Lots of my very own childhood recollections 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 incredible household points of interest to all these beautiful 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 learn how 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 may 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 teenagers to observe as nicely.
Proper on the sting of Exmoor nationwide park, it’s a enjoyable possibility to mix with a day exploring open air too.
Dartmoor Zoo
And for the possibility to see a couple of extra greater animals, there’s additionally Dartmoor Zoo: 33 acres of parkland that’s residence to endangered animals and identified significantly for its huge 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 each 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 internationally’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 teenagers to observe by means of the 4 foremost zones.
Try my suggestions 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 heaps to spark youngsters’ imaginations reasonably than your common gentle play. There’s a separate space for under-twos for those who’re searching for gentle play too although.
Outside there’s a straw bale maze, mud kitchen, messy kitchen, water play and steadiness challenges across the animal paddocks path.
Within the animal encounters barn, you would 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 – assume crab muffins earlier than a cream tea. Yum.
Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth
Hug, stroke and pet the five hundred residents free of charge 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 means of the fields to wander, and common household actions – reminiscent of a High Trumps path dotted across the sanctuary or a spring path highlighting among the nature to identify.
There’s no have to prebook, and there’s an excellent cafe on web site with a kids’s menu, in addition to some tempting meals for adults.
For extra concepts of free days out in Devon with youngsters, I’ve obtained 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 teenagers who love animals, particularly for those who’re visiting Devon with youthful youngsters.
Three species of otter dwell right here, together with native British ones, playful Asian brief clawed and show-off North American river otters – you’ll have one of the best likelihood of seeing all of them at feeding occasions, twice every day.
You’ll be able to 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 possibly can 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 possibility to spy a complete collection of livestock, in addition to the gorgeous owls.
There have been beforehand usually joint tickets obtainable to the farm, and the butterflies and otters on the Buckfastleigh sanctuary however these are presently unavailable. Do test instructions on the web site earlier than visiting too, as sat navs usually ship you to the improper deal with.
Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh
There’s extra to find at Pennywell Farm than simply the animals – with a unique exercise happening each half-hour, you would 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 part on the each day timetable included in your ticket.
However the farm can also 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 an excellent 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 possibly can guess on sheep racing (utilizing ewe-ros clearly), watch sheep shearing, strive lamb feeding, and there are farm safaris and a gentle play barn, Ewetopia, excellent for a wet day.
There’s a complete string of family-friendly rides as nicely, together with light choices like a prepare journey, in addition to the Tornado chair swings, plus extra daring choices reminiscent of Rampage, North Devon’s greatest, highest and quickest rollercoaster.
For extra concepts of one of the best issues to do in North Devon with youngsters, try my high picks
Crealy Theme Park
Recurrently voted one of the best 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 a large 75,000ft of undercover play and outside journey areas in addition to the basic coasters and rides, there are additionally greater than 200 animals to satisfy so there’s one thing for all ages, regardless of the climate. Not removed from Exeter and simply off the M5, it’s an excellent one to mix with a break within the metropolis or Dartmoor.
(Whereas the sister web site in Cornwall has been closed to get replaced by Camel Creek, the Devon theme park could be very a lot nonetheless open)
For extra concepts of issues to do in Exeter with youngsters, try this publish
Watermouth Fortress, Ilfracombe
Not an precise fortress, however a theme park based mostly round a nineteenth century castle-style home, you’ll discover an underground fountain present and a dungeon labyrinth to discover at Watermouth Fortress, one in every 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 might have been in Victorian occasions, and it’s unqestionnably distinctive!
The Milky Approach, Clovelly
In case you’re searching for a theme park that’s nice with smaller youngsters, The Milky Approach 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. ft of indoor enjoyable, together with gentle 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 among the interactive video games.
Woodlands Leisure Park, Totnes
For an additional of one of the best 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 foremost zones, there’s a toddler space, rides together with watercoasters, together with a zoo and falconry centre, farm rides and extra – not forgetting the possibility 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 reproduction 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 also be nice for teenagers 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 trying to find hidden rats and mice. You too can be taught 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 likelihood to sleep on board the Golden Hind.
Try our assessment 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 means 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 means 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 trying to find ice age animals. The caves are appropriate for toddlers too, though buggies will be restricted at busy occasions – this does embrace throughout dangerous 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 carry the world of the dinosaurs to life – with every part from fashions to fossils, a lot of dino details to be taught and the possibility to take a seat 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 needs to be the possibility to the touch dinosaur poo.
The waterfront attraction is open year-round however with diminished days in winter.
Jurassic Discovery, Seaton
There’s extra prehistoric enjoyable available in east Devon at Jurassic Discovery in Seaton, previously Seaton Jurassic.
You’ll be able to journey again by means 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 gentle play for ages 2+. Restricted numbers so prebooking is strongly really helpful, particularly for moist days in Devon. Click on right here for extra particulars of ticket costs – you can too 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 can end up blasting into area or diving to the underside of the ocean, with know-how that may transport you to different worlds. There are additionally common family-friendly screenings too, from BBC Earth exhibits to dinosaurs and extra.
The nineteenth century market corridor additionally has an excellent cafe, in addition to some screenings geared toward mother and father with preschool kids.
For extra concepts on what to do in Devon within the rain with youngsters, try these options 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 journey on the Thirties machine to Burgh Island is much more thrilling for teenagers.
Though you possibly can’t go to the beautiful artwork deco resort until you’re really staying there, you possibly can discover the island and wander again on foot at low tide – there’s a £2 cost for guests who can be part of company in crossing from side to side.
For extra days on the sand, try my decide of one of the best 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 possibly can benefit from the Devon countryside with none effort as your steam prepare puffs and chuffs alongside.
There are sometimes particular themed occasions, together with Thomas the Tank Engine days and Christmas Santa specials
Though you possibly can’t presently 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 prepare journey 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 reasonably completely different technique 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 possibly can solely get off at Paignton or Kingswear.
In addition to absorbing the coast and countryside, there’s a free foot passenger ferry included together with your prepare ticket to sail over from fairly Dartmouth, in addition to spherical journey choices which embrace an open-topped bus, or with an additional round cruise on the River Dart.
For extra of one of the best issues to do in Dartmouth with youngsters, try my high picks
Lynton and Barnstaple Railway
A really completely different prepare journey from the light south coast, the Lynton and Barnstaple railway visits England’s highest slim gauge railway station at Woody Bay Station, nearly 1,000ft up on wild Exmoor.
The Lynton and Barnstaple railway is presently being reconstructed alongside some sections so you possibly can’t really 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 – greatest for dodging a bathe reasonably than making an attempt to fill a complete wet day in Devon with youngsters.
Runs from round Easter to October, plus some particular Christmas departures in December. Click on right here for timetables and tickets.
Seaton Tramway
The Seaton Tramway is one other pretty technique 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 12 months, together with at Christmas for a twist on a Santa steam prepare journey.
The Home of Marbles, Bovey Tracey
The working glass and video games manufacturing unit has a group containing one in every of each marble made through the years, and you’ll see 5 completely different marble runs in motion in addition to selecting up souvenirs in each color.
It’s not simply marbles although, regardless of the title. The Home of Marbles additionally has a group of various video games courting again so far as the 1600s, together with glassblowing and knowledge 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 possibility 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.
Try this publish 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 properties in Devon than fortified castles, however there’s nonetheless loads for followers of knights and princesses.
Powderham Fortress, Exeter
Simply outdoors Exeter on the banks of the Exe estuary, you will discover the house of the Earl and Countess of Devon at Powderham Fortress – and together with the possibility to hitch a guided tour inside, there’s an enormous quantity to entertain within the grounds.
Take a tractor journey to identify the herd within the deer park, be king of your personal fortress within the picket 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 means of gardens galore and be part of within the common household actions, together with trails and crafts.
There are trails that will help you discover the grounds as nicely, and for those who miss one of many first-come first-served locations for the fortress tour, you possibly can head in to go searching at your personal tempo too.
See what we obtained as much as on a go to to Powderham Fortress with youngsters
Discover Exeter’s medieval historical past
Head underground in Exeter to discover town’s 14th century medieval passages working beneath the excessive road – reserving is important, and this one is for over-fives solely.
After trying 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 likelihood to discover and listen to tales of conflict, sieges, plague and pestilence…
Then head to the medieval cathedral to maintain the historical past theme going – there’s all the time one thing further to seize youngsters’ consideration too, every part from a Lego mannequin of the historic constructing to exhibitions like 2022’s Museum of the Moon, in addition to trails and actions throughout college holidays.
For extra issues to do in Exeter with youngsters, try 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 Fifties.
There’s a path for teenagers 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 greatest often known as the house of Sir Francis Drake, however the piratical explorer’s possession is simply a part of the eight centuries of historical past to find at Buckland Abbey because it was first in-built 1278 as a Cistercian Abbey.
Transformed to a house after the Dissolution of the monasteries, you possibly can nonetheless see proof of the outdated church, together with secret doorways and stairs which not lead anyplace, in addition to having the ability to stroll by means 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 possibility to study life on board Drake’s ship.
Coleton Fishacre, Kingswear
Getting into this artwork deco home (constructed by the D’Oyly Carte household of West Finish theatre fame) is great at any time of 12 months, 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: have to be booked prematurely) – there are spotter trails to observe inside the home year-round although.
The remainder of the 12 months, 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.
Children are more likely to be extra within the reality there are usually new trails to assist discover, plus alternatives to decorate up and check out actions inside, with further seasonal occasions geared toward households throughout college holidays.
The gardens and grounds are pretty to discover too, with straightforward strolling and biking trails which are excellent for households.
Killerton, Exeter
In line with 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 really 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 vogue assortment, which is surprisingly partaking even for youthful youngsters, plus a path that will help you discover.
Try what we considered a day at Killerton with youngsters
Arlington Court docket, Barnstaple
The grounds are one of many highlights for teenagers 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 foremost causes to go to is to discover the Nationwide Carriage museum, with some incredible 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 also can enterprise into the bat room and think about the colony which has made its residence its residence right here, by means of the bat cam.
Dartmouth Fortress, Dartmouth
Courting again to the 14th century, Dartmouth fortress noticed motion within the Civil Warfare and was nonetheless in use as a fortress in Victorian occasions.
You’ll be able to catch a ferry over from the city quay for a good way to reach, in addition to discovering some incredible views out throughout the river and the city from the roof.
Again inside, discover the maze of passages, take a look at the huge chain which defended the harbour and check out on helmets within the gun tower.
Open 12 months spherical however weekends solely through the winter months. Click on right here for particulars of opening occasions and to prebook tickets.
For extra of one of the best issues to do in Dartmouth with youngsters, try my high picks
Fortress Drogo
On the north facet of Dartmoor, you can too discover the final fortress to be in-built England – Fortress Drogo has lately undergone a serious renovation challenge 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 the direction of the border with Cornwall, this residing historical past web site consists of the possibility to take a tramway right into a copper mine, together with exploring the historic port and village.
As you discover, you possibly can watch conventional crafts reminiscent of 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 gentle play space, Miners Journey Play, in addition to the Mine Practice Journey.
Devon with youngsters: Museums
RAMM, Exeter
The Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Artwork Gallery, to provide RAMM its full title is a treasure trove of discovery for teenagers – 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 inspecting 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 an excellent mixture of everlasting galleries and momentary exhibitions – and even higher, there’s no entry cost to The Field so it’s one other incredible free day trip in Devon with youngsters.
The shows have hyperlinks to Plymouth’s previous – every part from a mannequin woolly mammoth to the figureheads from ships, together with a complete 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.
Children can decide up free trails to observe as they discover, designed for all ages, with half a dozen completely 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, try 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 road, 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 indicate life across the World Wars at Bygones Torquay. Children also can observe trails and check out quizzes, in addition to taking part in with among the toys.
Torquay Museum, Torquay
EDIT: Briefly closed till Spring 2025 The Torquay museum has an eclectic show, from a Neanderthal cranium to Egyptian statues and finds introduced again by explorers from all over the world, plus there’s a particular path developed by the BBC for teenagers based mostly on the discovering of Tutankhamen’s tomb.
Or for littler guests, the crawl tunnel within the Explorers Galleries has secret objects to seek out, and you’ll costume up and play with toys within the Previous 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 open air
Go rockpooling
Devon’s two coasts are nice for locating rock swimming pools – Shoalstone seaside is incredible for clambering over rocks to find crabs, tiny sea snails and the occasional minnow in addition to a giant sea water pool for swimming. It’s additionally canine pleasant.
Try our assessment of a morning clambering among the many rock swimming pools with a toddler
Or Wembury Bay is a stunning Nationwide Belief web site with an schooling centre in addition to heaps to seek out on the rocky shore.
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 tips about learn how to get probably the most out of rockpooling with youngsters in addition to concepts for extra of Devon’s greatest seashores for rockpooling
Berry Head Nature Reserve
This beautiful clifftop reserve on the southern half of Tor Bar is likely one of the gateways to the English Riviera international geopark, with some fabulous views out to the ocean on a sunny day.
When you’re at Berry Head Nature Reserve, you can too 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.
Try our assessment of a day at Berry Head Nature Reserve
South West Coast Path
Linking Devon, Dorset, Cornwall and Somerset, there’s loads of selection 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 would 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.
While you’ve discovered them, use the stamp to mark a pocket book or postcard, then signal your title or depart your personal 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 technique 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 one of the best seashores in Devon with youngsters proves.
To spotlight just some, 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 one in every of Britain’s greatest 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 crimson 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 likely one of the greatest spots for rookies, with gentler surf and loads of area 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 will be a number of paddling concerned right here) whereas Croyde is one other great spot with loads of surf faculties.
In case your youngsters are huge browsing followers, try 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 move off in a canoe for a couple of hours from Exeter Quayside.
We picked Saddles & Paddles, the place you possibly can 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 need to head out for a brief journey, you don’t should be an skilled – we had loads of likelihood 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, filled with quirky little outlets, waterfront eating places and the outdated Customized Home (now a customer centre) with cannon outdoors, together with a number of locations providing methods to get out on the water.
Geoplay Park, Paignton
There are 4 sections geared toward completely 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 would strive discovering the Devonian interval with toddlers, driving on a trilobite and swinging over the ocean which might have then coated 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 realm’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 possibly can head off into Devon’s pretty countryside, with routes overlaying 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 technique to attain it’s by boat, so you possibly can select between cruises across the island or the ferry over to discover.
Excellent for nature lovers, this car-free island has letterboxing that will help you discover, you possibly can spot seabirds and presumably 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 nevertheless it’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 known as the White Girl, with some beautiful surroundings to tempt everybody out on a stroll.
The river and wildlife are lovely whether or not you’re visiting with spring flowers in bloom or autumn leaves on the timber and completely different trails lead you previous among the highlights, together with the effervescent Satan’s Cauldron. Not buggy-friendly, though you possibly can borrow carriers and there are tearooms.
Haldon Forest Park, Exeter
A sprawling 3,500 acres of woodland, Haldon Forest Park is simply quarter-hour outdoors Exeter, with choices for all ages for those who’re trying to get open air 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 presently the Zog Exercise path for teenagers as nicely, plus a restaurant for those who fancy a drink and slice of cake after your stroll.
2024 replace: Sadly The Bear Path in Cullompton has now closed
In case you’re visiting out of season, I’ve additionally obtained concepts of issues to do in Devon in winter in addition to one of the best locations to remain in Devon with youngsters
*First revealed 2015, final up to date 2024*
PIN FOR LATER: 51 THINGS TO DO IN DEVON WITH KIDS
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Pictures: Seashore photograph/donkey/rabbit/Watermouth Fortress/amusement park/sand toys/puffins courtesy of Depositphotos; RAMM courtesy of Go to Exeter, all others copyright MummyTravels
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