time, plus sand dunes and house for sandcastles, in addition to clear shallow water – there are dog-friendly areas year-round too.
For an additional sandy spot, Salcombe North Sands might be straight from the Mediterranean with tree-lined cliffs across the cove, and can be a dog-friendly possibility.
Youthful children will love Bantham Seaside close to Kingsbridge which has shallow waters for paddling, sand and dunes – it additionally seems to be out to Burgh Island, and there’s someplace to get snacks close to the parking (each want money).
You’ll be able to watch the ocean tractor (or head over to Burgh Island) from close by Bigbury on Sea seashore too, though with shallow shelving water and ideal sand for sandcastles, you may not wish to transfer. One which’s greatest when the tide is low although.
For an additional dog-friendly possibility with calm waters and watersports, Slapton Sands additionally has lifeguards in the summertime plus you’ve acquired the character reserve of Slapton Ley close by with its wildlife when you can persuade children away from the seashore.
For those who’re staying close to Torquay and Paignton, there are some nice seashores in these traditional seaside spots as properly.
Torre Abbey Sands at Torquay is a smooth sandy seashore, and if you wish to do greater than paddle, you may lease pedalos – plus there are bogs, a store and cafes or snack stalls for the compulsory ice lotions.
On the outskirts of Paignton, Goodrington Sands can be sandy however with rock swimming pools at low tide and loads of actvities from loopy golf to water sports activities, together with pedalo and kayak rent. You’ll be able to even spot steam trains from the seashore and canines are allowed on North Sands year-round (although not South Sands).
There’s additionally Preston Sands which has extra smooth sand and rock swimming pools (plus loopy golf and bogs), in addition to deckchairs to lease and vibrant seashore huts ranged alongside the again.
For one in every of south Devon’s most uncommon seashores, head via the smugglers’ tunnel to Ness Cove at Shaldon – rising from the darkish passageway onto the shingle and sand is half the enjoyable, however there are nice rockpools when you arrive as properly. Shaldon Zoo is true subsequent door to the seashore as properly, as an added bonus.
Uncover what we thought throughout our time out in Shaldon and Teignmouth
Rockpooling Devon
For those who’re in search of among the greatest seashores to go rockpooling in Devon, you’ll discover loads of selection on each coasts.
Try the very best seashores in north Devon and south Devon above, as some are additionally good spots for rockpooling, together with Goodrington Sands close to Paignton, Bantham Seaside and Ness Cove within the south plus Combe Martin within the north.
We additionally liked Shoalstone seashore close to Brixham, the place you may clamber over the rocks to find marine creatures galore together with crabs and tiny sea snails – there’s additionally a giant sea water pool for swimming.
Try my overview of a morning clambering among the many rock swimming pools with a toddler.
Or Wembury Bay is a Nationwide Belief website which additionally has its personal schooling centre in addition to among the nation’s greatest rockpooling – not too removed from Plymouth, it’s one for the record when you’re staying in south Devon.
Additional alongside the south coast in east Devon, try Maer rocks close to Exmouth too for one more rockpooling spot.
On the north coast, Hartland Quay is a superb place to go rockpooling in north Devon – when you’re fortunate, you may even see falcons nesting on the cliffs above this rocky seashore.
Or not removed from well-liked Woolacombe seashore, Combesgate Seaside has plenty of family-friendly rockpools – through the summer time months, they generally have rockpool rambles with the seashore rangers too.
And close by Barricane seashore is legendary for unique seashells which get washed up from the Caribbean – and likewise for the Sri Lankan seashore shack serving curry in summer time. Even when you don’t discover both of these in your go to, there are some beautiful rock swimming pools between the broad expanses of sand right here too.
Discover tips about tips on how to get essentially the most out of rockpooling with children and staying secure
Planning a visit to Devon for households
Chances are high, when you’re visiting Devon with children you’ll have a automobile journey to get you there – even from London, it’s normally a minimal of three and a half hours for us. On earlier journeys, we’ve damaged the journey at Stourhead in Wiltshire and Stonehenge though there are extra nice locations to discover on the Nice West Manner too.
For some extra of my greatest motorway stop-offs within the UK, try this submit.
And when you’re in search of methods to outlive the street journey with children, I’ve acquired concepts on tips on how to entertain them alongside the way in which, in addition to tips on how to make the journey go extra easily.
In the event that they don’t get automobile sick, the pocket sized I Spy books embody I Spy on a automobile journey to maintain them occupied through the drive.
Audiobooks are one other favorite – perfect if studying or tablets do trigger automobile illness as properly. We’ve signed as much as Audible which has an incredible vary of child-friendly audio books however this assortment of Roald Dahl audiobooks on CD is one other nice purchase, as is the whole Paddington assortment.
When you arrive, no journey to Devon is full with out no less than one journey to the seashore – virtually actually much more. And whereas sandcastles and rockpooling are all the time favourites (don’t overlook the bucket, spade and internet), I’ve acquired a number of different concepts of seashore actions for teenagers too.
You’ll be able to see a few of my different journey necessities to pack, together with my favorite hammam towels and SPF, on this record, in addition to this I Spy on the Seaside guide and an I Spy on the Seaside exercise guide.
Devon information books to purchase
Footprint guides has a guide of concepts for Devon with children whereas this Wild Information: Devon, Cornwall and the South West has nice solutions to seek out the much less explored aspect of the nation.
For extra methods to get outside, Devon – 40 Coast and Nation Walks contains every part from simple strolls when you’re visiting Devon with a child or toddler, to tougher hikes.
Discover much more tips about issues to do in Devon with children in Lonely Planet’s Devon and Cornwall information or the Tough Information to Devon and Cornwall
And if you’re combining a visit to Devon with a go to to neighbouring Cornwall, listed here are my prime issues to do in Cornwall with children, in addition to free issues to do in Cornwall and concepts of what to do in Cornwall within the rain, together with my final information to Cornwall with children
PIN FOR LATER: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DEVON FOR FAMILIES
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